Learning Disability Review | 1.1 Focus on users and carers. The report makes two recommendations to improve the representation of views from users and carers to the commission and one to improve information and guidance from the commission to users and carers. 1.2 Operations, efficiency and review. The report makes two recommendations to support current action to improve processes and one to provide a better focus for on-going review of the organisation by commissioners. 1.3 Staffing, skills and staff appraisal. The report recommends a senior management structure which continues the post of director or chief officer as the chief professional and policy adviser and responsible officer in the commission. To support the chief officer, a new administrative post of business manager is proposed with a standing delegation for all management matters. The report also recommends that the appraisal process for all commissioners is made consistent; that the pay of professional staff remains linked to that of their respective peers; that skills shortages in internal finance and in medical practice are addressed, and that action is taken to further improve the operation of secondments and the motivation and management of seconded administrative staff. 1.4 External environment and partnership working. The report makes three recommendations to support improved partnership working in future. 1.5 Transitional arrangements. The report suggests an amended pattern of committee responsibilities and meetings to involve and use the specialist knowledge of part-time commissioners better, and also suggests some priorities for current planning for change within the commission. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland have seen the report and in general accept the recommendations. The Scottish Executive will now work with the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland to ensure effective implementation. A copy of the report has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25847) and is available on the Scottish Executive and Mental Welfare Commission websites.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169337,"EventID":"S1W-32883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, what weight is attached to (a) delivery of results, (b) continuous improvement and (c) re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, what weight is attached to (a) delivery of results, (b) continuous improvement and (c) relative performance in the performance management of its senior civil servants. ","AnswerText":"The delivery of results and continuous improvement are equally important and contribute to the assessment of relative performance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169338,"EventID":"S1W-32884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, by what process the delivery of results is judged in the performance management system op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, by what process the delivery of results is judged in the performance management system operating in the senior civil service. ","AnswerText":"Judgements on the delivery of results required in the annual performance agreement are made by the reporting officers and discussed with the staff member being reported on as part of the open reporting process.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169339,"EventID":"S1W-32885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, whether 360-degree appraisals are used in the performance management of its senior civil ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31558 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 December 2002, whether 360-degree appraisals are used in the performance management of its senior civil servants and whether such appraisals are used elsewhere in the civil service.","AnswerText":"All members of the senior civil service have had the opportunity to participate in 360-degree feedback, the result of which are relevant to the development discussion which is part of the appraisal process.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169340,"EventID":"S1W-32886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31557 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 December 2002, how many (a) top tranche performers were awarded 3% of their salary as opposed to the fix","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31557 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 December 2002, how many (a) top tranche performers were awarded 3% of their salary as opposed to the fixed sum of #3,000 and (b) middle tranche performers were awarded 3% of their salary as opposed to the fixed sum of #2,000 and what the total value of the payments were in each category. ","AnswerText":"In the top tranche three people were awarded a bonus of 3% of salary. The total value of those bonus payments was £9,205. In the middle tranche 17 people were awarded a bonus of 3% of salary. The total value of those bonus payments was £40,817.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169341,"EventID":"S1W-32887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the performance management system for senior civil servants is likely to be reviewed and what input it will have to any such review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the performance management system for senior civil servants is likely to be reviewed and what input it will have to any such review.","AnswerText":"An evaluation of the first year of the new Senior Civil Service Performance Management and Pay arrangements has been carried out by the Cabinet Office with support from consultants. As a major employer of senior civil servants, the Scottish Executive participated with in-depths interviews and an electronic survey. The Cabinet Office are currently considering the findings of this evaluation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169342,"EventID":"S1W-32888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to deal with alcohol problems in (a) young people and (b) all other age groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to deal with alcohol problems in (a) young people and (b) all other age groups.","AnswerText":"The Plan for Action on alcohol problems, published in January last year, sets out a range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland. Action is grouped into the areas of culture change, prevention and education, providing support and treatment services, protection and controls for individuals and the wider community and delivery. The two key priorities of the plan are to reduce binge drinking and reduce harmful drinking by children and young people. In September last year we published an Alcohol Problems Support and Treatment Services Framework to provide guidance to those involved in planning, commissioning and managing services. This identified a range of ways in which services could respond to specific and more general needs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169343,"EventID":"S1W-32889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it collects statistics on alcohol-related accidents from accident and emergency units.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it collects statistics on alcohol-related accidents from accident and emergency units.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169344,"EventID":"S1W-32890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of excess alcohol consumption, How much is too much?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of excess alcohol consumption, How much is too much?.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently reviewing the How much is too much? campaign following completion of the first phase last year. Learning from this review will be used to take forward a communications campaign which will seek to integrate core national messages with local priorities identified by Alcohol Action Teams.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169345,"EventID":"S1W-32891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop guidelines for alcohol education as part of the school curriculum to support the implementation of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop guidelines for alcohol education as part of the school curriculum to support the implementation of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"Alcohol education forms part of health education in schools, specifically within drug education. Guidelines already exist in the form of 5-14 Health Education Guidelines which were published in October 2000, together with a Guide for Teachers and Managers. These offer a framework within which education authorities should develop their health education programmes including alcohol education. The 2001-02 drug education survey published in October 2002 indicted that 99% of Scottish schools provide alcohol education.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169346,"EventID":"S1W-32892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce funding to improve service provision consistent with the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce funding to improve service provision consistent with the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"Consideration is being given to funding a range of initiatives as part of the spending review, the outcome of which will be announced later this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169347,"EventID":"S1W-32893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that there is an adequate supply of trained alcohol counsellors to support the implementation of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that there is an adequate supply of trained alcohol counsellors to support the implementation of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"The Executive provides core funding for Alcohol Focus Scotland to support Local Councils on Alcohol provide individual counselling and support for people with alcohol problems. Section 9 funding is also provided as a contribution to training costs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169348,"EventID":"S1W-32894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32551 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, how many of the 49 public bodies have been (a) abolished and (b) declassified since May 19","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32551 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, how many of the 49 public bodies have been (a) abolished and (b) declassified since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Nineteen public bodies have been abolished and 30 have been declassified (including 28 NHS trusts). Further to my previous answer, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland and the Health Technology Board for Scotland have been abolished and replaced with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland with effect from 1 January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169349,"EventID":"S1W-32895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32551 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, how many public bodies there are in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32551 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, how many public bodies there are in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are 150 public bodies in Scotland. Details are contained on the Public Bodies and Appointments website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies/.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169350,"EventID":"S1W-32896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the medical director at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow in relation to recruiting at least five clinical oncologists at the centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the medical director at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow in relation to recruiting at least five clinical oncologists at the centre.","AnswerText":"National and international recruitment continues to be pursued against the background of recognised shortages in the oncology specialties across the UK. In this, the Beatson Oncology Centre is supported by the HR Department within the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. Dr Bryson and his colleagues continue to have the full support of the Chief Executive of Greater Glasgow NHS Board, the Chief Executive of the North Glasgow Trust and the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169351,"EventID":"S1W-32897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how long the effort limitation measures agreed at the EU Fisheries Council in December will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how long the effort limitation measures agreed at the EU Fisheries Council in December will be in place.","AnswerText":"In legal terms, the interim regime will lapse when the Total Allowable Catches and quota regulation 2341/2202 (of which it is a part) lapses at the end of the year. However, there is a political commitment to bring forward a successor regime for agreement by Council at the end of March 2003 and implementation at the beginning of July 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169352,"EventID":"S1W-32898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it stated in its press release SEen278/2002 that fishermen in cod-related fisheries will be able to fish for 15 days per month, given that Annex XVII to reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis it stated in its press release SEen278/2002 that fishermen in cod-related fisheries will be able to fish for 15 days per month, given that Annex XVII to regulation 2341/2002 states that the number of days in which vessels in such fisheries may be absent from port is nine.","AnswerText":"As provided for by Article 6 of Annex XVII to Regulation 2341/2002, the Commission has undertaken to provide an additional six days to the relevant fishermen. This will be confirmed in due course as an official Commission decision recorded in the Official Journal of the European Communities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169353,"EventID":"S1W-32899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from credit unions on the proposed European directive on consumer credit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from credit unions on the proposed European directive on consumer credit.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received no representations from credit unions on the proposed European directive on consumer credit.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169354,"EventID":"S1W-32900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Her Majesty's Government with regard to amendments to the proposed European directive on consumer credit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with Her Majesty's Government with regard to amendments to the proposed European directive on consumer credit.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including consumer protection.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169355,"EventID":"S1W-32901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a central services organisation for credit unions and what action it can take to help realise such a project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a central services organisation for credit unions and what action it can take to help realise such a project.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working with the Scottish Credit Union Partnership on a number of centrally provided support functions for credit unions, including healthchecks and business planning, work on volunteer training and the use of IT. The Executive would be willing to take part in any future discussions at UK level on the possibility of a dedicated central services organisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169356,"EventID":"S1W-32902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to tackle financial exclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to tackle financial exclusion.","AnswerText":"Specific action by the Executive includes providing an additional £3 million to increase the number of money advisers in Scotland and £500,000 for increased central support for money advice including training, information and quality assurance. The Executive has also allocated £1.5 million over three years to help credit unions with capacity building, to extend their membership and the services they offer. The Executive is also working with parties in the financial sector and others to encourage the development of new and alternative means to deliver financial services as well as ensuring existing services are accessible to people at risk of financial exclusion.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169357,"EventID":"S1W-32903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of basic bank accounts opened since accounts were introduced and what steps it can take in conjunction with banks to encourage a gre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of basic bank accounts opened since accounts were introduced and what steps it can take in conjunction with banks to encourage a greater uptake and range of services for people on low incomes.","AnswerText":"Treasury figures suggest that there were over 5.4 million basic bank accounts at the end of June 2002. This is an increase over the figure of 3.3 million at the end of 2000. However, an estimated 3.5 million adults in the UK still do not have a bank account. The Executive has regular discussions with the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers to explore what can be done to provide more appropriate and accessible products and to encourage a greater uptake of services, such as basic bank accounts.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169358,"EventID":"S1W-32904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage provision of low cost insurance products for those on low incomes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage provision of low cost insurance products for those on low incomes.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been working closely with the insurance industry and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in recent months on the issue of flood cover. The Executive welcomes the statement from the ABI that its members will continue to provide flood insurance to homes and businesses on flood plains. The Executive looks forward to a positive and constructive relationship in the future so that affordable insurance remains widely available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169359,"EventID":"S1W-32905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered any successor arrangements in respect of the Scottish Credit Union Partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered any successor arrangements in respect of the Scottish Credit Union Partnership.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for any successor arrangements for the Scottish Credit Union Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169360,"EventID":"S1W-32906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has representation on the National Liaison Group for Credit Unions facilitated by the Unity Trust Bank and the Co-operative Bank and, if not, whether it will s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has representation on the National Liaison Group for Credit Unions facilitated by the Unity Trust Bank and the Co-operative Bank and, if not, whether it will seek such representation.","AnswerText":"The National Liaison Group for Credit Unions is an independent body set up by the credit union movement to discuss issues of common interest and to harmonise lobbying strategies on government policy that may impact credit unions. The Scottish Executive does not consider it appropriate for us to seek representation on such a group.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169361,"EventID":"S1W-32907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cities Review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cities Review will be published.","AnswerText":"We are today publishing a report of the analysis carried out during the Review of Scotland's Cities and a policy statement Building Better Cities which describes proposals for action to deliver growth and opportunities through the future success of Scotland's cities. Copies of both documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 25869 and 25868 respectively).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169362,"EventID":"S1W-32908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch the healthy eating campaign and the national standards for school meals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will launch the healthy eating campaign and the national standards for school meals.","AnswerText":"The national healthy eating campaign, \"healthyliving\", was launched on 7 January 2003. An announcement about the standards for school meals, which are part of the report of the Expert Panel on School Meals, will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169363,"EventID":"S1W-32909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pregnant women are advised of any risks from flu vaccines containing thimerosal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pregnant women are advised of any risks from flu vaccines containing thimerosal.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The MCA has advised that as with any effective medicine or vaccine, influenza vaccine is not without side effects in some recipients. The risks and side effects associated with immunisation with influenza vaccine are stated in the product information for the vaccine. The recommendation of the Department of Health, outlined in its publication Immunisation Against Infectious Disease (1996), is that the vaccine should not be given during pregnancy unless there is a specific indication. It is the responsibility of the prescribing physician to weigh the possible risks of vaccination against the possible risks of clinical infection with influenza virus during pregnancy. Not all influenza vaccines used in the UK contain thiomersal (also referred to as thimerosal) in the final product. With the exception of hypersensitivity reactions, there is no evidence that exposure to levels of thiomersal contained in influenza vaccine causes harm to adults or children. Similarly, with regard to vaccination of pregnant women, there is no evidence that the thiomersal content of influenza vaccine causes harm to the developing foetus.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169364,"EventID":"S1W-32910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which vaccines available on the NHS contain thimerosal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which vaccines available on the NHS contain thimerosal.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The MCA has advised that diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, with the exception of those containing acellular pertussis component; diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (DT/dT); tetanus vaccines (T); single hepatitis B vaccines; some hepatitis B combination products, and some influenza vaccines contain thiomersal (also referred to as thimerosal) as an excipient or use it in the manufacturing process.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169365,"EventID":"S1W-32911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research there is on any links between flu vaccines containing thimerosal and Al'heimer's disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research there is on any links between flu vaccines containing thimerosal and Al'heimer's disease.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any research into links between flu vaccines containing thiomersal (also referred to as thimerosal) and Alzheimer's disease.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169366,"EventID":"S1W-32912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 31190 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 November 2002, when thimerosal will be eradicated from all vaccines in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 31190 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 November 2002, when thimerosal will be eradicated from all vaccines in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"Manufacturers are being encouraged to phase out the use of thiomersal in vaccines, as a purely precautionary measure. It is anticipated that thiomersal-free vaccines will be considered for provision in the routine childhood immunisation programme after they have been licensed for use in the UK and have demonstrated that they are as effective in protecting children against the real risk presented by vaccine-preventable diseases as the vaccines that are currently used.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169367,"EventID":"S1W-32913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children abused through prostitution are currently under the care of social work services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children abused through prostitution are currently under the care of social work services.","AnswerText":"The Executive has established a working group containing a range of external experts to consider the support needs of children who run away from home and children abused through prostitution. The working group has established that there is a lack of data on the numbers of young people sexually exploited through prostitution and has proposed that research should be commissioned by the Executive on the scope of the problem.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169368,"EventID":"S1W-32914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish appropriate accommodation, such as places of safety, for vulnerable children including children abused through prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish appropriate accommodation, such as places of safety, for vulnerable children including children abused through prostitution.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have powers under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to provide short-term refuges for children who appear to be at risk of harm. The role of the local authority in providing refuge is to provide the child with somewhere safe to stay and any other services consistent with safeguarding the child's welfare. The Executive has established a working group containing a range of external experts to consider the support needs of children who run away from home and children abused through prostitution. The working group has suggested that the Executive should undertake an assessment of how local authorities are meeting the needs of young people for refuge, the levels of demand and examine models of good practice before issuing additional guidance on the provision of refuge support. The Executive has identified up to £600,000 in funding to take forward work on refuge provision and £57,000 for a study led by Barnardo's to identify effective services for young people abused through prostitution, with a particular focus on ensuring that there are alternatives to secure accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169369,"EventID":"S1W-32915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes in 2001 involved the use of firearms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes in 2001 involved the use of firearms.","AnswerText":"The requested information on the number of crimes and offences involving the alleged use of firearms in 2001 is published in Table 1 of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crimes and Offences Involving Firearms, Scotland, 2001. Copies of the bulletin are available in Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24105).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169370,"EventID":"S1W-32916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearm licence certificates were issued for 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearm licence certificates were issued for 2001.","AnswerText":"The requested information on the number of firearm certificates issued in 2001 is published in Table 1 of the statistical bulletin Firearm Certificates Statistics, Scotland, 2001. Copies of the bulletin are available in Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22812).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169371,"EventID":"S1W-32917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23704 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 March 2002, why information on the sei'ure of illegal firearms is not held centrally and what informa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23704 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 March 2002, why information on the sei'ure of illegal firearms is not held centrally and what information is available to gauge the extent of illegal firearm possession.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is consulting with Scottish police forces, via the Scottish Criminal Statistics Committee, about collecting information on the numbers of seizures of illegally held firearms. Scottish police forces hold such information but do not currently record this data in a standard way.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169372,"EventID":"S1W-32918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who represents Scotland on the Firearms Consultative Committee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who represents Scotland on the Firearms Consultative Committee.","AnswerText":"A senior official from the Scottish Executive Justice Department and a chief officer from a Scottish police force are the members from Scotland who attend the Firearms Consultative Committee.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169373,"EventID":"S1W-32919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what auditing is done of neuroleptic and similar class drugs prescribed to children in private residential care homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what auditing is done of neuroleptic and similar class drugs prescribed to children in private residential care homes.","AnswerText":"Prescription data collected centrally are not patient-specific. Care homes for children are now regulated by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission). The commission regulates services by inspecting them against the legislative requirements and the relevant national care standards. The Regulation of Care (Requirements as to Care Services)(Scotland) Regulations 2002 require providers of some care services, including providers of care homes for children (independent and local authority), to keep a record of medicines for the use of service users which are kept on the premises from which the care service is provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169374,"EventID":"S1W-32920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children in private residential care homes have been prescribed Ritalin and similar class drugs in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children in private residential care homes have been prescribed Ritalin and similar class drugs in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Prescription data collected centrally are not patient-specific.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169375,"EventID":"S1W-32921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of inmates in young offenders institutions are prescribed Ritalin and/or other neuroleptic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of inmates in young offenders institutions are prescribed Ritalin and/or other neuroleptic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169376,"EventID":"S1W-32922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners that have committed suicide in prison in each of the last five years have been on prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and neuro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners that have committed suicide in prison in each of the last five years have been on prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and neuroleptic drugs and/or Ritalin.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169377,"EventID":"S1W-32923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies are being conducted in prisons and other custodial and residential centres into the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and biomedical problems and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies are being conducted in prisons and other custodial and residential centres into the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and biomedical problems and violence and anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"So far as is known, no such studies are currently under way. An application for a study of this kind has, however, been made to the Scottish Prison Service, and is being considered for funding in competition with other research proposals in the normal way.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169378,"EventID":"S1W-32924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, since the decision to withdraw Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area, Scottish Water has made any assessment of the capital and running cost implica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, since the decision to withdraw Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area, Scottish Water has made any assessment of the capital and running cost implications of the upgrading of the Lerwick waste water treatment plant and any resulting increased water charges to its business customers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: Preliminary investigations suggest the capital cost of upgrading Lerwick Wastewater Treatment Plant is in the region of £4 million, with additional operating costs of £75,000 per year. In terms of charges to business customers, in general wastewater charges are set each year based on overall cost estimates and it is not possible to assess the implication of a specific investment. However, trade effluent customers will be affected by an upgrade to the plant due to the introduction of secondary treatment. Scottish Water is speaking directly to those businesses affected to discuss possible options for minimising the impact of the increase.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169379,"EventID":"S1W-32925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of the volume and nature of current and future effluent discharges into Lerwick Harbour from Scottish Water and private outfall pipes prior to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of the volume and nature of current and future effluent discharges into Lerwick Harbour from Scottish Water and private outfall pipes prior to the decision to withdraw Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area.","AnswerText":"An assessment of high natural dispersion area (HNDA) status was made based on recommendations from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on a comprehensive study undertaken by North of Scotland Water, which included analysis of morphology, hydrology and specific hydraulic conditions in Lerwick Harbour, and on SEPA's monitoring of discharges into Lerwick Harbour. This review was required under the terms of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which seeks to protect the environment from adverse effects of such discharges.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169380,"EventID":"S1W-32926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact on businesses in Lerwick of the decision to withdraw the area's status as a high natural dispersion area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact on businesses in Lerwick of the decision to withdraw the area's status as a high natural dispersion area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32924 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169381,"EventID":"S1W-32927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the extent was of the water quality sampling that was carried out prior to the decision to withdraw Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area and what the s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the extent was of the water quality sampling that was carried out prior to the decision to withdraw Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area and what the sampling results were.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32925 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169382,"EventID":"S1W-32928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis was of its assessment of the morphology, hydrology and hydraulic conditions in Lerwick Harbour that lead to the withdrawal of Lerwick's status as a high na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis was of its assessment of the morphology, hydrology and hydraulic conditions in Lerwick Harbour that lead to the withdrawal of Lerwick's status as a high natural dispersion area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32925 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169383,"EventID":"S1W-32929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each division in Lothian and Borders Police are (a) due to retire and (b) expected to leave the force on medical grounds and how many officers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each division in Lothian and Borders Police are (a) due to retire and (b) expected to leave the force on medical grounds and how many officers are expected to be recruited in each month from April 2003 to April 2004.","AnswerText":"Information at this level of detail is not held centrally. It would be for Lothian and Borders Police to provide.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169384,"EventID":"S1W-32930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum number of police officers required per division is in (a) Edinburgh and (b) the Lothian and Borders Police area on a night shift (i) from Sunday to Thur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum number of police officers required per division is in (a) Edinburgh and (b) the Lothian and Borders Police area on a night shift (i) from Sunday to Thursday and (ii) on Friday or Saturday, as defined in the force's risk assessment policy, and on how many occasions these requirements were not met in 2002. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. It would be for Lothian and Borders Police to provide.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169385,"EventID":"S1W-32931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took to promote Scotland in the light of the world-wide coverage of the Hogmanay festivities and what TV advertising regarding Scotland as a holiday desti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it took to promote Scotland in the light of the world-wide coverage of the Hogmanay festivities and what TV advertising regarding Scotland as a holiday destination was promoted by it, VisitScotland, the British Tourist Authority or any organisation on its behalf.","AnswerText":"The promotion of Scotland as a tourist destination is an operational matter for VisitScotland. They have vigorously promoted Scotland as a winter destination and will continue to do so.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169386,"EventID":"S1W-32932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional work the closure of the accident and emergency services at the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh will create for the Scottish Ambulance Service and what ad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional work the closure of the accident and emergency services at the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh will create for the Scottish Ambulance Service and what additional resources will be provided to deal with any such additional work.","AnswerText":"The Lothian University Hospitals Trust and the Scottish Ambulance Service have been working closely together to ensure (i) that there is a smooth transition for both emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and (ii) that the impact of the re-location of services to Little France is matched by increased resources should that be necessary to maintain the quality of patient care. The Scottish Ambulance Service does not know what additional work will be created for it by this re-location of services. Its planning assumptions are that there will be an increase to the time spent by ambulances in dealing with some accident and emergencies and that there will be an increase in the demand on the service from some patients who may have previously \"self-presented\" at the old Royal Infirmary. The service will increase its accident and emergency resources in Edinburgh from 1 May 2003 - the date of the transfer of the accident and emergency services to the new location. The performance of the service in the Lothians and elsewhere in Scotland shall continue to be monitored by the service and the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169387,"EventID":"S1W-32933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31190 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 November 2002, why four out of seven flu vaccines currently available on the NHS contain thimerosal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31190 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 November 2002, why four out of seven flu vaccines currently available on the NHS contain thimerosal, given that European and American regulatory authorities have recommended that vaccine manufacturers should phase out their use of thimerosal wherever possible as a precautionary measure.","AnswerText":"The Committee on Safety of Medicines has advised that, with the exception of hypersensitivity reactions that typically include skin rashes or soft tissue swelling at the site of injection, there is no evidence of harm from the levels of thiomersal (which contains ethylmercury) contained in vaccines. Further studies have supported this finding. The benefits of immunisation with thiomersal-containing vaccines outweigh any potential risks of vaccination. With the exception of hypersensitivity reactions, there is no evidence that exposure to the low levels of thiomersal contained in influenza vaccines causes harm to adults or children. Manufacturers are being encouraged to phase out the use of thiomersal in vaccines as a precautionary measure.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169388,"EventID":"S1W-32934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31036 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, when Historic Scotland expects year-round public access to Castle Tioram to be restor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31036 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, when Historic Scotland expects year-round public access to Castle Tioram to be restored.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows: Castle Tioram was open to the public until its ownership changed hands in 1997. The question of allowing public access rests with the owner of the monument, not with Historic Scotland. Public access could be restored were consolidation works to the monument to be undertaken and the owner permitted such access.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169389,"EventID":"S1W-32935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31027 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, how many of the 66 representations received about the future of Castle Tioram (a) wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31027 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, how many of the 66 representations received about the future of Castle Tioram (a) were in favour and (b) objected to the plans put forward to redevelop the castle.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows: Of the 66 representations received about the future of Castle Tioram, 62 were in favour and four objected to the plans put forward by the current owners to redevelop the castle.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169390,"EventID":"S1W-32936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31031 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, whether consolidation work to arrest any further deterioration of Castle Tioram shoul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31031 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, whether consolidation work to arrest any further deterioration of Castle Tioram should take place within the next 12 months in order to protect the castle's cultural and historical significance.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows: The undertaking of consolidation work, at an early date, would be advantageous for the monument. This is a matter for the owner of the monument, who will be aware of which works are most pressing. Historic Scotland would be happy to offer advice and would welcome an application for scheduled monument consent in respect of such consolidation works.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169391,"EventID":"S1W-32937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S1W-31034 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, what factors Historic Scotland takes into consideration when deciding whether a building ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S1W-31034 by Dr Elaine Murray on 8 November 2002, what factors Historic Scotland takes into consideration when deciding whether a building can be restored for contemporary domestic use or is too important to the nation to warrant any change.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows: Most listed buildings already have a contemporary use and listed building consent is the process by which necessary changes to allow on-going use are managed. The process is managed primarily by local authorities, with advice as requested, from Historic Scotland. Difficulties arise when listed buildings go out of use. In such circumstances the Scottish ministers' Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas encourages local authorities to display the greatest possible flexibility in considering alterations necessary to ensure a continuing future in a new use. This includes conversion to contemporary domestic use. In the case of a scheduled monument it is usually expected that the monument will be conserved in the state in which it is found. Restoration for whatever use, be it domestic, commercial or interpretative is a major departure from this. In assessing any such major intervention, consideration is given to the impact of the proposals on those aspects of the monument which lend it significance. A monument may be so outstandingly important for the evidence it embodies that nothing should be done which might compromise the integrity of that evidence. A monument may also be a significant source of artistic or literary inspiration, or may have particular resonances at a national or local level in its ruined state. The production of a Conservation Plan should identify those aspects of a particular monument's significance which should be safeguarded. Restoration, for whatever function, is considered acceptable in cases where such an action is compatible with this significance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169392,"EventID":"S1W-32938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any merit in Inverness being given status as a separate local authority area within the Highlands and whether it has any plans to review the Highland Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any merit in Inverness being given status as a separate local authority area within the Highlands and whether it has any plans to review the Highland Council boundary.","AnswerText":"As stated in the White Paper Renewing Local Democracy: The Next Steps, published in March 2002, there are no plans to review local authority boundaries or the number of councils in the foreseeable future. The Review of Scotland's Cities published on 9 January 2003 identified that the prospects for Inverness's future are better than ever before, the city having established itself as the principal administrative and service centre for the Highlands. The wider Highlands benefits by having access to an unrivalled set of services in the region and the city benefits by the local jobs and growth its Highland Capital status brings. There is a clear and strong interdependence between the wider Highlands and the City of Inverness. The Review of Scotland's Cities made clear that cities can only be successful as part of a successful city-region and emphasised the importance of all city and regional stakeholders working in partnership. Inverness and the wider Highlands has the great advantage of having no artificial administrative boundaries to impede the development of a cohesive city-region. In that context the Scottish Executive has very strongly welcomed the recent establishment by local stakeholders, including Highland Council, of a City Partnership to address the particular needs of Inverness and its relationship with the surrounding region.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169393,"EventID":"S1W-32939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specifications are being put in the tender documents for the passenger rail franchise regarding the infrastructure and renovation works at Waverley Station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specifications are being put in the tender documents for the passenger rail franchise regarding the infrastructure and renovation works at Waverley Station.","AnswerText":"None. The Scottish passenger rail franchise is for the provision of services only and this will be reflected in the franchise documentation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169394,"EventID":"S1W-32940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the costs of the Waverley Station upgrade will be met through the forthcoming passenger rail franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the costs of the Waverley Station upgrade will be met through the forthcoming passenger rail franchise.","AnswerText":"The direct costs of the Waverley project will not be met through the Scottish passenger rail franchise, as the franchise is for services only. Indirectly it is possible that the enhanced infrastructure could lead to some cost to the franchisee in the form of increased Track Access Charges.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169395,"EventID":"S1W-32941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers (a) were tested and (b) tested positive for drink driving in each of the last five years, broken down by police force area, showing separately figures fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers (a) were tested and (b) tested positive for drink driving in each of the last five years, broken down by police force area, showing separately figures for the Christmas festive period and giving percentage changes between years in each case.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally relates to breath tests of drivers involved in injury road accidents. The latest available statistics are published at Table 19 in Road Accidents Scotland 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Centre (Bib. number 85156). Information on the number of positive breath tests carried out as part of festive drink drive campaigns is compiled by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. This information is given in the following table: Positive Breath Tests Recorded During Drink Drive Campaigns Over the Christmas Festive Period, 1998-99 to 2002-03 Force | 1998-99* | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | % Change 2001-02 to 2002-03 | Central | 62 | 27 | n/a | 50 | 35 | -30 | Dumfries and Galloway | 38 | 17 | n/a | 18 | 25 | 39 | Fife | 51 | 42 | n/a | 49 | 61 | 24 | Grampian | 116 | 76 | n/a | 52 | 52 | 0 | Lothian and Borders | 163 | 123 | n/a | 127 | 140 | 10 | Northern | 95 | 61 | n/a | 68 | 62 | -9 | Strathclyde | 362 | 270 | n/a | 413 | 310 | -25 | Tayside | 81 | 63 | n/a | 64 | 60 | -6 | Total | 968 | 679 | n/a | 841 | 745 | -11 |
Source: Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. Note: *Campaign in 1998-99 was 39 days in duration, following years were all 28 days.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169396,"EventID":"S1W-32942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority area of the figures given in its statistics release, Home Care Services, Scotland 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority area of the figures given in its statistics release, Home Care Services, Scotland 2002.","AnswerText":"These statistics are too lengthy to include in a reply. I shall write to the member as soon as possible with these detailed statistics and arrange for a copy to be made available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169397,"EventID":"S1W-32943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications would be of introducing fluoride into public water supplies, with specific regard to the European Convention on Human Rights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications would be of introducing fluoride into public water supplies, with specific regard to the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"Any such implications would depend on the precise nature of any scheme which might be proposed. Water fluoridation is one of the options on which views are sought in our current consultation paper Towards Better Oral Health in Children, and, as stated previously, the Executive is neutral on this particular issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169398,"EventID":"S1W-32944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received about whether any judgements from (a) Scottish or (b) other UK courts would prevent introduction of fluoride into public water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received about whether any judgements from (a) Scottish or (b) other UK courts would prevent introduction of fluoride into public water supplies.","AnswerText":"The legality of any approach to the question of water fluoridation would depend on the precise nature of any scheme which might be proposed. Water fluoridation is one of the options on which views are sought in our current consultation paper Towards Better Oral Health in Children, and, as stated previously, the Executive is neutral on this particular issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169399,"EventID":"S1W-32945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the charging policy in respect of planning applications for agricultural buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the charging policy in respect of planning applications for agricultural buildings.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to review the charging policy for agricultural buildings. Fee levels for all planning applications are, however, kept under constant review.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169400,"EventID":"S1W-32946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the consultation period on Towards Better Oral Health in Children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the consultation period on Towards Better Oral Health in Children.","AnswerText":"In response to representations that more time is needed to consider the full range of issues, and extend the opportunity to comment, I am pleased to announce that the consultation period for Towards Better Oral Health in Children is being extended to 28 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169401,"EventID":"S1W-32947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30468 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 October 2002, what stage the discussions between Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Court Serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30468 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 October 2002, what stage the discussions between Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Court Service have reached and when it expects (a) those discussions to be concluded and (b) the consultation paper on the future of sheriff court facilities at Peebles to be issued. ","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows. The discussions between the Scottish Court Service and Scottish Borders Council on the possible use of the court buildings in Rosetta Road for court purposes are continuing. The Scottish Court Service believes that with appropriate modifications the council buildings could be used for the sheriff court. However, agreement has still to be reached with the council on the modifications required. Alternative options are under examination but it is not possible to say when the discussions will be concluded. Agreement on certain key issues has yet to be reached. Since it is hoped that court services can be retained in Peebles, the consultation exercise envisaged previously would only commence if the outstanding issues between the Scottish Court Service and Scottish Borders Council cannot be agreed. If agreement can be reached the means by which the administrative services of the sheriff court would be delivered in Peebles will be subject to discussion with interested parties.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169402,"EventID":"S1W-32948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs have been incurred to the public purse since the closure of Peebles Sheriff Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs have been incurred to the public purse since the closure of Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"No information is held centrally on any additional costs arising since the closure of Peebles Sheriff Court. Given the low level of business transacted in the sheriff court any additional costs are unlikely to be significant.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169403,"EventID":"S1W-32949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32545 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2003, whether it will provide a breakdown by age of the information provided on how many peo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32545 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2003, whether it will provide a breakdown by age of the information provided on how many people died within seven days of discharge.","AnswerText":"The number of people dying within seven days of discharge from in-patient or day case care, and the percentage of all discharges that these cases represent, is shown in the following table: Deaths Within Seven Days of Hospital Discharge1, Number and Percentage of Total Discharges; by Health Board Area of Treatment2 and Age Group; May 1999 to April 2002 | | May 1999 to April 2000 | May 2000 to April 2001 | May 2001 to April 2002 | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days (%) | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days (%) | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days | Live Discharges Who Died Within 7 Days (%) | Scotland | 0-14 | 11 | 0.01% | 17 | 0.02% | 20 | 0.02% | 15-34 | 36 | 0.02% | 31 | 0.02% | 41 | 0.03% | 35-54 | 198 | 0.08% | 167 | 0.06% | 210 | 0.08% | 55-64 | 308 | 0.19% | 261 | 0.16% | 309 | 0.20% | 65-74 | 528 | 0.30% | 524 | 0.29% | 546 | 0.32% | 75+ | 989 | 0.56% | 996 | 0.55% | 1018 | 0.57% | All Ages | 2,070 | 0.20% | 1,996 | 0.19% | 2,144 | 0.21% | Argyll and Clyde | 0-14 | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | 15-34 | 3 | 0.02% | 4 | 0.03% | 3 | As recommended by the Homelessness Task Force, existing guidance, developed in consultation with COSLA and others, requires councils to identify in their homelessness strategies how they will eliminate the use of bed and breakfast as temporary accommodation for families. The Code of Guidance on Homelessness makes clear that bed and breakfast accommodation should be used only as a last resort. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced a requirement on local authorities to have regard to the best interests of dependent children in exercising their homelessness functions and the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Bill strengthens this reference to make clear that the accommodation provided must be suitable for occupation by such children so far as is consistent with their best interests. Through these measures we expect all local authorities to end the use of bed and breakfast for families with children and their progress towards this will be monitored closely. We will continue to discuss the delivery of this policy with COSLA and others.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169406,"EventID":"S1W-32952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any changes to the one-year probationary rule regarding women that, having entered the UK to be wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any changes to the one-year probationary rule regarding women that, having entered the UK to be with their husband who is a UK resident, have been subjected to domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including immigration matters. The Executive welcomes the announcement by Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes MP on 26 November 2002 that changes to the Immigration Rules will make it easier for those victims of domestic abuse who are still subject to immigration control to stay in the UK without being trapped in an abusive relationship. Details can be found on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169407,"EventID":"S1W-32953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chartered Institute of Housing report on anti-social behaviour practices for 2001-02 has been published; what the reasons are for the position on this matter,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chartered Institute of Housing report on anti-social behaviour practices for 2001-02 has been published; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what the costs of any delay have been.","AnswerText":"The annual survey of the use of evictions and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) by the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland was published on 13 December 2002. Copies of the survey were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Delays were experienced in the production of the 2001 survey due to changes in personnel at the Institute. No costs arose from this delay.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169408,"EventID":"S1W-32954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator.","AnswerText":"The Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator (SNNC) is on target to deliver agreed outputs from an action plan developed by the Scottish Executive. In the last year, she has completed an audit of all the local authorities in Scotland and her report will be published shortly. The SNNC is also currently developing a model anti-social behaviour policy; a directory of Legal Options with a costing framework for landlords; a directory of good practice; a good practice guide on anti-social behaviour orders, and a framework for multi-agency working. These will be published this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169409,"EventID":"S1W-32955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been carried out by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been carried out by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32954. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169410,"EventID":"S1W-32956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the directory of good practice to be developed by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator has been published; if not, when it will be published, and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the directory of good practice to be developed by the sociable neighbourhood national co-ordinator has been published; if not, when it will be published, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32954. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169411,"EventID":"S1W-32957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aims of the neighbourhood champions are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aims of the neighbourhood champions are.","AnswerText":"The Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator is the only neighbourhood champion reporting directly to the Scottish Executive. The champion's role is to work closely with councils to assimilate and disseminate good practice, identify gaps and act as facilitator in assisting councils to develop successful strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169412,"EventID":"S1W-32958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been carried out into the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour policies across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been carried out into the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour policies across Scotland.","AnswerText":"A report of the review of good practice in housing management, conducted by a team of researchers from Glasgow and Heriot-Watt Universities, was published in 2001. Copies were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (the relevant Bib. numbers are 14447, 14448 and 14449) and on the Scottish Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/search. The report (in three parts) reviews developments in housing management practices since the Scottish Office published A Baseline Study of Housing Management in Scotland in 1995. It is a comprehensive piece of research which includes a survey of good practice in the management of anti-social behaviour. Research is currently under way into the cost and effectiveness of mediation when compared to other legal remedies and a report will be published shortly on an audit of practice in all local authorities conducted by the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169413,"EventID":"S1W-32959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funded initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour it has announced since 1999; how much funding has been provided to each (a) local authority and (b) initiative an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funded initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour it has announced since 1999; how much funding has been provided to each (a) local authority and (b) initiative and what evaluation has been made of each initiative.","AnswerText":"Since 1999, we have announced a Sociable Neighbourhood Initiative, the Quality of Life Initiative, the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund and Community Safety Partnership Awards, designed in whole or in part to tackle anti-social behaviour. A more detailed note with details of funding for these initiatives and of arrangements for evaluation has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. Number 25927).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169414,"EventID":"S1W-32960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have anti-social behaviour policies and dedicated officers for such policies in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have anti-social behaviour policies and dedicated officers for such policies in place.","AnswerText":"An audit of Scottish local authorities undertaken by the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator indicates that all local authorities have policies in place to deal with anti-social behaviour. To date, 11 authorities have dedicated specialist investigation and enforcement teams, others have multi-agency anti-social behaviour teams or staff with responsibility for anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169415,"EventID":"S1W-32961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) have been applied for in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) have been applied for in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"ASBOs were introduced by section 19 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and came into effect in April 1999. Information on the number of ASBOs applied for by each local authority in the periods 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2000 and 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001 is set out in the following table. This information is collated by the Chartered Institute of Housing who prepare an annual report on use of ASBOs in Scotland, which is commissioned and funded by the Scottish Executive. Copies of the latest report, Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and Anti-Social Behaviour in Scotland: A study of the use of Evictions and ASBOs in Scotland, which was published in December 2002, are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. ASBOs Applied for by Local Authority Local Authority | 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2000 | 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001 | Aberdeen City | 15 | 9 | Aberdeenshire | 0 | 1 | Angus | 0 | 2 | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 0 | City of Edinburgh | 19 | 16 | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 0 | Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar | 0 | 0 | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | Dundee City | 11 | 10 | East Ayrshire | 11 | 1 | East Dunbartonshire | 0 | 1 | East Lothian | 0 | 0 | East Renfrewshire | 0 | 0 | Falkirk | 0 | 0 | Fife | 5 | 14 | Glasgow | 7 | 5 | Highland | 1 | 1 | Inverclyde | 0 | 0 | Midlothian | 0 | 1 | Moray | 1 | 3 | North Ayrshire | 0 | 0 | North Lanarkshire | 7 | 14Information is available on the time taken for the court to grant or reject ASBO applications. In the period 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001, eight ASBOs were granted in less than four weeks, 23 were granted in one to three months, 15 were granted in four to six months and 14 were granted in six months or more. In the period 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2000, 14 ASBOs were granted in less than four weeks, 26 were granted in one to three months, seven were granted in four to six months and five were granted in six months or more. The Executive has introduced interim ASBOs in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill to provide more immediate protection from anti-social behaviour. The Executive has commissioned research from Stirling University to compare the costs of mediation and legal remedies for tackling anti-social behaviour. This is expected to report in spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169417,"EventID":"S1W-32963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been carried out into projects developed with funds from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been carried out into projects developed with funds from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF).","AnswerText":"BNSF councils are required to put in place their own arrangements for monitoring and evaluating pathfinder projects. The Executive will also undertake an overall evaluation at the end of the programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169418,"EventID":"S1W-32964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have been recalled for breach of licence in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have been recalled for breach of licence in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. Information relating to the recall to custody of prisoners released on licence is published in the annual report of the Parole Board for Scotland. The board's report for 2001 was laid before the Parliament on 30 May 2002 and copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 21650).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169419,"EventID":"S1W-32965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in each year since 1999 the Parole Board for Scotland has been asked by social work departments to recall a sex offender that they believe to be in breach","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in each year since 1999 the Parole Board for Scotland has been asked by social work departments to recall a sex offender that they believe to be in breach of licence and how many times the board has refused.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169420,"EventID":"S1W-32966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32289 by Allan Wilson on 18 December 2002, what action it plans to take following the European Commission's decision in respect of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32289 by Allan Wilson on 18 December 2002, what action it plans to take following the European Commission's decision in respect of minimum import prices for farmed salmon.","AnswerText":"The UK Government has, at last week's meeting of the European Commission's Anti Dumping Committee (ADC), secured an extension of time for the Community Industry and member states to assess the findings and implications of the Commission's report. The ADC will now hold substantive discussion with member states at their next meeting in February.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169421,"EventID":"S1W-32967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a centralised day or residential patient service for patients of all ages with behavioural or biomedical conditions such as hyperkinet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a centralised day or residential patient service for patients of all ages with behavioural or biomedical conditions such as hyperkinetic disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism and, if so, where and in what timescale.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans. The provision of services to meet the needs of people with these disorders is a matter for local health and social care organisations.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169422,"EventID":"S1W-32968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what biomedical research into medical problems such as hyperkinetic disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism it is funding and where any such research is being conducted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what biomedical research into medical problems such as hyperkinetic disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism it is funding and where any such research is being conducted.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland. CSO is currently funding two biomedical research projects on autism. They are being conducted at the University of Aberdeen and Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh. In addition, CSO will be contributing £250,000 to the Medical Research Council's UK-wide programme of research on autism, the strategy for which is currently being developed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169423,"EventID":"S1W-32969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Industrial Development Advisory Board (SIDAB).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Industrial Development Advisory Board (SIDAB).","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that each public body is subject to a policy and financial management review at least once every five years. A review of SIDAB will start this month. The terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be: To look at the future organisational options for the various functions carried out by SIDAB and to test it against the principles arising from the Public Bodies Review (June 2001). As an essential part of the review process, officials will be consulting widely with interested parties.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169424,"EventID":"S1W-32970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Recording our Achievements and how many copies were printed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Recording our Achievements and how many copies were printed.","AnswerText":"The final costs of printing, publishing and distributing Recording Our Achievements were £45,392. 2,300 main reports and 31,000 summaries were initially produced. Following publication on 16 December a second print run of 62,000 summaries was undertaken to enable more Scots to see and assess for themselves the Executive's performance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169425,"EventID":"S1W-32971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29517 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, how many prisoner complaints were made with regard to medical treatment in prisons in 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29517 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, how many prisoner complaints were made with regard to medical treatment in prisons in 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Three hundred and forty-one.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169426,"EventID":"S1W-32972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30674 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 November 2002, what its planned expenditure on advertising is for each month from January to April 2003","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30674 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 November 2002, what its planned expenditure on advertising is for each month from January to April 2003.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to breakdown total advertising expenditure for each month from January to March because items such as production and printing will, in some cases, have been invoiced and paid for in previous months. While some campaign expenditure has yet to be finalised, currently the committed expenditure on media buying for each month from January to March 2003 is currently: January | £978,898 | February | £306,835 | March | £180,698 |
The final level of expenditure for January to March will be at least 25% less than previously planned.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169427,"EventID":"S1W-32973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30686 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 November 2002, what the reasons are other than the changing prison population for there being no info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30686 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 November 2002, what the reasons are other than the changing prison population for there being no information available on the number of prisoners that have a mental illness requiring medical treatment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: No records are held centrally on the number of individual prisoners requiring drug treatment, group therapy or one to one interventions for mental health problems. We have nothing to add to the answer given to question S1W-30686.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169428,"EventID":"S1W-32974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, what difficulties arose in auditing compliance with Standards of Health Care for Prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, what difficulties arose in auditing compliance with Standards of Health Care for Prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Some of the standards as currently written are difficult to measure compliance against.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169429,"EventID":"S1W-32975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, whether the new standards for health care of prisoners to be completed by March 2003 wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, whether the new standards for health care of prisoners to be completed by March 2003 will enable current performance of health care in prisons to be monitored against those standards.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169430,"EventID":"S1W-32976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29924 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 October 2002, whether, as part of the procurement process for prison health care services, any conside","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29924 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 October 2002, whether, as part of the procurement process for prison health care services, any consideration was given to (a) the provision of services by the NHS (b) the provision of services otherwise by the public sector and (c) a not-for-profit service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Expressions of interest in providing primary care medical services within prisons were sought from a range of providers, including Primary Care NHS Trusts across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169431,"EventID":"S1W-32977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191, S1W-30022 and S1W-30032 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January, 16 October and 10 October 2002 respectively, how performance of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191, S1W-30022 and S1W-30032 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January, 16 October and 10 October 2002 respectively, how performance of the contractor to provide primary care medical services in prisons is measured, given that its contract for the provision of primary care medical services in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service is to deliver services in accordance with the Scottish Prison Service's Standards of Health Care of Prisoners and that these standards have not been audited since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Prison Service's medical services contract monitoring group meets regularly to review performance against the contract which contains a number of output measures. The contract will be published and a copy placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169432,"EventID":"S1W-32978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to attract, recruit and retain special constables. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to attract, recruit and retain special constables. ","AnswerText":"Following recommendations made by a working group of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) in 1996, improvements have been made in the training and deployment of special constables. The eight police forces in Scotland are actively engaged in recruiting special constables. The Executive and ACPOS are also considering the recommendations in the thematic report Narrowing The Gap by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary published in December 2002, on how recruitment and retention of special constables could be further enhanced.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169433,"EventID":"S1W-32979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the present council tax and water charges discount regimes in respect of properties lived in by elderly people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the present council tax and water charges discount regimes in respect of properties lived in by elderly people.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169434,"EventID":"S1W-32980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist the textile industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist the textile industry.","AnswerText":"We established the Scottish Textile Forum in June 2000 to develop measures to support the textile sector and to provide an opportunity for regular consultation on issues facing the Scottish textile industry. The Scottish Textile Forum launched a three-year action plan for the sector in January 2001. Scottish Textiles is the team within Scottish Enterprise responsible for delivery of the plan and good progress is being made, for example, on training, industry image and marketing/brand development.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169435,"EventID":"S1W-32981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to dyslexia organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to dyslexia organisations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a range of funding programmes available to voluntary organisations, including dyslexia organisations. The Executive is currently funding two specific projects, through the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme 2002-04, to provide practical support to teachers and parents in the inclusion of children with dyslexia. The Dyslexia Trust have been allocated £102,875 for a project entitled, Count Me In. This project will build on current best practice and will deliver to schools a range of tools and materials in a variety of formats. Dyslexia Scotwest have been allocated £79,356 to finance a Development Officer as part of their Dyslexia Friendly Schools project. These projects aim to improve understanding and develop skills in order that the needs of young people with dyslexia may be better addressed in schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169436,"EventID":"S1W-32982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for NHS boards to provide support to dyslexia organisations and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for NHS boards to provide support to dyslexia organisations and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Section 16 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, as amended, enables NHS boards to give grant to voluntary organisations subject to certain conditions. It would be for boards to consider whether any application from an organisation dealing with dyslexia met the conditions in section 16.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169437,"EventID":"S1W-32983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure the continued teaching of Slavonic languages at university level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure the continued teaching of Slavonic languages at university level.","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are therefore responsible for deciding the type and levels of subject provision. Ministers have no locus in these decisions. The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, working with institutions, seeks to encourage and develop coherent provision of subjects across the sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169438,"EventID":"S1W-32984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32743 by Iain Gray on 6 January 2003, who attended the meeting of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force on 2 December 2002 and which organ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32743 by Iain Gray on 6 January 2003, who attended the meeting of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force on 2 December 2002 and which organisations they represented. ","AnswerText":"The bodies represented at the meeting held on 2 December 2002 were Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, CSEU Scotland and GMB, BAE SYSTEMS Marine, JobCentre Plus, DTI, Scotland Office, Glasgow City Council, STUC and the Scottish Executive. A list of members is given on page 16 of the Clyde Shipyards Taskforce Report (published in 2002), a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18984).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169439,"EventID":"S1W-32985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of out-patients at each NHS acute hospital waited for over 21 weeks before seeing a consultant, broken down by speciality, in each of the last five years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of out-patients at each NHS acute hospital waited for over 21 weeks before seeing a consultant, broken down by speciality, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25958) on 22 January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169440,"EventID":"S1W-32986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the total expenditure spent on the treatment of patients within NHS acute hospitals was spent on treating (a) in-patients, (b) day-cases and (c) out-pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the total expenditure spent on the treatment of patients within NHS acute hospitals was spent on treating (a) in-patients, (b) day-cases and (c) out-patients in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Report 310 (Provision of Health Care: Acute), Section 2 (Provision of Health Care) of the Scottish Health Service Costs as detailed in the table. Scottish Health Service Costs are published by the Common Services Agency on www.show.scot.nhs.uk and copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Scottish Health Service Costs Year Ended | Bib. Number | 31 March 2002 | 25905 | 31 March 2001 | 25165 | 31 March 2000 | 25220 | 31 March 1999 | 25219 | 31 March 1998 | 25218 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169441,"EventID":"S1W-32987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant vacancies there are in each NHS acute hospital, broken down by speciality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant vacancies there are in each NHS acute hospital, broken down by speciality.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Information on vacancies in each NHS Acute Trust, broken down by speciality is available. This information is substantial and I will write to the member with a full answer. This will also be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169442,"EventID":"S1W-32988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse vacancies there are in each NHS acute hospital, broken down by speciality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse vacancies there are in each NHS acute hospital, broken down by speciality.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. Information on vacancies in each NHS Acute Trust, broken down by speciality is available. This information is substantial and I will write to the member with a full answer. This will also be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169443,"EventID":"S1W-32989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS trusts have a policy of removing patients from waiting lists after a certain period of time if the patient does not write to confirm that they wish to remain on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS trusts have a policy of removing patients from waiting lists after a certain period of time if the patient does not write to confirm that they wish to remain on the list.","AnswerText":"To ensure that waiting lists are kept up to date and reflect the personal wishes and circumstances of patients, and to enable the most efficient use of specialised services, NHS trusts may contact patients to check that they continue to wish treatment. If a patient did not respond to attempts to contact them to enquire about their desire to remain on a waiting list, it would be good clinical practice for the patient to be referred back to their primary care team to determine if treatment is still clinically appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169444,"EventID":"S1W-32990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #24 million recently allocated to extend access to broadband services will be spent, broken down by (a) project and (b) parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #24 million recently allocated to extend access to broadband services will be spent, broken down by (a) project and (b) parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Proposals are currently being developed to accelerate and extend access to broadband services across Scotland and to increase take-up of existing and projected services. This will include separate infrastructure programmes in the Highlands and Islands and the Scottish Enterprise area, supported by generic marketing and a business incentive package to encourage take-up. Consultations are taking place with a wide range of stakeholders about how these three projects will be taken forward and no final decisions have yet been taken on the breakdown of expenditure in the different geographical areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169445,"EventID":"S1W-32991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils in each local authority area did not attain Level A within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 4 for (a) reading, (b) writing and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils in each local authority area did not attain Level A within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 4 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the percentage of pupils in each local authority who did not reach 5-14 attainment Level A or above by the end of primary 4 in the school years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02. Results are shown for reading, writing and mathematics separately.The information was obtained from the annual survey of 5-14 attainment levels in publicly funded schools. The results include a small number of pupils where level of attainment was not available. Data collected from Gaelic medium education establishments are included in the 2001-02 results, but were excluded in previous years due to problems with data definitions and data consistency. Therefore caution should be applied when considering year-on-year comparisons of some local authorities. 5-14 Attainment of Pupils in Publicly Funded Schools in Scotland by Local Authority - Percentage of Pupils Not Attaining Level A or Above by End of P4 Local Authority | Reading % P4 Not Attaining Level A or Above | Writing % P4 Not Attaining Level A or Above | | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Scotland | 7.6% | 5.4% | 4.5% | 4.3% | 11.7% | 7.5% | 6.0% | 5.2% | Aberdeen City | 7.6% | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 8.7% | 8.4% | 7.1% | 4.6% | Aberdeenshire | 5.5% | 3.9% | 3.1% | 3.2% | 6.5% | 5.2% | 3.6% | 3.5% | Angus | 4.3% | 3.5% | 4.4% | 4.1% | 7.4% | 5.0% | 7.8% | 6.0% | Argyll and Bute | 23.3% | 4.9% | 3.9% | 4.5% | 25.3% | 4.8% | 3.8% | 6.5% | Clackmannanshire | 8.2% | 7.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% | 13.9% | 7.4% | 6.5% | 4.4% | Dumfries and Galloway | The information was obtained from the annual survey of 5-14 attainment levels in publicly funded schools. The results include a small number of pupils where level of attainment was not available. Data collected from Gaelic-medium education establishments are included in the 2001-02 results, but were excluded in previous years due to problems with data definitions and data consistency. Therefore caution should be applied when considering year-on-year comparisons of some local authorities. 5-14 Attainment of Pupils in Publicly Funded Schools in Scotland by Local Authority - Percentage of Pupils Not Attaining Level B or Above by End of P6 Local Authority | Reading % P6 Not Attaining Level B or Above | Writing % P6 Not Attaining Level B or Above | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Scotland | 6.9% | 4.9% | 4.0% | 3.9% | 11.5% | 8.0% | 6.4% | 6.0% | Aberdeen City | 5.0% | 4.6% | 4.4% | 4.2% | 7.8% | 6.2% | 5.8% | 5.2% | Aberdeenshire | 3.0% | 3.0% | 3.1% | 2.6% | 5.2% | 4.4% | 4.2% | 3.2% | Angus | 6.4% | 4.2% | 4.0% | 3.1% | 8.9% | 6.1% | 7.7% | 5.3% | Argyll and Bute | 26.1% | 3.7% | 2.5% | 4.0% | 33.2% | 4.4% | 5.2% | The information was obtained from the annual survey of 5-14 attainment levels in publicly funded schools. The results include a small number of pupils where level of attainment was not available. Data collected from Gaelic-medium education establishments are included in the 2001-02 results, but were excluded in previous years due to problems with data definitions and data consistency. Therefore caution should be applied when considering year-on-year comparisons of some local authorities. 5-14 Attainment of Pupils in Publicly Funded Schools in Scotland by Local Authority - Percentage of Pupils Not Attaining Level C or Above by End of P7 Local Authority | Reading % P7 Not Attaining Level C or Above | Writing % P7 Not Attaining Level C or Above | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Scotland | 12.2% | 9.6% | 8.1% | 7.0% | 20.7% | 16.6% | 14.7% | 13.0% | Aberdeen City | 9.3% | 10.3% | 7.0% | 6.8% | 16.4% | 15.0% | 12.3% | 11.9% | Aberdeenshire | 6.6% | 6.2% | 6.8% | 6.3% | 11.8% | 11.6% | 11.3% | 10.4% | Angus | 12.2% | 10.8% | 8.5% | 6.9% | 19.6% | 15.7% | 14.5% | 16.1% | Argyll and Bute | 20.4% | 9.0% | 5.7% | 5.6% | 35.5% | 13.5% | 11.3% | 12.5% | Clackmannanshire | 13.9% | 10.0% | 7.0% | 8.5% | 28.9% | 23.7% | 16.3% | 16.6% | Dumfries and Galloway | 13.1%","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169448,"EventID":"S1W-32994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils in each local authority area did not attain Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of secondary 2 for (a) reading, (b) writing an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils in each local authority area did not attain Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of secondary 2 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1998. ","AnswerText":"The following table shows the percentage of pupils in each local authority who did not reach 5-14 attainment Level D or above by the end of secondary 2 in the school years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02. Results are shown for reading, writing and mathematics separately. The information was obtained from the annual survey of 5-14 attainment levels in publicly funded schools. The results include a small number of pupils where level of attainment was not available. Data collected from Gaelic-medium education establishments are included in the 2001-02 results, but were excluded in previous years due to problems with data definitions and data consistency. Therefore caution should be applied when considering year-on-year comparisons of some local authorities. 5-14 Attainment of Pupils in Publicly Funded Schools in Scotland by Local Authority - Percentage of Pupils Not Attaining Level D or Above by End of S2 Local Authority | Reading % S2 Not Attaining Level D or Above | Writing % S2 Not Attaining Level D or Above | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Scotland | 27.5% | 23.2% | 20.8% | 19.5% | 30.5% | 25.2% | 23.3% | 20.9% | Aberdeen City | 20.5% | 22.5% | 19.4% | 19.1% | 27.0% | 26.0% | 23.6% | 21.1% | Aberdeenshire | 15.8% | 16.0% | 13.5% | 15.1% | 20.2% | 19.1% | 17.0% | 15.2% | Angus | 21.5% | 23.2% | 19.6% | 17.0% | 31.9% | 15.2% | 16.1% | 14.8% | Argyll and Bute | 60.3% | 18.1% | 13.4% | 14.7% | 64.8% | ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169449,"EventID":"S1W-32995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of all guidance, guidelines and official circulars initiated by it and the former Scottish Office that are still operational in respect of pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of all guidance, guidelines and official circulars initiated by it and the former Scottish Office that are still operational in respect of pre-school centres, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and tertiary education institutes.","AnswerText":"Written material of the kind mentioned can take a number of forms and is issued from a number of areas within the Executive. Central logging of this written material is not undertaken. This was also the case with similar material issued by the former Scottish Office.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169450,"EventID":"S1W-32996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available in each year since 1996-97 to East Dunbartonshire Council for the development of respite services and what funds will be made availabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available in each year since 1996-97 to East Dunbartonshire Council for the development of respite services and what funds will be made available in each of the next three years","AnswerText":"All councils in Scotland, including East Dunbartonshire, have received above inflation increases in grant funding in each year of the current spending review, 2001-04. Such increases will continue over the period of the next review. The total revenue grant support for East Dunbartonshire Council over the period in question is set out in the table. From April 2001 this includes resources specifically to expand respite services and we are currently agreeing with the council the outcome measures to be achieved in this area of service delivery. It is for the council to decide how best to use its total grant in order to provide services that meet local needs and priorities, including the provision of short breaks. Revenue Grant to East Dunbartonshire Council | | £ million | 1996-97 | 92.424 | 1997-98 | 88.135 | 1998-99 | 90.690 | 1999-2000 | 97.122 | 2000-01 | 97.952 | 2001-02 | 107.465 | 2002-03 | 120.776 | 2003-04 | 132.206 (Provisional) | 2004-05 | 139.735 (Provisional) | 2005-06 | 145.280 (Provisional) |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169451,"EventID":"S1W-32997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acute specialities will be introduced on an out-patient or day-case basis at the new ambulatory care and diagnostic unit at Stobhill Hospital","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acute specialities will be introduced on an out-patient or day-case basis at the new ambulatory care and diagnostic unit at Stobhill Hospital","AnswerText":"The £60 million Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Centre planned for the site of Stobhill Hospital will encompass a full range of diagnostic and imaging services together with facilities to support day surgery for people living in the Stobhill catchment area. A wide range of out-patient and related services will be provided including:radiology diagnostics (including ultrasound, CT and MRI); nuclear medicine; medical day care (diabetes, dermatology etc); ophthalmology; renal dialysis (28 stations); elderly day care; cardiological and respiratory investigations; cardiac rehabilitation; dental services; minor injuries unit; medical oncology with supportive pharmacy, and accommodation for the G.P. emergency out of hours service and allied health professionals. The plans also include a substantially refurbished main theatre block and day surgery unit, which will increase capacity and allow the transfer of some Glasgow Royal Infirmary day surgery activity to Stobhill.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169452,"EventID":"S1W-32998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much non-recurring funds have been allocated since 1996-97 to Greater Glasgow NHS Board to alleviate delayed discharge from hospital of patients resident in the East ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much non-recurring funds have been allocated since 1996-97 to Greater Glasgow NHS Board to alleviate delayed discharge from hospital of patients resident in the East Dunbartonshire Council area and how many such patients have been discharged as a result","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not available centrally. Allocations are made to health board areas without any specification of how this should be shared with local authority partners. Prior to 2000-01, no additional funds were allocated to health boards specifically for delayed discharges. In 2000-01 health boards were allocated non-recurring spend of £19 million which included funds for delayed discharge. This consisted of £10 million announced in February 2001 to address the delayed discharge problem and help reduce shortcomings in the provision of audiology aids, prosthetics and wheelchairs and £9 million released to health boards specifically for delayed discharge, as part of a £60 million allocation for improvements to patient services in Scotland. Greater Glasgow received its share of these allocations based on the Arbuthnott distribution formula in use at the time for NHS resources. No other non-recurring funds have been allocated for delayed discharges. Discharges attributable to this additional expenditure are not recorded separately.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169453,"EventID":"S1W-32999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds will be allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council and Greater Glasgow NHS Board in each of the next three years to alleviate delayed discharge from hospital of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds will be allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council and Greater Glasgow NHS Board in each of the next three years to alleviate delayed discharge from hospital of patients resident in the council area","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32998 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. In 2003-04, the amount specifically earmarked for delayed discharges will rise to £30 million across Scotland. This is recurring funding. No decision has yet been made about the distribution of the money for 2003-04, nor about any future years.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169454,"EventID":"S1W-33000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funds announced by the Minister for Social Justice in the ministerial statement on housing on 7 November 2002 will be made available to East Dunbartonshi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funds announced by the Minister for Social Justice in the ministerial statement on housing on 7 November 2002 will be made available to East Dunbartonshire Council","AnswerText":"My statement referred to the potential funding arising from the Prudential Regime and changes to the arrangements for funding local authority expenditure on private housing. In relation to the Prudential Regime it will be for individual local authorities not the Scottish Executive to determine how much, if any, extra borrowing they might be able to afford. In relation to the new arrangements for funding local authority expenditure on private housing, for 2003-04, our intention is to write to local authorities for advice on the extent to which they wish to covert existing borrowing consents within their agreed, overall single capital allocation to private sector housing grant. Final allocations will be determined when this information is to hand. Allocations for 2004-05 and beyond, when the new arrangements are fully implemented, will be determined in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169455,"EventID":"S1W-33001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why organic egg production is not currently eligible for Farm Business Development Scheme funding given that such funding has previously been available for this type of p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why organic egg production is not currently eligible for Farm Business Development Scheme funding given that such funding has previously been available for this type of production.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Farm Business Development Scheme (FBDS) is to provide financial support to farming families to create new income generating opportunities, or to expand or improve existing diversified activities, either within or outwith agriculture. As part of this, the FBDS can support diversification into \"alternative agricultural production\". The FBDS does not support mainstream investments in non-diversified agricultural activities. Organic egg production is not considered to be diversification into \"alternative agricultural production\". Eligible projects under this measure are required to be novel or aimed towards a niche markets e.g. worm farming, or an alpaca enterprise. Guidance on the approval of FBDS applications was clarified recently to ensure equity between the treatment of organic and non-organic projects, and this revised guidance is clear that organic egg production is not an eligible measure. Conversion of agricultural land to organic status is supported by the Executive's Organic Aid Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169456,"EventID":"S1W-33002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts under sections 8 to 11 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in each year since 1999, broken down by sheriff cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts under sections 8 to 11 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in each year since 1999, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"Statistics are available for certain proceedings under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. These do not specify whether interdict was applied for but, as shown below, give the numbers of applications for non-harassment orders and the numbers of orders granted. Number of Non-Harassment Orders: Totals for Scotland | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Applied for | 277 | 108 | 72 | 72 | Granted | 76 | 18 | 21 | 36 |
The numbers of applications lodged, broken down for all the sheriff courts in Scotland, are not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169457,"EventID":"S1W-33003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"No statistics are kept for the number of applications for interdict made under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169458,"EventID":"S1W-33004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts with power of arrest attached under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for interdicts with power of arrest attached under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001. ","AnswerText":"No statistics are kept for the number of applications for interdict with a power of arrest attached made under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169459,"EventID":"S1W-33005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the grant-in-aid allocation for educational provision to the Scottish Agricultural College is being reduced in stages from #6.552 million in 2002-03 to #4.894 millio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the grant-in-aid allocation for educational provision to the Scottish Agricultural College is being reduced in stages from #6.552 million in 2002-03 to #4.894 million in 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The planned reduction in the grant-in-aid for education provision at the Scottish Agricultural College reflects a continuing reduction in student numbers at the college. Numbers have now fallen by around 40% over the last six years. As a consequence, the college's level of education funding per student is substantially higher than other educational institutions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169460,"EventID":"S1W-33006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been ready for discharge from an NHS hospital but have had their discharge delayed for reasons defined in the census date snapshots provided by the I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been ready for discharge from an NHS hospital but have had their discharge delayed for reasons defined in the census date snapshots provided by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency on patients ready for discharge in each year since September 2000.","AnswerText":"The member may access this information on the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency website at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Joint_futures/delayed_discharges/ready_for_discharges.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169461,"EventID":"S1W-33007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a standard for accessibility to taxis for people with disabilities and whether it has any powers under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 or other","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a standard for accessibility to taxis for people with disabilities and whether it has any powers under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 or other legislation that can be used to require a percentage of taxis in each local authority area to be accessible to disabled users.","AnswerText":"There is no threshold at the moment in relation to the number of taxis operating in Scotland which are accessible for people with disabilities. Nor are there any powers under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 or other legislation at the present time which would provide Scottish ministers with the powers to introduce such a threshold. The powers to determine the technical specifications for accessible taxis are contained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and are reserved to the Westminster Parliament under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998. The 1995 act provisions have not yet been commenced. Once they are commenced, the Scottish Executive will consult widely on the proposals and will introduce the provisions by means of regulations using their powers under section 20 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended by section 39 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), albeit subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament. In the short term, section 10(2) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides local authorities with the discretion to determine what vehicles can operate as taxis in their area. As such, the Scottish Executive has written to councils on two occasions actively encouraging them to consider improving the level of accessible taxis in their area.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169462,"EventID":"S1W-33008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a taxi concessionary fare for disabled users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a taxi concessionary fare for disabled users.","AnswerText":"No. The operation of concessionary travel schemes (including schemes for taxis) is a matter for individual local authorities, based on local needs and circumstances. As part of their concessionary travel schemes, a number of local authorities provide taxicard initiatives which offer reduced taxi fares to provide mobility for those unable to use conventional public transport.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169463,"EventID":"S1W-33009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued, or plans to issue, advice to local authorities, similar to that available in England, on the steps to be taken to make taxi services more accessibl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued, or plans to issue, advice to local authorities, similar to that available in England, on the steps to be taken to make taxi services more accessible to disabled people.","AnswerText":"Executive officials have twice written to local authorities in recent years to update them on progress on the introduction of the taxi provisions contained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. This is a reserved matter for the Westminster Government and as yet no implementation date for these provisions has been set. In writing to local authorities, we have taken the opportunity on both occasions to encourage them to improve the accessibility of taxis to people with disabilities in advance of the regulations coming into effect and offering advice as to how they could proceed if they decided to do so. There are no immediate plans to send out a further letter although the position will be kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169464,"EventID":"S1W-33010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court cases in (a) Scotland and (b) each sheriff court were adjourned on the day of commencement in 2002 and what the reasons for any such adjournment w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court cases in (a) Scotland and (b) each sheriff court were adjourned on the day of commencement in 2002 and what the reasons for any such adjournment were.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169465,"EventID":"S1W-33011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision on whether to contract out a service in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) lies with the Chief Executive of the SPS and when it lies with Scottish Minis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision on whether to contract out a service in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) lies with the Chief Executive of the SPS and when it lies with Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"As an Executive Agency, the SPS operates under a framework document, the text of which is available on SPS's website at: www.sps.gov.uk. Paragraph 3.1 of that Document says that "The Chief Executive is responsible and accountable for operational and contractual matters involving the Agency and for its performance. He or she is answerable to the Scottish Ministers." Paragraph 3.2 of the document says that "The Chief Executive may make changes in the organisation and management structure of SPS in pursuit of its aims and objectives." As the framework document makes clear, Scottish ministers expect the Chief Executive to manage SPS consistent with the aims and objectives set by ministers and to obtain the best value for taxpayers' money made available by ministers. Within that policy and resources framework, decisions on contracting out services are therefore for the Chief Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169466,"EventID":"S1W-33012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the conclusion of the Evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service's Tendering Process for Social Work Contracts that \"contract","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the conclusion of the Evaluation of the Scottish Prison Service's Tendering Process for Social Work Contracts that \"contracting between public bodies for services that are themselves complex and reflect high levels of inter-connectivity may not provide the most effective means of achieving a balance between performance and risk that is appropriate and acceptable to each of the parties concerned.\" ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Overall, the evaluation concluded that while these contracts were working better than the previous arrangements, they could be improved further. The SPS is likely to move to new more operationally and financially rigorous arrangements in respect of the remaining establishments.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169467,"EventID":"S1W-33013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30033 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, how many prisoners have (a) been offered and (b) received immunisation for hepatitis A ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30033 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, how many prisoners have (a) been offered and (b) received immunisation for hepatitis A in each of the last five years. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169468,"EventID":"S1W-33014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on poverty of paragraph 20342, \"Averaging the hours\", of amendment 5 of February 2002 to the Department for Work and Pensions' D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on poverty of paragraph 20342, \"Averaging the hours\", of amendment 5 of February 2002 to the Department for Work and Pensions' Decision Makers' Guide, whereby many seasonal workers will not be able to claim jobseeker's allowance, and what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"Amendments to the Decision Makers' Guide are the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP has informed me that no amendment was made to paragraph 20342 of this guide in February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169469,"EventID":"S1W-33015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities there are for the continued funding of projects that have been assessed as successful at the conclusion of their funding periods under the New Futures ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities there are for the continued funding of projects that have been assessed as successful at the conclusion of their funding periods under the New Futures Fund.","AnswerText":"Delivery of the New Futures Fund is the responsibility of the Enterprise Networks who are currently assessing the options.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169470,"EventID":"S1W-33016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking under phase 2 of the New Futures Fund to ensure the effective transition to mainstream or any other source of funding for projects at the conclusi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking under phase 2 of the New Futures Fund to ensure the effective transition to mainstream or any other source of funding for projects at the conclusion of their funding period.","AnswerText":"Delivery of the New Futures Fund is the responsibility of the Enterprise Networks who are currently assessing the options.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169471,"EventID":"S1W-33017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria Scottish Enterprise uses to assess the success or otherwise of projects funded under the New Futures Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria Scottish Enterprise uses to assess the success or otherwise of projects funded under the New Futures Fund.","AnswerText":"Projects will be evaluated against the aims and objectives set out in their proposals. In addition, mainstreaming is a key issue in phase 2 together with equality of access by women, minority ethnic communities and people with dual diagnosis e.g. mental illness and drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169472,"EventID":"S1W-33018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fishing vessels that fish for different species will be classified for the purposes of the days at sea regulations that allocate different number of days depending on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how fishing vessels that fish for different species will be classified for the purposes of the days at sea regulations that allocate different number of days depending on the species caught.","AnswerText":"Annex XVII of the new total allowable catches and Quota Regulation sets out the provisions of the new effort control (days at sea) regime. It stipulates that days at sea will be derived from the mesh size of the fishing gear carried by particular vessels. The detailed implications of that are likely to feature in the domestic implementing regulations, which are still under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169473,"EventID":"S1W-33019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen if no white fish vessels have been decommissioned by 1 July 2003 under any decommissioning programme introduced and vessels have been fishing for 15 days","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen if no white fish vessels have been decommissioned by 1 July 2003 under any decommissioning programme introduced and vessels have been fishing for 15 days at sea each month from 1 February until 1 July 2003.","AnswerText":"Annex XVII of the new total allowable catches and Quota Regulation sets out the provisions of the new effort control (days at sea) regime. Article 6 requires that member states which acquire additional fishing days from the Commission related to decommissioning must report periodically to the Commission on progress made with such decommissioning. The regulation specifies when such reports must be made, but it does not specify a timetable for any associated decommissioning. In practice, the adequacy of the progress made by each of the reporting deadlines would therefore be a matter for discussion between the Commission and member state concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169474,"EventID":"S1W-33020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels are classified as (a) white fish vessels and (b) in each other category.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels are classified as (a) white fish vessels and (b) in each other category.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of Scottish based vessels and the main vessel fishing method as declared by owners when re-licensing their vessels. Active Scottish Based Vessels, by Main Fishing Method and Overall Length Group, 31 December 2001 Main Vessel Fishing Method | Vessel Length (Metres) | All Vessels | 10m and Under | Over 10m | Demersal (whitefish) | 74 | 473 | 547 | Pelagic | 0 | 36 | 36 | Shellfish | 1,571 | 441 | 2,012 | Total | 1,645 | 950 | 2,595 |
Source: Scottish Fisheries Statistics 2001.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169475,"EventID":"S1W-33021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the 2002 decommissioning package was announced; when the package came into force, and when the (a) first and (b) last vessel was decommissioned under the package.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the 2002 decommissioning package was announced; when the package came into force, and when the (a) first and (b) last vessel was decommissioned under the package.","AnswerText":"The most recent decommissioning scheme in Scotland was The Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001. The decommissioning package was announced on 8 March 2001, and the scheme was open for applications between 31 August and 31 October 2001. The first vessel was certified as having been decommissioned under the scheme on 23 January 2002 and a certificate in respect of the last vessel was issued on 23 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169476,"EventID":"S1W-33022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the 15% figure in respect of possible future decommissioning originated and how this figure was calculated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the 15% figure in respect of possible future decommissioning originated and how this figure was calculated.","AnswerText":"Article 6 of Annex XVII of Council Regulation 2341/2002 provides that the Commission may allocate additional fishing days to member states on the basis of the results or expected results of decommissioning programmes in 2002 and 2003. As part of the negotiations during the December 2002 Agriculture and Fisheries Council, the number of days a UK vessel could spend at sea in the regulated area carrying nets of mesh sizes of 100mm or more was negotiated upwards from seven days to 15 days per month. This was partly on the basis that further decommissioning in the UK during 2003 would reduce our fishing effort on cod by a further 15 to 20%.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169477,"EventID":"S1W-33023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to protect people and counter any terrorist threat to the transportation by rail of nuclear material to nuclear plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to protect people and counter any terrorist threat to the transportation by rail of nuclear material to nuclear plants.","AnswerText":"These are reserved matters, although the Scottish Executive is closely involved in the government response. It is not government policy to disclose details of security measures taken in response to existing or new threats.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169478,"EventID":"S1W-33024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #40.1 million allocated to Glasgow under the City Growth Fund will be made available in the first year of the fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #40.1 million allocated to Glasgow under the City Growth Fund will be made available in the first year of the fund.","AnswerText":"£8.897 million will be made available to Glasgow in the first year of the City Growth Fund, to promote growth and opportunities in the city and city-region.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169479,"EventID":"S1W-33025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what limitations will be attached to the #40.1 million allocated to Glasgow under the City Growth Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what limitations will be attached to the #40.1 million allocated to Glasgow under the City Growth Fund.","AnswerText":"As specified in guidance made available on 9 January 2003 to accompany the reports of the Review of Scotland's Cities, release of cities' allocations from the City Growth Fund will be dependent on satisfactory outputs from the proposed City Vision exercises and a brief but clear submission to the Scottish Executive outlining how the money will be spent and what outcomes will be delivered. Authorities' submissions to the Scottish Executive concerning the use of the City Growth Fund will be expected to include: a list of projects or service outcomes the funds are intended to buy; notional expenditure on each of these, with appropriate value-for-money considerations; target dates for delivery; identification of other sources of funds levered in to the projects; consideration of any potential State Aids or other issues impacting on the use of the funds; consultation with community planning partners and the business community in the city, and output of consultation with authorities and business interests in the city region. It is anticipated that local stakeholders will work to ensure that activities supported by the City Growth Fund and other funds administered by the Scottish Executive, for example the Quality of Life funds, should be mutually reinforcing where possible. The Scottish Executive recognises that many of the projects involved are likely to have long lead-in times and potentially to face other administrative requirements. Therefore, it is accepted that initial submissions will in some respects be provisional. Authorities will also be expected to provide a brief annual report on those activities supported by the fund, and a final report after three years, detailing the outcomes achieved as a result of support by the fund. The Scottish Executive will write to the local authorities concerned in the next few weeks, to confirm these requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169480,"EventID":"S1W-33026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow City Council will be compensated for services that it delivers to residents beyond the city boundaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow City Council will be compensated for services that it delivers to residents beyond the city boundaries.","AnswerText":"The vast majority of Glasgow City Council's expenditure is on services for its residents, including, for example, education and social work. However, Glasgow's revenue grant allocation takes into account costs associated with commuters, tourists and other people residing out-with the city boundaries. Allowance is also made for costs to the city of cultural and other facilities. In addition, on 9 January 2003, in response to the findings of the Review of Scotland's Cities, the Scottish Executive announced that Glasgow will receive £40 million over the next three years from the City Growth Fund, established to promote the success of our cities and their surrounding city-regions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169481,"EventID":"S1W-33027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Civil Aviation Authority and (b) any other bodies about the continuing technical viability of sand runways at any airfields used ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) the Civil Aviation Authority and (b) any other bodies about the continuing technical viability of sand runways at any airfields used for public transport flights and what the results were of any such discussions.","AnswerText":"Any discussions about the continuing technical viability of sand runways at any airfields used for public transport flights is a matter for the operator of such runways, in discussion with the regulatory authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169482,"EventID":"S1W-33028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of any aircr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of any aircraft accident or serious incident, as defined by the United Kingdom Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and published in any of the AAIB's (i) monthly bulletins, (ii) formal reports and (iii) special bulletins.","AnswerText":"The safety of passengers is paramount at all times at airports owned by the ministers and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. The Executive must ensure that safety is the primary consideration at these airports. No reportable accidents or serious incidents have occurred at Barra.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169483,"EventID":"S1W-33029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of any repor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of any report of aircraft incidents not defined by the United Kingdom Air Accident Investigation Branch as either an aircraft accident or serious incident and, if so, whether it will indicate where information about such incidents is documented.","AnswerText":"There is no requirement by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) for the Executive to record any aircraft incidents which are not defined by the AAIB as either an aircraft accident or serious incident.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169484,"EventID":"S1W-33030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of the value","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of the value of multiple runways in supporting continued operation at times of high wind speeds.","AnswerText":"The Executive, through Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, which is owned by the ministers, is fully aware of the operational environment at Traigh Mhor on Barra in differing weather conditions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169485,"EventID":"S1W-33031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landings and take-offs by (a) public transport, (b) air ambulance and (c) other fixed-wing traffic there were on (i) runway 07, (ii) runway 11, (iii) runway 15, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landings and take-offs by (a) public transport, (b) air ambulance and (c) other fixed-wing traffic there were on (i) runway 07, (ii) runway 11, (iii) runway 15, (iv) runway 25, (v) runway 29 and (vi) runway 33 at the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169486,"EventID":"S1W-33032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of the avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of the availability of aircraft suitable for operating public transport flights from sand runways and, if so, to what extent this availability is likely to influence decision making.","AnswerText":"The availability of aircraft to provide an air service to Barra is inherent in any consideration by the Executive of continued support for a Public Service Obligation service.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169487,"EventID":"S1W-33033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many flights of any kind were operated when the sun was more than 12 degrees below the hori'on at either the time of take-off or landing at the licensed airfield at T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many flights of any kind were operated when the sun was more than 12 degrees below the hori'on at either the time of take-off or landing at the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra in each of the last five years and what proportion of any such flights was authorised to operate when the airfield was closed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169488,"EventID":"S1W-33034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many authorisations for flight operations when the airfield was closed were granted (a) under the Highland and Islands Airport Ltd Out of Hours scheme and (b) in any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many authorisations for flight operations when the airfield was closed were granted (a) under the Highland and Islands Airport Ltd Out of Hours scheme and (b) in any other circumstances at the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169489,"EventID":"S1W-33035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for current and planned relocation reviews as part of the public service job relocation policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for current and planned relocation reviews as part of the public service job relocation policy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32492 on 11 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169490,"EventID":"S1W-33036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has communicated with local authorities and local enterprise companies to identify suitable sites for any future public service job relocations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has communicated with local authorities and local enterprise companies to identify suitable sites for any future public service job relocations.","AnswerText":"The Executive wrote to all Scottish local authorities and Local Enterprise Companies on 16 December 2002 drawing attention to the new list of bodies, announced on 11 December 2002, about to conduct location reviews.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169491,"EventID":"S1W-33037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the relocation of sportscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the relocation of sportscotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering the report from the consultants commissioned by sportscotland to review their property portfolio as a whole. That will help inform our decision on the future location of sportscotland's headquarters which we expect to make by March.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169492,"EventID":"S1W-33038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the relocation of the Scottish Arts Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the relocation of the Scottish Arts Council.","AnswerText":"I expect that the Scottish Arts Council's report on future location will be with ministers by the end of this financial year. A decision will be made as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169493,"EventID":"S1W-33039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will prioritise public service job relocations to areas of economic and social disadvantage, given any impact that such relocations would have on the area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will prioritise public service job relocations to areas of economic and social disadvantage, given any impact that such relocations would have on the area.","AnswerText":"A range of factors are considered in evaluating relocation reviews. These include costs, operational effectiveness, the position of staff and social, economic and environmental considerations. We will be providing further guidance on social and economic factors to make clear that there is a case for giving greater weight to factors such as unemployment and other indicators of deprivation in considering location reviews.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169494,"EventID":"S1W-33040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it plans to give to local communities that wish to establish local community sports trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it plans to give to local communities that wish to establish local community sports trusts.","AnswerText":"Local community sports trusts have the potential to make a valuable contribution to how sport is delivered at the local level. It is important that they have support from their local authority if that potential is to be realised. Sport 21 Time to Speak Up is currently out for consultation. Sportscotland is also reviewing all its programmes following its organisational review. Once these processes have been completed decisions will be taken on the various programmes sportscotland will operate.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169495,"EventID":"S1W-33041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects revised guidance on cryptosporidium in water supplies to be issued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects revised guidance on cryptosporidium in water supplies to be issued.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer has today issued revised guidance to NHS Scotland, which takes account of the latest advice received from the Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies, chaired by Professor Bouchier. The revised guidance takes account of the group's clarification of issues around risk assessment, and the importance of taking account of local circumstances in order to arrive at speedy and appropriate decisions. The guidance also reflects the group's technical advice relating to the provision of laboratory support associated with the detection and identification of cryptosporidium in water supplies. The Executive will also take account of the strategic implications of Professor Bouchier's scientific advice in developing guidance on incident and outbreak management. This interim guidance will be published shortly, for consultation. These developments have been taken forward as a consequence of recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Group on Health and Public Water Supply, which was established following cryptosporidium-related incidents in Glasgow and Edinburgh in August last year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169496,"EventID":"S1W-33042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Health Department on projects and tasks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Health Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"The average gross hourly rates for the pay bands of staff working in the Scottish Executive's core departments for financial year 2002-03 are given in the table: Pay Band | Hourly Rate Based on Gross Average Pay* | A1 | £8.09 | A2 | £9.01 | A3 | £10.40 | A4 | £11.81 | B1 | £13.67 | B2 | £17.35 | B3 | £23.42 | C1 | £31.59 | C2 | £37.54 | C3 | £40.80 | Fast Stream | £16.58 | SCS 1** | £46.69 | SCS 1A | £57.56 | SCS 2 | £69.81 | SCS 3 | £85.58 |
Notes: *Gross average pay includes basic salary, employers' superannuation contributions and national insurance payments. **SCS= Senior Civil Service.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169497,"EventID":"S1W-33043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Justice Department on projects and tasks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Justice Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169498,"EventID":"S1W-33044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Education Department on projects and tasks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Education Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169499,"EventID":"S1W-33045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department on projects a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169500,"EventID":"S1W-33046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Environment and Rural Affairs Department on projects and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Environment and Rural Affairs Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169501,"EventID":"S1W-33047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Finance and Central Services Department on projects and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Finance and Central Services Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169502,"EventID":"S1W-33048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Corporate Services Department on projects and tasks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Corporate Services Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169503,"EventID":"S1W-33049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Legal and Parliamentary Services Department on projects a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Legal and Parliamentary Services Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169504,"EventID":"S1W-33050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Development Department on projects and tasks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Development Department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33042 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169505,"EventID":"S1W-33051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on projects an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"The average gross hourly rates for the pay bands of staff working in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for financial year 2002-03 are given in the table: Pay Band | Hourly Rate Based on Gross Average Pay* | B | £10.57 | C | £14.64 | D | £17.10 | E | £23.94 | F | £33.52 | G | £38.34 | SCS 1** | £65.32 | SCS 1A | £72.95 | SCS 2 | £90.32 | SCS 3 | £111.93 |
Notes: *Gross average pay includes basic salary, employers' superannuation contributions and national insurance payments. **SCS= Senior Civil Service.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169506,"EventID":"S1W-33052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to date has been of (a) developing and (b) maintaining the Healthy Living Scotland website, inclusive of VAT.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to date has been of (a) developing and (b) maintaining the Healthy Living Scotland website, inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"The total cost of developing the Healthy Living website to date has been £42,755, inclusive of VAT. As the website was only recently launched we do not have figures for maintenance of the site.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169507,"EventID":"S1W-33053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected annual running costs are for the Healthy Living Scotland website and for how many years the website is forecast to operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected annual running costs are for the Healthy Living Scotland website and for how many years the website is forecast to operate.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate the projected annual running costs for the Healthy Living website at this stage. Further development of the site, and associated cost implications, will be informed by continuous evaluation of the healthy eating campaign as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169508,"EventID":"S1W-33054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the running costs incurred in respect of the Healthy Living Scotland website were met from (a) the existing departmental budget and, if so, from which part of tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the running costs incurred in respect of the Healthy Living Scotland website were met from (a) the existing departmental budget and, if so, from which part of that budget, (b) new money allocated to the department or (c) a central advertising budget.","AnswerText":"The running costs of the Healthy Living website are being met from the existing departmental budget.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169509,"EventID":"S1W-33055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations have been made by the working group on discrimination in reaction to the report The Experience of Violence and Harassment of Gay Men in the City of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations have been made by the working group on discrimination in reaction to the report The Experience of Violence and Harassment of Gay Men in the City of Edinburgh and what specific action has been taken in response. ","AnswerText":"There is no official Scottish Executive working group on discrimination, although the Steering Group established to co-ordinate the Scottish response to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report did deal with discrimination. The Experience of Violence and Harassment of Gay Men in the City of Edinburgh was not considered by the Steering Group. The report made a number of recommendations for a wide range of agencies to consider including the Executive. One of the main recommendations was that an inter-agency group at national level should be established to consider the violence and harassment experienced by gay men across Scotland. This was supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Executive and led to the setting up of a wider group, the Scottish Police and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Liaison Forum. The forum's main remit is to advise ACPOS on service delivery issues in relation to LGBT communities. It also advises COSLA and the Executive on service delivery and policy issues in relation to policing the LGBT communities. The Scottish Executive is represented on the forum, which has just completed its second productive year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169510,"EventID":"S1W-33056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the recent outbreak of disturbances at HM Prison Shotts in the light of the meeting between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the recent outbreak of disturbances at HM Prison Shotts in the light of the meeting between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33286 on 21 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169511,"EventID":"S1W-33057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the SCOTS roads condition survey will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the SCOTS roads condition survey will be published.","AnswerText":"While the Executive fully supports the local authority condition survey of local roads and is represented on the working group, management of the survey including the publication of the findings, is a matter for the Society of Chief Officers of Transport.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169512,"EventID":"S1W-33058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Building Better Cities: Delivering Growth and Opportunities and the accompanying document Next Steps.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Building Better Cities: Delivering Growth and Opportunities and the accompanying document Next Steps.","AnswerText":"Final invoices for the printing, publishing and distribution of Review of Scotland's Cities - the Analysis and Building Better Cities: Delivering Growth and Opportunities, have yet to be received. The budgeted costs for these publications are £39,100. The accompanying document Next Steps has been published only on the Scottish Executive website, for which no costs were incurred.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169513,"EventID":"S1W-33059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long judges sat at each of the last five sittings of the High Court in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long judges sat at each of the last five sittings of the High Court in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Judges sat on average as follows: Sitting of 21 October | 4 hours per day | Sitting of 4 November | 4 hours 30 minutes per day | Sitting of 18 November | 4 hours per day | Sitting of 2 December | 4 hours 10 minutes per day | Sitting of 16 December (1 week only) | 3 hours 20 minutes per day |
Six judges were assigned to the High Court in Glasgow in each sitting. With the exception of the final sitting which lasted for five working days, each sitting ran for 10 days.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169514,"EventID":"S1W-33060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14176 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 March 2001, how much of the additional #36 million to improve services for people with learning dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14176 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 March 2001, how much of the additional #36 million to improve services for people with learning disabilities was allocated to specific services for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"Information about the use of change funds for 2001-02 is available on the learning disability review website at www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr. Local authorities were not asked to specify how much of the change funds were allocated to services for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders. However, some areas have identified spending on services including short breaks, employment, joint training and specialised support staff for people with autism. The audit of services to be carried out as recommended by the Public Health Institute of Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report will also include information about current expenditure in relevant agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169515,"EventID":"S1W-33061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a national service network for people suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder, as recommended in The same as yo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a national service network for people suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder, as recommended in The same as you? A review of services for people with learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering a revised proposal for a national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorders, which has been submitted by the National Autistic Society and the Scottish Society for Autism.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169516,"EventID":"S1W-33062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities, as recommended in The same as you? A review of services for people with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of a Scottish Centre for Learning Disabilities, as recommended in The same as you? A review of services for people with learning difficulties.","AnswerText":"On 21 March 2001, the Scottish Executive announced the award of £1.5 million to set up a Centre for Learning Disability in Scotland. The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability was formally launched on 5 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169517,"EventID":"S1W-33063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the controller of HM Prison Kilmarnock has agreed that a cell may be shared by two prisoners under section 23.4.1 of the Minute of Agreement between","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the controller of HM Prison Kilmarnock has agreed that a cell may be shared by two prisoners under section 23.4.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock in each quarter of the operation of the prison and in the current year to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Once, on 24 July 2000.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169518,"EventID":"S1W-33064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how drug treatment for individuals is accessed and how families affected by a person with a drug habit can access appropriate support and advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how drug treatment for individuals is accessed and how families affected by a person with a drug habit can access appropriate support and advice.","AnswerText":"There are many different approaches to treating drug misusers, and a wide range of statutory, non-statutory and voluntary organisations are involved in the provision of services. Thus, there are several routes through which drug misusers can receive treatment. For example, GPs will refer patients to specialist drug treatment services, as will other agencies such as Social Work Departments who encounter clients with drug misuse problems. Some specialist drugs services will also accept self-referrals from patients. A range of services support families of drug misusers, including GPs and other health workers, drug agencies, Social Work Departments, carer and family support organisations, and community-based projects. It is certainly important that drug misusers and their families are aware of where help, advice and treatment are available. Drug Action Teams already provide such information, but the point is re-inforced (including practical advice) in the Effective Interventions Unit's (EIU) report on the provision of integrated care for drug misusers, which has been given wide distribution. Another EIU report on Families and Carers of Drug Users lists a broad range of agencies which provide support and advice, either in relation to the needs of the family, or in assisting families to support drug misusers. In addition, there is a free Know the Score Directory which includes national organisations, Drug Action Teams, and local/community services. The directory can be obtained via the free Know the Score Informationline and it is also available on the Know the Score website. We have allocated £180,000, from recovered criminal assets, to family support groups which deal with the problems which drug misuse can bring. We are working with these groups to determine the optimum way to distribute these resources.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169519,"EventID":"S1W-33065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to carry out drugs testing at accident and emergency departments and police stations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to carry out drugs testing at accident and emergency departments and police stations.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce routine drug testing in accident and emergency departments. Accident and emergency staff are trained in the recognition of substance abuse. They are aware that it may be a causal factor in a patient's attendance at the department and that it may affect the clinical management of the patient. Similarly, there are no plans for routine drugs testing in police stations. Police officers can request the attendance of forensic medical examiners, who could take biological samples from the person for testing. This could include, for example, drug testing where drug misuse is suspected.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169520,"EventID":"S1W-33066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rates were for participation in the New Deal for Young People from its inception to date in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rates were for participation in the New Deal for Young People from its inception to date in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Participation in the New Deal for Young People (NDYP) is mandatory for all aged 18 to 24 years, unemployed for six months or longer. From the start of the programme in April 1998 to the end of September 2002, 100,100 young people have participated in NDYP in Scotland. Of this total, 1,200 were in East Dunbartonshire and 900 in East Renfrewshire.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169521,"EventID":"S1W-33067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the likely percentage change will be in school rolls by 2011 in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (3) the East Renfrewshire Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the likely percentage change will be in school rolls by 2011 in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (3) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The projected decline in mainstream local authority school rolls in Scotland, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire is set out in the following table: | | 2001 School Census | 2011 Projection | Percentage Change | Scotland | 736,891 | 628,515 | -15% | East Dunbartonshire | 19,075 | 15,843 | -17% | East Renfrewshire | 16,092 | 14,538 | -10% |
A revised Scotland projection based upon information from the 2001 population census is now available. This shows a decline in pupil numbers across Scotland of 14%. Local authority figures on this basis are not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169522,"EventID":"S1W-33068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the roll-out of information and communication technologies and approaches to core skill development training currently applied in social inclusio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the roll-out of information and communication technologies and approaches to core skill development training currently applied in social inclusion partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already put in place a range of national initiatives to develop the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and approaches to core skills training across Scotland. The Executive is committed to achieving universal access to the internet through its digital inclusion strategy and under the Public Internet Access Points Initiative we are creating over 1,000 new public internet access facilities. We have also committed substantial funding to Community Learning Partnerships across Scotland, which is enabling the delivery of a wide range of community-based programmes to develop individual ICT skills. In addition, Executive funding is also assisting such partnerships to develop and implement Literacies Action Plans. The activity in social inclusion partnership areas therefore complements these national initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169523,"EventID":"S1W-33069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households are covered by asymetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewsh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households are covered by asymetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Currently ADSL coverage of households stands at about 40% in Scotland, 0% in East Dunbartonshire and about 32% in East Renfrewshire.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169524,"EventID":"S1W-33070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of asymetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) capacity is currently taken up in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of asymetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) capacity is currently taken up in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Currently ADSL take-up, as a percentage of lines available, stands at just over 3% in Scotland, and 2.3% in East Renfrewshire. There is no ADSL availability in East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169525,"EventID":"S1W-33071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much vacant and derelict land there has been in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much vacant and derelict land there has been in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1993.","AnswerText":"The information, which is published in the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS), is set out in the tables. Area of Vacant and Derelict Land (ha), 1995-20011-2 Area | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | East Dunbartonshire Council | 104 | 109 | 113 | 109 | 100 | 94 | 94 | East Renfrewshire Council | 36 | 50 | 54 | 42 | 37 | 33 | 32 | Scotland3 | 13,721 | 13,101 | 12,470 | 12,212 | 11,608 | 11,233 | 10,517 |
Area of Vacant and Derelict Land (ha), 1993-1944 Area | 1993 | 1994 | Bearsden and Milngavie District Council | 45 | 28 | Strathkelvin District Council | 270 | 254 | Eastwood District Council | 26 | 22 | Renfrew District Council | 464 | 385 | Scotland | 15,400 | 14,094 |
Notes: 1. Sites covering less than 0.1 ha are excluded. 2. The SVDLS includes only that vacant land which is either located within an urban settlement (with a population of 2,000 or more) or which is located within 1km of such settlements, and which would commonly be considered as having the characteristics of urban vacant land. 3. For those councils that did not provide data for a particular year, data from the previous SVDLS has been used. Previously published figures for 1999-2001 have been revised on the basis of recent council returns. 4. Figures are not available for East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire in 1993 and 1994 as these councils did not exist before the reorganisation of local government in 1996. As part of the 1995 survey (which was published in 1996), councils were asked to provide figures for 1995 for the new council areas. The present East Dunbartonshire Council area comprises the former Bearsden and Milngavie District and part of t","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169526,"EventID":"S1W-33072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proportion has been of early deaths in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area of the period referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proportion has been of early deaths in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area of the period referred to in Table 4.1 of the Review of Scotland's Cities - the Analysis .","AnswerText":"The information in Table 4.1 of the Review of Scotland's Cities - the Analysis is sourced from the European Urban Audit. Whilst we have not been able to obtain the precise definition used by the European Urban Audit for \"early deaths\", it appears to be deaths in the under 65s from heart disease and respiratory illness as a proportion of all deaths in 1996. An attempt has been made to replicate this definition; however, it should be noted that the figures generated for Glasgow and Edinburgh (shown in the table) do not match exactly those published by the European Urban Audit. Early Deaths as a Proportion of All Deaths, 1996. Deaths Aged Under 65 from Heart Disease and Respiratory Illness. | | Total Deaths: All Ages | Deaths Aged Under 65 From Heart Disease and Respiratory Illness | Number | Percentage | Scotland | 60,654 | 3,745 | 6.2 | Glasgow | 8,646 | 693 | 8.0 | Edinburgh | 5,261 | 285 | 5.4 | East Dumbartonshire | 1,015 | 71 | 7.0 | East Renfrewshire | 840 | 48 | 5.7 |
Source: Registrar General (Scotland). Heart disease and respiratory illness were defined from the International Classification of Diseases, Version 9, codes 390-429, 460-519 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169527,"EventID":"S1W-33073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population density per square kilometre is in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population density per square kilometre is in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is published by the Registrar General for Scotland in Table 7 of his 2001 Population Report published on 30 September 2002. A copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24442).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169528,"EventID":"S1W-33074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of recorded crimes is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of recorded crimes is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in table 7, page 25, of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2001, published by the Scottish Executive in April 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20798).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169529,"EventID":"S1W-33075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of non-sexual crimes of violence is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of non-sexual crimes of violence is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33074 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169530,"EventID":"S1W-33076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of serious assaults is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of serious assaults is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Table 8, page 26, of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2001 published by the Scottish Executive in April 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20798).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169531,"EventID":"S1W-33077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of vandalism is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the East Du","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of vandalism is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (f) the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33076 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169532,"EventID":"S1W-33078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of domestic house-breaking is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of domestic house-breaking is per 10,000 people in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (d) the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33076 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169533,"EventID":"S1W-33079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much, and by what percentage, each NHS board's budget has increased in each of the last five years (a) in total and (b) per capita, showing the cumulative increas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much, and by what percentage, each NHS board's budget has increased in each of the last five years (a) in total and (b) per capita, showing the cumulative increase over that period, and what it estimates any such increases will be in each NHS board in any future years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Details for 1998-99 to 2002-03 are as follows. Health Board | 1998-99 Total Budget Increase (£000) | 1998-99 Total Budget Increase (%) | 1998-99 Per Capita Increase (£)) | 1998-99 Per Capita Increase (%) | Argyll and Clyde | 16,032 | 4.3 | 42 | 4.9 | Ayrshire and Arran | 13,624 | 4.4 | 39 | 4.7 | Borders | 4,482 | 4.7 | 41 | 4.6 | Dumfries and Galloway | 6,067 | 4.5 | 41 | 4.5 | Fife | 8,230 | 3.0 | 22 | 2.8 | Forth Valley | 11,586 | 5.2 | 41 | 5.2 | Grampian | 16,071 | 3.8 | 36 | 4.4 | Greater Glasgow | 17,509 | 2.0 | 13 | 1.4 | Highland | 6,295 | 3.3 | 32 | 3.5 | Lanarkshire | 18,815 | 4.3 | 35 | 4.4 | Lothian | 25,405 | 3.9 | 31 | 3.7 | Orkney | 1,871 | 9.2 | 111 | 10.8 | Shetland | 1,540 | 6.9 | 72 | 7.4 | Tayside | 18,241 | 4.9 | 53 | 5.6 | Western Isles | 1,165 | 3.3 | 55 | 4.4 |
Health Board | 1999-2000 Total Budget Increase (£000) | 1999-2000 Total Budget Increase (%) | ","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169534,"EventID":"S1W-33080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding, including any agreed changes to the funding formula and additional grants, was received by each police force in each of the last three years and i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding, including any agreed changes to the funding formula and additional grants, was received by each police force in each of the last three years and is projected to be allocated to each police force in each of the next two years, expressed per head of population in each police force area and what the average of such funding was per head of population in Scotland as a whole in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information is shown in the following table.Actual and Planned Budget Per Head of Population Force Area | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | Central | £122 | £129 | £134 | £146 | £151 | Dumfries and Galloway | £148 | £155 | £159 | £169 | £177 | Fife | £120 | £127 | £129 | £143 | £151 | Grampian | £122 | £132 | £140 | £151 | £160 | Lothian and Borders | £152 | £161 | £171 | £182 | £190 | Northern | £142 | £156 | £159 | £170 | £177 | Strathclyde | £158 | £170 | £178 | £192 | £201 | Tayside | £151 | £160 | £165 | £177 | £183 | Scotland | £147 | £157 | £165 | £177 | £185 |
Notes: (i) The figures include police Grant Aided Expenditure and, in those years where it was paid separately, additional funding provided to authorities for additional recruitment, DNA testing and the National Intelligence Model. Other additional funding provided to forces for specific purposes (for example in 2001-02 and 2002-03 for additional pressures post 11 September) has not been included. The figures do not include capital expenditure by forces. (ii) Estimated population at 30 June 2000 has been used to calculate the figures for 2000-01. Estimated population at 30 June 2001 has been used for the remainder of the table.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169535,"EventID":"S1W-33081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated (a) to and (b) by each NHS board for schemes to tackle (i) alcohol and (ii) drug misuse in (1) the current year and (2) each of the last th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated (a) to and (b) by each NHS board for schemes to tackle (i) alcohol and (ii) drug misuse in (1) the current year and (2) each of the last three years and how much funding is projected to be allocated to each NHS board for each of the next two years for such purposes, expressed per head of population and per problem-user and giving the percentage changes in allocation in each year.","AnswerText":"The following table details the resources allocated to NHS boards for drug treatment services since 1999-2000. Allocations for 2003-04 are expected to remain at 2002-03 levels. NHS boards are also free to utilise resources for drug-specific initiatives from their hospital and community care allocations. It is for the Drug Action Teams (DATs) and their local partners, including NHS boards, to determine how these resources are spent, taking into account local needs and circumstances. Some detail on spend is included in DAT Corporate Action Plans, which can be accessed on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org Funding for services addressing alcohol problems is provided within resources allocated to NHS boards and local authorities, but is not specifically identified. The Executive has, however, made £3.375 million available through central budgets in this financial year to support local and national action to tackle alcohol problems. No decisions have been taken on resources for both drugs and alcohol beyond 2003-04. NHS Board | Allocation 1999-2000 (£000) | Allocation 2000-01 (£000) | Allocation 2001-02 (£000) | Allocation 2002-03-04 (£000) | Per Capita1 2002-03-04 | Per Problem2 User 2002-03-04 | Argyll and Clyde | 901 | 984 | 1,111 | 1,338 | 3.18 | 247.6 | Ayrshire and Arran | 535 | 609 | 737 | 987 | 2.66 | 322.6 | Borders | 96 | 118 | 160 | 162 | 1.51 | 276 | Dumfries and Galloway | 96 | 124 | 298 | 258 | 1.79 | 219 | Fife | 445 | 514 | 698 | 789 | 2.25 | 275.2 | Forth Valley | 172 | 226 | 462 | 557 | 2.00 | 252.3 | Grampian | 972 | 1,085 | 1,283 | 1,313 | 2.53 | 242.6 | Greater Glasgow3 | 3,502 | 3,670 | 4,387 | 4,488 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169538,"EventID":"S1W-33084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of placing young offenders in residential care have been in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of placing young offenders in residential care have been in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on the cost of placing in secure accommodation young people who have been sentenced by the courts to be detained under sections 205 or 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995:Year | Cost (£) | 1999-2000 | 2,559,137 | 2000-01 | 2,712,498 | 2001-02 | 2,669,471 | 2002 (1 April to 31 December) | 2,427,379 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169539,"EventID":"S1W-33085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no uniformity across police forces as to what constitutes an informal or a formal warning; whether these warnings are recorded at force level, as recommended","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no uniformity across police forces as to what constitutes an informal or a formal warning; whether these warnings are recorded at force level, as recommended by the ad hoc Ministerial Group on Youth Crime, and why only five out of the eight police forces could provide annual figures for warnings issued, as identified in the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people.","AnswerText":"Action point 6 of Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002, which we announced in summer 2002, was to develop a Scotland-wide system of cautions/warnings. At the time, we recognised that there were variations across Scotland in the approaches adopted by police forces in relation to warnings. In December 2002, following discussion with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, we made available £250,000 to the Scottish Police Service, across all forces, to enable the police to put in place formal training and support for restorative justice methods linked to warnings. The next stage will be to commission researchers to gather information on existing activity and to produce national guidance (including guidance on standards and recording) under the auspices of a steering group involving representatives from the main public and voluntary organisations with an interest. Future funding would then be linked to the criteria set in that guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169540,"EventID":"S1W-33086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 44 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"data on the number of young people commi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 44 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"data on the number of young people committing offences, being warned, referred to the children's hearings system or the procurator fiscals are poor\" and what changes it has made to the collection and classification of such data since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration has successfully implemented major changes to the collection and classification of data since May 1999. The Referrals Administration Database is now fully operational across Scotland. It records all children referred to Children's Reporters and the process in the Children's Hearings system. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) database is designed to be an operational case-tracking system rather than a purely statistical database. At the time data was requested from COPFS by Audit Scotland, there was a major roll-out of an upgraded case-tracking system. COPFS are now in a position to provide this type of data for current cases.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169541,"EventID":"S1W-33087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 58 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"the data, as currently recorded, do not ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 58 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"the data, as currently recorded, do not indicate the number of cases where the reporter's decision is influenced by non-availability of resources, but it is likely that there are significant numbers of young people who could benefit from a voluntary service who do not receive it.\"","AnswerText":"Decisions by Reporters and Children's Hearings should be based solely on what is in the best interests of children. It is for other agencies to provide the resources to implement those decisions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169542,"EventID":"S1W-33088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 81 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that some children's panel members and reporte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 81 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that some children's panel members and reporters had reservations about the capability of children's hearings to deal with persistent offenders in part due to a lack of resources.","AnswerText":"Ministers have made clear that tackling persistent young offenders effectively is a priority. The fast-track children's hearing pilots which will begin soon will deal specifically with this group by offering a guaranteed place on an appropriate programme to help address their needs and prevent re-offending. The Executive is making available significant additional resources to support these programmes and the operation of the pilots in general.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169543,"EventID":"S1W-33089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the finding in paragraph 93 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that out of a sample of 17 procurator fiscal of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the finding in paragraph 93 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that out of a sample of 17 procurator fiscal offices, the number of cases involving an accused aged under the age of 21 on which no proceedings were taken ranged from 1% to17%.","AnswerText":"Variations of outcomes across the country are not necessarily indicative of inconsistency of approach, but instead reflect an appropriate response to local circumstances and offending behaviour, as well as, most importantly, the individual circumstances of each case. The aim of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is to continue to provide a high quality service to the public. In pursuit of this aim, the service is currently undergoing a far-reaching programme of reform and renewal. New information systems are being rolled out as part of the modernisation of the service, and these will offer greater opportunity to area procurators fiscal to monitor trends and ensure continued consistency - not standardisation - of practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169544,"EventID":"S1W-33090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women under the age of 21 received (a) a custodial sentence, (b) a community penalty, (c) a monetary penalty and (d) any other penalty in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women under the age of 21 received (a) a custodial sentence, (b) a community penalty, (c) a monetary penalty and (d) any other penalty in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The information available, which relates to calendar years, is given in the following table. Females Aged Under 21 With a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts, by Type of Sentence, 1999-2001 | Year of Sentence | Main disposal | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Custody | 282 | 336 | 331 | Community sentence | 582 | 525 | 505 | Monetary | 1,530 | 1,416 | 1,357 | Other sentence | 885 | 782 | 730 | Total | 3,279 | 3,059 | 2,923 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169545,"EventID":"S1W-33091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 139 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"a serious problem is the lack of throug","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 139 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"a serious problem is the lack of throughcare and aftercare\" and \"prisoners serving less than four years are not subject to statutory aftercare and may receive no support after leaving prison\".","AnswerText":"We have recognised the need for improved throughcare and aftercare of prisoners in a major new policy development based on the Tripartite Group's report, Developing the Service. The report, which is to be published later this month, identifies young offenders as a priority group. Membership of the Tripartite Group is drawn from the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Prison Service and local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169546,"EventID":"S1W-33092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 163 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"there is no national information about ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 163 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"there is no national information about the number of children in residential schools\".","AnswerText":"The statement in the Audit Scotland report reads in full:There is no national information about the numbers of young people in residential schools where offending is one of the difficulties that needs to be tackled. The Executive publishes annually figures on looked after children in residential schools. Those for 2001-02 were published on 28 November 2002 and are available via the link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00199-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169547,"EventID":"S1W-33093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it has on the number of young people in residential and secure units and young offenders institutions that have mental health difficulties and on the staffing p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it has on the number of young people in residential and secure units and young offenders institutions that have mental health difficulties and on the staffing provision in such units and institutions, as referred to in paragraph 166 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people.","AnswerText":"In 2001-02 there were two admissions to secure care for children with a clinically diagnosed mental health illness. In the same year, 103 young people with a clinically diagnosed mental health illness were admitted to residential accommodation. Many young people in residential care are reported to have mental health issues and there are specialist resources available that care establishments draw from to support these young people. This support should be included in the young person's care plan. In the secure estate an independent child care psychologist provides services at St Mary's Kenmure and NHS Glasgow provides sessional psychological support at Kerelaw and at Rossie implementation of an improved mental health assessment and care package has commenced. The Health Department is also conducting a review of the need for a secure facility for young people with a clinically diagnosed mental health illness. In relation to Young Offenders Institutions (YOI), Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service has responded as follows: Approximately 10% of the young offender population at Polmont YOI have mental health problems. 2-3% of those are in receipt of prescribed psychiatric medication. HM YOI Polmont has a dedicated mental health team.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169548,"EventID":"S1W-33094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the statement in paragraph 190 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"information about the progress of young people ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in the light of the statement in paragraph 190 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"information about the progress of young people under supervision of local authorities is limited\", what data it has and what action it has taken, or plans to take, to improve the collection and collation of such data.","AnswerText":"Information on young people on a supervision requirement is held locally by local authorities. On 19 December, we allocated £3 million to local authorities to invest in IT to improve the information on and assessment of young people who offend.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169549,"EventID":"S1W-33095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 203 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"local authorities complain that there a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 203 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that \"local authorities complain that there are too many separate funding sources, that they appear uncoordinated and too much time is required to make applications\".","AnswerText":"The Executive is actively looking at ways of achieving more integrated funding streams, following the Spending Review 2002, as part of its general drive towards more integrated services for children and young people.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169550,"EventID":"S1W-33096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 204 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that, because the costs of custody in young o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the statement in paragraph 204 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, that, because the costs of custody in young offenders institutions are met by the Scottish Prison Service and the local authority meets the costs of secure accommodation which is five times more expensive, \"this means that financial incentives and the objective of minimising costs could conflict with the objective of achieving the best results for young people who have offended\" and whether it will accept the recommendation in the joint report by the Justice 1 and 2 Committees, Report on the Budget 2003-04, that funding for secure accommodation should come from the justice budget.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland has made no recommendations on this point. Where a child has been sentenced to be detained under section 205 or section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, the place and conditions in which the child is detained are subject to the direction of ministers. Normally, as a matter of policy, the place of detention is secure accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169551,"EventID":"S1W-33097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to recruit retired staff, sessional staff and train other professionals to deal with young people who offend, in the light of the finding in parag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to recruit retired staff, sessional staff and train other professionals to deal with young people who offend, in the light of the finding in paragraph 219 of the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people.","AnswerText":"We are currently in the second phase of the Care in Scotland Life Changing Work campaign launched in October 2002. The campaign deals with all areas of social care, which includes young people who offend. In June 2002 I announced new funding of £400,000 for postgraduate bursaries and a further £800,000 will be made available this year. These measures have already attracted additional graduates into social work training. The Executive is working with COSLA to identify further measures. I also announced in December 2002 that £3 million would be made available from the Intensive Support Fund. Part of this funding will improve the aftercare of young people leaving secure accommodation to return to residential units or the community.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169552,"EventID":"S1W-33098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its new national youth justice standards, as referred to by the Minister for Education and Young People on 5 December 2002 in its press release SEED1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its new national youth justice standards, as referred to by the Minister for Education and Young People on 5 December 2002 in its press release SEED153/2002.","AnswerText":"The National Standards for Scotland's Youth Justice Services report was published on 19 December 2002. It is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25683) and on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/nssyjs-00.asp","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169553,"EventID":"S1W-33099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded formally to the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, and, if so, whether it will make copies of its response publicly a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded formally to the Audit Scotland report, Dealing with offending by young people, and, if so, whether it will make copies of its response publicly available.","AnswerText":"The Executive responded to the Audit Scotland report, Youth Justice in Scotland on 5 December 2002. The news release containing this response, SEED 153/2002, is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2002/12/SEED153.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169554,"EventID":"S1W-33100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average out-patient waiting time has been in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average out-patient waiting time has been in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on the out-patient waiting times is published by the Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of NHSScotland. The annual median out-patient waiting times are published on the ISD Online website at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/Historic/annual1.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169555,"EventID":"S1W-33101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provision has been of NHS hospital-based or community-based chiropody services for older people in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the provision has been of NHS hospital-based or community-based chiropody services for older people in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The provision of chiropody services is the responsibility of local NHS systems who will consider the needs of older people when planning and developing local services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169556,"EventID":"S1W-33102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) sought and (b) made available under the (i) public transport, (ii) integrated transport or (iii) rural transport funds to support projects in the Ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) sought and (b) made available under the (i) public transport, (ii) integrated transport or (iii) rural transport funds to support projects in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Allocations have been sought and resources awarded to East Dunbartonshire Council as follows: | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | £ million | Public Transport Fund | Awarded (3 projects) | - | - | - | 0.150 | 0.100 | 1.026 | 1.121 | 2.001 | Rejected (2 projects) | - | - | 0.200 | 1.300 | 0.240 | - | - | - | Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets1 | Awarded | - | - | 0.114 | 0.066 | 0.101 | 0.176 | - | - | Rural Public Passenger Transport Grant2 | Awarded | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.032 | 0.041 | 0.042 | 0.047 | - | - | Rural Community Transport Initiative | Rejected (1 project) | 0.030 | 0.001 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Note: 1. Grant is paid on a formula allocation basis to all local authorities in Scotland. 2. Grant is paid on a formula allocation basis to all local authorities in Scotland, with the exception of City of Aberdeen Council, City of Dundee Council, City of Edinburgh Council, and City of Glasgow Council. Since Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) is responsible for securing public passenger transport within the East Dunbartonshire area, East Dunbartonshire Council has mandated payment of the grant shown to SPT. In addition, the Scottish Executive is currently considering an application to the Integrated Transport Fund from a consortium of partners which will involve the funding of pilot projects for travel behaviour change in Aberdeenshire, East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169557,"EventID":"S1W-33103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the East Dunbartonshire Council area are being provided with personal computers and access to the internet under the Better Neighbourhood Services ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the East Dunbartonshire Council area are being provided with personal computers and access to the internet under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire Council is not one of the 12 councils participating in the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169558,"EventID":"S1W-33104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for drug-specific treatment services for users resident in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for drug-specific treatment services for users resident in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Funding for treatment services is allocated to NHS boards. East Dunbartonshire falls within the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area. The following table details the funding made available for drug-specific treatment services allocated to Greater Glasgow NHS Board from 1998-99. Funding for drugs services prior to 1998-99 was arranged by contract between the Common Services Agency and individual boards and the information is not available centrally. NHS Board | Allocation 1998-99 (£000) | Allocation 1999-2000 (£000) | Allocation 2000-01 (£000) | Allocation 2001-02 (£000) | Allocation 2002-03 (£000) | Greater Glasgow* | 2,871 | 3,502 | 3,670 | 4,387 | 4,488 |
Note: *Funding does not include additional resources of £250,000 allocated to Greater Glasgow NHS Board in 2001-02 or £500,000 in 2002-03 to meet the treatment costs of the Glasgow Drug Court pilot.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169559,"EventID":"S1W-33105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for drug-specific education and rehabilitation has been allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for drug-specific education and rehabilitation has been allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The costs of rehabilitation are met through local authorities' Grant-aided expenditure (GAE). Additional funding of £147,00 per annum has been included within East Dunbartonshire's GAE line for drugs-specific rehabilitation for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. Funding for drugs education is met within overall education budgets. However, an additional £25,000 has been made available to East Dunbartonshire Education Department for this purpose for 2001-02 and for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169560,"EventID":"S1W-33106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding for drug-related work with young people and families has been allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding for drug-related work with young people and families has been allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Additional funding of £157,000 from the Changing Children's Services Fund has been made available to East Dunbartonshire Council over the period 2001-02 to 2003-04 for drug-related work with young people and families.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169561,"EventID":"S1W-33107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to date has been of (a) developing and (b) maintaining the Care in Scotland website, inclusive of VAT.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to date has been of (a) developing and (b) maintaining the Care in Scotland website, inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"Development and maintenance costs are £34,762 inclusive of VAT.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169562,"EventID":"S1W-33108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected annual running costs are of the Care in Scotland website and for how many years the website is forecast to operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected annual running costs are of the Care in Scotland website and for how many years the website is forecast to operate.","AnswerText":"Development and maintenance costs to date are £34,762 inclusive of VAT. Hosting and search engine submission costs are respectively, £300 and £1,200 per year, exclusive of VAT. It is anticipated that the website will operate well beyond the initial advertising of the campaign. The website has attracted significant interest and is proving to be a valuable source of information. There is currently no time limit. We will continue to develop and update the website as long as it remains valuable and delivers results.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169563,"EventID":"S1W-33109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the running costs incurred in respect of the Care in Scotland website are met from (a) the existing departmental budget and, if so, from what part of the budget, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the running costs incurred in respect of the Care in Scotland website are met from (a) the existing departmental budget and, if so, from what part of the budget, (b) new money allocated by it or (c) a central advertising budget.","AnswerText":"The running costs for the Care in Scotland website are met from the existing departmental programme spend.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169564,"EventID":"S1W-33110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful hits, (b) page impressions and (c) visits or user sessions the Care in Scotland website has had in each month since the site went live.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) successful hits, (b) page impressions and (c) visits or user sessions the Care in Scotland website has had in each month since the site went live.","AnswerText":"Successful hits, page views and visit numbers are set out in the following table: Summary of Activity by Time Increment Time Interval | Hits | Page Views | Bytes | Visits | Fri 25-10-2002 to Thu 31-10-2002 | 185,521 | 15,086 | 415.43M | 4,557 | Fri 01-11-2002 to Thu 07-11-2002 | 170,558 | 14,482 | 392.27M | 4,629 | Fri 08-11-2002 to Thu 14-11-2002 | 185,577 | 15,792 | 419.94M | 5,468 | Fri 15-11-2002 to Thu 21-11-2002 | 129,578 | 10,713 | 288.79 M | 4,356 | Fri 22-11-2002 to Thu 28-11-2002 | 58,003 | 4,944 | 140.13 M | 2,714 | Fri 29-11-2002 to Thu 05-12-2002 | 38,805 | 3,297 | 106.56 M | 2,122 | Fri 06-12-2002 to Thu 12-12-2002 | 36,318 | 2,835 | 88.41 M | 1,701 | Fri 13-12-2002 to Thu 19-12-2002 | 27,658 | 2,134 | 63.85 M | 1,341 | Fri 20-12-2002 to Thu 26-12-2002 | 11,423 | 1,148 | 36.70 M | 794 | Fri 27-12-2002 to Thu 02-01-2003 | 16,576 | 1,322 | 37.90 M | 1,058 | Fri 03-01-2003 to Thu 09-01-2003 | 40,282 | 3,068 | 100.70 M | 1,769 | Fri 10-01-2003 to Thu 16-01-2003 | 33,277 | 2,427 | 78.59 M | 1,538 | Fri 17-01-2003 to Thu 23-01-2003 | 874 | 95 | 3.04 M | 65 | Total | 934,450 | 77,343 | 2,172.37 M | 32,112 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169565,"EventID":"S1W-33111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Arts Council awarded to (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Arts Council awarded to (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas per head of population in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Arts Council. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169566,"EventID":"S1W-33112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much national lottery funding has been awarded per head of population in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much national lottery funding has been awarded per head of population in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas in each year since 1993, broken down by theme.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the lottery distributing bodies. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169567,"EventID":"S1W-33113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households has access to one or more cars in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbarto","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households has access to one or more cars in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas.","AnswerText":"The only information which is available comes from the Scottish Household Survey (SHS). It relates to the availability of cars for private use. Overall, in 1999-2000, 64% of households in Scotland had one or more cars available for private use. The percentages for the local authorities were: Glasgow City (40%), Aberdeen City (62%), City of Edinburgh (59%), East Renfrewshire (81%) and East Dunbartonshire (81%).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169568,"EventID":"S1W-33114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic density has been on major roads in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic density has been on major roads in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas in each year since 1996, broken down by road class.","AnswerText":"Information about volume of traffic is given on pages 95-97 of Scottish Transport Statistics No. 21, 2002 Edition, and in the equivalent tables of earlier editions. A copy of this document has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169569,"EventID":"S1W-33115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available figures are on the projected growth in road traffic from 2001 in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available figures are on the projected growth in road traffic from 2001 in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given on page 51 of Steer Davies Gleave's 2001 report to the Executive, Review of Local Transport Strategies and RTRA Reports, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18728).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169570,"EventID":"S1W-33116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available figures are on the projected road traffic growth from 2001, assuming local Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 targets are achieved, in (a) Scotland and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available figures are on the projected road traffic growth from 2001, assuming local Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 targets are achieved, in (a) Scotland and the (b) Glasgow, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Edinburgh, (e) East Renfrewshire and (f) East Dunbartonshire local authority areas.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given on page 51 of Steer Davies Gleave's 2001 report to the Executive, Review of Local Transport Strategies and RTRA Reports, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18728).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169571,"EventID":"S1W-33117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities will be included in the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educational needs announced by the Minister for Education and Young P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities will be included in the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educational needs announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 14 January 2003; how much each local authority will receive from the #150,000 announced for the network, and what formula will determine the amounts received by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Inclusive Learning Network project is funded through the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Innovation Grants Programme, which is paid to the voluntary sector in support of good practice and new ideas in SEN provision. The Equity Group has been awarded £150,000 to take forward this project in partnership with six local authorities: Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, Scottish Borders and North Lanarkshire. Local authorities, although providing staff and other resources, will not directly receive any of the £150,000 project funding.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169572,"EventID":"S1W-33118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what period the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 14 January 2003 for the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what period the #150,000 announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 14 January 2003 for the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educational needs will cover.","AnswerText":"The Inclusive Learning Network was formally launched on 14 January 2003. The Equity Group were awarded £150,000 to take forward this project within the period June 2002 to March 2004. Funding is paid through the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169573,"EventID":"S1W-33119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educational needs announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 14 January 2003 will be expand","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Inclusive Learning Network for children with special educational needs announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 14 January 2003 will be expanded to enable all local authorities to become part of the scheme.","AnswerText":"The Inclusive Learning Network is a discrete project, ending in March 2004, funded via the Executive's Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme for the voluntary sector. There are no current plans to extend it beyond the six local authorities involved. There will be a final evaluation report on the project which should help inform best practice in other local authority areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169574,"EventID":"S1W-33120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development will play in the consideration of the planning application to build a 60-turbine wind power station at Ro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development will play in the consideration of the planning application to build a 60-turbine wind power station at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth and of the objections to the application, with specific reference to national scenic areas.","AnswerText":"The Minister for the Environment and Rural Development will have no direct role to play in the consideration of the application for consent for the proposed wind farm development at Robin Rigg. I shall make the determination on behalf of the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169575,"EventID":"S1W-33121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to consider the planning application to build a 60-turbine wind power station at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth and what consultation process will be intr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to consider the planning application to build a 60-turbine wind power station at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth and what consultation process will be introduced.","AnswerText":"An application has been made to the Scottish ministers for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the construction and operation of a wind farm at Robin Rigg. That part of development that will take place within Scottish waters will not require planning consent.A decision on this application is expected in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169576,"EventID":"S1W-33122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct subsidy would be payable to the developers if the 60-turbine wind power station proposed at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth was approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct subsidy would be payable to the developers if the 60-turbine wind power station proposed at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth was approved.","AnswerText":"The developers have made an application to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for assistance under the UK Capital Grants Scheme for offshore wind. The outcome will be determined by a competitive process and is expected to be announced during the summer.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169577,"EventID":"S1W-33123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual average subsidy would be payable by electricity consumers for the electricity generated if the 60-turbine wind power station being proposed for Robin Rigg in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual average subsidy would be payable by electricity consumers for the electricity generated if the 60-turbine wind power station being proposed for Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth was approved.","AnswerText":"The Renewables Obligation (Scotland) imposes limited additional costs upon all suppliers of renewable energy. The extent to which these costs are reclaimed from consumers is a commercial matter for the companies concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169578,"EventID":"S1W-33124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider holding a public inquiry on the proposed location of the Robin Rigg development, given the opposition of Dumfries and Galloway Council and Allerd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider holding a public inquiry on the proposed location of the Robin Rigg development, given the opposition of Dumfries and Galloway Council and Allerdale District Council to the development.","AnswerText":"This application for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 has completed its public consultation process and is being considered by officials. A recommendation has yet to be brought before the Scottish ministers for determination. The decision on whether a public inquiry should be held will be made then.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169579,"EventID":"S1W-33132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) awarded to and (b) spent by each local authority for the storage, transportation and disposal of disused fridges and free'ers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) awarded to and (b) spent by each local authority for the storage, transportation and disposal of disused fridges and free'ers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-23475 on 7 March 2002 and S1W-32103 on 2 December 2002, (All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa) detailing the amounts of specific grant to local authorities in 2001-02 and 2002-03 respectively. The Executive's three-year funding settlement for local authorities, announced on 4 December 2002 and detailed in Finance Circular No 10/2002 (Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 25556), contained further provision for waste management and disposal of fridges, as follows: Year | £ million | 2003-04 | 4 | 2004-05 | 4 | 2005-06 | 2.5 |
That funding will be disbursed as part of the local authority settlement for those years and allocated under the GAE distribution formula for waste disposal. Local Authority Provisional Outturn and Budget Estimate returns to the Scottish Executive identify expenditure on Waste Collection, Waste Disposal, Street Cleaning and Recycling. They do not separately record expenditure on the storage, transportation and disposal of disused fridges and freezers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169580,"EventID":"S1W-33133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the allocations to local authorities for the storage, transportation and disposal of disused fridges and free'ers in the light of the demand f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the allocations to local authorities for the storage, transportation and disposal of disused fridges and free'ers in the light of the demand for service.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made two allocations of specific grant and in each case consulted local authorities beforehand as to their potential costs. We are satisfied that the allocations are fair in all the circumstances and have no plans to carry out a third review.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169581,"EventID":"S1W-33134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31889 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 December 2002, at what peak times the cardiac response unit (CRU) operates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31889 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 December 2002, at what peak times the cardiac response unit (CRU) operates.","AnswerText":"The peak times during which the CRU operates have been identified through the analysis of relevant clinical data, and are continually monitored to ensure the CRU can meet the predicted demand. The CRU currently operates between the hours of 8am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169582,"EventID":"S1W-33135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to reconfigure coronary care services at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to reconfigure coronary care services at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at the moment to reconfigure coronary care services at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169583,"EventID":"S1W-33136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been made available to Lothian and Borders Police because of increased security risks from terrorist attacks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been made available to Lothian and Borders Police because of increased security risks from terrorist attacks.","AnswerText":"Funding levels for Scottish police forces are currently at record levels. As a result of the spending review, the Grant Aided Expenditure for Lothian and Borders Police will rise by almost 20% between 2002-03 and 2005-06 (from £149 million to £179 million). In addition to payment of police grant, Lothian and Borders Police has been given an extra £660,000 over 2001-02 and 2002-03 towards the cost of dealing with increased security risks.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169584,"EventID":"S1W-33137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Lothian and Borders Police officers in the City of Edinburgh area have had less than (a) one year's service and (b) two years' service in each year since 1999, b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Lothian and Borders Police officers in the City of Edinburgh area have had less than (a) one year's service and (b) two years' service in each year since 1999, broken down by division.","AnswerText":"Information at this level of detail is not held centrally. It would be for Lothian and Borders Police to provide.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169585,"EventID":"S1W-33138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to the correspondence sent to it in August 2002 by Stirling Council regarding re-regulation of the bus industry; if not, when it expects to respo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to the correspondence sent to it in August 2002 by Stirling Council regarding re-regulation of the bus industry; if not, when it expects to respond, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I replied to Stirling Council's letter of 15 August on this matter on 4 September.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169586,"EventID":"S1W-33139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official visits by ministers there have been to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official visits by ministers there have been to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169587,"EventID":"S1W-33140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the proposed advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the proposed advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003.","AnswerText":"The Electoral Commission, which is independent, has responsibility for running the public awareness campaign for the Scottish Parliament elections. The Scottish Executive has this responsibility with regard to local elections as these fall outside the remit of the commission. The commission and Executive are working together in the run up to 1 May to encourage increased voter participation. The detail of the joint campaign has still to be finalised but it is expected that the Executive will contribute about £230,000 to the advertising costs for newspapers, poster sites and television for the local government element. I understand that the commission has appointed St Luke's advertising agency to handle the campaign. Questions on the costs of the Scottish Parliament elections element of the campaign are for the commission.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169588,"EventID":"S1W-33141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which company has been awarded the contract for the advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003 and what the value is of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which company has been awarded the contract for the advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003 and what the value is of the contract.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33140. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169589,"EventID":"S1W-33142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003 (a) in (i) local and (ii) national newspapers and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the advertising campaign for the Scottish Parliament and local government elections in May 2003 (a) in (i) local and (ii) national newspapers and (b) on (1) the radio and (2) television.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33140 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169590,"EventID":"S1W-33143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) amount and (b) percentage of support to ScotRail has been paid to Railtrack in track access charges in each year since 1997, broken down into (i) maintenance an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) amount and (b) percentage of support to ScotRail has been paid to Railtrack in track access charges in each year since 1997, broken down into (i) maintenance and renewals by contractors and (ii) any other charges and what estimates have been made of the (1) amount and (2) percentage of support for the new franchise operator to be spent on such charges. ","AnswerText":"Full details of ScotRail's income and expenditure can be found in the statutory accounts of ScotRail Railways Limited which are filed at Companies House. Future track access charges levied will be set by the Rail Regulator.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169591,"EventID":"S1W-33144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32523 by Dr Elaine Murray on 13 January 2003, what its definition of transparency is in relation to answers to parliamentary questi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32523 by Dr Elaine Murray on 13 January 2003, what its definition of transparency is in relation to answers to parliamentary questions, and where it is available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33145 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169592,"EventID":"S1W-33145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31965 and S1W-32522 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 and 27 December 2002 respectively, what its definition of commercial confidentiality","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31965 and S1W-32522 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 and 27 December 2002 respectively, what its definition of commercial confidentiality is; where this is available and, if no written definition of commercial confidentiality exists, who decides against disclosing information to MSPs on the grounds of commercial confidentiality.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information is available to officials who provide advice to ministers on whether the information held by the Scottish Executive should be disclosed. A copy of the Code of Practice is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 9648).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169593,"EventID":"S1W-33146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31965 and S1W-32522 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 and 27 December 2002 respectively, whether a decision on the commercial confidential","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31965 and S1W-32522 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 and 27 December 2002 respectively, whether a decision on the commercial confidentiality of information lies with it, its agencies or any other public body, or with the commercial interest with which they may be involved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33145 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169594,"EventID":"S1W-33147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels are entitled to fish in the Scottish 'one and whether it will give a breakdown of such vessels registered (a) in and (b) outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels are entitled to fish in the Scottish 'one and whether it will give a breakdown of such vessels registered (a) in and (b) outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"All UK licensed fishing vessels, just over 6,470, are entitled to fish in the Scottish fishery zone. In addition, vessels from other member states and third countries are also entitled to fish in the zone. Of the UK licensed vessels, 2,333 have a port of registration in Scotland with the remainder having registration markings linked to ports outwith Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169595,"EventID":"S1W-33148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address any increase in the level of crack cocaine use and whether any measures already introduced have met with success and, if so, whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address any increase in the level of crack cocaine use and whether any measures already introduced have met with success and, if so, whether it will give details of such measures, with particular regard to Grampian.","AnswerText":"Effective strategic and tactical tasking and co-ordinating arrangements established in Scotland, together with a willingness of agencies to work together, mean that law enforcement is well placed to respond to a crack cocaine threat. In March 2002, the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency (SDEA), in collaboration with the National Criminal Intelligence Service, produced an assessment of the impact of cocaine and crack cocaine in Scotland and made recommendations on how enforcement agencies might best respond to the problem. This will be updated in the current financial year. The SDEA is also represented on the Association of Chief Police Officers' Crack Cocaine Group, which provides Scottish Police Forces with information on developments in England and Wales. Since 1997, Grampian Police have proactively targeted individuals involved in the sale or supply of crack cocaine. Long- and short-term operations have been mounted in relation to these individuals, in addition to the continual application of disruption techniques. Grampian Police Drug Squad have forged links with the West Midlands Police and Metropolitan Police in order to improve the flow of intelligence, and this is steadily reaping benefits. Data on the extent of the problem and the number of seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine are provided in the response to S1W-33149 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169596,"EventID":"S1W-33149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the presence of crack cocaine and incidence of misuse of the drug in each police force area, giving any information on any link to crime and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the presence of crack cocaine and incidence of misuse of the drug in each police force area, giving any information on any link to crime and demand on local drug services, with particular regard to Grampian.","AnswerText":"Table 1 details the number and quantity of seizures of crack cocaine in each police force area from 1995 to 2000, the latest year where published data is available. Grampian Police data indicates that recoveries of crack cocaine within the Grampian Region have increased from 300 grammes in 1998 to 800 grammes in 2002. Table 2 details the percentage of new individual patients/clients who reported using cocaine and crack cocaine in the Grampian NHS Board area and Scotland-wide from 1997-98 to 2001-02. Crack cocaine use is strongly associated with both acquisitive and violent crimes. Recent research suggests that crack users took part in a significantly higher level of acquisitive crime and other criminality than other drug users. Typical crimes committed by crack users were shoplifting and handling stolen goods. In addition, cocaine and crack cocaine have strong links to the sex trade. A Working Group of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse published a report in August 2002 on psychostimulant use in Scotland, particularly cocaine, crack cocaine and amphetamines. The report, which can be accessed on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org highlighted a small, but growing, problem of cocaine and crack cocaine use in Scotland and made a wide range of recommendations covering prevention, the planning and delivery of services, training, research and information, availability and resourcing. The recommendations are currently being implemented by the Executive. As part of the implementation work, the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit issued practical guidance to Drug Action Teams and local agencies on the planning and delivery of services for cocaine and crack cocaine users. It has also committed funding of £100,000 per annum over the following two financial years, for a pilot service for cocaine and crack cocaine users in the Aberdeen area. Officials are currently working with the local Drug Action Team and local agencies on the details of the pilot service, which it is hoped will come into operation before the end of this financial year. Table 1: Seizures of Crack Cocaine; Number of Crack Cocaine Seizures by Police Force Area | | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | Scotland | 1 | 2 | 3 | 18 | 34 | 34 | Central | - | - | - | - | - | - | Dumfries and Galloway | - | - | - | - | - | - | Fife | - | - | - | - | - | The total population in East Dunbartonshire local authority area rose from 109,684 as at the 1981 census to an estimated 110,760 in 2000. Estimated average (mean) household size fell from 2.68 persons per household in 1994 to 2.57 in 2000. In 1995, all the population within the old district council area of Bearsden and Milngavie and around 80% of the population of Strathkelvin fell within the East Dunbartonshire local authority area. Population estimates were produced for these parts of old district council areas but average household sizes were not. Population in the combined old district council areas of Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin rose from 113,116 as at the 1971 census to an estimated 127,220 in 2000. Average (mean) household size fell from 3.25 persons per household as at the 1971 Census to 2.74 as at the 1991 Census. It is not possible to provide equivalent household data from the 1961 census as the counties in place at that time split the area now covered by East Dunbartonshire into several different parts and covered very different areas. Census and Estimated Total Population and Average Household Size in the East Dunbartonshire Local Authority Area 1971 to 2000 | | Population | Average Household Size | Bearsden and Milngavie | Strathkelvin | Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin | East Dunbartonshire | Bearsden and Milngavie | Strathkelvin | Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin | East Dunbartonshire | 1971 | 35,8781 | 77,2381 | 113,1161 | | 3.081 | 3.341 | 3.251 | | 1981 | 39,3511 | 86,6441 | 125,9951 | 109,6842 | 2.981 | 3.081 | 3.051 | | 1991 | 40,6121 | 85,1911 | 125,8031 | 110,6302 | 2.731 | 2.741 | 2.741 | | | In 1995 all the population within the old district council area of Bearsden and Milngavie and around 80% of the population of Strathkelvin fell within the East Dunbartonshire local authority area. Information from the 1971, 1981 and 1991 censuses has been used to show the number of households within these two old district council areas. It is not possible to provide equivalent household data from the 1961 census, as the counties in place at that time split the area now covered by East Dunbartonshire local authority area into several different parts and covered very different areas. (a) In the combined old district council areas of Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin, the number of one adult households (with no children) rose from 3,843 as at the 1971 Census to 9,069 in 1991 Census. Information from the 1994-based household projections show 8,400 one adult households in the East Dunbartonshire local authority area in 1994 rising to 10,230 in 2000 (taken from the 2000-based household projections). (b) In the combined old district council areas of Bearsden and Milgavie and Strathkelvin the number of one adult households with one or more child rose from 410 as at the 1971 census to 1,456 in 1991 census. Information from the 1994-based household projections show 1,400 one adult households with one or more child in the East Dunbartonshire local authority area in 1994 rising to 1,890 in 2000 (taken from the 2000-based household projections). (c) In the combined old district council areas of Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin, the number of two or more adult households with one or more child fell from 16,063 as at the 1971 census to 15,181 in 1991 census. Information from the 1994-based household projections show 12,700 two or more adult households with one or more child in the East Dunbartonshire local authority area in 1994 falling to 11,690 in 2000 (taken from the 2000-based household projections). Census and Household Projection Based Number of Households by Household Type in the East Dunbartonshire Local Authority Area 1971 to 2000 | | One Adult Households | Bearsden and Milngavie | Strathkelvin | Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin | East Dunbartonshire | 19711 | 1,399 | 2,444 | 3,843 | | 19811 | 2,074 | 3,808 | 5,882 | | 19911 | 2,956 | 6,113 | 9,069 | | 19922 | | | | | 19932 | | | | | 19943 | | | The table shows the total number of households and number of two adult households there are projected to be in Scotland and in the East Dunbartonshire local authority area for years 2000 to 2014. Projected Number of Two Adult (No Children) Households in the East Dunbartonshire Local Authority Area 2000-2014 | | Scotland | East Dunbartonshire | Scotland | East Dunbartonshire | All Households | Two Adult Households | 2000 | 2,203,160 | 42,110 | 648,390 | 12,660 | 2001 | 2,222,100 | 42,620 | 655,910 | 12,850 | 2002 | 2,239,470 | 43,070 | 665,020 | 13,070 | 2003 | 2,257,310 | 43,520 | 674,290 | 13,270 | 2004 | 2,276,310 | 43,970 | 683,910 | 13,470 | 2005 | 2,294,620 | 44,430 | 692,800 | 13,640 | 2006 | 2,313,210 | 44,860 | 702,050 | 13,820 | 2007 | 2,332,380 | 45,270 | 711,970 | 13,970 | 2008 | 2,351,940 | 45,680 | 722,270 | 14,150 | 2009 | 2,370,450 | 46,030 | 732,260 | 14,300 | 2010 | 2,389,290 | 46,430 | 742,310 | 14,460 | 2011 | 2,407,810 | 46,750 | 751,970 | 14,600 | 2012 | 2,426,080 | 47,070 | 761,490 | 14,730 | | Year | Number of Jobs | 1995* | 22,899 | 1996* | 23,961 | 1997 | 22,555 | 1998 | 26,191 | 1999 | 24,983 | 2000 | 25,935 | 2001* | 27,641 |
Note: Figures denoted with * indicate aggregates from which agriculture class 0100 (1992 SIC) have been excluded.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169601,"EventID":"S1W-33154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total number of jobs and (b) employment growth rates have been in the (i) energy, (ii) water, (iii) manufacturing, (iv) construction, (v) distribution, (vi) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total number of jobs and (b) employment growth rates have been in the (i) energy, (ii) water, (iii) manufacturing, (iv) construction, (v) distribution, (vi) hotels, (vii) restaurant, (viii) transport, (ix) communications, (x) banking, (xi) finance, (xii) insurance, (xiii) public administration, (xiv) education and (xv) health sectors in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year from 1995","AnswerText":"(a) The total number of employee jobs in East Dunbartonshire, by industry groups, in each year since 1995 is shown in Table 1. (b) The annual employment growth rate of employee jobs, in East Dunbartonshire, by industry groups, in each year since 1995 is shown in Table 2. Table 1 Industry | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Agriculture and fishing Energy and water | *497 | *205 | 458 | 331 | 198 | 179 | *93 | Manufacturing | 2,199 | 3,006 | 2,455 | 2,868 | 3,260 | 2,839 | 2,885 | Construction | 1,919 | 1,777 | 1,550 | 2,171 | 1,434 | 1,886 | 1,556 | Hotels and Restaurants | 1,553 | 1,261 | 1,548 | 1,590 | 1,671 | 1,613 | 1,550 | Distribution | 5,235 | 5,182 | 4,775 | 4,971 | 4,787 | 4,794 | 4,972 | Transport and Communications | 472 | 474 | 1,027 | 932 | 885 | 914 | 1,001 | Banking | 372 | 324 | 269 | 263 | 257 | 318 | 287 | Finance and Insurance etc | 2,941 | 3,106 | 2,729 | 4,094 | 4,355 | 5,054 | 6,291 | Public Admin/Defence; Compulsory SS | 746 | 611 | 455 | 1,820 | 1,869 | 1,873 | 1,184 | Education | 1,862 | 2672 | 2,187 | Table 2 shows the annual percentage change in number of people in employment, in the East Dunbartonshire Council area, in each year from 1999, by gender. Table 1 Year | East Dunbartonshire | Male (000) | Female (000) | All (000) | 1999 | 28 | 26 | 54 | 2000 | 26 | 25 | 51 | 2001 | 33 | 26 | 59 |
Table 2 Years | East Dunbartonshire | Male | Female | All | 1999-2000 | -7.1% | -3.8% | -5.6% | 2000-01 | 26.9% | 4.0% | 15.7% |
The above data will be subject to revisions in autumn 2003. This is because the data is from the Labour Force Survey, which is currently based on data from the 1991 census. In autumn 2003, the Labour Force Survey will be revised to reflect the results of the 2001 census.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169604,"EventID":"S1W-33157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32232 by Iain Gray on 13 December 2002, how many people have been unemployed in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32232 by Iain Gray on 13 December 2002, how many people have been unemployed in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1995 and what the unemployment rates were in each year.","AnswerText":"The annual average residence-based claimant count unemployment level and rate for East Dunbartonshire Council Area and Scotland in each year from 1996 to 2002 are shown in the following table: | | East Dunbartonshire | Scotland | Year | Count | Rate | Count | Rate | 1995 | 2,927 | N/A | 203,494 | 7.7% | 1996 | 2,874 | 5.1% | 195,102 | 7.6% | 1997 | 2,280 | 4.1% | 159,606 | 6.3% | 1998 | 2,010 | 3.6% | 141,527 | 5.7% | 1999 | 1,673 | 3.0% | 133,850 | 5.3% | 2000 | 1,544 | 2.8% | 119,478 | 4.8% | 2001 | 1,375 | 2.5% | 108,076 | 4.3% | 2002 | 1,338 | 2.4% | 104,596 | 4.1% |
Note: *All the above rates will be subject to revisions in autumn 2003. This is because they are dependent on information from mid-year population estimates and the Labour Force Survey. Revised mid-year population estimates will become available from analysis of the 2001 census and the Labour Force Survey will then be regrossed. This will give new estimates of economic activity. Comparable residence-based rates for 1995 are not available due to claimant count data for this year being held only for 1981 ward boundaries not 1991 ward boundaries from which the 1996 to 2002 rates are calculated.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169605,"EventID":"S1W-33158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of S4 pupils gained five or more awards at level 5 or better in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of S4 pupils gained five or more awards at level 5 or better in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) the East Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the following reports, published by the Scottish Executive Education Department: Title | Year of Publication | Page | Bib. number | Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1995-97 | 1997 | 98 | 24983 | Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1996-98 | 1998 | 98 | 24984 | Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1997-99 | 1999 | 98 | 7541 | Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1999-2001 | 2001 | 5 | 17908 | Examination Results in Scottish Schools 2000-02 | 2002 | 3 | 25488 |
Copies of the above are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Since 1999, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework has been used as the basis for reporting attainment. Level 5 equates to a Standard Grade at award 1 or 2 and an Intermediate 2 pass at award A-C.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169606,"EventID":"S1W-33159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of S6 pupils gained three or more awards at level 6 or better in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) East Renfrews","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of S6 pupils gained three or more awards at level 6 or better in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) East Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31186 on 13 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Since 1999, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework has been used as the basis for reporting attainment. Level 6 equates to a Higher pass at award A-C.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169607,"EventID":"S1W-33160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the destinations were of school leavers in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) East Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the destinations were of school leavers in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) East Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in Table 4 of the News Release Destinations of Leavers from Scottish Schools 2001/02 published by the Scottish Executive on 18 December 2002. A copy of the above is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25743).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169608,"EventID":"S1W-33161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people there have been holding (a) no educational qualifications, (b) ordinary grade or equivalent qualifications, (c) higher grade or equ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people there have been holding (a) no educational qualifications, (b) ordinary grade or equivalent qualifications, (c) higher grade or equivalent qualifications, (d) professional qualifications and (e) a degree qualification in (i) Scotland, (ii) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (iii) East Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1995.","AnswerText":"Table 1 showing highest qualification held by year from 1995 to 2001 for working age people in Scotland. Year | Number (000) | No Qualifications | Below Ordinary Grade | Ordinary Grade | Higher Grade | Professional | Degree | 1995 | Number | 625 | 398 | 534 | 983 | 327 | 356 | % | 19 | 12 | 17 | 31 | 10 | 11 | 1996 | Number | 637 | 350 | 531 | 983 | 360 | 356 | % | 20 | 11 | 17 | 31 | 11 | 10 | 1997 | Number | 565 | 416 | 519 | 984 | 356 | 374 | % | 15 | 11 | 14 | 26 | 9 | 10 | 1998 | Number | 541 | 399 | 495 | 949 | 357 | 405 | % | 17 | 13 | 16 | 30 | 11 | 13 | 1999 | Number | 565 | 374 | 502 | 933 | 361 | 428 | % | 18 | 12 | 16 | 30 | 11 | 14 | 2000 | Number | 553 | 355 | 499 | 944 | 390 | 430<","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169609,"EventID":"S1W-33162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reconviction rates have been for offenders (a) discharged from custody and (b) given non-custodial sentences in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reconviction rates have been for offenders (a) discharged from custody and (b) given non-custodial sentences in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The available information on two-year reconviction rates for the disposals requested are given in the following table. Persons Released from a Custodial Sentence or Given a Non-Custodial Sentence in Each Year 1996 to 1999: Percentage Reconvicted Within Two Years, by Index Result1 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | All offenders | 45 | 44 | 43 | 42 | Index disposal: custody | 66 | 63 | 63 | 61 | Index disposal: non-custody | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 |
Note: 1. Figures are provisional.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169610,"EventID":"S1W-33163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it had with the Home Secretary with regard to the changes in gun laws that would impact on the Scottish judiciary's exercise of judicial discretion pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it had with the Home Secretary with regard to the changes in gun laws that would impact on the Scottish judiciary's exercise of judicial discretion prior to the (a) announcement of the proposal for a minimum sentence for the illegal possession of a firearm and (b) meeting on gun crime held in London on 10 January 2003 and what ministerial representation or representation from the Justice Department, the police or other appropriate agencies there was at that meeting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been engaged in regular and continuing discussions with the Home Office on a wide range of firearms issues, including the recently announced proposals to combat gun crime. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland was represented at the gun crime meeting held on 10 January.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169611,"EventID":"S1W-33164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultancy contracts have been entered into by each local enterprise company in each of the last three years; how many such contracts are currently in place, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultancy contracts have been entered into by each local enterprise company in each of the last three years; how many such contracts are currently in place, and what percentage of the annual budget of each company each such contract has represented.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Enterprise Networks.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169612,"EventID":"S1W-33165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEfm075/2002 on 28 October 2002, how its relocation policy review will be implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEfm075/2002 on 28 October 2002, how its relocation policy review will be implemented.","AnswerText":"The implementation of the new strand to the relocation policy will be taken forward in consultation with key public sector stakeholders. The Executive has written to bodies covered by the relocation policy requesting that they identify small units of work that could be successfully carried out in more remote areas, without compromising efficiency. Reviews will then be carried out on the most promising opportunities. More detailed aspects of how the scheme will operate have been discussed with Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and COSLA. The Executive will shortly be writing to all local authorities and local enterprise companies to alert them to the details.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169613,"EventID":"S1W-33166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has undertaken to ascertain the number of households that receive their public water supply through lead piping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has undertaken to ascertain the number of households that receive their public water supply through lead piping.","AnswerText":"In order to determine the extent of the work required to meet the new standard for lead set in the EC Drinking Water Directive by the target date of December 2003, Scottish Water undertook a survey to determine the extent of the lead problem across Scotland. The results of the lead survey will be used to determine where water treatment measures are required to reduce the tendency for the water to dissolve lead from lead pipes. The survey was not designed to ascertain the number of households with lead plumbing but to identify water supply areas within which there was likely to be a significant number of properties with lead plumbing. By December 2003, around 25% of water supplies, covering about 75% of the population, will be treated to minimise the uptake of lead from lead pipes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169614,"EventID":"S1W-33167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into the effect on public health of the supply of water through lead piping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into the effect on public health of the supply of water through lead piping.","AnswerText":"A survey of lead levels in the water in new Scottish homes, commissioned by the Scottish Executive, was carried out by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) and published in November 2000. The outcome of further work by SCIEH, building on that survey, will be published within the next eight weeks. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169615,"EventID":"S1W-33168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to taking part in any pilot schemes in association with Scottish Water and Glasgow City Council to ascertain the number of households rece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to taking part in any pilot schemes in association with Scottish Water and Glasgow City Council to ascertain the number of households receiving their public water supply through lead piping.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to take part in a pilot scheme to ascertain the number of households in the Glasgow City Council area that have lead pipes. The recent Scotland-wide study, undertaken by Scottish Water, has identified areas where there are likely to be a significant number of properties with lead plumbing. This study included the Glasgow City Council area. The results of the study will allow Scottish Water to take action to ensure that the new, tighter standard for lead contained in the EC Drinking Water Directive is complied with by the due date of 25 December 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169616,"EventID":"S1W-33169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32390 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, what appropriate agencies and airport operators are working with it in developing det","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32390 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, what appropriate agencies and airport operators are working with it in developing details of the Interim Route Development Fund and when details of this work will be made public. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is working in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland in carrying forward its route development initiative. Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited are involved with respect to Highlands and Islands issues. Officials and appointed consultants have met, and continue to hold discussions with, the operators of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow Prestwick, Dundee and Highlands and Islands Airports.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169617,"EventID":"S1W-33170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32390 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, whether any of the discussions with airlines were with British Airways or Loganair an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32390 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, whether any of the discussions with airlines were with British Airways or Loganair and covered the use of the Interim Route Development Fund to develop their Highlands and Islands services.","AnswerText":"The Interim Route Development Fund is focussed on investing in UK and European routes which show the greatest value to Scotland as a whole in terms of business links, inward investment and inbound tourism. Consultants are currently developing a meetings strategy, which will include Loganair and BA Citiexpress, in order to pursue opportunities for developing target routes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169618,"EventID":"S1W-33171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the replacement of lead piping joining domestic premises to the public water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the replacement of lead piping joining domestic premises to the public water supply.","AnswerText":"In some areas, lead pipes were used to connect domestic properties to the public water supply up until about 1970. This pipe, known as the service pipe, is made up of the communication pipe and the supply pipe. Scottish Water is responsible for the communication pipe, the section in the street up to the property boundary and property owners are responsible for the supply pipe, the section from the property boundary into the property itself. Any internal lead plumbing is the responsibility of the property owner. As part of its work renewing water mains across Scotland, Scottish Water is replacing any lead communication pipes it comes across. Scottish Water also advises property owners of the risks from their own lead pipes and of steps that they can take to reduce that risk. In addition, if a property owner replaces their lead supply pipe, then Scottish Water is required, upon request, to replace the corresponding lead communication pipe.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169619,"EventID":"S1W-33172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is providing to assist the replacement of lead piping joining domestic premises to the public water supply. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is providing to assist the replacement of lead piping joining domestic premises to the public water supply. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Water is replacing lead communication pipes as part of the £1.8 billion pound investment programme agreed between Scottish ministers and Scottish Water over the period 2002-06. The communication pipe is the pipe that connects the public water supply to property owners private systems. Lead communication pipes are replaced as part of the water mains renewal programme and this work will continue beyond 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169620,"EventID":"S1W-33173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to encourage farmers to replace the export to Europe of live animals with the export of meat and carcasses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to encourage farmers to replace the export to Europe of live animals with the export of meat and carcasses.","AnswerText":"Quality Meat Scotland is working with major lamb producers to support long-term profitable opportunities for quality Scottish lamb products. Whilst we would strongly prefer to see meat and carcasses exported, the clear legal position confirmed by two European Court judgements, is that the trade in live animals for slaughter is legal and restricting or banning it could not be defended in law.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169621,"EventID":"S1W-33174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27299 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 August 2002, what measures it has taken to promote Energy Saving Trust grants for the installation of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27299 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 August 2002, what measures it has taken to promote Energy Saving Trust grants for the installation of solar/photovoltaic units.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Community Renewables Initiative advisory service (SCRI), launched last summer in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, provides a network of expert advisers across Scotland. This service has been augmented by the launch this month of an SCRI website and new Scottish Executive funding for household and community renewables projects. Consequently, information and advice about the availability of grants for solar/photovoltaic installations is now more widely available and easier to access.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169622,"EventID":"S1W-33175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether #27 million was made available to fund implementation of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, as referred to by Mr Jack McConnell in his answer to question ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether #27 million was made available to fund implementation of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, as referred to by Mr Jack McConnell in his answer to question S1F-1518 on 20 December 2001; if so, how this money was allocated, how much was allocated to each local authority and what the reasons were for each allocation and how each local authority has spent its allocation.","AnswerText":"£27 million was made available to local authorities to assist with implementation of Part 1 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (homelessness provisions). Specifically local authorities are required to apply the funding to increase the provision of temporary accommodation; to increase and improve the provision of advice and assistance, and to develop and deliver local homelessness strategies. Funding was allocated over three years, from 2001-02 to 2003-04. The table sets out the allocations to each local authority. The funding was allocated according to a formula, agreed with COSLA, based on the level of homeless applications receive by each authority. A small amount of funding was retained for later allocation (as agreed with COSLA) following councils' further assessment of need. Based on the guidelines given about the purposes of the funding, local authorities have drawn up local outcome agreements which set out the outcomes authorities expect to achieve. These outcomes are all in line with the purposes set out above. Local Authority | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | Total | Aberdeen City | 105,200 | 424,000 | 390,000 | 919,200 | Aberdeenshire | 88,900 | 356,000 | 330,000 | 774,900 | Angus | 88,900 | 356,000 | 395,000 | 839,900 | Argyll and Bute | 56,300 | 219,000 | 210,000 | 485,300 | Clackmannanshire | 72,600 | 275,000 | 298,000 | 645,600 | Dumfries and Galloway | 88,900 | 356,000 | 330,000 | 774,900 | Dundee | 88,900 | 287,000 | 270,000 | 645,900 | East Ayrshire | 72,600 | 287,000 | 270,000 | 629,600 | East Dunbartonshire | 56,300 | 219,000 | 210,000 | 485,300 | East Lothian | 72,600 | 310,000 | 320,000 | 702,600 | East Renfrewshire | 50,000 | 219,000 | 210,000 | 479,000 | Edinburgh | 235,600 | <","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169623,"EventID":"S1W-33176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available for improvements in the quality and quantity of audiology equipment to support modernisation of NHS audiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available for improvements in the quality and quantity of audiology equipment to support modernisation of NHS audiology services.","AnswerText":"I have today announced that £1.5 million will be made available within this financial year for the purchase of equipment to support modernisation of audiology services within NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169624,"EventID":"S1W-33177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure it incurred as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, broken down by department showing the type of expenditure incurred and including any supp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure it incurred as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, broken down by department showing the type of expenditure incurred and including any support measures for (a) agricultural and (b) non-agricultural businesses and producers and whether there was any contribution to this expenditure from (i) HM Treasury and (ii) the European Union.","AnswerText":"Out of its own budget, the Scottish Executive spent over £30 million on Scotland-wide measures designed to alleviate hardship and to assist with economic restructuring. Where recovery measures were made available to affected businesses, there was no distinction between agricultural and non-agricultural businesses. In Scotland the total cost of livestock compensation of the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was £171 million. The additional costs associated with eradication such as disinfectant or the costs associated with burial sites amounted to a further £70 million. Under the Scottish Executive - State Veterinary Service Concordat, HM Government is responsible for all disease control and eradication costs. This is subject to European Union reimbursement of up to 60 per cent.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169625,"EventID":"S1W-33178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people imprisoned for default of a fine in each of the last five years were unemployed, broken down by offence, age and sex.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people imprisoned for default of a fine in each of the last five years were unemployed, broken down by offence, age and sex.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The requested information has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26027).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169626,"EventID":"S1W-33179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people imprisoned other than for default of a fine in each of the last five years were unemployed, broken down by offence, age and sex.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people imprisoned other than for default of a fine in each of the last five years were unemployed, broken down by offence, age and sex.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The requested information has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26041).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169627,"EventID":"S1W-33180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a debate and a vote in the Parliament on fluoridation of the public water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a debate and a vote in the Parliament on fluoridation of the public water supply.","AnswerText":"The consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 28 September 2002, seeks views on a range of possible measures to improve children's oral health, including fluoridation. The outcome of the consultation, which is due to end on 28 February, will inform proposals on future action which would then be subject to the view of Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169628,"EventID":"S1W-33181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable for action will be following the consultation period on fluoridation of the public water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable for action will be following the consultation period on fluoridation of the public water supply.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33180 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169629,"EventID":"S1W-33182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has made available to NHS trusts for the implementation of Partnership Information Network guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has made available to NHS trusts for the implementation of Partnership Information Network guidelines.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland Organisations receive a general allocation of funding each year and it is for them to decide how to allocate that funding in accordance with national and local priorities. Area partnership and local partnership forums should be involved in determining the funding process.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169630,"EventID":"S1W-33183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Partnership Information Network guidelines are monitored and enforced and what penalties are faced by NHS trusts that fail to implement such guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Partnership Information Network guidelines are monitored and enforced and what penalties are faced by NHS trusts that fail to implement such guidelines.","AnswerText":"Partnership Information Network guidelines underpin the Staff Governance Standard and are an integral part of the Performance Assessment Framework which is the overarching process under which NHSScotland employers are held accountable. NHSScotland employers progress towards implementing the guidelines are monitored through completion of the Self Assessment Audit Tool (SAAT) which has been developed by and approved by the Scottish Partnership forum (SPF), Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (now Quality Improvement Scotland), Clinical Negligence Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS) and Audit Scotland and which all employers are required to complete. The SAAT will be the subject of independent assessment by appointed external auditors, in partnership with the SPF. In addition to the SAAT, all employers are required to conduct an annual staff survey and to produce actions plans for improvement towards meeting the aims of the Staff Governance Standard. External auditors together with an SPF member will be expected to validate employers action plans and provide independent assurance that: the self-assessment process is robust; the action plan is agreed and is credible, and the action plan is being delivered (year on year). The aims and objectives of the Performance Assessment Framework will be woven into managers job tasks and activities and their performance in meeting these and the action plans will be influenced by the SAAT independent audit which in turn will impact on pay for performance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169631,"EventID":"S1W-33184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that NHS trusts implement Partnership Information Network guidelines and what penalties will be faced by trusts that fail to implement them in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that NHS trusts implement Partnership Information Network guidelines and what penalties will be faced by trusts that fail to implement them in the future. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33183 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169632,"EventID":"S1W-33185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests by nursing staff for increased flexible working were (a) made and (b) granted in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS trust area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests by nursing staff for increased flexible working were (a) made and (b) granted in the last 12 months, broken down by NHS trust area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169633,"EventID":"S1W-33186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the number of nurses that have access to a workplace nursery and what resources have been made available to ensure that further act","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the number of nurses that have access to a workplace nursery and what resources have been made available to ensure that further action will be taken to increase the number of nurses with such access.","AnswerText":"Guidance on Family Friendly Policies was prepared in partnership with the service, trade unions and the professions, and published in January 2000. This document contains a section on child care, and lists the provision of workplace nurseries as an option that employers should consider. The guidance underpins the Staff Governance Standard and all NHS Scotland Employers are required to meet or exceed it. Employers' progress towards meeting the guidance will be part of the annual Staff Governance Standard audit process. NHS Organisations receive Scottish Executive funding each year, and the decision of how much of this money to allocate to provision of child care is made locally based on local priorities and circumstances. Some help with start up costs for nurseries may be available from local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169634,"EventID":"S1W-33187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish passenger rail franchise will be relet in April 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish passenger rail franchise will be relet in April 2004.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), which acts as procurement agent for the Scottish passenger rail franchise, has advised ministers that by 1 April 2004, when the current franchise expires, a preferred bidder is expected to have been selected and the terms of a new franchise agreement to have been substantially agreed. However, the SRA considers that a short extension to the franchise may be required to allow mobilisation to be completed. Such an extension is provided for in the existing contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169635,"EventID":"S1W-33188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who provided the funds to develop the Traveline Scotland website and who will provide the funds to maintain the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who provided the funds to develop the Traveline Scotland website and who will provide the funds to maintain the site.","AnswerText":"The development of the Traveline Scotland website was funded by Journeyplan Ltd, who are also meeting the cost of maintaining the site.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169636,"EventID":"S1W-33189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the environmental assessment that accompanied the application by the Central Science Laboratory for authorisation for an experimental permit to ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the environmental assessment that accompanied the application by the Central Science Laboratory for authorisation for an experimental permit to carry out trials of T3327 at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"An environmental assessment was included in evaluation of the Central Science Laboratory's application for authorisation for an experimental permit. This permit was granted under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended), which requires all pesticides to have gained approval before they can be advertised, sold, supplied, stored or used. The regulations do not allow for the publication of details of the assessments of experimental permits and the information supplied in support of an application for such a permit must be treated as confidential. However, the Central Science Laboratory, as the holder of the experimental permit and data owner, has agreed to make the evaluation available, subject to the removal of commercially confidentially information. Once such information is removed I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. A summary of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides' consideration of the application can be found at http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/committees/acp/ACP_293_mins.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169637,"EventID":"S1W-33190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to index-link the mental illness specific grant for 2003-04 and future financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to index-link the mental illness specific grant for 2003-04 and future financial years.","AnswerText":"We increased mental illness specific grant in April 2001 to £19 million a year, and are further increasing it to £20 million in April. There are no plans to index link the grant, but its size will be considered, along with all other Scottish Executive expenditure, in future public spending reviews.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169638,"EventID":"S1W-33191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of funding are available for the provision of on-demand bus services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of funding are available for the provision of on-demand bus services.","AnswerText":"The Executive specifically funds a number of on-demand services through the Rural Community Transport Initiative. Additionally, local transport authorities are free to fund on-demand services through their Rural Public Passenger Transport Grant and Grant Aided Expenditure allocations.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169639,"EventID":"S1W-33192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the disbursement by the council of funding allocated for the implementation of free personal c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the disbursement by the council of funding allocated for the implementation of free personal care in the council area.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire Council have recently been asked to provide details to the Joint Scottish Executive/COSLA Group on Free Personal Care of how they have used their allocation of free personal care monies. No reply has yet been received.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169640,"EventID":"S1W-33193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a public private partnership is being considered as a method of finance for the construction and maintenance of the A8000 and what guidelines are being given to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a public private partnership is being considered as a method of finance for the construction and maintenance of the A8000 and what guidelines are being given to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority regarding such financing.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for funding the A8000 upgrade project lies with the Forth Estuary Transport Authority. At their meeting on 21 June 2002, the authority decided to take the project forward as a Design and Build scheme, under traditional procurement arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169641,"EventID":"S1W-33194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to local authorities for the local bus travel concessionary fares scheme from April 2003 for extension of the scheme to m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to local authorities for the local bus travel concessionary fares scheme from April 2003 for extension of the scheme to men aged between 60 and 64, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Executive will make available an additional £10 million to local authorities from April 2003 to extend eligibility for concessionary local bus travel to men aged 60 to 64. These resources are part of the unhypothecated general block grant allocation paid to all local authorities and are not identified separately. It is for councils to establish the actual level of expenditure on individual services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169642,"EventID":"S1W-33195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action was agreed at the recent EU Fisheries Council meeting regarding the sand eel fishery in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action was agreed at the recent EU Fisheries Council meeting regarding the sand eel fishery in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"The Agriculture and Fisheries Council agreed that the Total Allowable Catch for sandeels in the North Sea for 2003 should be 918,000 tonnes and that the EC share of this should be 863,000 tonnes. Of this, 814,067 tonnes were allocated to Denmark and 17,794 tonnes were allocated to the UK. The Council further agreed that sandeel vessels should be restricted to a maximum of 23 days fishing per month within the regulated area and that the closure of the Wee Bankie sandeel fishery off the east coast of Scotland should be continued in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169643,"EventID":"S1W-33196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government requesting that it make representations to the Government of Iceland regarding the proposed hydro-electric de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government requesting that it make representations to the Government of Iceland regarding the proposed hydro-electric developments in Iceland and any threat to the breeding grounds of geese that winter in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have made no representations to the UK Government on this development.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169644,"EventID":"S1W-33197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Government of Iceland or any international environmental agencies regarding the proposed hydro-electric developments in Icelan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Government of Iceland or any international environmental agencies regarding the proposed hydro-electric developments in Iceland and any threat to the breeding grounds of geese that winter in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have had no discussions with the Icelandic Government on this proposal.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169645,"EventID":"S1W-33198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role rail services will play in the provision of rural transport, in the light of paragraphs 2-9 in section B of the report by the Scottish National Rural Partnershi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role rail services will play in the provision of rural transport, in the light of paragraphs 2-9 in section B of the report by the Scottish National Rural Partnership, Implementing Services in Rural Scotland: A Progress Report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's consultation paper Strategic Priorities for Scotland's Passenger Railway, published in November 2000, included our priorities for rail services in rural Scotland. In particular, the paper outlined the Executive's expectation that the rail industry in Scotland would assist in the development of viable rural communities and the objective of tackling the peripherality of many rural communities through the delivery of reduced journey times from those communities where sufficient benefits can be generated.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169646,"EventID":"S1W-33199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last three years for an offence where an aggravation of homophobic malice has been (a) alleged and (b) proven.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last three years for an offence where an aggravation of homophobic malice has been (a) alleged and (b) proven.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169647,"EventID":"S1W-33200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is taking to address homophobic hate crimes in light of the recent announcement by the Crown Prosecution Servi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is taking to address homophobic hate crimes in light of the recent announcement by the Crown Prosecution Service about action it is taking to tackle this issue in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"Homophobic hate crimes are taken seriously and prosecuted vigorously by procurators fiscal. There is currently no systematic collection of data in relation to the occurrence of such crimes. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is committed to examining, with our criminal justice partners, how best to allow such collection, both in relation to information contained in police reports to procurators fiscal and in information held about cases prosecuted in the courts. In addition, we are working as part of our diversity strategy to strengthen our contacts within the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities so as to obtain a better understanding of their concerns.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169648,"EventID":"S1W-33201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action its Justice Department is taking to tackle homophobic hate crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action its Justice Department is taking to tackle homophobic hate crime.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33200 on 27 January 2003. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the searchfacility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169649,"EventID":"S1W-33202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention of existing research and research-degree-awarding powers by Scottish universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention of existing research and research-degree-awarding powers by Scottish universities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to withdraw either existing research powers or existing research degree awarding powers from Scottish higher education institutions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169650,"EventID":"S1W-33203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been removed from dentists' lists as a result of the 15-month NHS registration period in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been removed from dentists' lists as a result of the 15-month NHS registration period in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area, and what policy or guidelines exist regarding (a) notification that exclusion from a list is imminent and (b) re-admission to a list.","AnswerText":"The number of patients who have been removed from dentists' lists as a result of the 15-month NHS registration period in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area, is shown in the following table:NHS Board | Lapsed Patient Registrations1,2 Year | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Ayrshire and Arran | 53,792 | 58,802 | 55,629 | 54,702 | 56,392 | Borders | 12,828 | 14,118 | 14,503 | 14,068 | 12,721 | Argyll and Clyde | 63,366 | 69,081 | 66,534 | 64,529 | 65,069 | Fife | 49,059 | 53,430 | 53,293 | 48,911 | 47,783 | Greater Glasgow | 155,050 | 168,171 | 161,542 | 159,101 | 159,818 | Highland | 26,375 | 27,798 | 27,497 | 27,389 | 25,160 | Lanarkshire | 76,565 | 87,486 | 85,321 | 83,180 | 82,395 | Grampian | 67,124 | 72,498 | 70,057 | 67,030 | 61,600 | Orkney | 3,581 | 2,568 | 3,104 | 2,979 | 3,401 | Lothian | 115,689 | 124,446 | 116,484 | 112,626 | 110,550 | Tayside | 55,018 | 62,871 | 59,877 | 56,828 | 57,362 | Forth Valley | 39,258 | 42,489 | Precise arrangements have still to be agreed for appraisal and selection of projects. However, this is unlikely to take place in the monitoring committee. It may be possible, therefore, to participate at a more practical level - as we are already doing in the working group developing the programme itself and the programme complement.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169654,"EventID":"S1W-33207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to withdraw infant vaccines that contain mercury in the light of the recent report by the UK medicines information service and what the reasons are for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to withdraw infant vaccines that contain mercury in the light of the recent report by the UK medicines information service and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Committee on Safety of Medicines has advised that, with the exception of hypersensitivity reactions that typically include skin rashes or local swelling at the site of injection, there is no evidence of harm from the levels of thiomersal (which contains ethylmercury) contained in vaccines. Further studies, and the advice of the World Health Organisation, are consistent with this finding. The benefits of immunisation outweigh any potential risks of vaccination due to sensitivity from thiomersal. However, to reduce avoidable exposure to mercury in general, it has been agreed, on a European-wide basis, that even though there is no evidence of toxicity, as a purely precautionary measure, thiomersal should be phased out over time. The Executive, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) endorse this decision. Manufacturers are being encouraged to phase out the use of thiomersal in vaccines as a purely precautionary measure. It is anticipated that thiomersal-free vaccines will be considered for provision in the routine childhood immunisation programme after they have been licensed for use in the UK and have demonstrated that they are as effective in protecting children against the real risk presented by vaccine-preventable diseases as the vaccines that are currently used. The only vaccines, used routinely in the childhood immunisation programme, that contain thiomersal in the final products, are the diphtheria, tetanus and wholecell pertussis (DTwP) vaccine and the combined diphtheria and tetanus vaccine (Td). The current expert advice is that DTwP is the most effective of DTP vaccines currently available in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169655,"EventID":"S1W-33208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for early retirement from teaching on health grounds have been made in each year since 1 September 1997 and how many of these have been successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for early retirement from teaching on health grounds have been made in each year since 1 September 1997 and how many of these have been successful.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table. It is held on a financial year basis and is available only from September 1998. The approved cases include applications which were successful on review. Year | Applications Received | Applications Approved | 1-9-1998 to 31-3-1999 | 288 | 223 | 1-4-1999 to 31-3-2000 | 521 | 400 | 1-4-2000 to 31-3-2001 | 496 | 365 | 1-4-2001 to 31-3-2002 | 461 | 357 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169656,"EventID":"S1W-33209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the function of the Lanarkshire Health Executive, Unit 19, Enterprise House, Dal'iel Street, Motherwell is; what dealings it has had with this organisation, and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the function of the Lanarkshire Health Executive, Unit 19, Enterprise House, Dal'iel Street, Motherwell is; what dealings it has had with this organisation, and what monitoring has been put in place regarding the quality of service the organisation delivers. ","AnswerText":"I have no knowledge of an NHS organisation operating under this name.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169657,"EventID":"S1W-33210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women have been tested for HIV in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pregnant women have been tested for HIV in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169658,"EventID":"S1W-33211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost will be of routine HIV testing of pregnant women in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area from April 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost will be of routine HIV testing of pregnant women in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area from April 2003.","AnswerText":"The cost of routine HIV testing of pregnant women in Greater Glasgow NHS Board area from April 2003 is estimated to be around £80,000 per annum.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169659,"EventID":"S1W-33212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of treating a baby born with HIV has been in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of treating a baby born with HIV has been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169660,"EventID":"S1W-33213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being developed to ensure that pregnant women routinely tested for HIV in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area from April 2003 are aware of the opt-out op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being developed to ensure that pregnant women routinely tested for HIV in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area from April 2003 are aware of the opt-out option.","AnswerText":"Prior to their booking visit, all pregnant women in Greater Glasgow NHS Board are sent information about antenatal tests that are offered routinely. From 1 April 2003, this will include information on the antenatal HIV test, why such tests are important, and the fact that patients can choose whether they take up the offer of a test or not.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169661,"EventID":"S1W-33215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides (a) to Capability Scotland and (b) towards the costs of schools such as Westerlea School in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provides (a) to Capability Scotland and (b) towards the costs of schools such as Westerlea School in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing direct funding to Capability Scotland in 2002-03 as set out in the table: Project/Purpose | Amount | Paid Under | Parents as Partners Project | £73,600 | Educational Development, Research and Services (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1999 | Supporting the Inclusion of Pupils with Physical Disabilities | £51,500 | Educational Development, Research and Services (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1999 | Chatability Project | £7,000 | Educational Development, Research and Services (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1999 | Core Funding | £45,000 | Section 10 (1) Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 | Total | £177,100 | |
The Scottish Executive does not provide funding for Westerlea School but provides grant aided funding to Capability Scotland for Corseford School, Kilbarchan and Stanmore House School, Lanark. Grant aid in 2002-03 is £1,020,200 for Corseford School, and £1,408,200 for Stanmore House School for running costs, with £47,957 and £59,007 respectively, for capital expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169662,"EventID":"S1W-33216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any concerns of parents of children with special educational needs that do not wish their children to be placed in mainstream schooling and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any concerns of parents of children with special educational needs that do not wish their children to be placed in mainstream schooling and what action it is taking to address such concerns.","AnswerText":"The decision on which school a child should attend is a matter for agreement between an education authority and parents. Parents have a right to make a placing request for a school of their choice, and to appeal against the decision should this be refused. The new duty on an education authority to provide education in mainstream schools comes into effect in August 2003. However, children can still be placed in special schools where mainstream education is unable to meet their needs. The Scottish Executive has issued guidance on mainstreaming to education authorities which includes the importance of taking account of parents' views.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169663,"EventID":"S1W-33217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the re-organisation of Scottish Water and its procurement arrangements, whether the infrastructure will be in place to meet European legislative deadlines","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the re-organisation of Scottish Water and its procurement arrangements, whether the infrastructure will be in place to meet European legislative deadlines in relation to waste water.","AnswerText":"In the period until March 2006, Scottish Water will be investing some £1.8 billion towards modernising its infrastructure. About half of this amount will be invested in waste water treatment facilities. Responsibility for ensuring that infrastructure is in place to meet legislative deadlines lies with Scottish Water.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169664,"EventID":"S1W-33218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in respect of its 10-point action plan on youth crime with particular regard to spreading best practice, a nationwide application of a system ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in respect of its 10-point action plan on youth crime with particular regard to spreading best practice, a nationwide application of a system of warnings, re-configuring secure accommodation for girl-only accommodation, establishing national standards to operate between the local authority criminal justice system and children's hearings and increasing the speed of referral to the courts in the light of its report and statement on the recommendations of its Youth Crime Review, the Report of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime, Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 and the Audit Scotland's report, Dealing with Offending and Young People.","AnswerText":"We have made considerable progress towards the implementation of the Action Plan. The following table sets out the latest position: Ten-Point Action Plan | Action | 1. A pilot of Fast-track Children's Hearings for persistent offenders under 16 | An operational framework for the pilot has been agreed with all involved. National and local training is now under way for professional staff, panel members and other relevant groups. Expect first referrals to fast track hearings soon. | 2. A Youth Courts feasibility project for persistent offenders aged 16 and 17, with flexibility to deal with 15-year-olds. | I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33423 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. | 3. Reviewing the scope for using Restriction of Liberty Orders, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Community Service Orders for persistent offenders | Improving the effectiveness of these disposals for this age group is under cross-departmental consideration. Expect to publish proposals shortly. | 4. A Safer Scotland police campaign on high visibility policing, covering Youth Disorder, to increase visibility and provide community re-assurance. | The Safer Scotland campaign ran from October to December. Initial feedback from the police involved is that the campaign was a success and that it met its main objectives. | 5. Spread best practice, and establish firm standards, for community-based projects funded through the Action Programme, Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes and Making Communities Safer programmes. | A small number of pilot projects are being funded as a means of testing out different approaches to tackling youth crime and we will share best practice arising from these. The process of commissioning research which will evaluate the experience of community safety projects and community-based projects focusing on youth crime is also under way. | 6. Consideration of a Scotland-wide application of a system of cautions/warnings, and a detailed exploration of restorative cautions approach, perhaps through piloting. | I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33085 on 21 January 2003. | 7. Reconfiguring the secure accommodation available nationally to provide groups of girl-only accommodation, further consideration of additional places and improving the range and provision of programmes in secure units | The Executive's intention to increase the number of places by around 25 places was announced on 17 September. Details are on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2002/09/Seed102.aspx. For more recent developments, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32801 on 20 December 2002. | 8. A set of national standards to operate between local authorities, the criminal justice system and Children's Hearings, covering reporting, timescales and follow up | I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33098 on 22 January 2003. | <","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169665,"EventID":"S1W-33219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6086 by Mr Frank McAveety on 12 December 2002, what consideration it has given to adopting a policy in Scotland similar to that of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6086 by Mr Frank McAveety on 12 December 2002, what consideration it has given to adopting a policy in Scotland similar to that of Her Majesty's Government's of placing 700 defibrillators in 72 public places in England and Wales. ","AnswerText":"Our national advisory body on coronary heart disease will continue to keep under review the evidence on the benefits of siting automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places. This need not prevent local initiatives based on local assessments of cost-effectiveness.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169666,"EventID":"S1W-33220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32836 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 January 2003, whether practitioners will be encouraged to prescribe homeopathic medicines, given th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32836 by Malcolm Chisholm on 13 January 2003, whether practitioners will be encouraged to prescribe homeopathic medicines, given the cost of branded prescriptions, and what action is being taken to measure clinical effectiveness of homeopathy practice and medicine.","AnswerText":"As with all medicines, the decision on whether to prescribe a treatment for an individual patient depends on the clinical judgement of the clinician concerned, in consultation with the patient and bearing in mind the risks and benefits of the treatment.The Department of Health maintains a National Research Register with details of all on-going and recent medical research, including research into complementary medicine. This is available on regularly updated CD-ROM in the Parliament's Reference Centre and online at: http://www.update-software.com/nrr/CLIBINET.EXE?A=1&U=1001&P=10001. The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland. The CSO funds projects largely in response mode and this role is well advertised throughout the medical and academic community. The CSO is not currently funding research on homeopathy because no proposals of a sufficiently high standard have been received on this subject. However, the CSO would be pleased to receive quality research applications on homeopathy which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review. Details about applying to the CSO for a research grant are available on the internet at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169667,"EventID":"S1W-33221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32920 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 January 2003, whether it has any plans to collate information on the percentage of children in priv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32920 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 January 2003, whether it has any plans to collate information on the percentage of children in private residential care homes that have been prescribed Ritalin and similar class drugs.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to collate information on the percentage of children in private residential care homes that have been prescribed Ritalin and similar class drugs. The decision on whether or not to prescribe a drug for a patient is always a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient's doctor, informed by advice and guidance about the drug. The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) in regulating services against the legislative requirements and the relevant national care standards requires providers of care homes for children (independent and local authority), to keep accurate up-to-date records of all medicines for the use of service users. These records are kept on the premises from which the care service is provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169668,"EventID":"S1W-33223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard of work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges, and slip roads of the A1, A720 and M8 is s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard of work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges, and slip roads of the A1, A720 and M8 is satisfactory.","AnswerText":"The performance of Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the M8, and on those sections of the A1 and A720 for which they are responsible, is monitored by the Scottish Executive and the independent Performance Audit Group (PAG). The Scottish Executive and PAG are satisfied that the standard of work carried out by Amey meets the requirements of the Trunk Road Maintenance Contract and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169669,"EventID":"S1W-33224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems and mechanisms it utilises to monitor the clearance of litter carried out by Amey Highways Ltd from the central reservations, verges, and slip roads of the A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems and mechanisms it utilises to monitor the clearance of litter carried out by Amey Highways Ltd from the central reservations, verges, and slip roads of the A1, A720 and M8.","AnswerText":"The performance of Amey Highways Ltd in the clearance of litter is monitored by the independent Performance Audit Group (PAG). PAG's field engineers carry out regular inspections of the routes to assess compliance with the requirements of the Trunk Road Maintenance Contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169670,"EventID":"S1W-33225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions and penalties it can impose if it assesses the work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions and penalties it can impose if it assesses the work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges, and slip roads of the A1, A720 and M8 to be below standard.","AnswerText":"Any non-compliance with the contractual requirements by Amey Highways Ltd can result in the issue of a Default Notice by the Scottish Executive and the withholding of payment for that work.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169671,"EventID":"S1W-33226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total annual cost is of its subsidy to public service obligation routes, broken down by route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total annual cost is of its subsidy to public service obligation routes, broken down by route.","AnswerText":"The amount of subsidy paid for each individual route on which public service obligations have been imposed by the Scottish Executive is commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169672,"EventID":"S1W-33227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27513 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 August 2002, what subsequent progress has been made by local authorities in establishing Quality Part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27513 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 August 2002, what subsequent progress has been made by local authorities in establishing Quality Partnerships and Quality Contract Schemes with bus operators under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The development of Quality Partnership schemes and Quality Contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 is a matter for individual local transport authorities. While authorities regularly discuss issues of joint concern with bus operators in their area, the Executive is not aware of any such schemes being introduced to date.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169673,"EventID":"S1W-33228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing the annual report of the Scottish Arts Council in each year since 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing the annual report of the Scottish Arts Council in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Arts Council. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169674,"EventID":"S1W-33229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister and department is responsible for deciding which towns appear on trunk road boundary signs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister and department is responsible for deciding which towns appear on trunk road boundary signs.","AnswerText":"Local authorities, not Scottish ministers, are responsible for deciding the names of the towns appearing on trunk road boundary signs within their local government area.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169675,"EventID":"S1W-33230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing physician assistants in support of the work of GPs and improved access to primary care services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing physician assistants in support of the work of GPs and improved access to primary care services. ","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to introduce physician assistants to support the work of GPs in NHS Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169676,"EventID":"S1W-33231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why introduction of the new GP contract has been delayed until 21 February 2003 and when the contract will be fully implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why introduction of the new GP contract has been delayed until 21 February 2003 and when the contract will be fully implemented.","AnswerText":"The negotiating timetable for the new general medical services (GMS) contract was extended to 21 February to allow sufficient time for negotiations to take place. Ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are fully committed to the new GMS contract negotiations process and to the implementation of a new contract as soon as is practicable, assuming agreement can be reached. We will continue to support the NHS Confederation and General Practitioner Committee in seeking to reach agreement and are making every effort to that end. We have no wish whatsoever to delay an agreement being reached but it is important to get matters right rather than just do them quickly. As was stated in the framework document for the new contract published in April 2002, we are committed to phased implementation of the new contract taking place from April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169677,"EventID":"S1W-33232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed accession of 10 new member states to the European Union in 2004 and whether this enlargement wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed accession of 10 new member states to the European Union in 2004 and whether this enlargement will affect the quota shares of Scottish fishermen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has monitored the progress of separate fisheries negotiations with each prospective EU member state but will not complete an assessment of all enlargement implications for fisheries before June 2003, when the Treaty of Accession is, for the first time, likely to be made available for detailed inspection. EU enlargement does not by itself give rise to any significant changes in national quota shares. Relative stability has been confirmed as the mechanism for quota allocations between all member states and it was used as a guiding principle of accession negotiations with each applicant country. A full report on the progress of the relevant fishery negotiations is publicly available on the Europa website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/negotiations/chapters/chap8/index.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169678,"EventID":"S1W-33233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to lay before the Parliament the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to lay before the Parliament the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would place a duty on Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to draw up the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and issue it. The process of drawing up and issuing the code is a matter for SNH. I understand, however, that SNH intends to reconvene the Access Forum next month, with a view to finalising a draft of the code and issuing it for public consultation before the end of March 2003. The organisations to be involved in drafting the code is a matter for SNH, but all interested parties will have the opportunity to make their views known during the consultation phase. The bill would require that SNH submit the proposed code to ministers for approval. I understand SNH hope to be in a position to submit the code to ministers in the autumn. Following their approval, the bill would require that the code is approved by Parliament before it can be issued. I hope that this will be achieved this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169679,"EventID":"S1W-33234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is currently being undertaken to develop the proposed Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill; which organisations are particip","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is currently being undertaken to develop the proposed Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill; which organisations are participating in any such work, and whether any such organisations are doing so directly or through Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33233 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169680,"EventID":"S1W-33235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account will be taken of the views of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association in drawing up the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account will be taken of the views of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association in drawing up the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33233 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169681,"EventID":"S1W-33236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how any organisations that wish to influence the drawing up of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, may do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how any organisations that wish to influence the drawing up of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, may do so.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33233 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169682,"EventID":"S1W-33237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the next draft of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the next draft of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33233 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169683,"EventID":"S1W-33238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive after what date no further representations will be accepted on the next draft of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive after what date no further representations will be accepted on the next draft of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33233 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169684,"EventID":"S1W-33239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional members of medical staff have been appointed to chronic pain clinics since 1 May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional members of medical staff have been appointed to chronic pain clinics since 1 May 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169685,"EventID":"S1W-33240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for (a) an initial appointment in respect of chronic pain and (b) subsequent treatment. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for (a) an initial appointment in respect of chronic pain and (b) subsequent treatment. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Data on out-patient waiting times is collected centrally at specialty level only and there is no recognised specialty of chronic pain.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169686,"EventID":"S1W-33241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of Johne's disease has been in cattle in those years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence of Johne's disease has been in cattle in those years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"No figures are available for Johne's disease, as it is not a notifiable animal disease. However, the Surveillance Group on Diseases and Infections of Animals has set up a working group and part of its remit will be to look into the prevalence of the disease in the national herd.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169687,"EventID":"S1W-33242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to eradicate Johne's disease in cattle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to eradicate Johne's disease in cattle.","AnswerText":"The Surveillance Group on Diseases and Infections of Animals has set up a Surveillance Working Group to look into Johne's disease in the national herd. As part of their remit the group aims to determine: the prevalence of the disease in the national herd; the consequences of the disease in animal health and welfare, and the development of control measures.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169688,"EventID":"S1W-33243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence that Johne's disease is transmissible to humans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence that Johne's disease is transmissible to humans.","AnswerText":"It has been claimed for many years that Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium var paratuberculosis (MAP) is at least part of the cause of Crohn's Disease in people. The evidence is inconclusive. The UK Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens reviewed the evidence in 1992 and 1998. On both occasions they concluded that a causal link could not be established on current evidence.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169689,"EventID":"S1W-33244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average out-patient waiting time has been in each NHS board area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average out-patient waiting time has been in each NHS board area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times, in days, for first out-patient appointments for the last three years is given in the following table. NHS Board (Residence) | Year Ending March | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Scotland | 45 | 46 | 50 | Argyll and Clyde | 42 | 41 | 44 | Ayr and Arran | 36 | 41 | 45 | Borders | 33 | 35 | 35 | Dumfries and Galloway | 45 | 46 | 53 | Fife | 51 | 49 | 56 | Forth Valley | 49 | 52 | 56 | Grampian | 50 | 55 | 61 | Greater Glasgow | 48 | 48 | 53 | Highland | 34 | 35 | 37 | Lanarkshire | 51 | 52 | 58 | Lothian | 42 | 42 | 46 | Orkney | 28 | 31 | 36 | Shetland | 34 | 34 | 27 | Tayside | 43 | 43 | 48 | Western Isles | 32 | 32 | 33 |
Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00. Note: Out-patient waiting times are based on referrals of Scottish Residents from GMPs (General Medical Practitioners) or GDPs (General Dental Practitioners). Guarantee Exception Codes (GEC) cases are excluded.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169690,"EventID":"S1W-33245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25393 by Ross Finnie on 17 May 2002, what its position is on banning enriched battery cages and whether it has any plans to consult","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25393 by Ross Finnie on 17 May 2002, what its position is on banning enriched battery cages and whether it has any plans to consult on any such ban in Scotland as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has in England.","AnswerText":"The use of enriched battery cages is permitted under the Welfare of Farmed Animal (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2002, which came into force on 4 July 2002. The regulations implement the requirements of Directive 99/74/EC on the Welfare of Laying Hens in full. The Executive has no plans to consult on any proposal to ban the use of such cages in advance of the Commission's review of the directive in 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169691,"EventID":"S1W-33246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have health improvement officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have health improvement officers.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards have Health Promotion Departments which employ staff whose aim is to build the capacity of the public, business and voluntary sectors to promote the health of communities and individuals. These staff have various responsibilities of which health improvement is one. In addition NHS boards, local authorities and the Scottish Executive are jointly funding health improvement posts based in each local authority area. 31 of these posts are currently filled. The responsibilities of these postholders are to support and contribute to the development of joint local Health Improvement Plans, facilitate their implementation through service planning and delivery in each local authority area, work with council services to develop and support their contribution to the health improvement agenda and to facilitate partnership working between local authorities and others, particularly NHS boards, in ways which will contribute to the joint health improvement agenda.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169692,"EventID":"S1W-33247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have well-being alliances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have well-being alliances.","AnswerText":"The following local authorities are known to have well-being alliances: Angus | East Dunbartonshire | Highland | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | Fife | North Ayrshire | Dundee City | Glasgow | Perth and Kinross |
COSLA's Public Health Improvement Team have indicated that they intend to undertake a dialogue and audit of local authorities development as health improvement organisations and expect to identify partnership and alliance working from this exercise. Other local authorities may also have these alliances but information on this is not held centrally. Most local authorities have, within the community planning process, set up joint working groups to produce Joint Health Improvement Plans for their areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169693,"EventID":"S1W-33248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, when comprehensive information on the number of people now recognised as having an a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, when comprehensive information on the number of people now recognised as having an autistic spectrum disorder will be available centrally.","AnswerText":"There are no specific plans to collect this information centrally at present. A project to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Special Needs System (SNS) and to discover how effectively the needs of relevant children (aged zero to 19) and their families are being met is, however, under way. This is funded by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) and is addressing data recording issues within SNS and other similar local systems, focussing on five indicator conditions one of which includes autism. It is intended that the results of this project will indicate how effective data recording is for children with special needs in Scotland. The IM & T strategy for NHSScotland includes the objective that every board/trust should have SNS available by 2004. SNS is currently implemented in eight NHS boards/trusts throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169694,"EventID":"S1W-33249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, what formula it used to determine from sample information nationally that greater nu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, what formula it used to determine from sample information nationally that greater numbers of people are being recognised as having autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"Information about greater numbers of people recognised as having autistic spectrum disorder was not derived from sample information nationally. The Public Health Institute of Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report reported that most recent studies have found higher prevalence rates than previous studies, but no formal work has been done to identify the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder amongst adults.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169695,"EventID":"S1W-33250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, how it defines \"relatively uncommon conditions\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32391 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, how it defines \"relatively uncommon conditions\".","AnswerText":"National information from general practice is currently estimated from a sample of GP practices covering around 8% of the Scottish population only (the CMR - Continuous Morbidity Recording - practices). GPs participating in CMR reported that less than 0.02% of their patients were seen for autistic spectrum disorder during 2001. This number is too small to provide a basis for deriving national estimates that are sufficiently precise for the task of identifying trends over the few years during which CMR data has been available or for producing the projected figures requested.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169696,"EventID":"S1W-33251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32411 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, what data it is collecting on all young people with disabilities to identify need; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32411 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 January 2003, what data it is collecting on all young people with disabilities to identify need; who has been given the responsibility of collecting it, and when it expects to report on the information collected.","AnswerText":"This is still under consideration by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169697,"EventID":"S1W-33252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the provision of broadband in the north-east of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the provision of broadband in the north-east of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Plans are being finalised to implement a step-change in broadband population coverage in Scotland, as well as to stimulate demand for services. In addition, we are already supporting trials of alternative technologies, such as powerline carrier and fixed wireless, which may have potential for commercial deployment in rural areas. Aberdeenshire is also shortly to benefit from the establishment of a broadband demonstration centre in Huntly and I would urge local companies to utilise this facility in order to increase the business case for more commercial broadband services in the area.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169698,"EventID":"S1W-33253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27533 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, in what year the Assignation Statement related to the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27533 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, in what year the Assignation Statement related to the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 in respect of the Skye Bridge was published; by whom it was made, and whether it was advertised in The Press and Journal and, if so, on what date.","AnswerText":"The Assignation Statement was made available for public inspection along with a draft of the Toll Order in October 1991, as required under Paragraph 14A(3) of Schedule 1 to the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. The statement was made by the then Secretary of State for Scotland and set out his intentions with regard to the assignation of his rights to charge and collect tolls. A notice, dated 23 October 1991, detailing the places and times at which copies of the statement could be examined, was published in a number of newspapers including The Press and Journal.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169699,"EventID":"S1W-33254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) report into the arrangements by which community pharmacists may dispense NHS prescriptions and how it intends ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) report into the arrangements by which community pharmacists may dispense NHS prescriptions and how it intends to respond to the report.","AnswerText":"The Executive received a copy of the OFT report today, as did ministers in the other three UK Health Departments. We shall consider the recommendations in the report very carefully. The recommendations could have potentially significant implications for both community pharmacists and patients alike. We are therefore arranging meetings to give key stakeholders the opportunity to give their views and reaction to the report's recommendations. Additionally, stakeholders who wish to do so may submit written comments to the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169700,"EventID":"S1W-33255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the plans of Her Majesty's Government for a university of the National Health Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the plans of Her Majesty's Government for a university of the National Health Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed to the education and training of all health professionals and recognises the important and vital role played by the Scottish Universities and NHS Education for Scotland in supporting education. The Scottish Executive is currently undertaking a Scottish consultation on the government's intention to establish the NHS University before welcoming the initiative. When the results of the consultation have been fully considered the Scottish Executive will be able to respond appropriately to the plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169701,"EventID":"S1W-33256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will present the National Waste Plan to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will present the National Waste Plan to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"I intend to launch the National Waste Plan on Monday 24 February. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26101).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169702,"EventID":"S1W-33257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact has been of HM Treasury's Technical Note No.1 (Revised), How to account for PFI Transactions, and how it will affect Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact has been of HM Treasury's Technical Note No.1 (Revised), How to account for PFI Transactions, and how it will affect Scotland.","AnswerText":"Technical Note No. 1 (Revised), How to account for PFI Transactions, is about the practical application of accounting standards which determine how PFI schemes are to be reported in the annual accounts of both the purchasers and operators. In particular, it is used to determine in which set of accounts the property associated with the PFI scheme is to be reported. The accounting treatment follows the requirements laid down by the Accounting Standards Board, which aim to ensure openness and clarity in published accounts. The guidance was effective from September 1998, and applied retrospectively. Under resource accounting, a change in a PFI project's accounting treatment from being "off balance sheet" to being "on balance sheet" has an impact on the budgeting process for departments and sponsored bodies. When Technical Note No.1 was issued, the Treasury agreed that where the accounting treatment changed for existing PFI schemes, this should have no impact on the departments or sponsored bodies concerned. This concession was allowed because departments would have been unaware of the change in accounting treatment at the time of signing such a PFI contract and it was deemed unfair to penalise them for a change which was outwith their control. The only contract in Scotland affected by the change of treatment is that for the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (RIE). The PFI contract for the RIE was signed in September 1996, and when the new guidance was applied retrospectively to the contract, the accounting treatment was revised to report the deal as being on the balance sheet of Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust. Stage 1 of the scheme became operational in January 2002, and the annual accounts of the trust for 2001-02 reflect £70.6 million on the balance sheet for that element. Stage 2 of the scheme is expected to be operational in spring 2003, by which time the capital value of the whole project (£252 million) will have been reflected in the trust's balance sheet. The change in accounting treatment does not change the value for money assessment of the scheme. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed that the Executive's budget will be adjusted to reflect this in 2001-02 and 2002-03 in respect of the PFI scheme at the RIE. Therefore there is no net impact on the Executive's Budget from the application of Technical Note No.1.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169703,"EventID":"S1W-33258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS funding has been given to each NHS board area and what percentage of NHS activity has been carried out in each board area in each of the last three","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS funding has been given to each NHS board area and what percentage of NHS activity has been carried out in each board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The percentage of NHS expenditure and activity for each board area for the last three years is shown in the following table: Percentage of NHS Expenditure and NHS Activity Per NHS Board Area | | 2001-02 | 2000-01 | 1999-2000 | Board | Funding % | Activity % | Funding % | Activity % | Funding % | Activity % | Argyll and Clyde | 7.6 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 6.9 | Ayrshire and Arran | 6.5 | 7.4 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 6.5 | 7.1 | Borders | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.8 | Dumfries and Galloway | 2.8 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 2.8 | Fife | 5.6 | 5.9 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 5.6 | 5.7 | Forth Valley | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.3 | Greater Glasgow | 21.3 | 23.1 | 21.2 | 23.3 | 21.4 | 23.0 | Grampian | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 9.7 | Highland | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.1 | Lanarkshire | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 9.7 | Lothian | 15.6 | 15.1 | 15.4 | 15.7 | 2 emissions by 19,200 tonnes. The programme has created 150 places to provide employment opportunities for those taking part in the New Deal. The Warm Deal insulated over 40,800 homes in 2001-02, bringing the total number of houses improved under the programme since July 1999 to over 128,000. The dwellings benefited from increases in average energy rating (NHER) ranging from 0.9 for tenants of private landlords to 0.4 for housing association tenants. Estimated reductions in annual average fuel bills range from £126 for tenants of private landlords to £30 for tenants of housing associations. CO2 emissions will have been reduced by 28,900 tonnes. The programme provided around 200 places for those taking part in the New Deal. A full report, including case studies, is published today and copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Local authorities and housing associations will spend around £16 million in 2002-03 and will install central heating in a total of 6,400 homes. Eaga will spend around £14 million this year and will install around 5,400 heating systems. The two programmes, particularly the central heating programme, are central to our aim that a warm, dry and affordable home is within the reach of all Scotland's households. They provide warmth and they tackle dampness, so threats to health from cold and damp are reduced. They tackle fuel poverty. We provisionally estimate that three quarters of pensioner households that have benefited from the central heating programme will no longer be at risk from fuel poverty. More detailed research has been commissioned by the Executive to determine the precise effect on the extent and level of fuel poverty. The programmes also make a significant impact on the effects of climate change by reducing emissions of CO2. They also provide quality training and work experience for those taking part in the New Deal. In summary, the central heating programme and the Warm Deal make a real difference to many people's lives.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169706,"EventID":"S1W-33261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32476 by Allan Wilson on 24 December 2002, whether any measures that will be introduced as a result of the public consultation, lau","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32476 by Allan Wilson on 24 December 2002, whether any measures that will be introduced as a result of the public consultation, launched on 15 January 2003 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), on the tightening up of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 and that do not apply in Scotland could be incorporated in any future nature conservation bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be contributing fully to the DEFRA Review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. Given that the consultation on the review does not end until 4 April, it is premature to speculate what changes will be required to the regulations or the means by which they will be made.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169707,"EventID":"S1W-33262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32476 by Allan Wilson on 24 December 2002, whether it will participate in public consultation, launched on 15 January 2003 by the D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32476 by Allan Wilson on 24 December 2002, whether it will participate in public consultation, launched on 15 January 2003 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), on ways to tighten the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 and whether any changes to the regulations that result from the consultation process will apply to Scotland without the need for legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be contributing fully to the DEFRA Review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. Given that the consultation on the review does not end until 4 April, it is premature to speculate what changes will be required to the regulations or the means by which they will be made.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169708,"EventID":"S1W-33263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any guidelines on the appointment of chairpersons of local enterprise companies (LEC).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any guidelines on the appointment of chairpersons of local enterprise companies (LEC).","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are responsible for appointments to the Boards of Scottish Enterprise (SEn) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) under the terms of the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990, and in accordance with the code of practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). LECs are private companies, wholly owned by SEn and HIE, and as such the appointment of their chairmen and board members are entirely a matter for the Enterprise Networks. However, the networks ensure that the selection procedures adhere to the principles of the OCPA guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169709,"EventID":"S1W-33264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local enterprise companies should be led by people that have expertise in high-growth entrepreneurial multi-sector enterprises, in the light of recent development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local enterprise companies should be led by people that have expertise in high-growth entrepreneurial multi-sector enterprises, in the light of recent developments in some business sectors and, in particular, in the manufacturing sector.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169710,"EventID":"S1W-33265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to (a) each local authority and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in each of the last three years to develop kerbside recyc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to (a) each local authority and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in each of the last three years to develop kerbside recycling schemes.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated funding specifically for waste management through the Strategic Waste Fund to assist local authorities to implement the Area Waste Plans, including developing kerbside recycling schemes. In March 2001, £3 million was distributed between all authorities specifically for improving recycling and composting and in December 2002, a further £6 million. I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-12350 on 23 January 2001 and S1W-32238 on 4 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Authorities drew up their own plans for use of this funding and a number of these include kerbside recycling. Local authorities are also allocated significant general resources through revenue grant but it is up to each authority how it allocates these resources to meet local needs and priorities. Finance Circulars, held within the Parliament's Reference Centre, will give details of individual authority revenue grant allocations and the relevant Bib. numbers are as follows: Finance Circular 9/1999, 2000-01 Local Government Finance Settlement (Bib. number 8310). Finance Circular 3/2001, Revised Local Government Settlements 2001-02 to 2003-04 (Bib. number 20316). Finance Circular 7/2002, Revised Local Government Finance Settlement 2002-03 (Bib. number 20316). The Executive provided £17.3 million in financial year 2000-01, £23.47 million in 2001-02 and £25.98 million in 2002-03 in grant aid to SEPA; but no element of this is ring fenced for a specific purpose.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169711,"EventID":"S1W-33266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were undertaken in 2002 by ambulances transferring patients from the Garrick Hospital in Stranraer to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were undertaken in 2002 by ambulances transferring patients from the Garrick Hospital in Stranraer to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"Between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2002, the Scottish Ambulance Service made 548 journeys transferring patients from the Garrick Hospital in Stranraer to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169712,"EventID":"S1W-33267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33257 by Mr Andy Kerr on 17 January 2003, whether HM Prison Kilmarnock is not an asset held by it or any body controlled by it and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33257 by Mr Andy Kerr on 17 January 2003, whether HM Prison Kilmarnock is not an asset held by it or any body controlled by it and on whose balance sheet the prison is recorded as an asset.","AnswerText":"The contract to design, construct, manage, and finance a prison at Kilmarnock was awarded by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) under the Private Finance Initiative. The 25-year contract period commenced in March 1999 and so its accounting treatment was assessed using Technical Note 1 (Revised) How to account for PFI Transactions. At the end of the contract period the prison building comes into the ownership of the SPS. In the meantime, the SPS accounts for its commitments under the contract and for its reversionary interest in the property. Since the SPS is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive, the same accounting treatment applies in the consolidated accounts of the Scottish Executive (which report the performance, assets and liabilities of all bodies within the Scottish Executive accounting boundary). The external auditor, Audit Scotland, accepts this view. The Scottish Executive is aware that the private sector contractor, supported by their external auditor, has also reached a view that the prison does not constitute a fixed asset in its balance sheet. All parties have been applying, in good faith, the relevant guidance. The Scottish Executive is aware of the apparent anomaly and has raised the issue with the Financial Reporting Advisory Board, which is now conducting a review.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169713,"EventID":"S1W-33268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements are being made to facilitate new members in taking the Oath of Allegiance in Scots following the elections to the Scottish Parliament in May.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements are being made to facilitate new members in taking the Oath of Allegiance in Scots following the elections to the Scottish Parliament in May.","AnswerText":"The oath of allegiance or solemn affirmation must be taken in English under the terms of the Promissory Oaths Act 1868 and the Oaths Act 1978. However, under Rule 1.2 of Standing Orders, after taking the oath or affirmation, a member may repeat it in a language other than English. In accordance with the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body language policy, written versions will be available to members in the languages covered in that policy, but that does not preclude any member from using Scots or any other language if they so choose.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169714,"EventID":"S1W-33269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to local authorities regarding the frequency of road inspection in order to exercise local authorities' reasonable duty of care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to local authorities regarding the frequency of road inspection in order to exercise local authorities' reasonable duty of care.","AnswerText":"A Code of Practice, Delivering Best Value in Highway Maintenance, was published by the Institution of Highways and Transportation in July 2001. It applies throughout the UK and is endorsed by COSLA. Responsibility for implementing the guidance in the code rests with individual local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169715,"EventID":"S1W-33270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average percentage of the costs of the employment of support staff is reimbursed to GPs in each NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average percentage of the costs of the employment of support staff is reimbursed to GPs in each NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards and Primary Care Trusts. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169716,"EventID":"S1W-33271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average percentage of the costs of computer equipment is reimbursed to GPs in each NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average percentage of the costs of computer equipment is reimbursed to GPs in each NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS boards and Primary Care Trusts. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169717,"EventID":"S1W-33272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on independent management consultants in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on independent management consultants in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Grampian NHS Board should be contacted directly for the detail required.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169718,"EventID":"S1W-33273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time-equivalent (a) management and (b) clinical staff there have been in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last three years for which figures are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time-equivalent (a) management and (b) clinical staff there have been in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on the WTE staff in Grampian NHS Board for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001 is shown in the following table: Clinical Staff and Management Split in Grampian NHS Board for the Years 1999, 2000 and 2001. Clinical Staff | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Medical | 1,192.6 | 1,212.7 | 1,323.6 | Dental | 220.0 | 212.6 | 213.0 | Nursing and Midwifery1 | 4,940.9 | 4,935.5 | 5,031.5 | Scientific and Professional | 137.4 | 142.6 | 151.1 | Professions Allied to Medicine | 660.4 | 675.3 | 689.6 | Technical | 378.4 | 384.4 | 411.8 | Ambulance2 | | | | Health Care Assistant | 30.8 | 32.2 | 30.8 | Total Clinical Staff | 7,560.5 | 7,595.3 | 7,851.4 | Management | | | | Senior Management | 237.7 | 239.5 | 215.2 | Administrative and Clerical3,4 | 1,333.8 | 1,400.9 | 1,458.9 | Total Management | 1,571.5 | 1,640.4 | 1,674.1 |
Source: Medical and Dental Census and National Statistics from payroll, ISD. Notes: 1. Excludes nurse teachers and teachers in training. 2. Although ambulance staff are considered to be clinical, it is not possible to break the data down into NHS boards. 3. Includes obsolete management grades and management trainees. 4. Not all grades are management. More detailed information on the number of staff working in Grampian NHS Board area is available in tables A3 and A4 on the ISD website at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169719,"EventID":"S1W-33274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has given local authorities to implement the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has given local authorities to implement the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. ","AnswerText":"From 1 April 2002 local authorities have been required to pay fees to the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) to register their own care services. The transfer of authorities' regulatory functions to the Care Commission from that date necessitated a corresponding transfer of funds from local authorities to the Commission. The amount transferred (£5.68 million) took into account the fact that local authorities would have received income from registration fees paid by service providers. In addition, some of the funding was left with authorities to allow them to pay registration fees to the Care Commission for their own services, and to cover some residual staffing and accommodation costs. Care services are now inspected against national care standards. However, the Care Commission has discretion in applying those standards, taking into account the nature of the services being provided. For example, in the case of care homes for older people, where existing provision cannot meet the physical standards but is otherwise of good quality, specific criteria may be agreed with the Care Commission officers to allow existing rooms to remain in use. These arrangements apply equally to services delivered by local authorities and by the independent sector. The legislation and the national care standards require social care staff to be properly qualified and trained to carry out their roles in regulated care services. The £2.2 million Specific Grant for Social Work Training allocated to local authorities for 2002-03 was supplemented by an additional £3.5 million in the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce. This is specifically targeted at increasing the availability of training for social work and social care workers, as part of enhancing the qualifications of social work and social care staff in preparation for the establishment of the social services register, set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. It will also assist providers to meet the relevant national care standards. In addition, £9.2 million was allocated for the expansion and development of the early years workforce from 2002-04, with a further £6 million per annum committed during the period 2004-06. This funding is allocated through child care partnerships, and can be used for workforce expansion and development in the local authority, private and voluntary sectors.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169720,"EventID":"S1W-33275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an updated version of the Report on care home costs for older people in Scotland by the National Review Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an updated version of the Report on care home costs for older people in Scotland by the National Review Group.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to update the National Review Group Report. The group was established to conduct a review of the costs associated with providing nursing and residential home care for older people in Scotland and to determine a framework for appropriate fee levels for application from 1 April 2002 and beyond. We will, in partnership with local authorities, shortly be negotiating with the care home sector on the level of fees to be paid to homes from 1 April 2003. An increase in real terms will be applied to the revenue element of existing care home costs to take account of various pressures, including water rates.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169722,"EventID":"S1W-33277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make appointments to the remaining two places on Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba; if so, when the appointments will be made, and whether those that original","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make appointments to the remaining two places on Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba; if so, when the appointments will be made, and whether those that originally applied will be considered.","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to fill these two places. The main priority at present is for the current members of Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba to develop a good working relationship. The appointment of an additional two bòrd members is an option for the future. If this option is pursued the same criteria will be applied and the same procedure will be followed. Those who originally applied can be considered if they so wish.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169723,"EventID":"S1W-33279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 56-megawatt windfarm at Cairn Uish in Moray.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 56-megawatt windfarm at Cairn Uish in Moray.","AnswerText":"I can announce that the Scottish ministers have granted consent on this proposal in terms of section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Additionally, this consent carries deemed planning permission in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This proposal will make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of the Scottish Climate Change Programme and equates to approximately 10% of the additional renewable generation needed to meet Scotland's 2010 target.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169724,"EventID":"S1W-33280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of whole-time equivalent consultant rheumatologists per head of population is in line with the recommended level set by its Health Department, the Brit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of whole-time equivalent consultant rheumatologists per head of population is in line with the recommended level set by its Health Department, the British Society for Rheumatology, the Royal College of Physicians and the World Health Organisation.","AnswerText":"There were 22.8 whole-time equivalent (WTE) rheumatology consultants employed in NHS Scotland as at 30 September 2001. The Scotland mid-year population estimate is 5,064,200 as at 30 June 2001. This equates to one WTE consultant per 222,114 population, or 0.45 WTE consultants per 100,000 head of population. Number of WTE Consultant Rheumatologists Per 100,000 of Population in Scotland | | WTE/100,000 population | Actual data from Medical and Dental Manpower Census | 0.45 | Recommended by Department of Health | 0.67 | Recommended by British Society for Rheumatology | 1.18 | Recommended by Royal College of Physicians | 0.67 | Recommended by World Health Organisation | 0.67 |
Source: Medical and Dental Census and General Register Office for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169725,"EventID":"S1W-33282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final contracts for the pathfinder procurement process referred to in section 4 of Connecting Scotland: our broadband future: Making it Happen will be awarded","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the final contracts for the pathfinder procurement process referred to in section 4 of Connecting Scotland: our broadband future: Making it Happen will be awarded on the basis of cost only or whether guarantees of overall service provision will also be taken into account. ","AnswerText":"Contracts will be awarded on the basis of best value for money, which takes account of quality as well as cost. The contracts will require guaranteed minimum standards of service. Bids which fail to meet those required minimum standards will not be accepted.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169726,"EventID":"S1W-33283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are in place to ensure the continued administration of the South of Scotland Pathfinder project when the posts of project manager and assistant fall vacant in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are in place to ensure the continued administration of the South of Scotland Pathfinder project when the posts of project manager and assistant fall vacant in March 2003, given the procurement process set out in section 4 of Connecting Scotland: our broadband future: Making it Happen. ","AnswerText":"Plans for the Pathfinder procurement in the south of Scotland envisage the continued involvement of these posts.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169727,"EventID":"S1W-33284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rules are governing the granting of subsidies to companies taking part in the trials of satellite-accessed broadband to cover installation costs as referred to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rules are governing the granting of subsidies to companies taking part in the trials of satellite-accessed broadband to cover installation costs as referred to in section 6 and paragraph 8.4 of Connecting Scotland: our broadband future: Making it Happen and whether these rules are specific to each local enterprise company.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Enterprise Networks.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169728,"EventID":"S1W-33285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many asymmetrical digital subscriber line enabled exchanges there are given the figures of 67 and 54 quoted respectively in Connecting Scotland: our broadband future:","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many asymmetrical digital subscriber line enabled exchanges there are given the figures of 67 and 54 quoted respectively in Connecting Scotland: our broadband future: Making it Happen and BT Scotland's submission to the Rural Development Committee's inquiry into integrated rural development; what percentage of these exchanges are in the Pathfinder areas, and what steps are being taken to encourage greater pre-registration of interest to speed up rural penetration of broadband access.","AnswerText":"There are currently 67 exchanges that are ADSL-enabled in Scotland and 4% of these are in Pathfinder areas. There are a number of measures already under way to increase interest in broadband, including a broadband information website and a network of broadband demonstration centres across Scotland. We also recently announced a new initiative, worth up to £24 million, to accelerate and widen the reach of broadband across Scotland. As part of this, we plan to undertake a technology-neutral marketing campaign with the private sector to promote awareness of broadband.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169729,"EventID":"S1W-33286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of recent incidents at HM Prison Shotts and what action it will take as a result. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of recent incidents at HM Prison Shotts and what action it will take as a result. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: On 2 January at HM Prison Shotts, a large number of prisoners in A Hall and some in B Hall were involved in concerted indiscipline. The SPS resolved the incident at 15:00 the following day. One member of staff suffered a broken leg. There was damage to the prison accommodation. On 7 January, in a separate incident also at HM Prison Shotts, an episode of concerted indiscipline resulted in three members of staff receiving stab wounds which resulted in them being detained in hospital. The SPS brought the incident to a conclusion at 05:30 the following day. The SPS has well established procedures for reviewing such incidents which are now in progress involving the staff who handled the incident on the ground, the Incident Control Teams at SPS Headquarters and senior Governors of other establishments. Ministers were briefed at the outset, during and after each incident. Both incidents are the subject of police investigations and criminal charges have been brought in relation to the second. This, and SPS's role as a law enforcement agency, properly restrict what I can say about the action we will take following the incidents. We are in touch with other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services and others to review learning points and actions we can take to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring and further improve our response to them. The same process is under way internally, and at a time of high prisoner numbers we are revising contingency plans following the loss of accommodation at Shotts as a result of these incidents. I would like to place on record SPS's concern for the well-being of the staff injured in these incidents and our appreciation of the professional and effective response of staff and managers at Shotts and other establishments to these difficult and dangerous incidents and in the major dispersal operation which followed the first.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169730,"EventID":"S1W-33287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the breach of an electronic tagging order is referred to the courts only after three breaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the breach of an electronic tagging order is referred to the courts only after three breaches.","AnswerText":"Serious incidents of breach of a restriction of liberty order which demonstrate wilful and measurable non-compliance of the order are reported to the courts within 24 hours of their occurrence. Other more minor violations are reported to the courts cumulatively so that the courts can consider their impact in relation to overall compliance with the order.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169731,"EventID":"S1W-33288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an offender that commits a crime whilst also breaching an electronic tagging order is automatically referred to the courts for breach of the order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an offender that commits a crime whilst also breaching an electronic tagging order is automatically referred to the courts for breach of the order.","AnswerText":"An offender who commits a crime whilst also breaching a restriction of liberty order will be dealt with by the police for the crime. The breach of the restriction of liberty order will be reported to the court. Breach of a restriction of liberty order is not in itself a crime.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169732,"EventID":"S1W-33289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is a difference in approach to the breaching of a bail condition, which is automatically a matter for the courts, and the breaching of an electronic tagging ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is a difference in approach to the breaching of a bail condition, which is automatically a matter for the courts, and the breaching of an electronic tagging order, which is not.","AnswerText":"Unlike breach of a bail condition, breach of a restriction of liberty order is not an offence. Breach of a restriction of liberty order is a matter for the courts under section 245F of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and are reported to the court by the contractor appointed to monitor compliance with the order. The court decides what action should be taken based on the circumstances surrounding the breach.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169733,"EventID":"S1W-33290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reviewing the practice of self-regulation in the legal profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reviewing the practice of self-regulation in the legal profession.","AnswerText":"The Executive is at present considering recommendations made by the Justice 1 Committee in the report which it published on 27 November 2002 on its inquiry into the regulation of the legal profession. The committee recommended the continuation of self-regulation, subject to the strengthening of safeguards, the enhancement of the role of the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman and an increase in lay involvement in the complaints handling process. The Executive will respond to the committee's recommendations as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169734,"EventID":"S1W-33291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight it gives to cumulative effects of multiple proposals across local authority boundaries in consideration of planning applications for wind farms. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight it gives to cumulative effects of multiple proposals across local authority boundaries in consideration of planning applications for wind farms. ","AnswerText":"It is for the decision-maker to decide how much weight should be attached to each material consideration in the context of individual proposals. When considering cumulative effect, account will need to be taken of the scale and location of other wind farms, regardless of where they are situated.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169735,"EventID":"S1W-33292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success police forces have had in sei'ing shipments of cocaine in the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success police forces have had in sei'ing shipments of cocaine in the last five years.","AnswerText":"Detailed drug seizure information, including a breakdown of cocaine seizures by the Scottish Police Service, is collated and published annually by the Home Office and can be found on their website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/drugs1.html.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169736,"EventID":"S1W-33293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of cocaine by young people has increased over the last five years and what links there are between crime and (a) cocaine and (b) crack cocaine use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of cocaine by young people has increased over the last five years and what links there are between crime and (a) cocaine and (b) crack cocaine use.","AnswerText":"A Working Group of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse published a report in August 2002 on psychostimulant use in Scotland, particularly cocaine, crack cocaine and amphetamines. The report, which can be accessed on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org highlighted a small, but growing, problem of cocaine and crack cocaine use in Scotland. Table 1 details the number and quantity of seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine in Scotland from 1995 to 2000, the latest year where published data is available. Table 2 details the percentage of new individual patients/clients who reported using cocaine and crack cocaine in Scotland from 1997-98 to 2001-02. There is some evidence of the link between cocaine and crack cocaine use and crime. In particular, the use of crack cocaine is associated with both acquisitive and violent crime. Typical crimes committed by crack users are shoplifting and handling stolen goods. In addition, cocaine and crack cocaine have strong links to the sex trade. Table 1: Drug Seizures of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine Number of Seizures | Scotland | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | Cocaine | 69 | 117 | 191 | 254 | 334 | 396 | Crack Cocaine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 18 | 34 | 34 | Quantity of Seizures (kg) | | | | | | | Cocaine | 0.8 | 2.4 | 4.6 | 27.4 | 33.4 | 22.4 | Crack Cocaine | - | - | - | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
Source: Home Office. Table 2: Percentage of New Individual Patients/Clients who Reported Using Cocaine and Crack Cocaine | | Scotland | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | No. of Individuals Reporting Illicit Drug Use | 7,637 | | 9,269 | 9,490 | 9,629 | % Reporting Use of Cocaine | 2 | The figures provided on the total number of persons with a charge proved for the drug offences of supply and trafficking are derived from the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database. This database does not hold information on the type of drug involved in convictions for drug offences. The Home Office collects data separately on drug offenders, including information on the type of drug involved in court convictions and fiscal fines. The coverage of this data is known to be incomplete. For example, the Home Office data are currently estimated to cover about 91 per cent of Scottish convictions for total drug offences in 2000. However, it is possible to make use of this information to estimate the proportion of convictions involving different types of drug. Persons with a Charge Proved, Where the Main Crime was Supply/Trafficking Drug Offences, 1996-2000 | | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Supply and Trafficking | 1,549 | 1,621 | 1,627 | 1,559 | 1,284 | 1,314 | Percentage Cocaine1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | N/A |
Note: 1. Estimated from Home Office data. Figures are provisional.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169738,"EventID":"S1W-33295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been arrested for possession of cocaine in the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been arrested for possession of cocaine in the last five years.","AnswerText":"Our criminal statistics cover recorded crimes rather than persons arrested. Within those statistics, possession of cocaine cannot be separately identified from the number of all recorded crimes for possession of a drug.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169739,"EventID":"S1W-33296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to cocaine and crack cocaine addicts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to cocaine and crack cocaine addicts.","AnswerText":"Advice on the support which should be made available to cocaine and crack cocaine users seeking help with their addiction was published by the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit in October 2002, following a report by a Working Group of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse. The report, which is available on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org highlighted a small but growing problem of cocaine and crack cocaine use in Scotland and made a wide range of recommendations covering prevention, the planning and delivery of services, treatment, research and information, availability and resourcing. The recommendations are currently being implemented by the Executive. Drug Action Teams (DATs) and their local partners should be assessing need and enhancing service provision in line with the guidance, funded from the substantial additional drug treatment and rehabilitation resources allocated to NHS boards and local authorities for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. DATs will be requested to detail in this year's corporate action plans, what work has been undertaken or planned to ensure the needs of cocaine and crack cocaine users in their areas are being met. In addition, the Executive has committed funding of £100,000 per annum over the following two financial years for a pilot service for cocaine and crack cocaine users in the Aberdeen area, where a particular problem has been identified. Officials are currently working with the local DAT and local agencies on the details of the pilot service, which it is hoped will become operational before the end of this financial year. We are working on new information materials on cocaine and crack, but anyone seeking advice on these drugs can contact the free and confidential Know the Score Informationline, or they can log on to the Know the Score website http://www.knowthescore.info.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169740,"EventID":"S1W-33297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters and farmers received their 2002 Suckler Cow Premium advance payments (a) in November 2002, (b) in December 2002 and (c) up to and including 20 January 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters and farmers received their 2002 Suckler Cow Premium advance payments (a) in November 2002, (b) in December 2002 and (c) up to and including 20 January 2003 and how many payments remain to be made after 20 January 2003.","AnswerText":"We received 7,893 claims under the 2002 Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) by the final closing date of 31 December 2002. The numbers of producers (farmers and crofters) who have been issued advance payments are: (a) in November 2002 - 1,157; (b) in December 2002 - 1,386, and (c) in January 2003 (up to and including 20 January) - 3,989. The claim validation and payment process is continuing and by 27 January a further 584 producers' advance payments were issued. Further payments due on those 777 claims remaining will be issued as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169741,"EventID":"S1W-33298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason was for delays in issuing 2002 Suckler Cow Premium advance payments to crofters and farmers, scheduled to be issued in November 2002 but received by many ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason was for delays in issuing 2002 Suckler Cow Premium advance payments to crofters and farmers, scheduled to be issued in November 2002 but received by many producers in mid-January 2003, and what action is being taken to avoid similar delays in the future.","AnswerText":"Advance payments under the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) are normally scheduled to begin in November but not all payments can be made at that time. Sixty-five per cent of SCPS claimants do not submit their claim form until November or December, 33% do not submit until the final week of the application period. All claims are subject to a rigorous validation process to ensure that subsidy is only paid on animals which have met scheme eligibility requirements. This process now includes the cross checking of claimed animals against the Cattle Tracing System (operated by the British Cattle Movement Service) - this is a legal requirement which we must comply with - and, while these cross checks have added to the complexity of claim processing, advance payments have not been delayed unduly. Over 90% of claimed animals have successfully cleared the validation process and been paid. My department will continue to make every effort to minimise any delay in the issue of payments on eligible animals.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169742,"EventID":"S1W-33299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Borders Railway Forum on whether any private bill on the Borders railway will contain provisions that charge expenditure on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Borders Railway Forum on whether any private bill on the Borders railway will contain provisions that charge expenditure on the Scottish Consolidated Fund; what agreement it has given to any such expenditure; what advice it has given the forum on the bill not progressing beyond its Preliminary Stage in the Parliament if no such funding is made available, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1O-6230 on 16 January 2003, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169743,"EventID":"S1W-33300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a growing rail freight industry plays an important role in developing Scotland's economic potential.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a growing rail freight industry plays an important role in developing Scotland's economic potential.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the important contribution rail freight makes to the economy and the environment, and will continue to support the rail freight industry in Scotland through the administration of the Freight Facilities and Track Access Grant schemes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169744,"EventID":"S1W-33301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the contribution of awards for freight facilities grants and track access grants to achieving of Her Majesty's Government's target of 80% g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the contribution of awards for freight facilities grants and track access grants to achieving of Her Majesty's Government's target of 80% growth in rail freight traffic by 2010.","AnswerText":"We achieved our own target of making awards of Freight Facilities Grant, by March 2002, that will remove 18 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year. We are also confident of meeting our future targets of making awards by March 2003 and March 2004 that will remove 21 and 23 million lorry miles respectively from Scotland's roads each year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169745,"EventID":"S1W-33302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public subsidy the rail infrastructure operator received for Scotland in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public subsidy the rail infrastructure operator received for Scotland in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169746,"EventID":"S1W-33303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public subsidy (a) freight and (b) passenger rail operations received in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public subsidy (a) freight and (b) passenger rail operations received in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive did not pay any rail freight operating subsidies in 2001-02. However, during this period it disbursed Freight Facilities Grant payments totalling £8,064,558. The amount paid in 2001-02 for passenger rail operations was £150.8 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169747,"EventID":"S1W-33304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lorry miles have been removed from the road network as a result of Anglo-Scottish freight facilities grant and track access grant schemes awards","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lorry miles have been removed from the road network as a result of Anglo-Scottish freight facilities grant and track access grant schemes awards","AnswerText":"Awards of Freight Facilities and Track Access Grants to rail projects with traffic flows between Scotland and England and funded by the Scottish Executive and the Department for Transport have, up to 31 March 2002, removed a total of 1.4 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169748,"EventID":"S1W-33305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many awards granted for freight facilities grant and track access grant schemes in 2001-02 depended upon an element of funding for Anglo-Scottish flows from the Stra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many awards granted for freight facilities grant and track access grant schemes in 2001-02 depended upon an element of funding for Anglo-Scottish flows from the Strategic Rail Authority and what the economic and environmental benefit of such awards has been.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169749,"EventID":"S1W-33306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a short-life national training programme to ensure that carers are aware of the component parts of the education system and are able to suppor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a short-life national training programme to ensure that carers are aware of the component parts of the education system and are able to support the children in their care, as recommended in point 1 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"We are considering this report from the Fostering Network and how best to take forward the proposals they have made to improve the fostering system in Scotland. We will be examining those concerning the legal framework for fostering during the second phase of the adoption policy review, which is due to report next year. Many of the remaining proposals involve the management and delivery of foster services and are the responsibility of local authorities. We are also in contact with the Department of Health on their review of fostering services, Choice Protects, which is considering similar issues for England and Wales, as well as some reserved matters involving pension arrangements for foster carers. We will continue to discuss relevant issues with the Fostering Network.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169750,"EventID":"S1W-33307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will generate a review of payment structures across Scotland in order to clarify the situation in respect of allowances to foster carers and, dependent upon t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will generate a review of payment structures across Scotland in order to clarify the situation in respect of allowances to foster carers and, dependent upon the needs of this review, ensure that such allowances are sufficient to meet the needs of foster children, as recommended in point 2 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"The Fostering of Children (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the accompanying guidance make clear that it is for local authorities to decide their own types and scales of payments to foster carers, depending on local child care needs and circumstances. We have no plans at present to review these payment structures across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169751,"EventID":"S1W-33308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a short-term working party or project to look at the needs of the biological children of foster carers and establish a best practice document o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a short-term working party or project to look at the needs of the biological children of foster carers and establish a best practice document on this matter, as recommended in point 3 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169752,"EventID":"S1W-33309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote a national approach to the assessment, approval, support and reward for friends and family carers, as recommended in point 4 of the short-term ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote a national approach to the assessment, approval, support and reward for friends and family carers, as recommended in point 4 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169753,"EventID":"S1W-33310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the code of practice on the recruitment, assessment, approval, training, management and support of foster carers, as recommended in point 5 of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the code of practice on the recruitment, assessment, approval, training, management and support of foster carers, as recommended in point 5 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"The recruitment, selection, approval, training and support of foster carers is covered by the National Care Standards for foster care and family placement services and will be regulated by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169754,"EventID":"S1W-33311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the call for home responsibilities protection to be extended to foster carers and make representations to Her Majesty's Government accordingly, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the call for home responsibilities protection to be extended to foster carers and make representations to Her Majesty's Government accordingly, as recommended in point 6 of the short-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to home responsibilities protection, which is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169755,"EventID":"S1W-33312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a short-life working party to examine the training requirements of the foster care service and consider the establishment of a centre of excell","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a short-life working party to examine the training requirements of the foster care service and consider the establishment of a centre of excellence, as recommended in the medium-term section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169756,"EventID":"S1W-33313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the discussions on the registration of foster carers in the longer term remains on the agenda of the Social Services Council, as recommended ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the discussions on the registration of foster carers in the longer term remains on the agenda of the Social Services Council, as recommended in point 1 of the long-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"Under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001, foster carers could be registered by the council as a social service worker. There are no plans or timescale set to register this group of workers but the Scottish Executive will keep this matter under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169757,"EventID":"S1W-33314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the aetiology of abuse in foster care settings, as recommended in point 2 of the long-term actions section of the report by the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the aetiology of abuse in foster care settings, as recommended in point 2 of the long-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169758,"EventID":"S1W-33315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the advantages of the different reward and fee structures for carers and produce information for agencies to use when considerin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the advantages of the different reward and fee structures for carers and produce information for agencies to use when considering different reward typologies, as recommended in point 3 of the long-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169759,"EventID":"S1W-33316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a document, similar to the National Practice Guide to Investigations and Allegations of Abuse against Carers produced in Wales, to ensure a commo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a document, similar to the National Practice Guide to Investigations and Allegations of Abuse against Carers produced in Wales, to ensure a common standard for all agencies, as recommended in point 4 of the long-term actions section of the report by the Fostering Network, Modernising the Foster Care Service in Scotland: \"Trying to Meet the Standards\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33306 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169760,"EventID":"S1W-33317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that local authorities improve their collection of recoverable overpayments of housing benefit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that local authorities improve their collection of recoverable overpayments of housing benefit.","AnswerText":"Housing Benefit (HB), including overpayment, is a reserved matter under the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In April 2002, the DWP published a comprehensive set of performance standards for the administration of HB, including standards relating to the recovery of HB overpayments. In addition, the DWP provides a dedicated advice line for local authorities on HB overpayment matters and plans to issue a new overpayment guidance manual to HB staff towards the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169761,"EventID":"S1W-33318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review by the Standing Committee on Resource Allocation of the formula for the allocation of NHS board funding will be complete; what consultations it has carrie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review by the Standing Committee on Resource Allocation of the formula for the allocation of NHS board funding will be complete; what consultations it has carried out on this matter, and when it plans to implement any revised recommendations of the committee.","AnswerText":"I expect the Standing Committee on Resource Allocation (SCRA) to produce its conclusions by the summer of 2003. To date, no consultation has been carried out. The extent of any future consultation and the timing of the implementation of any revised recommendations cannot be determined until SCRA's conclusions are known.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169762,"EventID":"S1W-33319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to fund improvements in quality associated with the new GP contracts and whether it will use a central fund for this purpose and, if so, what impact this wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to fund improvements in quality associated with the new GP contracts and whether it will use a central fund for this purpose and, if so, what impact this will have on funding for other local health services.","AnswerText":"The April 2002 framework for the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract stated that practices providing GMS will be able to increase their income if they achieve a series of quality standards. I am happy to confirm our commitment to this. Negotiations on the detail and costing of the new GP contract are being taken forward on a UK basis by the NHS Confederation, representing the four UK Health Departments, and the UK General Practitioners Committee (GPC). No final decisions have yet been agreed and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for me at this stage to discuss details of the negotiations or their likely impact.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169763,"EventID":"S1W-33320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken following any findings by its expert panel on school meals that fi''y soft drinks, which are often available from vending machines in schools, m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken following any findings by its expert panel on school meals that fi''y soft drinks, which are often available from vending machines in schools, may pose a threat to learning.","AnswerText":"An interim report of the expert panel on school meals, Hungry for Success was published in November 2002. In setting nutrient standards for school lunches, the interim report explains that a diet based on bread, cereals and other starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, and low amounts of fat, sugar, and salty foods is an underlying consideration in catering provision. The interim report advocated a whole-school approach to nutrition and health. Following a consultation exercise, the final report of the expert panel is due for publication next month, and ministers' responses to the final report will be published at that time.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169764,"EventID":"S1W-33321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32954 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 January 2003, when the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator completed the audit of local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32954 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 January 2003, when the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator completed the audit of local authorities and their strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour. ","AnswerText":"Audits of the 32 local authorities took place between March and November 2001. Individual reports and recommendations were made to each local authority by the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator. A report distilling the information from all 32 audits will be published in the spring and copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169765,"EventID":"S1W-33322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice the Scottish Environment Protection Agency gives local authorities on the classification of land used for industrial purposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice the Scottish Environment Protection Agency gives local authorities on the classification of land used for industrial purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency does not provide advice to local authorities on the land use classification of industrial sites. This is a matter for the planning authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169766,"EventID":"S1W-33323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding securing an equitable share of the warship building contracts for the three shipyards on the Ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding securing an equitable share of the warship building contracts for the three shipyards on the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including shipbuilding. However, I understand that the MOD is due to announce its decision on the preferred prime contractor shortly. I understand that, whichever company is successful, a substantial proportion of the work will come to Scotland and to the Clyde in particular.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169767,"EventID":"S1W-33324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to my supplementary question during the ministerial statement on fisheries on 8 January 2003 (Official Report, c 16700) that fishermen will have 15","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to my supplementary question during the ministerial statement on fisheries on 8 January 2003 (Official Report, c 16700) that fishermen will have 15 days at sea if no further decommissioning takes place, what the current position is regarding the decommissioning of fishing vessels in the light of the recent correspondence from EC Commissioner Hans Fischler to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elliot Morley, and the views of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and whether compensation for decommissioning will be met by HM Treasury.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of Annex XVII of Council Regulation (EC) 2341/2002, member states are required to report progress on decommissioning to the Commission during 2003. The number of days at sea available to vessels is subject to review by the Commission in the light of that. Regulations on a Scottish decommissioning scheme will shortly be laid before the Parliament. We are aiming to open the scheme to applications during February. Expenditure cover for the scheme will be met by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169768,"EventID":"S1W-33325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30207 by Ross Finnie on 16 October 2002, when the report by Environment Resources Management into litter legislation will be publis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30207 by Ross Finnie on 16 October 2002, when the report by Environment Resources Management into litter legislation will be published.","AnswerText":"The report submitted by Environmental Resources Management will be published when the Scottish Executive has fully considered the recommendations. The report was somewhat delayed from initial plans, in order to take account of comments from the advisory group, which included representatives from local government, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169769,"EventID":"S1W-33326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have formal litter plans in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have formal litter plans in place.","AnswerText":"Aberdeen City Council, Stirling Council and Shetland Islands Council currently have formal litter plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169770,"EventID":"S1W-33327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publicity it has funded, or intends to fund, on tackling litter and fly-tipping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publicity it has funded, or intends to fund, on tackling litter and fly-tipping.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides annual core funding of £234,000 to Keep Scotland Beautiful, which runs a number of anti-litter initiatives. Over the last year, additional funding of £900,000 has been secured to bolster this programme, including the Have Some Pride anti-litter poster campaign, launched in March 2002. As part of the Executive's Quality of Life Initiative, in addition to the £95 million allocated to local authorities this year, a further £180 million has been provided over the next three years to fund local initiatives that will improve the local environment and quality of life. Around £3 million of this year's allocation has been committed to litter reduction schemes and councils can use this money to raise awareness through publicity campaigns.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169771,"EventID":"S1W-33328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sources are available to local authorities to reduce littering and fly-tipping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sources are available to local authorities to reduce littering and fly-tipping.","AnswerText":"Local authorities fund environmental initiatives from monies distributed by the Executive and from their own resources. As part of the Executive's Quality of Life Initiative, £95 million was allocated to local authorities this year, and a further £180 million has been provided over the next three years, in addition to regular annual funding. These additional resources were made available to fund local initiatives that will improve the local environment and quality of life. Around £3 million of this year's allocation has been committed to litter reduction schemes. In addition, the Executive has made £20 million available over the next three years to put in place a network of community wardens, one of whose tasks will be to combat littering.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169772,"EventID":"S1W-33329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scotland's Budget Documents 2003-04, Budget (Scotland) (No.4) Bill for the year ending 31 March 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scotland's Budget Documents 2003-04, Budget (Scotland) (No.4) Bill for the year ending 31 March 2004.","AnswerText":"The costs of publishing, printing and the distribution of Scotland's Budget Documents 2003-04 are set out as follows: Document | Publishing | Printing | Distribution | Scotland's Budget Documents 2003-04 | £1,494.20* | £2,764.48 | £200.00** |
Note: *Includes costs for web conversion. **Estimate of costs of distribution.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169773,"EventID":"S1W-33330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to retain and develop the skills of Clyde shipyard workers in light of the announcement by BAE Systems that it will make 265 Clyde shipyard worke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to retain and develop the skills of Clyde shipyard workers in light of the announcement by BAE Systems that it will make 265 Clyde shipyard workers redundant.","AnswerText":"The company will be consulting with the unions over the next few weeks and I hope that compulsory redundancies can be kept to a minimum. The Clyde Shipyards Task Force Redundancy Management sub-group will be meeting shortly to provide support as necessary, to those affected through a dedicated local response team under the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance in terms of retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169774,"EventID":"S1W-33331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated to the Clyde Shipyard Task Force in light of the announcement by BAE Systems that it will make 265 Clyde shipyard workers redundant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated to the Clyde Shipyard Task Force in light of the announcement by BAE Systems that it will make 265 Clyde shipyard workers redundant.","AnswerText":"The Redundancy Management sub-group of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force is ready to go into action again as soon as necessary. The organisations represented on the redundancy sub-group, particularly JobCentre Plus, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and Glasgow City Council, already have access to a considerable amount of training and retraining funds and a range of training programmes will be made available as appropriate to any workers made redundant by BAE Systems.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169775,"EventID":"S1W-33332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have been invited to undertake skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have been invited to undertake skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","AnswerText":"Clyde shipyard engineers were first invited to take up skills conversion training courses in February 2002. Forty-six engineers were invited and, to date, 40 have been interviewed. Fourteen have taken places on conversion courses.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169776,"EventID":"S1W-33333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have taken up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Clyde shipyard engineers have taken up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33332 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169777,"EventID":"S1W-33334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Clyde shipyard engineers were first invited to take up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Clyde shipyard engineers were first invited to take up places on skills conversion courses to fill any shortage of central heating engineers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33332 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169778,"EventID":"S1W-33335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duration is of the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duration is of the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","AnswerText":"The Clyde Shipyards skills conversion programme is on-going with a continuing commitment to identify skill gaps and develop needs for the future. To date, 45 employees have been involved in the cross skilling programmes. The programme began in early 2002 and is funded by BAE SYSTEMS.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169779,"EventID":"S1W-33336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available to Clyde shipyard workers on the skills conversion programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available to Clyde shipyard workers on the skills conversion programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33335 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169780,"EventID":"S1W-33337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to support the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to support the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33335 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169781,"EventID":"S1W-33338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when funding began for the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when funding began for the Clyde shipyard skills conversion programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33335 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169782,"EventID":"S1W-33339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will quantify any shortage of central heating engineers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will quantify any shortage of central heating engineers.","AnswerText":"Industry estimates are that Scotland will require to train around 2,600 central heating installers by December 2004 to ensure that supply matches demand.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169783,"EventID":"S1W-33340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives other than the central heating engineering conversion programme are being undertaken to support redundant workers at Clyde shipyards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives other than the central heating engineering conversion programme are being undertaken to support redundant workers at Clyde shipyards.","AnswerText":"Redundant employees can retrain using the Training for Work Programme, which provides short or long-term training for up to one year. Under the programme 28 redundant BAE workers are being funded to undertake short-term training as fork lift truck drivers, bus drivers, crane drivers, welders and scaffolding erectors.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169784,"EventID":"S1W-33341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to retain and develop the skills of Clyde shipyard workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to retain and develop the skills of Clyde shipyard workers.","AnswerText":"The Clyde Shipyards Task Force Redundancy Management sub-group will be meeting shortly to provide support as necessary to those affected through a dedicated local response team under the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance in terms of retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities. To retain and develop skills further, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, in partnership with BAE SYSTEMS, established a Real Learning Centre at Scotstoun in December 2002. A similar facility is being established in Govan and will be in place during February 2003. The centres allow staff to take up online learning opportunities and if they wish, work towards qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169785,"EventID":"S1W-33342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it regards Bute, Muck, Eigg and Skye as islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it regards Bute, Muck, Eigg and Skye as islands.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169786,"EventID":"S1W-33343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the classification of NHS beds has changed to include other items, such as trolleys, reclining chairs and couches, as has been reported in respect of the NHS in E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the classification of NHS beds has changed to include other items, such as trolleys, reclining chairs and couches, as has been reported in respect of the NHS in England.","AnswerText":"National definitions are provided by the Information and Statistics Division (ISD) in the Definitions and Codes for the NHS Scotland (6th Update April 2002) Manual. The manual is available at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/isd_services/NHSiS_services/National_data_standards/defsmanual.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169787,"EventID":"S1W-33344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the research advisory group on ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, appointed by the Medical Research Council (MRC).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the research advisory group on ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, appointed by the Medical Research Council (MRC).","AnswerText":"The independent scientific advisory group on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) was set up by the MRC to develop a broad strategy for advancing biomedical and health services research on CFS/ME. In December 2002, it issued a draft research strategy for public consultation, inviting responses by the end of this month. The Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) will be offering comments on the document and, once the MRC's work is complete and the future strategic direction of research is clear, SEHD will seek to play a full part in the implementation of that strategy.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169788,"EventID":"S1W-33345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the work of the Medical Research Council. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports the work of the Medical Research Council. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD), together with other UK Health Departments, collaborates with the Medical Research Council (MRC) through a formal Concordat which aims to develop and maintain an effective partnership for the promotion, funding and management of UK medical research. SEHD takes account of MRC research strategies when making decisions about its own future research funding. This would include considerations about whether to fund studies on specific areas of research only within Scotland or to collaborate with the MRC in UK-wide programmes. At an operational level, the Chief Scientist Office within SEHD is actively engaged in funding research initiatives jointly with the MRC, namely the core-funding of two research units based in Glasgow and the funding of Research Training Fellowships, two of which are currently being supported over a three-year period.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169789,"EventID":"S1W-33346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the short-life action group considering the most effective ways of improving care and quality of life for people with ME/chronic fatigue ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the short-life action group considering the most effective ways of improving care and quality of life for people with ME/chronic fatigue syndrome and when the group will report.","AnswerText":"The group's report will be published very shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169790,"EventID":"S1W-33347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) European Regional Development Fund and (b) European Social Fund funding has been (i) applied for and (ii) received by each further education college in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) European Regional Development Fund and (b) European Social Fund funding has been (i) applied for and (ii) received by each further education college in each year since 1999 and whether it will give details of any funds still to be remitted.","AnswerText":"The volume of information requested is large and detailed. I have therefore arranged for the information in table form to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26178). The table shows the value of correctly completed claims received by the Scottish Executive from each further education college, the value of those paid and the amount outstanding in each year of the 2000-06 Structural Funds Programme period.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169791,"EventID":"S1W-33348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to prioritise European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund payments to further education colleges in order to aid cash flow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to prioritise European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund payments to further education colleges in order to aid cash flow.","AnswerText":"In the main, European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund payments are made in order of receipt. The Scottish Executive aims to pay correctly completed claims within 30 days of receipt of a valid claim but always seeks to respond sympathetically to requests from vulnerable organisations for urgent payment.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169792,"EventID":"S1W-33349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland: 2000-2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland: 2000-2001.","AnswerText":"The total costs of printing, publishing and distributing the Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland: 2000-2001 report are estimated at £5,600.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169793,"EventID":"S1W-33350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS operations have been cancelled at less than one (a) day's and (b) week's notice due to lack of bed space in each hospital in each NHS board area in the last","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS operations have been cancelled at less than one (a) day's and (b) week's notice due to lack of bed space in each hospital in each NHS board area in the last 12 months and how many surgeons have been affected as a result of such cancellations.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of operations cancelled by NHSScotland is not available. However, data is collected centrally on the number of planned admissions to hospital for in-patient/day case treatment (including non-surgical treatment) which are cancelled. This information for the year ended 31 March 2002, in each hospital in each NHS board area, is given in the table. No information is available on reasons for cancellation or on the implications for NHS staff or on the period of notice. NHSScotland - Cancellations1,2 of Planned Admissions to Hospital for In-patient or Day Case Treatment, by Hospital. Year Ended 31 March 2002. Hospital | | Number of Cancellations | Argyll and Clyde | Inverclyde Royal Hospital | | 173 | Lorn and Islands District Gen Hospital | | NIL | Royal Alexandra Hospital | | 791 | Vale of Leven District General Hospital | | 121 | Victoria Hospital | | 5 | Ayrshire and Arran | Ayrshire Central Hospital | | 7 | Crosshouse Hospital | | 213 | The Ayr Hospital | | 103 | Borders | Borders General Hospital | | 348 | Dumfries and Galloway | Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | | 98 | Fife | Forth Park Hospital | | 90 | Queen Margaret Hospital | | 587 | Victoria Hospital | | 298 | Forth Valley | Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary | | 252 | Stirling Royal Infirmary | | 478 | | Experience from other military deployments has indicated that the mobilisation of individual reserves will not have a significant effect on the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169810,"EventID":"S1W-33367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government with regard to funding a compensation scheme for the Scottish fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government with regard to funding a compensation scheme for the Scottish fishing industry.","AnswerText":"Following the outcome of the December Fisheries Council, I and officials have had numerous discussions with our Whitehall counterparts about support measures for the industry. We, along with industry representatives, met the Prime Minister on 28 January to discuss issues related to the industry. I announced on the same day a £50 million package of measures to assist the sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169811,"EventID":"S1W-33368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission with regard to funding a compensation scheme for the Scottish fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission with regard to funding a compensation scheme for the Scottish fishing industry.","AnswerText":"The question of any compensation arrangements for industry is a matter, in the first instance, for the Executive. I announced the planned £50 million package of measures on 28 January. Officials will be pursuing with the European Commission any necessary matters, such as the need for EC State Aid approvals for the assistance proposed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169812,"EventID":"S1W-33369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of funding are available to fishing communities from the commission; what discussions it has had with the European Commission in respect of each such funding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of funding are available to fishing communities from the commission; what discussions it has had with the European Commission in respect of each such funding source, and what its position is on whether each such funding source should be pursued.","AnswerText":"Funding to Scottish fishing communities is available through both European Structural Funds Programmes and other Community Initiatives. For individual communities the availability of funding is determined by the geographic coverage of programmes and initiatives and the specific measures targeted within each. Discussions with the Commission establish and set the total funding available to Scotland for each Structural Fund Programme. On-going discussions with the Commission as part of the monitoring process will assess whether any re-prioritisation of funding between measures is required and also to establish whether co-operation between programmes is required to target aid towards specific communities.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169813,"EventID":"S1W-33370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being taken by Scottish Water to reduce the level of lead content in water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being taken by Scottish Water to reduce the level of lead content in water supplies.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: Through regular sampling of drinking water supplies, Scottish Water identifies areas where water is picking up lead from old plumbing and treats the water so it is not absorbing so much lead. When renewing old water mains, Scottish Water replaces the part of any of their lead service pipes that have been uncovered. They advise customers about lead in private pipework and steps that can be taken to reduce any risk. When a customer replaces their private lead pipes, Scottish Water also removes any lead pipes that are their responsibility. In addition, Scottish Water is working closely with the Scottish Executive to develop a long-term strategy to reduce lead in drinking water supplies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169814,"EventID":"S1W-33371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any areas are free of lead pipes or lead solder on pipes in the domestic water supply system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any areas are free of lead pipes or lead solder on pipes in the domestic water supply system.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: There are areas of Scotland where there are no lead pipes on the public water supply network, although there may still be lead in customers' private service pipes and plumbing.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169815,"EventID":"S1W-33373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any change in the criteria for receiving a loan under the Loan Action Scotland scheme since the scheme was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any change in the criteria for receiving a loan under the Loan Action Scotland scheme since the scheme was established.","AnswerText":"Yes. The upper-limit of loans increased in November 2002 from £25,000 to £50,000.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169816,"EventID":"S1W-33374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many defaults there have been on loans granted under the Loan Action Scotland scheme since the scheme was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many defaults there have been on loans granted under the Loan Action Scotland scheme since the scheme was established.","AnswerText":"There have been four defaults since the scheme was established in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169817,"EventID":"S1W-33375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for Scotland to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for Scotland to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","AnswerText":"European Year of Disabled People 2003 (EYDP) will have its Scottish launch on 23 January. To celebrate the launch, there will be a ministerial reception in Edinburgh. Invitees include disabled people from all over Scotland, disability organisations, business leaders and civic and community leaders. The Scottish Executive set up a Scottish Steering Group for EYDP with membership from the majority of national disability organisations, the Disability Rights Commission, the STUC, COSLA and other interested parties. The steering group has agreed a set of aims and objectives for EYDP, and put together a work programme to help take these forward over the course of the year. The aims and objectives and work programme are set out as follows. The Scottish Executive takes this work programme seriously and has committed £200,000 to support it. The first piece of finished work by the steering group is a national newspaper supplement, which will be published on 23 January as part of the launch celebrations. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26033). Aims and Objectives of the EYDP Scottish Steering Group AIM 1: To work towards the inclusion of all affected by disability through promoting well-informed, responsive and effective decision-making in policy and practice. Objectives: To initiate debate on disability, to raise awareness about the reality of disabled people's lives and stimulate the engagement of disabled people with that debate To approach business leaders, professional bodies, and public and voluntary sectors to see how they might support the EYDP, raise awareness and improve their policies and practices To examine mechanisms to enable the views and priorities of disabled people to be fed into Scottish Executive policymaking AIM 2 : To build for the future by seeking to engage young people in the EYDP. Objectives: To raise awareness of the experiences of young disabled people making the transition from school into adult life. To foster understanding among policymakers and practitioners of the needs and aspirations of young disabled people, through encouraging consultation and contact with them. To approach organisations working with children and young people to promote their inclusion in EYDP. AIM 3: To raise public awareness of disability issues. Objectives: To identify and celebrate the contribution made by disabled people to Scottish society through fulfilling a variety of valuable roles. To draw attention to the normality of disabled people and disabled people's lives, while highlighting the social barriers they confront and ways to overcome them. To draw attention to hidden aspects of disability, such as stigma and knock-on effects on friends and families. To ensure equal weight is given to the experiences, needs and aspirations of disabled people irrespective of their impairment, ethnic origin or circumstances. AIM 4: To ensure Scottish events are co-ordinated with UK-wide and European EYDP activities where possible . To receive regular reports from the Scottish NCC representative and disseminate information about UK-level EYDP developments. To share information about individual organisation's activities via the EYDP Scottish Steering Group. To co-ordinate launch and closing events, making sure that objectives for Scottish events reflect and promote agreed aims and objectives for EYDP work in Scotland. Work Programme of the EYDP Scottish Steering Group Activity | Timing | Details/Progress | Raise awareness of EYDP through newspaper supplement | For launch (published) | Input from all member organisations | EYDP website to p","AnswerDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169818,"EventID":"S1W-33376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the study by Al'heimer Scotland that stated that people that look after dementia sufferers are more likely to take prescribed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in the light of the study by Al'heimer Scotland that stated that people that look after dementia sufferers are more likely to take prescribed medication and suffer from stress than other carers.","AnswerText":"I welcome the report by Alzheimer Scotland, which arose from a three-year project, funded by the Executive, into the support needs of carers of people with dementia. We are working hard to support all carers, particularly those with heavy caring responsibilities. We have increased the resources available to local authorities to support carers from £5 million a year in 1999 to £21 million a year in 2003-04. As part of that we have provided authorities with significant new resources to create an additional 22,000 weeks of short breaks each year by 2003-04, benefiting many carers, including carers of people with dementia. Our continued commitment to improve mental health services and to create more integrated and effective health and social care services will also help to improve the support systems available to carers of people with dementia and the people they care for.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169819,"EventID":"S1W-33377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS has any contractual relationships with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and, if so, what services the advisory service provides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS has any contractual relationships with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and, if so, what services the advisory service provides.","AnswerText":"There are no contractual arrangements for the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) to provide services to the NHS in Scotland. The BPAS occupies NHS premises at the Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, as a paying tenant. It is, however, a completely separate organisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169820,"EventID":"S1W-33378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the NHS is in discussions with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on the advisory service providing new or additional services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the NHS is in discussions with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on the advisory service providing new or additional services.","AnswerText":"The Executive has had no discussions with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) and has not been made aware of any discussions between the BPAS and any NHS board.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169821,"EventID":"S1W-33379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32995 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2003, which of its \"areas\" have issued written guidance, guidelines and official circulars tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32995 by Nicol Stephen on 22 January 2003, which of its \"areas\" have issued written guidance, guidelines and official circulars that are still operational in respect of pre-school centres, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and tertiary education institutes.","AnswerText":"Such material has been issued principally, but not exclusively, by the Scottish Executive Education Department and the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, and, prior to 1999, by their predecessor Departments in the former Scottish Office.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169822,"EventID":"S1W-33380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33061 by Mr Frank McAveety on 21 January 2003, whether there will be any financial implications of the revised proposal for a natio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33061 by Mr Frank McAveety on 21 January 2003, whether there will be any financial implications of the revised proposal for a national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The financial implications of the revised proposal for a national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorders have still to be clarified by the Scottish Society for Autism and the National Autistic Society.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169823,"EventID":"S1W-33381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is planning to help care homes that will face paying their water charges in full as a result of the Court of Session decision on Scottish Water v Clydecar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is planning to help care homes that will face paying their water charges in full as a result of the Court of Session decision on Scottish Water v Clydecare Limited.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33481 on 11 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169824,"EventID":"S1W-33382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the advisory group set up to provide advice to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the advisory group set up to provide advice to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns; what stage the celebration preparations have reached, and how much money will be allocated to celebrate the event.","AnswerText":"The membership of the advisory group includes the Lord Provost of Edinburgh (Chair); Professor Michael Lynch, University of Edinburgh; Andrew Mathieson, Scottish Tourism Forum; Peter Irvine, Unique Events; Graeme Munro, Historic Scotland; Alison Lindsay, National Archives of Scotland; Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland; Pat Watters, Convention of Local Authorities; Eric Miller, Scotland Office; and John Mason, Hamish Blair, Andrew Slorance and Lesley Fraser from the Scottish Executive. The advisory group first met on 6 February 2003 to review various proposals to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns. These proposals are being developed and costed by Historic Scotland, VisitScotland and others, and the budget for them will be finalised once the programme has been announced.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169825,"EventID":"S1W-33383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have any input into the House of Commons European Standing Committee C's inquiry into the proposed EU regulations on official controls on products of ani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have any input into the House of Commons European Standing Committee C's inquiry into the proposed EU regulations on official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (COM (2002) 377); whether the scope of the proposed regulations falls within the Executive's responsibilities, and, if so, whether it will lay the proposed regulations before the Parliament for scrutiny and, if so, when it will do so.","AnswerText":"Food safety is a devolved matter and Scottish ministers are advised on this issue by the Food Standards Agency. If asked by the committee, Scottish ministers - advised by the agency - would be pleased to provide evidence to the House of Commons European Standing Committee C's inquiry into the proposed EU Regulation on official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption. The European Committee of the Scottish Parliament considers EU legislation and proposals. The committee was sent an Explanatory Memorandum (EM) for the proposed EU Regulation on 19 August 2002 which was produced in consultation with devolved administrations. When the EU Regulation is finally agreed, Scottish ministers will be responsible for bringing forward any transposing legislation that may be needed to ensure it is given full effect in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169826,"EventID":"S1W-33384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right to education the children of asylum seekers have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right to education the children of asylum seekers have.","AnswerText":"Under the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, children of school age, including the children of asylum seekers, have a right to be provided with school education directed to the development of the personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities of each child to their fullest potential.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169827,"EventID":"S1W-33385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right to pre-school education the children of asylum seekers have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right to pre-school education the children of asylum seekers have.","AnswerText":"The position of children and asylum seekers and refugees as regards provision in pre-school education is the same as for any other child of pre-school age resident in a local authority area. Prior to 1 April 2002, local authorities had the power to secure nursery education for all such children whose parents wish it and from that date, under the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000, are under a duty to do so.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169828,"EventID":"S1W-33386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions local authorities are taking in respect of the provision of education for the children of asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions local authorities are taking in respect of the provision of education for the children of asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally, although we recognise the positive and high quality work already being done by local authorities to respond to the particular educational needs of the children of asylum seekers. One of the purposes for which the Scottish Executive set up the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum was to share good practice in relation to the provision of education for the children of asylum seekers and refugees.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169829,"EventID":"S1W-33387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was appropriate to include asylum seeker and refugee categories under National Identity in the 2002 Scottish School Census form. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was appropriate to include asylum seeker and refugee categories under National Identity in the 2002 Scottish School Census form. ","AnswerText":"Information on National Identity and Ethnic Background was collected in the School Census through the ScotXED project for the first time in September 2002. For the 2003 School Census, asylum seekers and refugees will not be specified by SEED as categories under National Identity. They will be specified separately.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169830,"EventID":"S1W-33388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether it has any plans to consult on the education provision at accommodation cent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether it has any plans to consult on the education provision at accommodation centres for children of asylum seekers once it has been consulted by the Home Office and what the timetable for both consultations will be.","AnswerText":"The Executive expects to be consulted by the Home Office if and when the Home Office identifies an accommodation centre site in Scotland. Any decision to consult on the education provision would only be made after those discussions with the Home Office.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169831,"EventID":"S1W-33389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can indicate when it will be consulted by the Home Office on the establishment of any accommodation centre in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can indicate when it will be consulted by the Home Office on the establishment of any accommodation centre in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the siting of accommodation centres within the UK are a reserved matter and are the responsibility of the Home Office. Under the terms of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, there is an obligation on the Home Secretary to consult Scottish ministers about any proposal to site such a centre in Scotland. The Home Secretary will undertake such a consultation if and when any such proposal has been developed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169832,"EventID":"S1W-33390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the children of asylum seekers or their parents/guardians have any right under Scots law to object to being educated in an accommodation centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the children of asylum seekers or their parents/guardians have any right under Scots law to object to being educated in an accommodation centre.","AnswerText":"This would be a matter for the courts to determine in the light of the applicable legislation, once any accommodation centre has been established.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169833,"EventID":"S1W-33391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, regarding children of asylum seekers being educated in Dungavel House immigration removal centre. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, regarding children of asylum seekers being educated in Dungavel House immigration removal centre. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has had discussions on a range of matters relating to education within Dungavel with representatives of the Scotland Office, the Home Office, South Lanarkshire Council and HM Inspectorate of Education.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169834,"EventID":"S1W-33392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to it by educational and church organisations regarding concerns about the children of asylum seekers being separated from their peers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to it by educational and church organisations regarding concerns about the children of asylum seekers being separated from their peers who will continue to be educated in the mainstream local authority education system.","AnswerText":"I have received correspondence from the Church of Scotland Education Committee and the Catholic Education Commission. I have also recently met with these organisations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169835,"EventID":"S1W-33393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32813 by Iain Gray on 17 January 2003, on what dates its study of rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, the Clyde Corridor ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32813 by Iain Gray on 17 January 2003, on what dates its study of rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, the Clyde Corridor Transportation Study and the Braehead Fixed Links study by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive will report.","AnswerText":"The consultants' report on rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports is expected this month. I understand that an interim report from the Clyde Corridor Transportation study will be available shortly, and that the Braehead Fixed links study will report to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority at its meeting of 7 February.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169836,"EventID":"S1W-33394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31831 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 January 2003, where in the Renfrewshire Council area the 1,033 new homes financed with #42.205 mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31831 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 January 2003, where in the Renfrewshire Council area the 1,033 new homes financed with #42.205 million worth of investment from Communities Scotland have been, or will be, built.","AnswerText":"Since 1997, Communities Scotland has provided new or refurbished accommodation for social rent or home ownership in the Paisley, Renfrew, Linwood and Johnstone areas of Renfrewshire. Within the Paisley area, investment has been targeted within social inclusion partnership (SIP) areas, Paisley town centre and areas where there has been identified housing need. In Renfrew, Linwood and Johnstone investment has been targeted in SIP areas or where there has been identified housing need for particular client groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169837,"EventID":"S1W-33395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32864 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 January 2003, what action is in hand to try to improve the consistency with which data on assaults on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32864 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 January 2003, what action is in hand to try to improve the consistency with which data on assaults on police officers is collected; whether such action will include measures to ensure the collection of reliable, consistent and comparable data on assaults on ambulance personnel and fire crews, and when recommendations on the collection of such data will be made to the appropriate agencies. ","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is developing a new Crime Recording Standard which will improve consistency in recording practices between Scottish police forces. Forces' data on assaults is centrally collated by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary who now routinely check the quality of the returns. Similar arrangements are in place in respect of the data collated by the Scottish Executive and by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services on assaults on ambulance personnel and fire crews respectively.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169838,"EventID":"S1W-33396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding has met; what matters it has discussed, and what decisions and conclusions it has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding has met; what matters it has discussed, and what decisions and conclusions it has reached.","AnswerText":"The ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding has met twice to discuss a range of issues related to the current arrangements for addressing flood risk and how advice and support is provided to those at risk, or affected by flooding. The ad hoc committee has been asked to provide advice to Cabinet by the end of February on how current arrangements can be improved. Thereafter it will be for the Cabinet to decide on any action to be taken.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169839,"EventID":"S1W-33397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to my supplementary question to question S1F-2273 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 November 2002, when the First Minister will provide me with a written ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to my supplementary question to question S1F-2273 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 November 2002, when the First Minister will provide me with a written response regarding European funding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32272 on 27 December 2002, and on 3 February I did announce the approval, in full, of additional capital consent, amounting to £1.83 million, to Moray Council to assist with the costs attributed to the floods in Elgin and Forres in November 2002. In relation to the Common Agricultural Policy and European Structural Funds, so far as the European Union Solidarity Fund is concerned, this is intended to provide rapid financial assistance in the event of a major disaster. Major disaster is defined as damage estimated at or above €3 billion or more than 0.6% of the gross national income of the state concerned. This clearly would not extend to Moray.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169840,"EventID":"S1W-33398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31676 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 November 2002, whether the ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding now plans to invite witnesses to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31676 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 November 2002, whether the ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding now plans to invite witnesses to give evidence and, if so, which witnesses have been, or will be, called.","AnswerText":"The ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues has no plans to invite witnesses to give evidence.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169841,"EventID":"S1W-33399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervised residential accommodation places for sex offenders are available in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervised residential accommodation places for sex offenders are available in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"There are no supervised residential accommodation places specifically designated for the use of sex offenders. Across Scotland there are approximately 100 hostel places funded under the 100% funding arrangements for criminal justice social work for the use of accused on bail or offenders either serving community sentences or on release from custody.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169842,"EventID":"S1W-33400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been determined by its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999 and how many of these determinations have been in favour of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been determined by its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999 and how many of these determinations have been in favour of the applicant.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) does not determine planning applications. Applications called-in by the Scottish ministers are, however, passed to SEIRU and a report with recommendations is then prepared on each case, for the Scottish ministers' determination. SEIRU's main responsibility is the processing of planning appeals under powers delegated by Scottish ministers, though in a small number of cases, Scottish ministers will make the decision rather than a reporter. The information provided in the following table relates to those planning permission appeals determined by SEIRU for each of the business years since 1999: | | Planning Permission Appeals Decided | Number Successful | % | 1-4-99 to 31-3-00 | 563 | 197 | 35 | 1-4-00 to 31-3-01 | 614 | 214 | 35 | 1-4-01 to 31-3-02 | 566 | 214 | 38 | 1-4-02 to 31-12-02 (part year) | 491 | 168 | 34 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169843,"EventID":"S1W-33401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of planning applications called-in and referred to the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit since 1999 totals 117. A yearly breakdown of the figures is given in the following table:Cases Notified to Inquiry Reporters Unit Since 1999 Year (1 April to 31 March) | Called-In | 1999-2000 | 37 | 2000-01 | 35 | 2001-02 | 25 | 2002-date | 20 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169844,"EventID":"S1W-33402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bill on local authority governance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the draft bill on local authority governance.","AnswerText":"We have today announced the publication of the Local Governance (Scotland) Bill. Copies of the bill have been distributed to MSPs and placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26293). It is also available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169845,"EventID":"S1W-33403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring forward proposals for juvenile safety orders as piloted by Strathclyde Police in Hamilton during 1999 and 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring forward proposals for juvenile safety orders as piloted by Strathclyde Police in Hamilton during 1999 and 2000.","AnswerText":"None. Strathclyde Police did not pilot any juvenile safety orders in Hamilton. On 23 October 1997, Strathclyde Police in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, introduced a Child Safety Initiative within three areas of Hamilton, returning children home who were out unsupervised on the streets at night. The initiative was subsequently extended to all areas of Hamilton.It is an operational matter for individual Chief Constables in association with their local authority, to determine whether such measures provide the means to effectively address issues of particular concern in their area. The initiative has not been adopted elsewhere in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169846,"EventID":"S1W-33404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many services in the Grampian NHS Board area have been transferred from local hospitals to centralised services in Aberdeen or Inverness; what reduction in expenditur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many services in the Grampian NHS Board area have been transferred from local hospitals to centralised services in Aberdeen or Inverness; what reduction in expenditure this process has realised, and what assistance is being offered to patients that need to travel to centralised facilities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. These are matters for NHS Grampian.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169847,"EventID":"S1W-33405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the construction industry under the (a) New Deal only and (b) modern apprenticeship scheme only.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the construction industry under the (a) New Deal only and (b) modern apprenticeship scheme only.","AnswerText":"There are around 5,500 modern apprentices training towards Construction Industry Training Board MA frameworks. The data on New Deal cannot be provided, as Jobcentre Plus does not gather information on specific occupations entered by clients on New Deal programmes.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169848,"EventID":"S1W-33406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times in weeks were, and how many patients were waiting for, a first appointment in the (a) child dental health, (b) conservation, (c) oral medic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times in weeks were, and how many patients were waiting for, a first appointment in the (a) child dental health, (b) conservation, (c) oral medicine, (d) oral surgery, (e) orthodontics, (f) periodontology and (g) prosthodontics department of the Glasgow Dental Hospital on or around (i) 31 July 2002, (ii) 31 0ctober 2002 and (iii) the most recent date for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on out-patient waits is collected centrally only for the period from referral to a first out-patient appointment with a consultant. This information is collected at specialty level only. Due to technical difficulties with its patient information management system, Glasgow Dental Hospital has not been able to provide the Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency with information on waiting times for a first out-patient appointment. The Health Department's Chief Dental Officer is discussing with North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust how to achieve an early resolution of these difficulties. However, the Glasgow Dental Hospital has told the department that patients requiring urgent treatment are seen within one week, and any patient with a suspected diagnosis of oral cancer is seen immediately at the oral medicine rapid access clinic.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169849,"EventID":"S1W-33407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address hospital accommodation for doctors, in the light of the recent Hospital Doctor survey reporting that 76% of doctors believe that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address hospital accommodation for doctors, in the light of the recent Hospital Doctor survey reporting that 76% of doctors believe that their living arrangements are \"poor\" or \"very poor\".","AnswerText":"The New Deal for Junior Doctors in Scotland sets out standards on living and working conditions for hospital doctors in training. The Scottish Executive issued guidance to trusts on implementing this guidance in June 2001 in HDL(2001)50. It is the responsibility of each trust to work towards meeting these accommodation standards. The New Deal Implementation Support Group are working with trusts to help them implement these changes by providing advice and guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169850,"EventID":"S1W-33408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now in a position to announce a package of financial assistance for Scotland's fisheries-dependent communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now in a position to announce a package of financial assistance for Scotland's fisheries-dependent communities.","AnswerText":"Following the outcome of the December Council, I made clear our commitment to bring forward a reasonable package of financial assistance for Scotland's fisheries dependent communities, and to keep the Parliament informed of progress in developing that package. Our intention is to lay three Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) in the Parliament to give effect to the regulations adopted at the December Council, and to afford the fisheries sector and its associated communities the assistance we have promised in adjusting to these new Community measures. The first is likely to be laid later this week, with others following as soon as possible thereafter. Our policy objectives are two-fold. First, we wish to pursue sustainable development in the fisheries sector. It seems to us that sustainable fisheries are the best long-term guarantee of economic prosperity for our fishing communities. That inescapably implies further restructuring of the whitefish sector. Secondly, we wish to facilitate rational economic planning, and a process of structured change in the sector. We wish to avoid ill-considered responses driven by the February deadline for introduction of the new "days at sea" regime (Annex XVII of the new total allowable catch and Quota Regulation). Our forthcoming financial assistance package will, therefore, comprise a coherent and carefully balanced package designed to promote change in an orderly fashion. Our implementing and associated regulations will consist of an SSI to give effect to Annex XVII, an SSI to introduce a further Scottish decommissioning scheme, and an SSI to introduce a transitional support scheme for the whitefish sector. The SSI related to Annex XVII will be designed to give practical effect to what is a binding EC regulation. It will set out practical arrangements connected to the days at sea limits imposed by Annex XVII, and associated obligations on member states to monitor and control associated activity. The SSI on decommissioning will be designed to give effect to the underlying conservation and sustainable development objectives. The intention is to reduce Scottish fishing effort on cod by a further 15% to 20%, in conjunction with parallel initiatives for the rest of the UK in the Westminster Parliament. The scheme will be carefully targeted to ensure delivery of those conservation and commercial considerations. It will operate on the normal basis of competitive bidding. Eligibility criteria and other details of the scheme will be announced when we are ready to table the SSI. The SSI on transitional support will be designed to facilitate a rational economic response to the new economic circumstances implied by the reduced quotas and the days at sea regime. The intention is to secure a six-month breathing space for the industry to assess its prospects and adjust in a structured manner. We judge that this might not be possible, if the absence of such interim support resulted in debts being called in. As such, the scheme will be carefully targeted at those vessels most affected by the new regulations. It will help vessel owners retain their crews and their commercial viability, while they assess their longer term prospects and adjust accordingly. It will also be as simple as possible, in order to allow for rapid implementation. We will be discussing eligibility criteria and other details of the scheme with the industry. Those details will be announced when we are ready to table the SSI. However, it is also likely to focus on those Scottish vessels worst affected by the new arrangements Sustainable development is the key to long-term prosperity for the sector and our associated fishing communities. Rational (but not uncontrolled) restructuring is necessary. Our intention is therefore to underpin these SSIs with a generous financial package of up to £50 million covering both decommissioning and transitional support. Of that, we envisage spending up to £40 million on decommiss","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169851,"EventID":"S1W-33409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether thimerosal in vaccines can damage the nervous system, kidneys, joints and general development of children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether thimerosal in vaccines can damage the nervous system, kidneys, joints and general development of children.","AnswerText":"The Committee on Safety of Medicines has advised that, with the exception of hypersensitivity reactions, which typically include skin rashes or local swelling at the site of the injection, there is no evidence of harm from the levels of thiomersal contained in vaccines. That view is shared by the World Health Organisation and by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the Executive on immunisation policy.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169852,"EventID":"S1W-33410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of emergency fire cover was available in Glasgow on 21 January 2003 and whether the number of fire appliances was lower in relation to their geographical sprea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of emergency fire cover was available in Glasgow on 21 January 2003 and whether the number of fire appliances was lower in relation to their geographical spread than on previous strike days. ","AnswerText":"The level of emergency fire cover available in Glasgow on 21 January, both in terms of numbers and in geographical spread, was the same as that on previous strike days.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169853,"EventID":"S1W-33411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it took 27 minutes for green goddesses to arrive at the fire at Young Street, Springburn on 21 January 2003 and which fire station did the appliances come from.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it took 27 minutes for green goddesses to arrive at the fire at Young Street, Springburn on 21 January 2003 and which fire station did the appliances come from.","AnswerText":"It took 21 minutes, not 27 minutes, from time of call for the Green Goddesses to arrive at the fire. The Resource Allocation System is set up to identify the nearest Temporary Service Fire Station which was Jardine Street in this instance. The Breathing Apparatus Rescue Team arrived from Birkmyre Street 22 minutes after the call. The journey time from mobilisation to arrival was 14 and 15 minutes respectively.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169854,"EventID":"S1W-33412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the police made any preliminary survey of the fire at Young Street, Springburn on 21 January 2003 before calling out the green goddesses and whether any such acti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the police made any preliminary survey of the fire at Young Street, Springburn on 21 January 2003 before calling out the green goddesses and whether any such action resulted in any delay to the fire being tackled.","AnswerText":"A Green Goddess and the Breathing Apparatus Rescue Team were actioned in response to an emergency call. A police traffic patrol unit was in the vicinity at the time and responded immediately when this call came through. In line with operational orders they assessed the situation and found no visible flames, and no cries for help/assistance. They sought advice on entry to the building from the Senior Fire Officer present at the Joint Operational Control Centre. They were instructed not to force entry as a Green Goddess and Breathing Apparatus Rescue Team were en route to the incident. The involvement of the traffic patrol unit did not affect the time of response to the emergency call.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169855,"EventID":"S1W-33413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) registered addicts, (b) sei'ures, (c) crimes, (d) arrests, (e) convictions and (f) deaths in relation to illegal drug supply and use there have been in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) registered addicts, (b) sei'ures, (c) crimes, (d) arrests, (e) convictions and (f) deaths in relation to illegal drug supply and use there have been in each of the last four years, broken down by drug, and what the cost of drug-related crime has been.","AnswerText":"The term "registered addict" is no longer used. Research commissioned by the Executive concluded that there were around 56,000 people in Scotland misusing opiates and benzodiazepines in 2000. A similar study will be undertaken this year. Information on drug seizures, drug-related offences, convictions for drug-related offences, and drug-related deaths can be obtained from the Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2002 which were published electronically by the Information and Statistics Division on 31 January. The statistics can be accessed at www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org. Criminal statistics cover recorded crimes, rather than the numbers of people arrested, and breakdowns by drug type are not available for every category requested. There is no comprehensive information on the costs of drug-related crime in Scotland which, for example, includes estimates of social and economic costs beyond the public sector. However, a Scottish Executive Policy Unit review in 2000 provided a broad estimate that aggregate expenditure by public sector organisations in Scotland (including enforcement activities, court proceedings, health and social care, support for families and children) is over £330 million per annum.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169856,"EventID":"S1W-33414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests, (b) convictions and (c) deaths relating to cannabis supply and use there have been in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests, (b) convictions and (c) deaths relating to cannabis supply and use there have been in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive criminal statistics cover recorded crimes rather than persons arrested. Within those statistics, supply or possession of cannabis cannot be separately identified from the numbers of all recorded crimes for illegal supply or possession of drugs. The available information on convictions for drug offences is given in the following table. Estimates for the proportion relating to cannabis in 2001 are not yet available. Persons with a Charge Proved, Where the Main Crime was a Drugs Offence, Scotland, 1997-2001. Total Number and Estimated Percentage Relating to Cannabis | | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Supply and trafficking | 1,621 | 1,627 | 1,559 | 1,284 | 1,314 | Percentage cannabis1 | 58 | 60 | 58 | 53 | N/A | Possession | 5,384 | 5,291 | 4,841 | 4,099 | 4,340 | Percentage cannabis1 | 78 | 79 | 77 | 78 | N/A |
Note: 1. Estimated from Home Office data. Figures are provisional. The figures provided on the total number of persons with a charge proved for drug offences are derived from the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database. This database does not currently hold information on the type of drug involved in such convictions. The Home Office collects data separately on drug offenders, including information on the type of drug involved in court convictions and fiscal fines. The coverage of this data is known to be incomplete. For example, the Home Office data are currently estimated to cover about 91% of total Scottish convictions for drug offences in 2000. However, it is possible to make use of this information to estimate the proportion of convictions involving different types of drug. Information on drug-related deaths are published by the General Register Office for Scotland. In a recent review, Reducing drug related deaths (2000), The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs reports that there is no literature evidence of acute death directly due to toxicity from cannabis.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169857,"EventID":"S1W-33415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests, (b) convictions and (c) deaths relating to heroin supply and use there have been in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests, (b) convictions and (c) deaths relating to heroin supply and use there have been in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive criminal statistics cover recorded crimes rather than persons arrested. Within those statistics, supply or possession of heroin cannot be separately identified from the numbers of all recorded crimes for illegal supply or possession of drugs. The available information on convictions for drug offences is given in the following Table 1. Estimates for the proportion relating to heroin in 2001 are not yet available. Table 1: Persons with a Charge Proved, Where the Main Crime was a Drugs Offence, Scotland, 1997-2001. Total Number and Estimated Percentage Relating to Heroin | | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Supply and trafficking | 1,621 | 1,627 | 1,559 | 1,284 | 1,314 | Percentage heroin1 | 13 | 18 | 29 | 31 | N/A | Possession | 5,384 | 5,291 | 4,841 | 4,099 | 4,340 | Percentage heroin1 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 14 | N/A |
Note: 1. Estimated from Home Office data. Figures are provisional. The figures provided on the total number of persons with a charge proved for drug offences are derived from the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database. This database does not currently hold information on the type of drug involved in such convictions. The Home Office collects data separately on drug offenders, including information on the type of drug involved in court convictions and fiscal fines. The coverage of this data is known to be incomplete. For example, the Home Office data are currently estimated to cover about 91% of total Scottish convictions for drug offences in 2000. However, it is possible to make use of this information to estimate the proportion of convictions involving different types of drug. Information on drug-related deaths is published by the General Register Office for Scotland. Figures relating to heroin are grouped with morphine in the statistics and are given in the following Table 2. Table 2: Heroin/Morphine1,2-Related Deaths, Scotland, 1997-2001 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 74 | 121 | 167 | 196 | 216 |
Notes: 1. When a number of drugs are identified in a body it is not always possible to tell which of them made the major contribution to death. The information on heroin/morphine corresponds to the number of deaths where heroin/morphine was mentioned on the death certificate or was identified following investigation. 2. It is believed that for the overwhelming majority of case","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169858,"EventID":"S1W-33416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) alcohol-related deaths and (b) registered alcoholics there have been in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) alcohol-related deaths and (b) registered alcoholics there have been in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"There is no universally accepted definition of an alcohol-related death. The following information relates to deaths certified as due to alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy and mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol. Deaths Due to Alcoholic Liver Disease, Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy and Mental and Behavioural Disorders Due to Alcohol in 1998-2001 Year | Number | 1998 | 912 | 1999 | 1,013 | 2000 | 1,129 | 2001 | 1,220 |
Source: General Register Office for Scotland. Notes: Alcohol-related conditions are defined using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th Revisions (ICD9 and ICD10). Information on the number of registered alcoholics is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169859,"EventID":"S1W-33417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many smoking-related deaths there have been and how many people smoked regularly in each age group in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many smoking-related deaths there have been and how many people smoked regularly in each age group in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to give precise figures on premature deaths resulting from tobacco use. However, it is estimated that each year more than 13,000 people in Scotland die from smoking related diseases, including lung cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. Information on the percentage of people smoking in recent years is provided in the table. Figures for the year 2002 are not currently available. Percentage of Adults Smoking by Age Group Age Years | 1999-2000 | 2001 | 16-34 | 34.6% | 33.2% | 35-44 | 33.0% | 32.8% | 45-59 | 32.0% | 30.6% | 60 and over | 21.0% | 19.4% | All | 29.8% | 28.4% |
Source: Scottish Household Survey.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169860,"EventID":"S1W-33418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids under the Strategic Waste Fund each local authority has made since the fund was established to investigate cost benefits from joint ventures between partner loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids under the Strategic Waste Fund each local authority has made since the fund was established to investigate cost benefits from joint ventures between partner local authorities (a) within and (b) between waste strategy areas and what funding was awarded in respect of each bid.","AnswerText":"A number of local authorities have submitted applications for funding from the Strategic Waste Fund, and others have submitted draft bids for discussion with the Executive. Both categories include proposals for joint working, as follows. The authorities in the Forth Valley Area Waste Strategy Group (Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils) have been awarded long-term grant support. Their project involves the development of joint working in procurement of waste management services. Aberdeenshire Council's bid to the Strategic Waste Fund has been assessed and accepted in full. The bid commits the Council to joint working with neighbouring councils in the North East Area Waste Group. North and South Lanarkshire Councils intend to implement a joint waste awareness campaign called Waste Aware Lanarkshire. This will involve the sharing of resources between the two councils. Other local authorities currently considering joint working include the Midlothian, East Lothian, City of Edinburgh, West Lothian and Scottish Borders Councils. I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-33265 on 29 January 2003 and S1W-33419 on 3 February 2003, regarding details of funding already awarded. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169861,"EventID":"S1W-33419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awards under the Strategic Waste Fund have been made to each local authority since the fund was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awards under the Strategic Waste Fund have been made to each local authority since the fund was established.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Bute Council was awarded funding from the Strategic Waste Fund (SWF) of £1.1 million in 2001-02 and £1.65 million per annum for 2002-03 to 2026 to support the council's Public Private Partnership integrated waste management project. I have this week awarded funding totalling almost £110 million from the Strategic Waste Fund has been announced for eight councils to radically improve recycling and waste management. 1. A total of £45 million is awarded jointly to the Forth Valley group over the next 17 years, £31.3 million to Stirling Council, £5.7 million to Clackmannanshire Council, £8 million to Falkirk Council. This will enable the councils to implement their joint integrated waste management system. 2. A total of £62 million is awarded to Aberdeenshire Council over the next 17 years. This will enable the council to implement its plan to manage the municipal solid waste generated in Aberdeenshire. 3. A total of £2,442,300 is awarded to four other councils in the present financial year to allow them to begin implementing integrated waste plans. Further assessments are being undertaken to consider longer term aspects of these councils' plans. The allocation of funds is as follows: Aberdeenshire Council - £700,000 to undertake improvements to current composting facilities, build additional municipal refuse collection banks and start an education and information programme. Stirling Council - £167,000 to start the staged implementation of its composting scheme. Clackmannanshire Council - £105,000 to upgrade its Civic Amenity Sites and to provide extra staffing as well as to undertake improvements in their composting facilities. Falkirk Council - £35,000 to undertake improvements in its composting facilities with an additional £70,000 being awarded to Falkirk Council, on behalf of the Forth Valley group, for a joint education and awareness programme. West Lothian Council - £1,286,650 to purchase new wheelie bins for separate household collection of materials for recycling and composting and to set up a telephone hotline to support the introduction of these new services. The council will also undertake work on improvements to civic amenity sites and an education and awareness programme. North Lanarkshire - £355,650 to start the staged implementation of a kerbside collection scheme for recycled materials. South Lanarkshire - £380,000 to develop land for a new Recycling Facility. East Renfrewshire - £420,000 to purchase two new recycling collection vehicles, new recycling bins and to upgrade a civic amenity site. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33265 on 29 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169862,"EventID":"S1W-33420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fine local authorities that fail to provide sufficient long-term care for elderly patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fine local authorities that fail to provide sufficient long-term care for elderly patients.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. The Executive provided £20 million in 2002-03 for local authority and NHS partnerships to implement Local Joint Action Plans to meet specific targets for reducing delayed discharge. Latest figures for delayed discharge are the lowest since counting began. Our emphasis is on joint responsibility and partnership between the NHS and local authorities, and for whole systems approaches to ensuring the right range of services is in place locally to support older people. Our national range and capacity review of community care services for older people will include a strategic review of the care home sector, and we expect this work to support the activities of partnerships locally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169863,"EventID":"S1W-33421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts have (a) in-house and (b) private contracts for cleaning services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts have (a) in-house and (b) private contracts for cleaning services.","AnswerText":"The current pattern of provision is shown in the table. Cleaning Services Trust | Service Pattern In House (I/H) or Contracted Out (C/O) | Changes Since 1997 | Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals | Mainly I/H (Royal Alexandra Hospital contracted out) | Royal Alexandra Hospital to come in house from 1/4/2003 | Lomond and Argyll Primary Care | I/H | | Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care | I/H | | Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals | I/H | | Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care | I/H (Except East Ayr Hospital) | | Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals | I/H | | Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care | I/H | | North Glasgow University Hospitals | I/H (except for Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Canniesburn Hospital) | Stobhill Hospital I/H since May 2002 | South Glasgow University Hospitals | I/H | Victoria Infirmary IH since Nov 2002 | The Yorkhill Trust | I/H | | Greater Glasgow Primary Care | I/H | Gartnavel Royal I/H since Oct 2001 | Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals | Mix of C/O and I/H | Monklands IH since Oct 2002 | Lanarkshire Primary Care | I/H | | Tayside University Hospitals | I/H | C/O 1991, I/H 1998 | Tayside Primary Care | I/H | C/O 1995, I/H 1999 | Fife Primary Care | I/H | | Fife Acute Hospitals | I/H | C/O 97, I/H 2002 | Lothian University Hospitals | I/H (except New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) | C/O 97, I/H 2000 (RIE Lauriston Place I/H 2000) | Lothian Primary Care | I/H | Royal Edinburgh Hospital I/H since 2000 | Grampian University Hospitals | I/H (except Woodend Hospital) | | Gram","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169864,"EventID":"S1W-33422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reassess present care systems and services for looked after children, in the light of the Report from the Working Group on the Throughcare and Afterca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reassess present care systems and services for looked after children, in the light of the Report from the Working Group on the Throughcare and Aftercare of Looked After Children in Scotland and the results of the Who Cares? Scotland questionnaire in respect of the timing of young people leaving care and the impact on academic attainment.","AnswerText":"We are committed to improving services to young people leaving care and improving the educational attainment of looked after children. We are considering the responses to our consultation on the report of the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group and we have been working with the group and local authority lead implementation officers to plan for implementation of the recommendations and to identify areas in which services can be improved. We are also developing materials to assess the young peoples needs, and plan support for the transition from care to independent living.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169865,"EventID":"S1W-33423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Youth Court Feasibility Group, announced as part of its ten-point youth crime action plan in June 2002, will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Youth Court Feasibility Group, announced as part of its ten-point youth crime action plan in June 2002, will be available.","AnswerText":"The Report of the Youth Court Feasibility Group is being published today and is available on the Scottish Executive website and in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26132). The Executive accepts the report's conclusion and is proceeding with implementation in Hamilton Sheriff Court of the Youth Court model proposed in the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169866,"EventID":"S1W-33425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to local authorities regarding the preservation and display of, and access to, local archives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to local authorities regarding the preservation and display of, and access to, local archives.","AnswerText":"The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 requires local authorities to consult the Keeper Of the Records of Scotland on proper arrangements for the preservation and management of their records and to have regard to what he says. In this role, successive keepers have offered general guidance to local authorities. This has included references to British Standards and other sources of best practice, as well as recommendations on the best local solutions for acquiring professional expertise. The archivists in Scottish Local Authorities Working Group (ASLAWG) also issues guidance on professional matters to its members.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169867,"EventID":"S1W-33426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any audit of local archives has been conducted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any audit of local archives has been conducted.","AnswerText":"The first major comprehensive survey of local authority archives took place in 1969-72. This survey is still occasionally referred to and forms a baseline for knowledge of some of the older records in local custody. It generally omitted from its coverage the Dean of Guild court records, an important historical source on buildings, but these were surveyed in a guide published in 1994. More recently, in 2000 there was a mapping exercise, An Archival Account of Scotland, which was conducted with administrative assistance from the National Archives of Scotland. In addition, the Archivists in Scottish Local Authorities Working Group has for many years compiled statistics on the usage of local authority archives.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169868,"EventID":"S1W-33427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding the preservation and display of, and access to, local archives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding the preservation and display of, and access to, local archives.","AnswerText":"Archives at a local level are a local responsibility. However, the Scottish Executive is concerned to ensure that Scotland's archival heritage is appropriately and securely preserved, maintained and publicly accessible, in line with statutory obligations and current best practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169869,"EventID":"S1W-33428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sources are available to (a) local authorities, (b) community councils, (c) independent trusts and (d) other parties for the preservation and display of, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding sources are available to (a) local authorities, (b) community councils, (c) independent trusts and (d) other parties for the preservation and display of, and access to, local archives.","AnswerText":"The provision of publicly accessible local archives is part of the routine business of a local authority and so should generally be funded from their existing resources. However, there are other sources of funding. The Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network (SCRAN) has been a source of grants for digitisation of records and associated work for a variety of organisations, including local archives. The National Archives of Scotland also provides small grants for conservation of archives and local archives have benefited from these. It is also open to local authorities to apply for other possible sources of funding for local archives, such as the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). A number of archive projects in Scotland have already benefited from awards from these funds. For example, the HLF-backed Scottish Archive Network (SCAN) project is assisting the automation and remote consultation of local archives by offering direct assistance to local authorities that join the network. Further information on these funds is available from the Lottery distributors. The Executive is not responsible for the funding of individual community councils - their funding comes primarily from local authorities - or for archives of independent trusts and other parties. However, it is also open to these bodies to apply to the NOF or HLF for funding for archives and other heritage projects.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169870,"EventID":"S1W-33429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to the Strategic Waste Fund in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to the Strategic Waste Fund in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24884 on 30 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169871,"EventID":"S1W-33430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments (a) have been applied for, (b) are under consideration and (c) have been made to each local authority under the Strategic Waste Fund in the current financi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments (a) have been applied for, (b) are under consideration and (c) have been made to each local authority under the Strategic Waste Fund in the current financial year and what the projected level of take-up of funding is for the remainder of this financial year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-32238 on 4 December 2002 and S1W-33419 on 3 February 2003, which set out detail of funding awarded for this financial year from the Strategic Waste Fund (SWF), totalling £11,099,300. Moray, Aberdeen City, Scottish Borders, Midlothian, North, South and East Ayrshire, Fife and Dumfries and Galloway Councils have submitted bids which are under consideration, but which will not result in funding this year. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169872,"EventID":"S1W-33431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether British Energy has renewed, or has indicated that it intends to renew, its membership of the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether British Energy has renewed, or has indicated that it intends to renew, its membership of the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for British Energy to decide, once they receive a request to renew their subscription.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169873,"EventID":"S1W-33432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it had in respect of celebrating 2002 as the year of Robert Burns and what financial or other support it made available to events held in connection with th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it had in respect of celebrating 2002 as the year of Robert Burns and what financial or other support it made available to events held in connection with this celebration.","AnswerText":"The Executive's support for promoting the legacy of Robert Burns has involved various initiatives and is not limited to a single year. Ministers announced early in 2002 the commitment of £300,000 to develop a raft of projects to celebrate the life and works of Burns. These projects will benefit socially disadvantaged areas and under-represented groups and are being implemented this year and next through the Scottish Arts Council. In April 2002, a Tam O' Shanter CD funded by the National Grid for Learning was issued free to all primary and secondary schools in Scotland. The Executive also provided £100,000 for the inaugural \"Burns and a' that\" festival in 2002. The festival received much critical acclaim and, last month, Mike Watson announced that the Executive will provide a further £100,000 for this year's event. Valuable support from our agencies, VisitScotland and the Scottish Arts Council, has also been provided and this continues.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169874,"EventID":"S1W-33433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve heart disease rates in Glasgow in light of the prediction by doctors at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow that heart disease rates in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve heart disease rates in Glasgow in light of the prediction by doctors at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow that heart disease rates in the area are expected to increase by a third over the next 20 years.","AnswerText":"Improving Scotland's health is our most important challenge. Diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) are increasingly preventable by improvements in physical activity and diet and reductions in smoking. We are taking a comprehensive approach to health improvement that draws together activity across the whole range of the Executive's activity. Prevention is an integral part of our CHD and Stroke Strategy, and local cardiac services Managed Clinical Networks will be expected to develop prevention strategies which are in line with our health promotion framework.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169875,"EventID":"S1W-33434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #40 million allocated for tackling heart disease will be granted to Greater Glasgow NHS Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #40 million allocated for tackling heart disease will be granted to Greater Glasgow NHS Board.","AnswerText":"The additional £40 million which is being made available over the next three financial years covers implementation of the whole of our coronary heart disease (CHD) and Stroke Strategy. NHS Greater Glasgow will receive support for its cardiac services Managed Clinical Network. It also has the opportunity to submit bids for initiatives which could be funded after meeting the costs of Managed Clinical Networks to support this strategy nationally and developing a national CHD database.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169876,"EventID":"S1W-33435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the windows installed in the MSP block west elevation of the new Parliament building at Holyrood are watertight.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the windows installed in the MSP block west elevation of the new Parliament building at Holyrood are watertight.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169877,"EventID":"S1W-33436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the installation cost was of each window in the MSP block west elevation of the new Parliament building at Holyrood under the (a) Flour City contract and (b) current ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the installation cost was of each window in the MSP block west elevation of the new Parliament building at Holyrood under the (a) Flour City contract and (b) current contract.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide window installation costs only, as both contracts in question stipulated supply and installation. The Convener of the Holyrood Project Team has informed me that different models of bay windows are involved but, on average, the costs from the tender bids for supply and installation of bay windows on the west elevation of the MSP block were as follows: (a) Flour City: £5,633 per window (excl VAT) (b) Current Contract: £17,174 per window (excl VAT).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169878,"EventID":"S1W-33437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of its submission to the Bain inquiry into the fire service in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of its submission to the Bain inquiry into the fire service in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's evidence to the Bain Review, like that of the other Devolved Administrations, was included in the evidence submitted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). The review team made it clear from the outset that evidence submitted to it would be on a confidential basis but a paper entitled Reforming Our Public Services: Principles Into Practice - The Fire Service, which was submitted to the review team, is available on the ODPM website. The web address is http://www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/fire/dispute/index.htm","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169879,"EventID":"S1W-33438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place copies of all responses to The Scottish Fire Service of the Future in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place copies of all responses to The Scottish Fire Service of the Future in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"We can only arrange to place copies of responses in the Parliament's Reference Centre where consent has been given for the response to be made public. No such consent was sought or given in relation to this consultation document. However, we will write to those who responded and ask if they would be content to have their responses placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre and I will confirm when these are available.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169880,"EventID":"S1W-33439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to repeal section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 and by what legislative means it will achieve this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to repeal section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 and by what legislative means it will achieve this.","AnswerText":"It will be a matter for the next administration in the next Parliament to decide how to improve local decision making and local accountability within the fire service.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169881,"EventID":"S1W-33440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations from the Bain inquiry report into the fire service it intends to implement and what its timescale is for implementation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations from the Bain inquiry report into the fire service it intends to implement and what its timescale is for implementation.","AnswerText":"Much of the Bain report chimes with our own consultation paper - The Scottish Fire Service of the Future - which we published on 30 April 2002. We are considering the Bain Report carefully against our policy paper in taking forward the modernisation of the Fire Service in Scotland. Equally we expect the Employers and the Fire Brigades Union to consider the issues that directly relate to their interests, in particular pay and working practices. We will be consulting with the key stakeholders in determining the timescale for implementation.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169882,"EventID":"S1W-33441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to question S1O-6265 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 January 2003 (Official Report, c 17397), what the outdated practic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to question S1O-6265 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 January 2003 (Official Report, c 17397), what the outdated practices in the fire service are.","AnswerText":"In response to the supplementary question, the Deputy First Minister mentioned practices such as full-time firefighters not being allowed to work on the same crew as part-time firefighters and the rigid shift system. There are other examples such as the Fire Brigades Union ban on voluntary overtime and objections to sharing control rooms with other emergency services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169883,"EventID":"S1W-33442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examination it has carried out into the recommendations of the Bain inquiry report into the fire service to ensure that the standards of fire cover will continue to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examination it has carried out into the recommendations of the Bain inquiry report into the fire service to ensure that the standards of fire cover will continue to be achievable.","AnswerText":"The Bain Report recommends a move to risk assessed fire cover rather than the current rigid system of response based on property and geographical area. This mirrors proposals contained in the Executive's policy consultation paper published last April. The Executive is currently considering how to take this forward to ensure that the new arrangements provide even better protection for the public.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169884,"EventID":"S1W-33443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standards of fire cover can be met if retained and whole-time fire crews are combined and, if so, what research it has carried out to ascertain this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standards of fire cover can be met if retained and whole-time fire crews are combined and, if so, what research it has carried out to ascertain this.","AnswerText":"Mixed crewing of appliances could satisfy existing standards in some circumstances. Current standards of fire cover are directly related to local geographic areas and timed attendance targets. In some areas, the target response does permit the use of retained personnel, in others it would be difficult to achieve. A move to a risk assessment approach may alter the target response on the basis of professional judgement. The option of using mixed crewing could, therefore, also be reconsidered and changed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169885,"EventID":"S1W-33444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take with Her Majesty's Government to comply with Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots language.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take with Her Majesty's Government to comply with Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in respect of the Scots language.","AnswerText":"By signing the Charter, the UK Government recognises the distinctive nature and cultural value of the Scots language. The Executive has made good progress in complying with the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in respect of Scots and the Executive considers that its policies and practice give due regard to the objectives and principles in Part II of the Charter.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169886,"EventID":"S1W-33445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 27 and 28 January 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 27 and 28 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I attended the January Agriculture and Fisheries Council, together with Margaret Beckett, Elliot Morley, Lord Whitty, Ian Pearson, and Mike German. I was present on 27 January but returned from Brussels before the meeting concluded in order to handle the announcement of the fisheries compensation package on Tuesday 28 January. The Council began with the Greek Presidency presenting an outline of its priorities and planned work programme. On agriculture, the agenda covered two main areas, the Mid-term Review (MTR) of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and animal health. The Commission presented their draft legislative proposals for the CAP MTR which, with some modification, followed from their July 2002 proposals and subsequent debate. Member states gave their initial reactions and views varied widely. The UK emphasised the need for a sustainable CAP and welcomed the general direction of the proposals and the benefits they would bring to EU farmers although we would want to study the proposals in detail to assess their impact on particular sectors, such as beef. We noted, however, that the current modulation proposals put a disproportionate burden on larger and more efficient farms, and argued for a simpler, more equitable model. We also urged a faster and more substantial transfer of funds to rural development spending than proposed, including a fairer share of funds for the UK. The Commission presented a proposal for revision of EU measures to control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease. The UK welcomed the opportunity to update the rules, while recognising that careful consideration of the issues would be needed before new strategies could be put in place. A Commission proposal for the individual identification of sheep and goats was also presented. The UK stressed the need for practical requirements which took account of the structure of the UK industry and the high level of animal movements associated with that. The Council unanimously agreed to ban the import of eggs and poultry from three US States where an outbreak of Newcastle Disease had occurred. The Commission's regular report on BSE-related developments identified that although there had been a significant increase in testing in 2002, the total number of cases identified was similar to that in 2001. Under other business, several delegations urged the Commission to keep the matter of processed poultry imports under review to ensure that there was no unfair exploitation of the discounted duty rates that apply. On GMOs, there was an exchange of views regarding the co-existence of GM and non-GM agriculture, with the UK supporting the case for fuller discussion but warning against attempts to impose a de facto moratorium on GM approvals. The Commission indicated that existing rules would continue to govern the approval of new GM products. New rules, following Council agreement in principle last November, were still under preparation and could not apply immediately. On fisheries, this was a very low-key Council agenda: Council adopted non-operational conclusions on two communications from the Commission and also received two initial presentations. The two sets of Council conclusions generally welcomed the Commission's communications. The first related to the integration of environmental protection requirements into the common fisheries policy and the second related to a European strategy for the development of aquaculture. The presentations from the Commission concerned a communication on developing a framework for third country fisheries agreements and a proposal for a revised and consolidated technical conservation regulation. Under \"any other business\", Council heard reports of the current state of affairs relating to equal Community access in the Western waters.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169887,"EventID":"S1W-33446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether freight facilities grants and track access grants currently available in Scotland will continue to be available, given the recent announcement by the Strategic Ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether freight facilities grants and track access grants currently available in Scotland will continue to be available, given the recent announcement by the Strategic Rail Authority that new applications for England for the next financial year will be closed from January 2003 and, if such grants will also be closed in Scotland, how it will deliver its target to remove 25 million lorry miles off roads and onto rail by March 2006. ","AnswerText":"These grants will continue to be available in Scotland. We are confident of achieving our target of freight facilities grant awards being made by March 2006 which will remove 25 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year by transferring freight to rail and water-borne modes of transport.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169888,"EventID":"S1W-33447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the voluntary sector is participating in the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the voluntary sector is participating in the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the Scottish Executive has convened a steering group for the European Year of Disabled People 2003. Most of the organisations on the steering group are from the voluntary sector, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. We will look to steering group members to promote EYDP through their networks and partnerships and facilitate participation by the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169889,"EventID":"S1W-33448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether events planned to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 will relate to both mental health disorders and physical disabilities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether events planned to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 will relate to both mental health disorders and physical disabilities. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Steering Group for the European Year of Disabled People (EYDP) includes organisations representing a broad range of impairment groups, including physical and sensory impairments, learning disability and mental illness. The steering group's activities to mark EYDP will relate to a broad range of impairment groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169890,"EventID":"S1W-33449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events are planned to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 (a) throughout Scotland and (b) in north Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events are planned to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 (a) throughout Scotland and (b) in north Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"For information on the activities planned by the Scottish steering group I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33375 on 23 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The Scottish steering group is focussing on national activity and has no plans for a local event in North Ayrshire. Local organisations may be planning their own events around Scotland. However, we are unaware at this stage of any specific events taking place in North Ayrshire. In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions is running a grant scheme for local and national projects. There are 22 successful projects in Scotland as follows. National (Scotland-wide) | Birds of Paradise Theatre Company Limited | Working Towards Equality | Deafblind Scotland | From Isolation To Participation | Ownership Options in Scotland | Mainstreaming Ownership Skills Training | Local | Ayrshire Independent Living Network | South Ayrshire fun day | The State Hospital | Calendar of Patients' Artwork | North Lanarkshire Arts Association | Community Open Arts Exhibition | Project Ability | Building Creative Bridges | Kincardine and Deeside Disability Action Group | Aberdeenshire Disability Advisory Group | Survivors' Poetry Scotland | Manifesto | Inverclyde Council on Disability | Accessible Infoclyde | Glasgow Association for Mental Health | Accessible Information Project 2003 | Fife College of Further and Higher Education | Listen and Learn | Leonard Cheshire Scotland | Manifesto | Inverness Access Committee | What Barriers Face Disabled People Seeking Work? | Computers and Integration Ltd | Able to Communicate | West Dunbartonshire Council: employment development for people with disabilities | Community Cafe/Social Firm | Volunteer Centre Edinburgh | The Volunteer Personal Development Project | Barnardo's Scotland | Our Lives - Snakes and Ladders | Augment | Mind Yer Heid | Clackmannanshire Council | ROAD - Raising Operators' Awareness of Disability | Access to Training and Employment | Aberdeen Business Disability Awareness Proje","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169891,"EventID":"S1W-33450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the planning of events to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 (a) throughout Scotland and (b) in north Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the planning of events to mark the European Year of Disabled People 2003 (a) throughout Scotland and (b) in north Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Steering Group for the European Year of Disabled People 2003 announced its proposals for the year on 23 January. The steering group's focus is on national activity. A range of activities is planned and progress is being made through the steering group. Some local events are being funded through the grant scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Scottish Executive has no role in administering this scheme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169892,"EventID":"S1W-33451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Land Court will have the required number of members necessary to perform the functions that will be conferred upon it under the Agricultural Holdings","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Land Court will have the required number of members necessary to perform the functions that will be conferred upon it under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill; and whether it will remove the maximum age limit at which existing members must vacate office, and whether it will make a permanent appointment of a deputy chairman.","AnswerText":"The Executive has always provided the Scottish Land Court with the staffing resources it requires. We envisage no difficulty about continuing to do that in future. We have no intention of removing the maximum age limit at which existing members must vacate office. None of its members is near the retirement age of 65. That retirement age was part of the package on pay and conditions that members freely entered into when appointed. There is no business case at present in either the Land Court or the Lands Tribunal for Scotland for the creation of a permanent post of Deputy Chairman. Powers for the ad hoc appointment of a deputy chairman already exist (see paragraph 10 of Schedule 1 to the Scottish Land Court Act 1993). These have been used once in the last eight years and they worked perfectly satisfactorily. Staffing levels are kept under regular review in consultation with Lord McGhie. The Executive stand ready to respond to bids for more staff when the workloads justify this.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169893,"EventID":"S1W-33452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a power of remit between the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a power of remit between the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"It is our intention that the jurisdiction of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill will be entirely distinct. They will not overlap. We have tabled an amendment to the bill which would give the tribunal jurisdiction over valuation appeals in relation to the right to buy. The Land Court will have a general jurisdiction over disputes arising out of agricultural tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 and the bill, but will not have jurisdiction over valuation appeals. We recognise that there may be cases concerned with valuation appeals that raise issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the Land Court. Therefore, in order to facilitate the efficient disposal of such cases, I can confirm that we have also lodged an amendment to the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill that would enable the tribunal to refer a matter to the Land Court if it considers that to be appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169894,"EventID":"S1W-33453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Land Court will have any power under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill to be arbiter of consent similar to that under section 1(5) of the Lan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Land Court will have any power under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill to be arbiter of consent similar to that under section 1(5) of the Lands Tribunal Act 1949.","AnswerText":"In their report on Jurisdictions under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts (Scot Law Com No 178), upon which Part 7 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill is based, the Scottish Law Commission recommended that the Land Court be given power to act as arbiter of consent on a contractual reference, similar to the power available to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland under section 1(5) of the Lands Tribunal Act 1949. New section 60(2)(d) of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 (as introduced by section 59 of the bill) makes such provision as is appropriate in relation to tenancies under the 1991 act. Section 61(2)(d) of the bill makes equivalent provision in respect of tenancies under the bill.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169895,"EventID":"S1W-33454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practices have closed in each year since 1999 and where these practices were located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practices have closed in each year since 1999 and where these practices were located.","AnswerText":"Information on the closure of dental practices is not held centrally. The total number of practices in Scotland, which ceased to provide NHS general dental services between 1999 and 2002 is shown in the following table, categorised by health board: Health Board | Total Practices Closed - 1999 | Total Practices Closed - 2000 | Total Practices Closed - 2001 | Total Practices Closed - 2002 | Ayrshire and Arran | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Borders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Argyll and Clyde | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Fife | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Greater Glasgow | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | Highland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Lanarkshire | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Grampian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Lothian | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Tayside | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Forth Valley | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Western Isles | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Shetland | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Scotland | 13 | The number of NHS dental practices in Scotland, in deprivation categories 5, 6 and 71, which have ceased to provide NHS general dental services, between 1999 and 2002 are shown in the following table, broken down by NHS board:Health Board | Practices Closed in 1999 | Practices Closed in 2000 | Practices Closed in 2001 | Practices Closed in 2002 | Ayrshire and Arran | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Borders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Argyll and Clyde | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Fife | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Greater Glasgow | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Highland | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Lanarkshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Grampian | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lothian | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Tayside | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Forth Valley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Western Isles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Shetland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Scotland | www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso/.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169898,"EventID":"S1W-33457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual recurrent grant is for 2002-03 for St Mary's Episcopal School in Dunblane and, if it has not been determined, what the reasons are for its position on thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual recurrent grant is for 2002-03 for St Mary's Episcopal School in Dunblane and, if it has not been determined, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The school's annual recurrent grant for 2002-03 is £193,106.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169899,"EventID":"S1W-33458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it determined the annual grant aid for 2002-03 for Jordanhill School in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it determined the annual grant aid for 2002-03 for Jordanhill School in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Jordanhill School's annual recurrent grant for 2002-03 was determined on 26 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169900,"EventID":"S1W-33459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether route development funding for direct air links will be focused on low-cost or scheduled flights; which airports are being considered for such links, and what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether route development funding for direct air links will be focused on low-cost or scheduled flights; which airports are being considered for such links, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter","AnswerText":"The Interim Route Development Fund is intended to promote the creation of new air services from Scotland which provide the maximum benefit in terms of business links, inward investment and in-bound tourism, whether those services are low-cost or full service scheduled flights. It is potentially available to services operating from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Dundee airports together with those that are operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169901,"EventID":"S1W-33460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) committed and (b) spent in respect of route development for direct airlinks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) committed and (b) spent in respect of route development for direct airlinks.","AnswerText":"A total of £6.8 million has been allocated to the Interim Route Development Fund. This includes £1 million from Scottish Enterprise and £300,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Payments under the fund will be made only once services start.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169902,"EventID":"S1W-33461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made for public accountability when further education colleges amalgamate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made for public accountability when further education colleges amalgamate.","AnswerText":"In general, the Boards of Management of further education colleges are accountable to the Scottish ministers through powers delegated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council in the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992. Where there is a proposal to merge two or more colleges, ministers are obliged to consult the relevant education authority and any other person appearing to ministers to be affected by the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169903,"EventID":"S1W-33462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that senior posts in new college structures following amalgamation of further education colleges should be the subject of open advertisement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that senior posts in new college structures following amalgamation of further education colleges should be the subject of open advertisement.","AnswerText":"Employment issues within further education colleges, which are autonomous bodies in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, are for the colleges themselves to address.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169904,"EventID":"S1W-33463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is intended that appointments of principals of further education colleges will be covered by the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Bill. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is intended that appointments of principals of further education colleges will be covered by the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Bill. ","AnswerText":"No. The Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Bill covers non-executive ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies in Scotland. Further education colleges are independent corporate bodies under the terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169905,"EventID":"S1W-33464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the promotion of community speed watch schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to the promotion of community speed watch schemes.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to promote community speed watch schemes in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169906,"EventID":"S1W-33465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Renfrewshire Council area (i) benefited in 2001-02 and (ii) are expected to benefit in (1) 2002-03, (2) 2003-04 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Renfrewshire Council area (i) benefited in 2001-02 and (ii) are expected to benefit in (1) 2002-03, (2) 2003-04 and (3) 2004-05 under its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"In 2001-02 Renfrewshire Council installed central heating in 121 dwellings under the Executive's central heating programme. In 2002-03 they should install central heating in another 121 dwellings and in 2003-04 in 395 dwellings. All council stock in Renfrewshire should then have central heating. Fourteen housing association dwellings which lack central heating will have it installed in 2003-04. All housing association stock in the area will then have central heating. The managing agents for the programme in the private sector, Eaga, organise data by main postcode area, not local authority area. There is therefore no estimate of the number of owner-occupiers and private renters in the Renfrewshire council area who are eligible for the programme. Neither is the information currently available to make any estimate of demand in the PA (Renfrewshire and Argyll) postcode area. However, 873 heating systems had been installed in the PA area as at 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169907,"EventID":"S1W-33466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Renfrewshire Council area are estimated to be eligible for free central heating under its central heating install","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Renfrewshire Council area are estimated to be eligible for free central heating under its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"The central heating programme provides grant to install central heating, insulation and safety alarms in (a) dwellings owned by local authorities and housing associations which currently lack any form of central heating, and (b) dwellings occupied by home owners or private renters where the head of household or spouse is aged 60 or over and the dwelling lacks central heating. In both categories (a) and (b) some householders will be pensioners, but others will not. Information on the number of pensioners and non-pensioners benefiting from the programme is not collected. Renfrewshire Council have estimated that they have around 640 dwellings without central heating. They will be given grant to install central heating in all those dwellings by March 2004. One housing association in the area is taking part in the programme. It estimates that it has 14 dwellings without any form of central heating and, on current plans, it will be given grant to install central heating in them all by March 2004. The managing agents for the programme in the private sector, Eaga, organise data by main postcode area, not local authority area. There is therefore no estimate of the number of owner-occupiers and private renters in the Renfrewshire council area who are eligible for the programme. Neither is the information currently available to make any estimate of demand in the PA (Renfrewshire and Argyll) postcode area. However, 873 heating systems had been installed in the PA area as at 31 December 2002. The managing agents will continue to make every effort to alert eligible households to the offer of free central heating and to encourage them to apply. Those who apply should receive central heating by March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169908,"EventID":"S1W-33467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for installations by the Eaga Partnership Scotland under its central heating installation programme in the Renfrewshire Council area in respect of (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for installations by the Eaga Partnership Scotland under its central heating installation programme in the Renfrewshire Council area in respect of (a) all households and (b) pensioners' homes.","AnswerText":"Eaga manage the central heating programme for owner-occupiers and private renters. The main criteria for inclusion in the programme as administered by Eaga are that the head of household or spouse must be aged 60 or over and that the dwelling must lack central heating. In late 2000 the Executive estimated that around 40,000 households in the private sector met these criteria. All eligible households in the private sector should have central heating by March 2006. There is no separate target for Renfrewshire.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169909,"EventID":"S1W-33468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and staff attended the Agricultural and Fisheries Council meeting no. 2481 on 27 and 28 January 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and staff attended the Agricultural and Fisheries Council meeting no. 2481 on 27 and 28 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 27 January 2003, but not on 28 January, when I had to be in Scotland and London on fisheries business. Up to four Scottish Executive officials were in support, covering both days of the Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169910,"EventID":"S1W-33469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Growing Support - A Review of Services for Vulnerable Families with Very Young Children. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Growing Support - A Review of Services for Vulnerable Families with Very Young Children. ","AnswerText":"We are still in the process of distributing this report. The total anticipated cost is likely to be £20,790.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169911,"EventID":"S1W-33470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future of freight facilities and track access grants is in Scotland, given that the Strategic Rail Authority has announced that there will be no new grants of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future of freight facilities and track access grants is in Scotland, given that the Strategic Rail Authority has announced that there will be no new grants of this type for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The freight facilities and track access grant schemes, as administered by the Scottish Executive, will continue to be available in Scotland. We remain fully committed to encouraging the modal shift of freight from road to rail and water. This is demonstrated by the increase in the freight facilities grant budget from £6.1 million in 1999-2000 to £14.4 million in 2003-04. The track access grant budget for 2003-04 is £1 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169912,"EventID":"S1W-33471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will process Anglo-Scottish freight facilities and track access grants, given that the Strategic Rail Authority has announced that there will be no new grants of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will process Anglo-Scottish freight facilities and track access grants, given that the Strategic Rail Authority has announced that there will be no new grants of this type in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to process Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) applications where they relate to facilities or traffic flows within Scotland. We will also continue to process applications which involve traffic flows between Scotland and England where the FFG funded capital expenditure is limited to Scotland. Out of 15 rail FFGs awarded since August 1997, 12 have required FFG funded capital expenditure in Scotland only. Similarly Track Access Grant (TAG) applications with flows entirely within Scotland will not be affected, but cross-border applications may be affected. We will work with the SRA to minimise the impact in Scotland of their decisions on FFG and TAG applications relating to facilities or traffic flows in England.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169913,"EventID":"S1W-33472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any reduction or abolition of freight facilities grants and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any reduction or abolition of freight facilities grants and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"The freight facilities and track access grant schemes, as administered by the Scottish Executive, will continue to be available in Scotland. We are in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority and with the Department for Transport about these schemes.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169914,"EventID":"S1W-33473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its interpretation is of \"rules concerning access to waters and resources\", as referred to in Article 19 of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its interpretation is of \"rules concerning access to waters and resources\", as referred to in Article 19 of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002.","AnswerText":"The rules concerning access to waters and resources are those rules described in Chapter IV (Rules on access to Water and Resources) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002. These are subject to a fuller interpretation by reference to multiple decisions of the European Court of Justice and to the multifarious provisions of superior legislation, including but not restricted to Treaties of the European Union.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169915,"EventID":"S1W-33474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it interprets the principle of relative stability as a rule concerning access to waters and resources within the meaning of Article 19 of EU Council Regulation (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it interprets the principle of relative stability as a rule concerning access to waters and resources within the meaning of Article 19 of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002.","AnswerText":"We understand relative stability to be a rule concerning access to resources within the meaning of Article 19 of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002. Specifically, relative stability underpins the rules concerning allocation of fishing opportunities, in as much as those opportunities shall be distributed in such a way as to assure each member state relative stability of fishing activities for each stock or fishery (Article 20 of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169916,"EventID":"S1W-33475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deductions from future fishing opportunities outlined in paragraph 1 of Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 would be for one year only o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deductions from future fishing opportunities outlined in paragraph 1 of Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 would be for one year only or for an indefinite period.","AnswerText":"Article 23(4) allows for a deduction from future fishing opportunities equivalent to the sum total of prior over-fishing, measured in tonnage. In most cases, it is to be expected that the full tonnage to be deducted will be deducted from opportunities allocated in the first calendar year following establishment of an occurrence of over-fishing.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169917,"EventID":"S1W-33476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reallocation of fishing opportunities outlined in paragraph 2 of Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 would be for one year only or for a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reallocation of fishing opportunities outlined in paragraph 2 of Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 would be for one year only or for an indefinite period.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33475 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169918,"EventID":"S1W-33477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether reallocation of fishing opportunities as outlined in Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 is compatible with the principle of relative stabil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether reallocation of fishing opportunities as outlined in Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002 is compatible with the principle of relative stability.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169919,"EventID":"S1W-33478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Netcon-X Enterprise Ltd receives each month per student from Scottish Enterprise for the provision of the Training for Work internet web design course.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Netcon-X Enterprise Ltd receives each month per student from Scottish Enterprise for the provision of the Training for Work internet web design course.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169920,"EventID":"S1W-33479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a company offering a Training for Work course in internet web design needs to meet to ensure that it is in a position to provide the course satisfactorily.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a company offering a Training for Work course in internet web design needs to meet to ensure that it is in a position to provide the course satisfactorily.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169921,"EventID":"S1W-33480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring Scottish Enterprise undertakes in order to ensure that companies contracted to provide Training for Work courses continue to fulfil specified criteria.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring Scottish Enterprise undertakes in order to ensure that companies contracted to provide Training for Work courses continue to fulfil specified criteria.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169922,"EventID":"S1W-33481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of liability of care homes to water charges in light of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of liability of care homes to water charges in light of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd and when it will issue advice to the owners, operators and residents of such homes on the implications of the court's decision.","AnswerText":"The Executive and local authorities presented the independent care sector with a substantial offer to uplift fee levels from 1 April 2003 at a meeting on 31 January. The offer honours our earlier commitment to meet the fee levels recommended by the National Review Group. An increase in real terms has been applied to the revenue element of existing care home costs to take account of various pressures, including water rates. The sector is considering the terms of the offer.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169923,"EventID":"S1W-33482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider applications from care home owners to the water industry hardship fund in light of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider applications from care home owners to the water industry hardship fund in light of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"The water industry hardship fund has been set up to assist those organisations suffering hardship as a result of having had their relief on water and sewerage charges withdrawn - care homes are already able to apply to the fund on this basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169924,"EventID":"S1W-33483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland will examine and report on the implications for Scottish Water's tariff structure of the Court of Session decision i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland will examine and report on the implications for Scottish Water's tariff structure of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Water Industry Commissioner has no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169925,"EventID":"S1W-33484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its intended policy that care homes will pay water charges that are five times greater than the charges paid by their counterparts in England and Wales fol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its intended policy that care homes will pay water charges that are five times greater than the charges paid by their counterparts in England and Wales following the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"I am not in a position to comment on the detail of charges to individual customers of Scottish Water. The Executive's policy on water charges is that the revenue raised under a charges scheme for a particular year should not exceed the revenue cap specified by the Water Industry Commissioner for that year in his Strategic Review of Charges; that by no later than 2005-06 charges within a scheme should be harmonised on a geographical basis across Scotland, and that tariffs within schemes should be broadly cost-reflective. A series of discounts and reliefs are available to customers in specific circumstances. These are not specific to care homes. I am unable to comment on the charges paid by an individual customer of Scottish Water. This is a matter for Scottish Water and the Water Industry Commissioner who are jointly responsible for agreeing the scheme of charges in any particular year.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169926,"EventID":"S1W-33485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to respond to any increase in the number of care home closures following the impact of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to respond to any increase in the number of care home closures following the impact of the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33481 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169927,"EventID":"S1W-33486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give an estimate of the impact on levels of bed-blocking of any reduction in the number of available care home places following the Court of Session decision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give an estimate of the impact on levels of bed-blocking of any reduction in the number of available care home places following the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33481 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169928,"EventID":"S1W-33487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an early announcement about distributing supplementary financial resources to local authorities in order to help them meet any additional costs of ru","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an early announcement about distributing supplementary financial resources to local authorities in order to help them meet any additional costs of running care homes following the Court of Session decision in the case of Scottish Water v Clydecare Ltd.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33481 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169929,"EventID":"S1W-33488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when education maintenance allowances will be made available to all eligible 16-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when education maintenance allowances will be made available to all eligible 16-year-olds.","AnswerText":"Education Maintenance Allowances will be made available to all eligible 16-year-olds across Scotland from the start of academic year 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169930,"EventID":"S1W-33489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs would be incurred in rolling out the Education Maintenance Allowance scheme to all local authorities by May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs would be incurred in rolling out the Education Maintenance Allowance scheme to all local authorities by May 2003.","AnswerText":"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) budget for 2003-04 is £5 million. This will provide funding towards the final year of EMA piloting. National rollout will commence during academic year 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169931,"EventID":"S1W-33490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the cost of educational maintenance allowances in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06 and how many young people will benefit fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the cost of educational maintenance allowances in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06 and how many young people will benefit from the scheme in each of those years.","AnswerText":"Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) related costs for the years in question are: (a) 2002-03 | projected costs | £8.2 million | (b) 2003-04 | budget provision | £5.0 million | (c) 2004-05 | budget provision | £13.0 million | (d) 2005-06 | budget provision | £31.0 million |
EMAs during 2002-03 and 2003-04 will reach approximately 7,000 young people each year. We estimate that EMAs will reach 39,000 young people from low-income families by time of full national rollout.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169932,"EventID":"S1W-33491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce plans for prisoner access to night sanitation in HM Prison Peterhead and what discussions it has held with the Prison Officers' Association on this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce plans for prisoner access to night sanitation in HM Prison Peterhead and what discussions it has held with the Prison Officers' Association on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: It has first been necessary to evaluate the proposal made by the Prison Officers' Association (POA) at the time of the estates review and endorsed by the then Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons that access to night sanitation could be provided within the existing staff complement. This proposal did not contain any detailed plans of how such a system would be operated. The evaluation has shown that the proposal was unworkable. The Governor of Peterhead is now developing and costing alternative proposals for access to night sanitation in consultation with the local branch of the POA. These will be examined in the context of the determination of the SPS budgets for 2003-04 onwards. The SPS expect to be able to reach a decision this spring.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169933,"EventID":"S1W-33492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the agreement between Her Majesty's Government and insurers to continue flood-risk insurance cover to households across the UK and what imp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the agreement between Her Majesty's Government and insurers to continue flood-risk insurance cover to households across the UK and what implications there are for householders in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Through our contacts with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) the Executive was kept informed of the development of the new principles and guidance relating to continuing flood risk cover for domestic properties and small businesses. These new principles were put in place by the ABI, on behalf of ABI members within the insurance industry, and are general industry guidance. These principles are not the subject of an agreement with Government. Guidance from the ABI states that it is the intention of ABI members that flood insurance for domestic properties and small businesses should continue to be available for as many customers as possible. The premiums charged and other terms and conditions - such as excesses - will reflect the actual risk of flooding, in the same way as for other insurable risks. However, changes to premiums and policy details are matters for policyholders and the insurance company concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169934,"EventID":"S1W-33493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration its Environment and Rural Affairs Department gives to any trampling around outdoor feed rings by livestock when considering whether a farmer is liable","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration its Environment and Rural Affairs Department gives to any trampling around outdoor feed rings by livestock when considering whether a farmer is liable to pay a penalty for overgra'ing a field.","AnswerText":"Trampling around outdoor feed rings by livestock may constitute a breach of scheme conditions if it caused damage to a designated site, a site being managed in the interests of conservation under an agri-environment agreement, or to natural or semi-natural vegetation anywhere on a holding in receipt of livestock subsidy or agri-environment payments. In such a case, my department would discuss the situation and potential remedies with the claimant, but in the absence of corrective or preventative action some or all of any payment due would be withheld. If the damage was to any other areas or if the farmer did not claim subsidy, there would be no implications for payments.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169935,"EventID":"S1W-33494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made that any compensation package for Scottish fisherman should be funded by HM Treasury on the same basis that savings in state benefits ari","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made that any compensation package for Scottish fisherman should be funded by HM Treasury on the same basis that savings in state benefits arising from the implementation of the Executive's funding commitment for free personal care for the elderly were retained by HM Treasury.","AnswerText":"Policy and related expenditure matters on Scottish fisheries are devolved and are for consideration by the Scottish Executive. The cost of the compensation package falls to be met from within the overall resources available to the Executive and there are no grounds on which additional resources might be sought from the UK Exchequer.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169936,"EventID":"S1W-33495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6288 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 January 2003, when the review of the current provision of chronic pain services will be commissione","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6288 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 January 2003, when the review of the current provision of chronic pain services will be commissioned; what its terms of reference will be, and when it will be expected to report.","AnswerText":"I am glad to say that Professor James McEwen, formerly Professor of Public Health Medicine at Glasgow University, has accepted the Executive's invitation to carry out the review. Details of the remit and timescale will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169937,"EventID":"S1W-33496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor the impact of the Involving People programme on cancer patients' experience in the year ahead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor the impact of the Involving People programme on cancer patients' experience in the year ahead.","AnswerText":"As part of the patient and public involvement programme all NHS boards are required to develop a plan for sustainable patient and public involvement which will be evaluated and supported by the Scottish Executive Health Department. For cancer services, regional cancer networks submit regular progress reports on the implementation of Cancer in Scotland including patient/public involvement. This work is in its early stages and progress is variable across the country. Regional monitoring reports which provide more detail are available from the Cancer in Scotland website: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/cancerinscotland/.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169938,"EventID":"S1W-33497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the patient focus and public involvement agenda will build on the activity and experience of cancer support groups and organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the patient focus and public involvement agenda will build on the activity and experience of cancer support groups and organisations.","AnswerText":"The Executive's patient focus and public involvement framework aims to achieve a patient-focused health service where people are treated as individuals and where individuals, groups and communities are involved in improving the quality of care, influencing priorities and in planning services. Patient focus and involvement is at the heart of Cancer in Scotland. There are a variety of dedicated cancer support groups and organisations working throughout the country. The important on-going contribution of the voluntary sector in this area is valued. Patients and carers are involved centrally and across cancer networks to ensure that their views are integral to planning and decision making in cancer services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169939,"EventID":"S1W-33498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done on the effectiveness of the Close the Gap campaign on equal pay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done on the effectiveness of the Close the Gap campaign on equal pay.","AnswerText":"The Close the Gap Campaign was launched in March 2001 and will run until at least 2005. The work of the Close the Gap Development Partnership, which is the main part of the Close the Gap campaign, will be monitored and evaluated.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169940,"EventID":"S1W-33499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done on the effects of the policies of Her Majesty's Government on the promotion of equal pay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done on the effects of the policies of Her Majesty's Government on the promotion of equal pay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including policies to promote equal pay.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169941,"EventID":"S1W-33500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the Close the Gap campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the Close the Gap campaign.","AnswerText":"The Close the Gap Campaign was launched in March 2001 and will run until at least 2005. Current activities under the Close the Gap Development Partnership include attendance of campaign representatives at seminars, conferences and other events, organisation of training events, and the dissemination of leaflets and publicity materials to employers, employees, trade unionists and advisors aimed at raising awareness of the gender pay gap and steps that can be taken to tackle it.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169942,"EventID":"S1W-33501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, other than through the Close the Gap campaign, to address the earnings differential between men and women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, other than through the Close the Gap campaign, to address the earnings differential between men and women.","AnswerText":"As an employer, the Scottish Executive is committed to carrying out an equal pay review. For further information regarding this, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The Close the Gap Campaign is the main initiative supported by the Scottish Executive that focuses on raising awareness of the gender pay gap and to take steps to address it. More widely, the Scottish Executive is committed to mainstreaming equal opportunities in all its policies and legislation. Many of the Scottish Executive's policies relating to education, training and economic development include reducing the barriers to women getting into work, being promoted at work or starting and maintaining a successful business.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169943,"EventID":"S1W-33502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, or is considering, to address the earnings differential between men and women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, or is considering, to address the earnings differential between men and women.","AnswerText":"As an employer, the Scottish Executive is committed to carrying out an equal pay review. For further information regarding this, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The Close the Gap Campaign is the main initiative supported by the Scottish Executive that focuses on raising awareness of the gender pay gap and to take steps to address it. For further information about the campaign, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33512 today. More widely, the Scottish Executive is committed to mainstreaming equal opportunities in all its policies and legislation. Many of the Scottish Executive's policies relating to education, training and economic development include reducing the barriers to women getting into work, being promoted at work or starting and maintaining a successful business.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169944,"EventID":"S1W-33503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses signed up to the Close the Gap campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses signed up to the Close the Gap campaign.","AnswerText":"The Close the Gap Campaign partnership includes organisations representing businesses such as the Confederation of British Industry, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Scottish Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses. We do not have a record of all of the businesses that have participated in Close the Gap events or received information about the campaign.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169945,"EventID":"S1W-33504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the programme of work with employers and employees under the Close the Gap campaign involved and how this programme's success was measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the programme of work with employers and employees under the Close the Gap campaign involved and how this programme's success was measured.","AnswerText":"Activities under the Close the Gap Campaign have included seminars, conferences, road shows, training events, preparation of leaflets and publicity materials disseminated to employers, employees, trade unionists and advisors aimed at raising awareness of the gender pay gap and steps that can be taken to tackle it such as encouraging employers to undertake pay audits using the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland's Equal Pay Review Kit which was launched at a Close the Gap Conference in September 2002. The Close the Gap Campaign was launched in March 2001 and will run until at least 2005. The work of the Close the Gap Development Partnership, which is the main part of the Close the Gap Campaign, will be monitored and evaluated.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169946,"EventID":"S1W-33505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to people wishing to take their employers to industrial tribunals over pay differentials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to people wishing to take their employers to industrial tribunals over pay differentials.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is a partner in the Close the Gap Campaign, launched in 2001, to raise awareness of the gender pay gap and ways of tackling it. The Close the Gap Campaign information packs contain information about employees' rights to equal pay and how employees can make a complaint about unequal pay to an Employment Tribunal. Employment law is a reserved matter. The Scottish ministers have made legal aid available in certain circumstances for legal representation before the Employment Tribunal in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169947,"EventID":"S1W-33506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on equal pay is; when it expects the review of its pay system to be completed, and when it will publish any revised policy as a result.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on equal pay is; when it expects the review of its pay system to be completed, and when it will publish any revised policy as a result.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169948,"EventID":"S1W-33507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that all of its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies publish their policies on equal pay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that all of its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies publish their policies on equal pay.","AnswerText":"Agencies and NDPBs are required to be as open as possible in their dealings with their customers and stakeholders. They are required to comply with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information and with legislation on the release of information to the public, including the Data Protection Act. In meeting those requirements, the Scottish Executive expects that its executive agencies and NDPBs would make information on their policies for equal pay available publicly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169949,"EventID":"S1W-33508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether issues of equal pay for work of equal value in the NHS have been fully addressed in Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether issues of equal pay for work of equal value in the NHS have been fully addressed in Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","AnswerText":"If accepted, the new Agenda for Change pay system provides for an agreed job evaluation methodology which has been developed in partnership with health care trades unions specifically to address these issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169950,"EventID":"S1W-33509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any gender inequality in terms of pay among its staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any gender inequality in terms of pay among its staff.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169951,"EventID":"S1W-33510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alterations were made to pay structures in the NHS as a result of its action under Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alterations were made to pay structures in the NHS as a result of its action under Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","AnswerText":"None. The proposals for modernising the NHS pay system are currently the subject of consultation with NHS Scotland staff. If agreed, it is proposed that the new pay system will be implemented nationally in October 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169952,"EventID":"S1W-33511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27243 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 July 2002, whether all executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies will have completed an equ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27243 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 July 2002, whether all executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies will have completed an equal pay review by April 2003.","AnswerText":"All executive agencies and non-departmental bodies are aware of the requirement set out in the Scottish Executive's Public Sector Pay Guidelines to complete an equal pay review by April 2003. The Scottish Executive expects bodies to adhere to this timetable.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169953,"EventID":"S1W-33512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken under the Close the Gap campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken under the Close the Gap campaign.","AnswerText":"In March 2001 the Scottish Executive launched the Close the Gap Campaign to raise awareness about the gender pay gap in Scotland by working together with unions, enterprise, business and employers. In November 2001, funding of nearly half a million pounds of European money was granted for a Close the Gap Development Partnership through the EQUAL European Community Initiative. Activities under the development partnership have included seminars, conferences, road shows, training events, and preparation of leaflets and publicity materials disseminated to employers, employees, trade unionists and advisors.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169954,"EventID":"S1W-33513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals there are to give a distinctive Scottish identity to cattle passports, in line with the decision to ensure that cattle passports from Wales are identifiabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals there are to give a distinctive Scottish identity to cattle passports, in line with the decision to ensure that cattle passports from Wales are identifiable as such.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to give a distinctive Scottish identity to cattle passports. Only one format of passport is used on the UK mainland and the text is shown in English and Welsh. The Welsh language is provided in order to comply with the Welsh Language Act 1993 and is not related to the branding of Welsh produce.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169955,"EventID":"S1W-33514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that cattle passports relating to animals bred in Scotland are given a distinctive Scottish identity as part of the campaign to brand Scottish prod","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that cattle passports relating to animals bred in Scotland are given a distinctive Scottish identity as part of the campaign to brand Scottish produce in an advantageous fashion.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33513 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169956,"EventID":"S1W-33515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the option exists to produce bilingual cattle passports in Gaelic and English in line with the decision to allow the use of Welsh on cattle pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the option exists to produce bilingual cattle passports in Gaelic and English in line with the decision to allow the use of Welsh on cattle passports issued in Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33513 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169957,"EventID":"S1W-33516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30353 by Dr Elaine Murray on 24 October 2002, on what date the final year of the three-year funding commitment to the teacher relea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30353 by Dr Elaine Murray on 24 October 2002, on what date the final year of the three-year funding commitment to the teacher release scheme will end; when sportscotland will take a decision about reviewing the scheme; whether there has been any delay in the making of such a decision and, if so, whether the Executive will direct sportscotland to take a decision on the matter; whether funding for the scheme has been fully utilised in each year that the scheme has been in operation; what the total cost of the scheme has been, and what the average cost of the scheme has been per day in each year of operation","AnswerText":"The three-year funding commitment will end on 31 March 2003. As I have said previously, sportscotland is currently reviewing the scheme and a decision is expected following its council meeting in March. £150,000 was committed to this scheme and the information requested is in the following table. Year | Budget | Actual Spend | Average Cost Per Day | 2000-01 | £50,000 | £49,650 | £130 | 2001-02 | £50,000 | £50,000 | £145 | 2002-03 | £50,000 | £50,000 | £156 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169958,"EventID":"S1W-33517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any consideration to extending the range of disposals available to district courts in order to include community service orders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any consideration to extending the range of disposals available to district courts in order to include community service orders.","AnswerText":"District courts deal with relatively minor offences and therefore have limited sentencing powers in respect of custody. In the year 2001, only 1% of all cases dealt with by district courts resulted in a custodial sentence. Community Service Orders are, however, defined by statute as a direct alternative to custody. These factors indicate that Community Service Orders would not be a suitable penalty in the vast majority of cases handled by district courts and that any such extension might put offenders convicted of relatively minor offences at risk of custody. The Scottish Executive therefore considers that it would be inappropriate to make Community Service Orders available to the district court.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169959,"EventID":"S1W-33518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, towards the disposal of the former remand centre at Longriggend, Greengairs, North Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, towards the disposal of the former remand centre at Longriggend, Greengairs, North Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS are in negotiation with a potential purchaser of the former remand institution at Longriggend.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169960,"EventID":"S1W-33519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"In June 2002 I announced draft proposals for tendering the ferry services currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne to bring these into line with EU rules. These included proposals for Gourock to Dunoon which involved including this route within a single contract covering the whole of the Clyde and Hebrides network and restricting the service to passenger-only, using passenger-only vessels. Within that framework, we concluded that the Gourock to Dunoon route had to be restricted in line with the passenger-only Public Service Obligation (PSO) which ruled out subsidy in respect of a vehicle service, given the presence of an unsubsidised operator on an adjacent route. We have received a wide response to consultation. Over 400 responses (including standard responses) have been received and the vast majority of these made representations in relation to Gourock to Dunoon. I have also met with local representatives on a number of occasions and we received a number of ideas for other models which might be consistent with the EU rules. In particular, a number of those who responded suggested there could be more flexibility in relation to Gourock to Dunoon if it were taken out of the single contract and tendered separately. We have discussed the way forward with the European Commission and were joined in these discussions by representatives of Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde Councils. As a result, we have identified a way in which we can keep open the possibility of a vehicle service operating on the route between Gourock and Dunoon Piers. This will involve: tendering the Gourock to Dunoon passenger subsidy separately; allowing bidders to bid on the basis of either a passenger-only or a combined passenger and vehicle service; allowing operators the freedom to bring their own vessel solutions, with no binding to the VesCo's vessels. This will enable operators to bid on the basis which they feel is most advantageous; maintaining the restrictions (in terms of frequency and length of operating day) that have applied to the Gourock to Dunoon service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne for a number of years to ensure the unsubsidised service close by is not undermined, and determining the outcome on the basis of the lowest cost bid (in line with the rules for PSOs), regardless of whether this is for a passenger or combined service. In this way, there is the opportunity for a combined service to win the contract. However, there can be no guarantee that this will be the outcome since this will depend on the bids submitted. The next step will be to develop a separate service specification for Gourock to Dunoon and this will be published for consultation in due course. Consequential amendments will require to be made to the main service specification and I will be announcing decisions in relation to other comments made on the draft service specification for the remainder of the network later this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169961,"EventID":"S1W-33520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic analysis has been, or will be, undertaken of the impact on local government finances of building new schools through public private partnership rather than ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic analysis has been, or will be, undertaken of the impact on local government finances of building new schools through public private partnership rather than through government borrowing.","AnswerText":"It is for each local authority to analyse the impact of any public private partnership (PPP) projects on its finances, just as it would a conventional proposal. The Scottish Executive has offered to provide 80% revenue support for schools PPP projects, leaving the local authority to fund 20% from a variety of sources, including other Scottish Executive support mechanisms. The authority's analysis should include examination of its total financial resources, taking into account prudent financial management and future spending/income estimates. PPPs are evaluated on a life-cycle basis - often over 25 to 30 years, and authorities now have to take a long-term view of affordability within their resource planning. The Scottish Executive has made clear that it does not hold any pre-conceived view about the balance between PPP and other forms of procurement. All relevant delivery routes must be considered by the accountable public authority in terms of the costs and benefits - including life-cycle economic impacts in accordance with the Treasury Green Book guidance - and a conclusion reached as to the best value for money approach. Each project is thus justified as sound use of public funds within affordable limits.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169962,"EventID":"S1W-33521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in negotiating with private dental practices in Caithness to support provision of NHS dental services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in negotiating with private dental practices in Caithness to support provision of NHS dental services.","AnswerText":"NHS Highland is currently in discussion with an independent dental practice in the Caithness area regarding possible provision of NHS dental services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169963,"EventID":"S1W-33522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving the recruitment of disabled people into the civil service in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving the recruitment of disabled people into the civil service in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Diversity Strategy, launched in November 2000, has set demanding targets for the recruitment of under-represented groups, including staff with disabilities. Progress towards these targets is set out in the following table. Information prior to 1998 is not held centrally. In line with the strategy, the Executive will continue to work towards its aim of becoming an organisation that values the contribution of each member of staff and broadly reflects the communities it serves. Scottish Executive Permanent Staff Percentage of Self-Declared Disabled Staff April 1998 to January 2003 | | Target | April 1998 | April 1999 | April 2000 | April 2001 | April 2002 | January 2003 | April 2005 | Total | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 2.8 | | SCS and Band C | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.6 | Band B | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 3.2 | Band A | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 5.0 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169964,"EventID":"S1W-33523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving the recruitment of specialists into the civil service in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving the recruitment of specialists into the civil service in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the recruitment of specialists lies with Heads of Profession and individual agencies. Specialist staff are recruited as and when required.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169965,"EventID":"S1W-33524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to assist in the setting up, and expansion of, direct payment services for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to assist in the setting up, and expansion of, direct payment services for disabled people.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set up Direct Payments Scotland (DPS) to work closely with local authorities and local support organisations to help them set up direct payment schemes in their areas. This work involves increasing local awareness of direct payments and providing support and information as well as identifying and addressing local training needs. The DPS project has now been extended until March 2006 with £285,000 and £210,000 allocated in 2003-04 and 2004-05 respectively and a provisional grant of £150,000 for 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169966,"EventID":"S1W-33525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the procedure for withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy and what the legal position would be if such a policy was pursued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the procedure for withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy and what the legal position would be if such a policy was pursued.","AnswerText":"Withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy would be a matter of negotiation and Treaty amendment.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169967,"EventID":"S1W-33526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29129 on 26 September 2002, whether the legal advice referred to is still applicable and how disclosure of the documents identified ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29129 on 26 September 2002, whether the legal advice referred to is still applicable and how disclosure of the documents identified could prejudice such action.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169968,"EventID":"S1W-33527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29131 on 26 September 2002, when Shepherd and Wedderburn WS was first invited to provide legal advice on prospects of recovery of lo","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29131 on 26 September 2002, when Shepherd and Wedderburn WS was first invited to provide legal advice on prospects of recovery of losses from Flour City International Inc and on what date, or dates, advice was provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 February 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169969,"EventID":"S1W-33528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Shepherd and Wedderburn WS has been invited to provide legal advice on whether any or all of the losses relating to Flour City International Inc can be recovered ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Shepherd and Wedderburn WS has been invited to provide legal advice on whether any or all of the losses relating to Flour City International Inc can be recovered from (a) the Construction Manager or (b) any other member of the Holyrood Project Team.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169970,"EventID":"S1W-33529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26071 on 30 May 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will now state which of the companies on the short leet (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26071 on 30 May 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will now state which of the companies on the short leet (a) did not submit a tender bid and (b) submitted a bid that did not comply with the tender documentation, and why each such bid did not comply.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169971,"EventID":"S1W-33530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26072 on 30 May 2002, whether, prior to the award of the second interim contract to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26072 on 30 May 2002, whether, prior to the award of the second interim contract to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) in January 2001, the (a) design team, (b) architects, (c) cost consultant, (d) structural engineers and (e) service engineer (i) requested an analysis of, or report on, or any other information in respect of, the tender or revised tender submitted by FCAM, (ii) expressed any view in respect of FCAM and, in particular, the company's ability to fulfil any obligations incurred in relation to the granting of a works package or contract to it, (iii) made any other comments in relation to FCAM; whether, in each case, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place copies of any such documentation in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), and whether it will place in SPICe any analysis and/or report that, as referred to in the answer to question S1W-26072, was previously commercially confidential, and, if it will not, what the reasons are for the position on this matter and, in particular, any reasons why such information remains commercially confidential.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169972,"EventID":"S1W-33531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the management team of the Holyrood project, or any of its members, first (a) became aware of the contents of the accounts of Flour City International Inc in respect","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the management team of the Holyrood project, or any of its members, first (a) became aware of the contents of the accounts of Flour City International Inc in respect of the quarter ending 31 July 2001 and (b) communicated to (i) the Holyrood Progress Group and (ii) the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body any information in respect of the contents of those accounts.","AnswerText":"The Holyrood Project Team was never made aware of the accounts of Flour City International for the quarter ending 31 July 2001, and consequently no information about these has been communicated to either the Holyrood Progress Group or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169973,"EventID":"S1W-33532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 17 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corp","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 17 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give an up-to-date estimate of the total direct additional costs arising after termination of the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd; in particular, whether current estimates of these costs exceed #3.85 million, and whether there is any allowance for consequential costs associated with the impact of delay in completion of the cladding and windows package and, if so, whether full details of any such allowance will be provided.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169974,"EventID":"S1W-33533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost of bomb proofing in relation to the Holyrood project has been, broken down by works package; what the original estimate of this cost was in respect of","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost of bomb proofing in relation to the Holyrood project has been, broken down by works package; what the original estimate of this cost was in respect of each package; whether any provision for bomb proofing was made in each contract when it was awarded and, if so, whether details of each such provision will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and what the reasons are for any extra costs incurred in each case.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169975,"EventID":"S1W-33534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any schools and hospitals in the area of the new Parliament building at Holyrood should be bomb proofed to the same standards as the new Parliament building and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any schools and hospitals in the area of the new Parliament building at Holyrood should be bomb proofed to the same standards as the new Parliament building and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the education and health authorities, and the police. I understand that Lothian and Borders Police are giving active consideration to the need for additional security measures in the area surrounding the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169976,"EventID":"S1W-33535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33022 by Ross Finnie on 28 January 2003, how the 15% figure in respect of possible future decommissioning was calculated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33022 by Ross Finnie on 28 January 2003, how the 15% figure in respect of possible future decommissioning was calculated.","AnswerText":"The Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for cod stocks in the North Sea and west of Scotland imply a reduction in fishing mortality of 65%. In negotiation, it was agreed that a proportion of this should be underpinned by permanent reductions in fishing effort (decommissioning), and a proportion by temporary reductions in fishing effort (days at sea restrictions). In management terms, it is such fishing effort that is the best proxy for fishing mortality, the latter being the product of the former. On average, the 15 days per month limits imply a reduction in UK fishing effort on cod of 25%; the 2001-02 decommissioning schemes imply a reduction in UK fishing effort on cod of around 10%, and other measures (such as Scottish mesh size changes) might also reasonably be expected to deliver some reduction in fishing mortality. We negotiated on the basis of such assumptions and concluded that further decommissioning schemes in the UK should aim to remove an additional 15 to 20% of UK fishing effort on cod to ensure reasonable consistency with the 65% reduction in fishing mortality implied by the agreed TACs.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169977,"EventID":"S1W-33536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budgets the #50 million fisheries aid package was taken and whether it will give a breakdown of this package.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budgets the #50 million fisheries aid package was taken and whether it will give a breakdown of this package.","AnswerText":"The costs of this one-off, unplanned spending in 2003-04 will be met within the usual flexibilities available to the Executive in managing its overall resources. It will comprise a combination of carry forward of 2002-03 underspending and 2003-04 estimating, windfall savings in a range of demand determined spending. It is not possible to say at this stage what combination of 2002-03 and 2003-04 savings will deliver the resources required.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169978,"EventID":"S1W-33537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have (a) had proceedings taken against them for and (b) received (i) an adjudication or (ii) a criminal conviction for violence at HM Prison Kilmarnoc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have (a) had proceedings taken against them for and (b) received (i) an adjudication or (ii) a criminal conviction for violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each quarter since the prison came into operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The number of cases dealt with in the orderly room has been: Year 1 (including opening months): 3,200 Year 2: 4,300 Year 3: 4,100 Year 4 (10 months): 4,200 A breakdown of types of breaches of discipline is contained in Appendix 6 of the latest SPS Annual Report and Accounts. This document can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22587). The remainder of the information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169979,"EventID":"S1W-33538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-32815 and S1W-32816 by Hugh Henry on 13 January 2003, whether there has been any case where an incident at HM Prison Kilmarnock h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-32815 and S1W-32816 by Hugh Henry on 13 January 2003, whether there has been any case where an incident at HM Prison Kilmarnock has been recorded as a serious assault for the purposes of the Scottish Prison Service's key performance indicators, but where performance points have not accrued to the prison because an adjudication or criminal conviction has not been secured.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Yes, for the reasons set out in the question.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169980,"EventID":"S1W-33539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-33093 and S1W-32973 by Cathy Jamieson and Mr Jim Wallace on 22 and 20 January 2003 respectively, how it was able to state the per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-33093 and S1W-32973 by Cathy Jamieson and Mr Jim Wallace on 22 and 20 January 2003 respectively, how it was able to state the percentage of inmates that have mental problems and the number that are in receipt of prescribed psychiatric medication at HM Prison Polmont but not at other young offender institutions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information provided which is an approximation, is based on data collected locally at HM Young Offenders Institute Polmont but at no other establishment.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169981,"EventID":"S1W-33540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-32797 and S1W-32400 by Patricia Ferguson and Mr Jim Wallace on 21 and 20 January 2003 respectively, how the answer to S1W-32400 w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-32797 and S1W-32400 by Patricia Ferguson and Mr Jim Wallace on 21 and 20 January 2003 respectively, how the answer to S1W-32400 which states that legal advice was obtained is consistent with the answer to S1W-32797 which states that by long-standing convention its general policy is that it does not disclose whether it has taken legal advice.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information indicates that certain categories of information are exempt from the commitment to provide information, including internal discussion and advice. By longstanding convention, the general policy of the Scottish Executive is that it does not disclose legal advice or whether legal advice has been or will be obtained. In relation to the answer to question S1W-32400, I was satisfied that it was appropriate on that occasion to disclose that legal advice had been obtained and the reason for doing so.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169982,"EventID":"S1W-33541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32797 by Patricia Ferguson on 21 January 2003, why it is its policy not to reveal whether it has taken legal advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32797 by Patricia Ferguson on 21 January 2003, why it is its policy not to reveal whether it has taken legal advice.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information indicates that certain categories of information are exempt from the commitment to provide information, including internal discussion and advice. This includes legal advice.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169983,"EventID":"S1W-33542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed cases of meningococcal infection there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed cases of meningococcal infection there have been in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table gives details of cases of invasive meningococcal infection known to the Scottish Meningococcal and Pneumococcal Reference Laboratory, grouped according to the NHS board area in which the patient was first diagnosed. Confirmed Cases of Meningococcal Disease 1998 to 2002 by NHS Board | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Ayrshire and Arran | 8 | 30 | 29 | 15 | 14 | Argyll and Clyde | 32 | 32 | 22 | 16 | 16 | Borders | 3 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 4 | Dumfries and Galloway | 5 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 2 | Fife | 23 | 26 | 23 | 22 | 14 | Forth Valley | 26 | 18 | 11 | 18 | 7 | Greater Glasgow | 53 | 56 | 81 | 57 | 43 | Grampian | 20 | 20 | 17 | 6 | 14 | Highland | 22 | 8 | 17 | 11 | 5 | Lanarkshire | 58 | 45 | 59 | 40 | 34 | Lothian | In relation to the Local Government Bill, a memorandum setting out the information requested is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26249). A memorandum in relation to the Sexual Offences Bill will be deposited in the Parliament's Reference Centre shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169985,"EventID":"S1W-33544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the economic impact on travellers and the cost of flights from Scotland as a result of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the economic impact on travellers and the cost of flights from Scotland as a result of the increased landing charges at Heathrow Airport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not plan to make representations to the Civil Aviation Authority about landing charges at Heathrow Airport.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169986,"EventID":"S1W-33545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) funding and (b) timetable to complete the modern transport system for Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) funding and (b) timetable to complete the modern transport system for Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given on pages 1 and 2 of the evidence provided by the North East Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) to the Transport and Environment Committee on 19 December 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26466). I understand that NESTRANS intend to publish an update report in the next few weeks and I will arrange for a copy to be sent to you.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169987,"EventID":"S1W-33546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable to complete the Aberdeen western peripheral route is; whether it will give a breakdown of how much funding is required for the project, and what perce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable to complete the Aberdeen western peripheral route is; whether it will give a breakdown of how much funding is required for the project, and what percentage of the funding is expected to be provided by (a) it and (b) the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership.","AnswerText":"The timetable estimated by NESTRANS is given on page 5 of the evidence provided by the North East Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) to the Transport and Environment Committee on 19 December 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26466). I understand that NESTRANS intend to publish an update report in the next few weeks and I will arrange for a copy to be sent to you. The estimated funding required to complete the Aberdeen western peripheral route is £120 million. The percentage of this funding to be provided by the Scottish Executive, and by the two councils, is yet to be determined.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169988,"EventID":"S1W-33547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for investigating cases of alleged catching and keeping of signal crayfish without an appropriate licence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for investigating cases of alleged catching and keeping of signal crayfish without an appropriate licence.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for licensing the keeping of signal crayfish rests with Scottish ministers. The relevant legislation, the Import of Live Fish (Scotland) Act 1978, makes provision for allegations of keeping without a licence to be investigated by an officer of the Customs and Excise, a police constable or a person authorised by Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169989,"EventID":"S1W-33548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage NHS boards to allow patients access to their own records.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage NHS boards to allow patients access to their own records.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive, NHS Scotland, has written to the Chief Executives of all NHS trusts and boards to remind them of their obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 to make available medical records to patients.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169990,"EventID":"S1W-33549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken against NHS boards that have failed to give timeous access to patients' records in cases of complaint or alleged negligence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken against NHS boards that have failed to give timeous access to patients' records in cases of complaint or alleged negligence.","AnswerText":"In his recent letter to NHS board and Trusts Chief Executives about access to medical records the Chief Executive, NHSScotland, referred to my statement that the NHS must be as open and transparent as possible and indicated that: the service should continue to ensure that any requests for access to medical records are handled promptly and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. if patients are not happy about the way the application has been dealt with they may either write and complain to the data controller within the organisation, using the NHS complaints procedure, or complain to the Information Commissioner. The Information Commissioner may take action against NHS organisations who do not meet their obligations under the Data Protection Act.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169991,"EventID":"S1W-33550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to owner-occupier pensioners residing in blocks of flats owned by local authorities to participate in the installation of improved","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to owner-occupier pensioners residing in blocks of flats owned by local authorities to participate in the installation of improved secure entry systems by the managing housing association.","AnswerText":"Financial assistance to owner-occupiers in blocks of flats mainly owned by local authorities or registered social landlords is provided through Housing Improvement and Repairs grants, administered by the local authority. Most grants are paid at the discretion of local authorities, at rates of up to 50% or up to 75%, depending on circumstances. The amount of grant which may be made available makes no distinction between types of owners. At present, installation of secure entry systems would not normally be eligible for grant, although it might be included with a wider programme of improvement, or if required to make the property suitable for a disabled occupant. The Scottish Executive intends to implement changes made in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, under which the installation of a main door entry-phone system in buildings in common ownership will be specifically identified as work eligible for grant. The amount of grant will depend on the income of the applicant.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169992,"EventID":"S1W-33551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to owner occupiers with disabilities residing in blocks of flats owned by local authorities to participate in the installation of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to owner occupiers with disabilities residing in blocks of flats owned by local authorities to participate in the installation of improved secure entry systems by the managing housing association.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33550 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169993,"EventID":"S1W-33552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31675 by Allan Wilson on 28 November 2002, whether it has now made any representations to the Association of British Insurers regar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31675 by Allan Wilson on 28 November 2002, whether it has now made any representations to the Association of British Insurers regarding the flood damage to domestic and business properties in Moray during the period 15 to 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"We continue to have meetings with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) on general insurance issues concerning flooding and have taken the opportunity offered by these meetings to raise the matter of the damage to properties by the floods in Moray. However, claims for damage to domestic and business properties from flooding in Moray (or elsewhere) or any consequent changes to premiums are a matter for policy holders and the insurance company concerned. Guidance from the ABI states that it is the intention of ABI members that flood insurance for domestic properties and small businesses should continue to be available for as many customers as possible. The premiums charged and other terms and conditions - such as excesses - will reflect the actual risk of flooding, in the same way as they do for other insurable risks .","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169994,"EventID":"S1W-33553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31653 by Allan Wilson on 27 November 2002, how the balance of the #5.2 million has been allocated to support flood risk-related ini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31653 by Allan Wilson on 27 November 2002, how the balance of the #5.2 million has been allocated to support flood risk-related initiatives.","AnswerText":"In addition to the initiatives already funded, including the on-going support for Floodline, the Executive is taking forward a number of other flood risk-related initiatives which it proposes to support from the balance of the £5.2 million. These initiatives will be aimed at enhancing flood risk information, extending the coverage of flood warning schemes and supporting further research into flooding and climate change.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169995,"EventID":"S1W-33554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the ad hoc committee of Ministers on Flooding has had with the European Commission regarding flood alleviation assistance available through flexibility i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the ad hoc committee of Ministers on Flooding has had with the European Commission regarding flood alleviation assistance available through flexibility in the Common Agricultural Policy and European Structural Funds.","AnswerText":"The ad hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding has had no discussions with the European Commission.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169996,"EventID":"S1W-33555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions its officials have met members of Moray Council since November 2002 to discuss flood alleviation schemes; who attended each meeting, and whether any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions its officials have met members of Moray Council since November 2002 to discuss flood alleviation schemes; who attended each meeting, and whether any budget for such schemes has been set.","AnswerText":"Officials from Moray Council's Flood Alleviation Group met officials from the Environment and Rural Affairs Department's Engineering Team on 21 January to inform them of progress on the options under consideration for several proposed flood alleviation schemes in Moray. While indicative costs of the options were outlined, budgets were not discussed as these are entirely a matter for Moray Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169997,"EventID":"S1W-33556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each year since 1999-2000. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each year since 1999-2000. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was allocated grant-in-aid of £18.6 million in 1999-2000, £17.3 million in 2000-01, £23.47 million in 2001-02 and £25.98 million in 2002-03. Under last year's spending review settlement, SEPA has been allocated, subject to parliamentary approval, £29.16 million for 2003-04, £28.86 million for 2004-05 and £30.76 million for 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169998,"EventID":"S1W-33557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of (a) employees and (b) outside appointments of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency was at the most recent date for which figures are availa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of (a) employees and (b) outside appointments of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency was at the most recent date for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The total number of employees of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) as at 31 December 2002 was 1,004. The total number of staff appointments to the agency filled by external appointment in 2002 was 198. Arrangements for recruitment and disposition of staff are operational matters for SEPA and detailed information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169999,"EventID":"S1W-33558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today publishing the Scottish farm income figures. The estimated figures show that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) rose by 15% in 2002, to £329 million. The rise in the Scottish figures reflects the recovery from foot-and-mouth disease in 2001, as well as some improvements in both livestock commodity markets and the value of the euro against sterling. Average net farm income (NFI) for all farm types is forecast to have risen by 75% between 2000-01 and 2001-02, from £6,000 to £10,500. This figure relates to farms not directly affected by foot-and-mouth disease culling. There is considerable variation in income trends by farm type, with dairy and Less Favoured Area livestock farms showing significant increases in NFI whilst specialist sheep and cereal farms saw a decline in their performance. Detailed estimates of the outputs, inputs and income for 2001-02 at both the aggregate level and by farm type will be published this morning and will be placed in the library of the Scottish Parliament. I welcome these forecast rises in income. However, I recognise that agricultural incomes remain well below the recent peak in the mid 1990s.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170000,"EventID":"S1W-33559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the law officers have reviewed prosecution policy for causing death by dangerous driving and, if so, what the results are of the review. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the law officers have reviewed prosecution policy for causing death by dangerous driving and, if so, what the results are of the review. ","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has reviewed the policy for prosecutions under sections 1 and 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Having regard to the range of sentences currently being imposed by courts in Scotland for such offences, the Home Office's proposals to increase the maximum penalty from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment, and the public concern about such cases, I have decided that there should now be a presumption that offences under sections 1 and 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 will be prosecuted in the High Court of Justiciary. Prosecutions in the sheriff court will take place only where there are particular circumstances which appear to mitigate the offence. This policy, which applies to all new indictments taken from 13 January, will be kept under review, and, in particular, will be reconsidered in the light of any increase in the sentencing power of the sheriff court arising out of the review into the High Court by Lord Bonomy.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170001,"EventID":"S1W-33560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider funding a fire station in Alness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider funding a fire station in Alness.","AnswerText":"Fire cover arrangements are a matter for Highland and Islands Joint Fire Board. Following discussion between the brigade and HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, it was concluded, on the basis of the information available, that there was not a clear case for a new station at Alness and further evaluation was required.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170002,"EventID":"S1W-33561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to any threat to local and migratory birds from reduction in availability of native cockles following unregulated harvesting by fisherme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to any threat to local and migratory birds from reduction in availability of native cockles following unregulated harvesting by fishermen.","AnswerText":"It is the policy of the Scottish Executive to ensure the protection and conservation of all wild birds in accordance with the requirements of the EC Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In instances where a possible threat has been posed to local and migratory birds by the harvesting of cockles, the Executive has sought the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Executive's statutory nature conservation agency, on whether there is a scientific need to use legislative powers to conserve the interests of the birds.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170003,"EventID":"S1W-33562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that hospitals provide genuine opportunities to negotiate flexible working hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that hospitals provide genuine opportunities to negotiate flexible working hours.","AnswerText":"Guidance on Family Friendly Policies was prepared in partnership with the service, trade unions and the professions and was published in January 2000. This guidance includes a section on flexible working hours and it is intended to review the guidance later this year. The guidance underpins the Staff Governance Standard and all NHSScotland employers are required to meet or exceed it. Employers' progress towards meeting the guidance will be part of the annual Staff Governance Standard audit process. Copies of the Family Friendly Policies guideline can be found on Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW): http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/spf/partnership_information_network.htm. The Scottish Executive Health Department Centre for Change and Innovation is also undertaking a national flexible working development programme from April to July 2003, followed by a good practice conference in 2003. The programme outcomes are to increase the numbers of staff working flexibly, increase staff satisfaction and reduce staff turnover and agency costs.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170004,"EventID":"S1W-33563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue final codes of practice on covert surveillance and covert human intelligence sources under section 24 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue final codes of practice on covert surveillance and covert human intelligence sources under section 24 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"Today we issued final codes of practice on covert surveillance and covert human intelligence sources. These codes provide a framework within which public authorities covered by the legislation should exercise the powers and duties under the 2000 act. The codes of practice will not come into force until draft orders under section 24(5) of the 2000 act have been laid before and obtain approval by resolution of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170005,"EventID":"S1W-33565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the introduction of action programmes for farmers in nitrate vulnerable 'ones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the introduction of action programmes for farmers in nitrate vulnerable 'ones.","AnswerText":"Last April, I announced consultation on the proposed action programme measures for farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones. During the consultation period stakeholders raised concerns about the cost of the proposed action programme measures. I have listened to these concerns and have today introduced programmes which aim to produce the required nitrate savings at a significantly reduced cost for the farming community. We are taking this forward in partnership with farmers, and regulations providing for a 40% grant scheme to assist them with slurry storage requirements have also been introduced today. Guidance will shortly be issued to all farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones, providing advice on implementation of the action programme measures. These have been designed in consultation with National Farmers' Union Scotland and other stakeholders, and incorporate changes arising from the concerns raised by them during the consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170006,"EventID":"S1W-33566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5698 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 October 2002, whether the Minister for Finance and Public Services has now provided advice to the First M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5698 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 October 2002, whether the Minister for Finance and Public Services has now provided advice to the First Minister on any plans to reduce Executive advertising; whether the advertising budget will be reduced by 25%, and what the cost has been, and is projected to be in total, of each new advertising campaign since 3 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31578 on 3 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Since 3 October 2002 the following new campaigns have run or are currently projected to run within the remainder of this financial year. New Advertising Campaigns from 3 October 2002 to 31 March 2003 Advertising Campaign Title | Invoiced Cost to Date (£) | Projected Total Cost (£) | Child Protection on the Internet | 103,201 | 130,000 | Domestic Abuse | 284,346 | 500,000 | Healthy Living | 438,569 | 1,140,000 | Home Reading | 93,031 | 229,000 | Safer Scotland | 164,298 | 209,000 | Social Care | 439,948 | 540,000 | Regional Selective Assistance | 0 | 50,000 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170007,"EventID":"S1W-33567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33364 by Ross Finnie on 29 January 2003, whether other MSPs for the area were given notice of these meetings and offered an opportu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33364 by Ross Finnie on 29 January 2003, whether other MSPs for the area were given notice of these meetings and offered an opportunity to attend.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive will advise MSPs when a minister intends visiting their area. However, MSPs are not routinely advised or invited when a minister meets other MSPs in private to discuss a subject affecting their area. The arrangements for meetings organised by non-Executive bodies are for them to decide.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170008,"EventID":"S1W-33568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time has been between receipt of an application and completion of installation under its central heating installation programme in Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time has been between receipt of an application and completion of installation under its central heating installation programme in Dundee.","AnswerText":"Eaga say that the average waiting time is currently nine months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170009,"EventID":"S1W-33569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30388 by Hugh Henry on 22 October 2002, why the information on Eaga Partnership Scotland's website on central heating, insulation a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30388 by Hugh Henry on 22 October 2002, why the information on Eaga Partnership Scotland's website on central heating, insulation and survey waiting times is shown on maps of England and Wales only.","AnswerText":"We have asked Eaga to add the information to their website as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170010,"EventID":"S1W-33570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has received representations from the Association of Independent Law Accountants, or any law accountants, relating to legal aid reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has received representations from the Association of Independent Law Accountants, or any law accountants, relating to legal aid reform.","AnswerText":"I received copies of papers by the Association of Independent Law Accountants, which were sent to me by a member of this Parliament, on three occasions since last September. The association has not, however, written directly to me on any occasion before or since then. It has, however, been in correspondence with my officials, and my officials and officials of the Scottish Legal Aid Board met representatives of the association to discuss its views on 6 February.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170011,"EventID":"S1W-33571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to law accountants out of the legal aid fund in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to law accountants out of the legal aid fund in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Law accountants are paid by the solicitors for whom they provide services, not by the Legal Aid Fund.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170012,"EventID":"S1W-33572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Independent Law Accountants responded to the consultation process on the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Independent Law Accountants responded to the consultation process on the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Bill was the first Committee Bill of the Scottish Parliament, and the evidence leading to it was gathered by the Justice 1 Committee. I understand that the Association of Independent Law Accountants did not give evidence or offer observations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170013,"EventID":"S1W-33573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Independent Law Accountants made any contribution to the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Association of Independent Law Accountants made any contribution to the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse.","AnswerText":"The association was not represented on the partnership. Neither did it respond to the consultation on the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170014,"EventID":"S1W-33574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish figures on the incidence of violence against local authority school staff in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish figures on the incidence of violence against local authority school staff in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not publish by local authority area data on the incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour because variations in recording between authorities make it difficult to make reliable comparisons. Individual local authorities may choose to publish the data for their area.The Scottish Executive will be reviewing the collection of these statistics in order to improve consistency in reporting and when robust disaggregated data has been secured, we will consult on publishing local authority level data.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170015,"EventID":"S1W-33575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25950 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 May 2002, why it discontinued its key ministerial target for the Scottish Prison Service relating to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25950 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 May 2002, why it discontinued its key ministerial target for the Scottish Prison Service relating to the number of injuries reportable to the Health and Safety Executive.","AnswerText":"The action was taken because it was becoming apparent that the target introduced in 2000-01 was no longer a reliable indicator of performance. Moreover, targets had been introduced by the Health and Safety Commission in their publication Revitalising Health and Safety launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in June 2000, and it was decided to align the SPS's method of accident reporting in future years against these targets.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170016,"EventID":"S1W-33576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of injuries reportable to the Health and Safety Executive at HM Prison Kilmarnock is included in the figures shown on page 9 of the Scottish Prison Ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of injuries reportable to the Health and Safety Executive at HM Prison Kilmarnock is included in the figures shown on page 9 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170017,"EventID":"S1W-33577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, how many injuries have occurred in each prison that were reportable to the Health and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, how many injuries have occurred in each prison that were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive in 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The available information is as follows: Aberdeen | 9 | Barlinnie | 36 | Castle Huntly | 1 | Cornton Vale | 8 | Dumfries | 6 | Edinburgh | 13 | Glenochil | 11 | Greenock | 10 | Inverness | 2 | Low Moss | 8 | Noranside | 1 | Perth | 5 | Peterhead | 2 | Polmont | 8 | Shotts | 19 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170018,"EventID":"S1W-33578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what the total number of injuries to prisoners reportable to the Health and Safety Exe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what the total number of injuries to prisoners reportable to the Health and Safety Executive at all prisons, including HM Prison Kilmarnock, was in each of the last five years and in 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The available information for the last five years, and for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 December 2003, is contained in the following table: Year | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Total | 23 | 24 | 12 | 32 | 24 | 11 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170019,"EventID":"S1W-33579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist local authorities to bring empty local authority housing stock back into use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist local authorities to bring empty local authority housing stock back into use.","AnswerText":"The Empty Homes Initiative (EHI) provided funding of almost £24 million to help local authorities establish appropriate strategies and best practice, as well as bringing empty homes back into use. An evaluation report and research into case studies confirmed that the EHI made a positive contribution to addressing the problem of empty houses.Local authorities will now determine through their Local Housing Strategies the extent of the problem in their area and develop strategies for tackling the issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170020,"EventID":"S1W-33580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32863 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 16 January 2003, why information on abortions performed in order to save the life of the woman is onl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32863 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 16 January 2003, why information on abortions performed in order to save the life of the woman is only available from 1991, given that recording the grounds on which an abortion is being carried out has been required since the Abortion Act 1967 came into force. ","AnswerText":"Until 1990, all emergency abortions were recorded together, making it impossible to distinguish between those carried out to save the lives of the women and those carried out to prevent grave permanent injury to their health. The grounds for legal abortion set out in the Abortion Act 1967 were amended by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. This made it necessary to amend the regulations governing the content of the notification form, and a separate category for abortions carried out to save the woman's life was then introduced.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170021,"EventID":"S1W-33581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been achieved on fast-track hearings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been achieved on fast-track hearings.","AnswerText":"Fast-track hearings in the three pilot areas - East Lothian and Scottish Borders; Dundee, and North, East and South Ayrshire - will begin operating tomorrow. The pilots will run for two years and are designed to address the behaviour of around 8% of young offenders who account for just over one third of youth crime in the pilot area communities. Extra services have been put in place across the pilot areas to ensure that programmes are available to tackle offending behaviour. The Executive has funded extra intensive support places, specialist foster care support, educational support places, and additional programmes in residential and secure accommodation. The pilots will be subject to independent evaluation. Guidance has been issued, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26222). This has been developed by all partners - pilot authorities, reporters, police, children's panel representatives and the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170022,"EventID":"S1W-33582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its annual report on tackling drug misuse in Scotland for 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its annual report on tackling drug misuse in Scotland for 2002.","AnswerText":"Our annual report for 2002 is being published today. The report sets out progress made in 2002 across the four pillars of our drugs strategy, namely young people, communities, treatment and availability. Also outlined is the action we plan to take with our partners over the next 12 months. I am pleased to say that the report provides plenty evidence of how our record levels of investment are making an impact in communities across Scotland. New and improved treatment and rehabilitation services for drug misusers are being rolled out and there are examples of support for families and communities which are being affected by drug misuse. However, balanced against the many positive developments in the report are continuing concerns about the numbers of drug-related deaths, and waiting times for drug treatment in several areas. We are working with the Drug Action Teams and other agencies to address these problems, and there certainly is no room for complacency. Copies of the annual report have been made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26254) and it has also been published on the Executive's website, the ISD website (www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org) and the Know the Score website (www.knowthescore.info).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170023,"EventID":"S1W-33583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32358 by Hugh Henry on 17 January 2003, what the total delegated budget has been for each prison and young offenders institution in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32358 by Hugh Henry on 17 January 2003, what the total delegated budget has been for each prison and young offenders institution in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000, (d) 2000-01, (e) 2001-02 and (f) 2002-03 to date and what the expenditure outturn has been in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The available information is as shown in the following table. Establishment | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Budget (£ million) | Under/(Over) Spend (£ million) | Budget (£ million) | Under/(Over) Spend (£ million) | Budget (£ million) | HM Prison Aberdeen | 5.8 | 0.1 | 6.1 | - | 5.9 | HM Prison Barlinnie | 24.5 | 0.6 | 24.1 | (0.2) | 24.2 | HM Prison Castle Huntly | 3.3 | 0.1 | 3.1 | - | 3.0 | HM Prison and YOI Cornton Vale | 8.1 | (0.3) | 8.5 | 0.2 | 9.2 | HM Prison and YOI Dumfries | 5.7 | - | 6.0 | 0.1 | 5.3 | HM Prison Dungavel | 0.8 | (0.1) | - | - | | HM Prison Edinburgh | 18.1 | 0.2 | 18.6 | (0.1) | 18.5 | HM Prison and YOI Glenochil | 16.7 | (0.2) | 17.6 | 0.3 | 16.9 | HM Prison Greenock | 6.8 | (0.1) | 7.4 | 0.2 | 6.9 | HM Prison Inverness | 3.9 | 0.1 | 3.9 | - | 4.1 | HM Prison Kilmarnock | 13.0 | 0.4 | 13.2 | 0.6 | 13.2 | HM Remand Institution Longriggend | 0.1 | - | - | - | | The available information is:Expenditure | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Budget (£ million) | Outturn (£ million) | Budget (£ million) | Outturn (£ million) | Budget (£ million) | Foreast (£ million) | Estate Development | 28.7 | 21.5 | 41.0 | 21.1 | 52.0 | 35.1 | Cost of Capital | | | 24.8 | 21.7 | 25.2 | 22.3 |
Notes: 1. Budget details are no longer retained on the financial system for year 1999-2000 and prior years. 2. Cost of capital was introduced with resource budgeting in 2001-02. 3. 2001-02 and 2002-03 budgets include in-year £12.5 million transfer from current budget in line with Ministerial Key Performance Indicators. 4. Estate development underspend versus budget was carried forward, in full, to the following period under the Scottish Executive End-Year Flexibility arrangements and related to financial commitments in future periods.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170025,"EventID":"S1W-33585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32525 by Hugh Henry on 29 January 2003, when the Scottish Prison Service will submit the appropriate planning notification for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32525 by Hugh Henry on 29 January 2003, when the Scottish Prison Service will submit the appropriate planning notification for the construction of a new prison to the relevant authority.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: When a suitable site has been identified and the necessary information is available to support a planning application.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170026,"EventID":"S1W-33586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Joint Ministerial Committees have been set up since the Memorandum of Understanding was endorsed by the Parliament on 7 October 1999 and on how many occasions the o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Joint Ministerial Committees have been set up since the Memorandum of Understanding was endorsed by the Parliament on 7 October 1999 and on how many occasions the overarching Joint Ministerial Committee and each of the specific sub-committees have met.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has met in plenary on three occasions. Joint Ministerial sub-committees have been established on health, poverty, knowledge economy and Europe. The JMC (health) sub-committee has met on five occasions; JMC (poverty) sub-committee has met on three occasions; JMC (knowledge economy) sub-committee has met twice, and JMC (Europe) sub-committee has met on seven occasions","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170027,"EventID":"S1W-33587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the 10 basic rights outlined in The Patients Charter - A Charter for Health, published in 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the 10 basic rights outlined in The Patients Charter - A Charter for Health, published in 1991.","AnswerText":"Following a consultation exercise, carried out by the Scottish Association of Health Councils, we concluded that the national Patient's Charter, introduced in 1991, should be updated. We asked the Scottish Consumer Council, with the support of an advisory group representing a range of interests, to seek views on the changes needed. We will be issuing the final draft document for consultation later this month.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170028,"EventID":"S1W-33588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33420 by Mr Frank McAveety on 29 January 2003, what action will be taken in respect of individual local authorities that do not ach","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33420 by Mr Frank McAveety on 29 January 2003, what action will be taken in respect of individual local authorities that do not achieve the targets set in local joint action plans to reduce delayed discharge and, in particular, what action will be taken where levels of delayed discharge are rising.","AnswerText":"All local authority and NHS Partnerships are implementing their Local Joint Action Plans to reach their targeted reductions by 15 April, the final measuring point for 2002-03. Any failure to meet these targets will be reviewed with the partnership concerned before any decisions are made on actions, including the need to introduce support teams. Funding and targets have been provided to partnerships, not to individual local authorities or NHS boards, and we expect partnerships to take responsibility for them. We expect all partnerships to continue to make every effort to meet their performance targets.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170029,"EventID":"S1W-33589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33145 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 January 2003, which specific reasons for withholding information on the grounds of confidentiality ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33145 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 January 2003, which specific reasons for withholding information on the grounds of confidentiality referred to in paragraphs 14 and 15 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information apply to information pertaining to each of the six separate sums given in the answer to question S1W-32521 on 3 January 2003.","AnswerText":"The information was withheld under Paragraph 13 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information (third party's commercial confidences). Under this exemption information is exempt from disclosure if its release would disadvantage the person to whom it relates in the conduct of their lawful business, commercial, financial or professional affairs.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170030,"EventID":"S1W-33591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposed Edinburgh Airport rail link and what investment it will make in the project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposed Edinburgh Airport rail link and what investment it will make in the project.","AnswerText":"An announcement on the way forward will follow receipt by the Executive of Sinclair Knight Merz' final report on rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, and consideration of its analysis and recommendations. The Executive expects to receive the study conclusions later this month.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170031,"EventID":"S1W-33592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government opposing any further moves towards liberalisation of education and culture services under the General Agr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government opposing any further moves towards liberalisation of education and culture services under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments in respect of the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations. The UK negotiates in the World Trade Organization as part of the European Community. The European Commission has now submitted to the Council and the European Parliament the EC draft offer. This does not propose commitments in the education or audio visual sectors. Their proposals will be discussed with the Scottish Executive as part of the Department of Trade and Industry's assessment process.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170032,"EventID":"S1W-33593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it plays in the Assembly of European Regions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it plays in the Assembly of European Regions.","AnswerText":"The Executive is not a member of the Assembly of European Regions. The Executive pursues Scottish interests as a member of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions and is an active participant in both the group of Regions with Legislative Powers and the Committee of the Regions. The Executive is also represented in the UK delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170033,"EventID":"S1W-33594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to respond to the European Commission's consultation document, WTO Members' Requests to the EC and its Member States for Improved Market Access for Ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to respond to the European Commission's consultation document, WTO Members' Requests to the EC and its Member States for Improved Market Access for Services, and, if so, what its response will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be submitting a formal response to the European Commission's consultation document. It will input to the UK position on the draft EC offer.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170034,"EventID":"S1W-33595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether audio-visual services play an important cultural, social and political role and, if so, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government opposing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether audio-visual services play an important cultural, social and political role and, if so, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government opposing liberalisation of these services under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"Audio-visual services have a vital role in all aspects of our lives. Currently there are no EU commitments in this particular sector, and the Commission has proposed excluding commitments in the audio visual sector in the draft order it has now submitted to the Council and the European Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170035,"EventID":"S1W-33596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32580 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2003, when information will be available on what the specific benefits of liberalisation un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32580 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2003, when information will be available on what the specific benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services have been, or are expected to be, to the health sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments in respect of the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations. The UK negotiates in the World Trade Organisation as part of the European Community. The Commission has now submitted to the Council and the European Parliament the EU draft offer. This does not propose commitments in the health sector. Their proposals will be discussed with the Scottish Executive as part of the Department of Trade and Industry's assessment process.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170036,"EventID":"S1W-33597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32592 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2003, when information will be available on what adverse effects on trade in services in he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32592 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2003, when information will be available on what adverse effects on trade in services in health need to be reduced or eliminated to provide effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33596 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170037,"EventID":"S1W-33598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32584 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 January 2003, when guidelines on the delivery and management of neighbourhood wardens will be ava","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32584 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 January 2003, when guidelines on the delivery and management of neighbourhood wardens will be available.","AnswerText":"I will make an announcement in the very near future.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170038,"EventID":"S1W-33599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32582 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether all neighbourhood wardens will be expected to carry out duties of reducing c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32582 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether all neighbourhood wardens will be expected to carry out duties of reducing crime or the fear of crime, reducing anti-social behaviour, improving environmental quality, promoting community cohesion, supporting vulnerable residents and building confidence in local agencies and intolerance of crime and disorder.","AnswerText":"The duties of particular wardens will be based on a local assessment of needs, but all schemes will contribute to the Scottish Executive's commitment to build strong, safe communities.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170039,"EventID":"S1W-33600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32583 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, when a framework will be published on the arrangements between the employer of neigh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32583 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, when a framework will be published on the arrangements between the employer of neighbourhood wardens/patrols and citi'ens in those neighbourhoods.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33598 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170040,"EventID":"S1W-33601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-32773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether it would expect to be consulted by the Home Office regarding the siting of ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-32773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether it would expect to be consulted by the Home Office regarding the siting of accommodation centres in Scotland under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 before or after the decision on such siting has been taken.","AnswerText":"Section 40 (1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 provides that the Home Secretary may not make arrangements for the provision of premises in Scotland for use as an accommodation centre unless he has consulted Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170041,"EventID":"S1W-33602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32594 by Iain Gray on 3 January 2003, whether it will submit a formal response to the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32594 by Iain Gray on 3 January 2003, whether it will submit a formal response to the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) consultation exercise on all aspects of the current round of General Agreement on Trade in Services and whether it will publish any such response. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was involved in the drafting of the DTI's consultation document and will have the opportunity to input to the UK position on the draft EC offer. This position will take account of the consultation exercise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170042,"EventID":"S1W-33603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32597 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 January 2003, how the statement that \"WTO members have the right to choose in which sectors and to wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32597 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 January 2003, how the statement that \"WTO members have the right to choose in which sectors and to what extent they want to make commitments\" is consistent with the answer to question S1W-32596 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2003 which indicated that no assessment had been made of the legal implications of the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling on the impact and operation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services. ","AnswerText":"School level state education will be exempt from any pressure to privatise its provision under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170043,"EventID":"S1W-33604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32577 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, why the answer did not give an explanation of whether liberalisation under the General Agr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32577 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 January 2003, why the answer did not give an explanation of whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would prevent the reversal of its policy of encouraging public private partnerships and whether it will now give such an explanation.","AnswerText":"As already stated in previous questions, the public private partnerships (PPP) route is one of a number of procurement methods available for investment in the public sector. PPP will only be chosen over the conventional route when it can be shown to provide better value for money. PPP is governed by EU Procurement Regulations which already require an open and inclusive approach. The General Agreement on Trade in Services applies worldwide and its policy of liberalisation is not inconsistent with the rules under which PPP is procured.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170044,"EventID":"S1W-33605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for health services to be subject to the Competition Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The application of the Competition Act 1998 is a reserved matter. Our understanding of the Competition Commission ruling in the Bettercare case is that it established that in the circumstances of that particular case the public body involved could be regarded as acting in itself as an undertaking and hence was subject to the Competition Act 1998 and further examination by the Office of Fair Trading. Our understanding is that any other cases would also have to be considered on their own merits.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170045,"EventID":"S1W-33606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for education services to be subject to the Competition Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33605 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170046,"EventID":"S1W-33607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for aux","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the BetterCare Group Ltd ruling implies that there is any potential for auxiliary services provided by local authorities to be subject to the Competition Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33605 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170047,"EventID":"S1W-33608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of (a) projects and (b) funding allocations under the #450 million package of transport improvements announced on 22 January 2003 and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of (a) projects and (b) funding allocations under the #450 million package of transport improvements announced on 22 January 2003 and what the timetable of each project will be.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the projects and the consultants' estimate of likely costs is contained within the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies - Decisions Report which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26080) and on the internet at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/transport/CSTCS_FinalDecisions.pdf. Preparations for the delivery of the major rail and roads projects have already begun. The Executive is setting up a Delivery Implementation Group consisting of key stakeholders who can play a significant role in assisting the delivery of the improvements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170048,"EventID":"S1W-33609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any circumstances in which, despite experiencing an incident of violence or threatening behaviour, teachers are encouraged or instructed not to complete","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any circumstances in which, despite experiencing an incident of violence or threatening behaviour, teachers are encouraged or instructed not to complete a form reporting that incident.","AnswerText":"The guidance the Scottish Executive issues, to education authorities, on the reporting of incidents of anti social behaviour and violence against staff in schools makes it clear that all such incidents should be reported. Since 1997, local authorities have been expected to have reporting arrangements in place which ensure the prompt reporting of incidents to the headteacher and then to the education authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170049,"EventID":"S1W-33610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figures in Incidents of Violence and Anti-social Behaviour against Local Authority School Staff in 2001/02 include incidents of violent or threatening behavio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the figures in Incidents of Violence and Anti-social Behaviour against Local Authority School Staff in 2001/02 include incidents of violent or threatening behaviour to teachers by pupils that occur outwith school premises.","AnswerText":"Yes. This information can be found in the publication, Incidents of Violent and Anti Social Behaviour against local authority staff in 2001/02, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26274).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170050,"EventID":"S1W-33611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has undertaken regarding the awareness by teachers of the need to complete a form to report an incident of violent or threatening behaviour in order th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has undertaken regarding the awareness by teachers of the need to complete a form to report an incident of violent or threatening behaviour in order that such an incident can be included in local authority and national statistics.","AnswerText":"The Executive issues guidance to all education authorities regarding how schools should record incidents. The guidance makes it clear that all incidents should be reported to the head teacher and on to the education authority. The Executive has not undertaken any assessment regarding the awareness by teachers of the need to record an incident of violent or threatening behaviour. However, we do know that a number of authorities have adopted a zero tolerance policy and have encouraged school staff to report all incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour, which would include threatening behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170051,"EventID":"S1W-33612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been made available on the decontamination of people exposed to chemical, biological and radioactive substances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been made available on the decontamination of people exposed to chemical, biological and radioactive substances.","AnswerText":"In the light of the events of 11 September 2001, the Scottish Emergencies Co-ordinating Committee commissioned the preparation of guidance on how to deal with incidents involving such substances. The guidance, entitled Guidance for the Emergency Services on Decontamination of People Exposed to Hazardous Chemical, Biological or Radioactive Substances, is being placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26273) and on the Scottish Executive website today. The guidance is complementary to advice on this subject being published by the Home Office.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170052,"EventID":"S1W-33613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to improve the school estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to improve the school estate.","AnswerText":"I am today publishing Building Our Future: Scotland's School Estate - a joint Scottish Executive and COSLA strategy - which meets a Programme for Government commitment to develop a comprehensive school estate strategy in partnership with local authorities that was announced at Balfron High School in October 2001. This document was prepared by a working group of representatives from the Scottish Executive and local authorities, with expertise in education, local and central government finance, buildings and schools management. The strategy sets out a vision and objectives to achieve improvements in the school estate over the long term. Central to this process will be the development of school estate management plans by local authorities which set out realistic and prioritised options for improving the school estate. The document will be distributed widely to stakeholders and will be available on the Scottish Executive website. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26182).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170053,"EventID":"S1W-33614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dealings it has had, or any of its agencies have had, with Workability Ltd and Business Link (Virtual Services) Ltd whose registered offices are at 9 Kitchener Str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dealings it has had, or any of its agencies have had, with Workability Ltd and Business Link (Virtual Services) Ltd whose registered offices are at 9 Kitchener Street, Wishaw.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Pensions Agency has a contract with Workability Ltd for the provision of medical advice, primarily recommendations as to whether early retirement should be granted on medical grounds under the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme and the NHS Pension Scheme in Scotland. It has no contract with Business Link (Virtual Services) Ltd which is a supplier of administrative services to Workability. The contract was placed in 1997 with Workability under its previous name, Lanarkshire Health Executive. The contract expires in 2004 and is shortly to be re-tendered.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170054,"EventID":"S1W-33615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracted arrangements exist, or have existed, between Lanarkshire Health Executive Ltd, Workability Ltd and Business Link (Virtual Services) Ltd and any executive","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracted arrangements exist, or have existed, between Lanarkshire Health Executive Ltd, Workability Ltd and Business Link (Virtual Services) Ltd and any executive agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33614 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170055,"EventID":"S1W-33616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Public Pensions Agency makes, or has made, with outside contractors for health assessments of employees seeking early retirement from posts","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Public Pensions Agency makes, or has made, with outside contractors for health assessments of employees seeking early retirement from posts covered by the agency and what evaluation it has made of those contractors in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Since 1999, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) has had a contract with Workability Ltd, formerly Lanarkshire Health Executive for the provision of medical advice, primarily assessments of employees seeking early retirement on medical grounds. Performance under the contract is reviewed regularly. The contract ends in April 2004 and will be re-tendered this year","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170056,"EventID":"S1W-33617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules govern the use of outside contractors working for the Scottish Public Pensions Agency on health assessments of employees seeking early retirement from posts co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules govern the use of outside contractors working for the Scottish Public Pensions Agency on health assessments of employees seeking early retirement from posts covered by the agency and, in particular, what declaration of interest any employees of, or advisers to, the agency have to make if they are directors of any such contracting companies.","AnswerText":"Outside contractors working for the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) are subject to normal public sector procurement arrangements. The Chief Executive of Workability Ltd is the medical adviser to SPPA under the contract and other staff of Workability may also advise SPPA under it. Employees of or other advisors to SPPA would be expected to declare any interests in its contractors in the usual way.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170057,"EventID":"S1W-33618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what declarations of interest have been made by employees of, or advisers to, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency with regard to their directorship of any companies unde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what declarations of interest have been made by employees of, or advisers to, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency with regard to their directorship of any companies undertaking contracted work for the agency in the field of health assessments or any other area of work.","AnswerText":"None. Except in so far as the directors and employees of Workability Ltd provide medical advice to the Scottish Public Pension Agency under its contract with them.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170058,"EventID":"S1W-33619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against a refusal of early retirement on medical grounds have been (a) accepted and (b) refused in each year since 1999 by the Scottish Public Pensions A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against a refusal of early retirement on medical grounds have been (a) accepted and (b) refused in each year since 1999 by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) and how many of the initial or further health assessments relating to these appeals were undertaken by Lanarkshire Health Executive Ltd or Workability Ltd.","AnswerText":"The process following the refusal of medical early retirement allows the applicant to apply for a review of the decision at any time. All such reviews are undertaken by Workability Ltd (formerly Lanarkshire Health Executive) who make a further recommendation to SPPA based on the new situation. In addition, the applicant may make a formal appeal in the form of a determination by ministers. In these cases, a specialist, independent of Workability, is appointed to conduct an examination and make a recommendation to ministers. The outcomes of determinations concluded in each year since 1999 is given in the following table. Scheme/Year | Determinations Concluded | Accepted | Rejected | Teachers 1999-2000 | 5 | 2 | 3 | Teachers 2000-01 | 10 | 8 | 2 | Teachers 2001-02 | 7 | 6 | 1 | Teachers 2002 to date | 2 | 2 | - | NHS 1999-00 | 6 | 3 | 3 | NHS 2000-01 | 7 | 5 | 2 | NHS 2001-02 | 11 | 5 | 6 | NHS 2002 to date | 9 | 8 | 1 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170059,"EventID":"S1W-33620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the findings of its Inquiry Reporters Unit on the proposed crematorium at Greenhall Park, High Blantyre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the findings of its Inquiry Reporters Unit on the proposed crematorium at Greenhall Park, High Blantyre.","AnswerText":"The reporter appointed to conduct the inquiry is presently considering the evidence led at the inquiry and the written submissions of the parties. Thereafter, the reporter will submit a detailed report with recommendations to Scottish ministers for their consideration. It is expected that a decision will issue late May or early June 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170060,"EventID":"S1W-33621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the A7 has been detrunked north of Galashiels; if so, when, and whether any public statement was made at that time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the A7 has been detrunked north of Galashiels; if so, when, and whether any public statement was made at that time.","AnswerText":"The A7 between Galashiels and Edinburgh ceased to be a trunk road on 1 April 1996. The intention to detrunk this section of the route was set out in the publication Shaping the Trunk Road Network: The Government's Response and was given effect by The Roads (Transitional Powers) (Scotland) Order 1995 (SI 1995 No. 1476 (S.107)).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170061,"EventID":"S1W-33622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider changes to legislation to allow access to census records after 80 years rather than 100 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider changes to legislation to allow access to census records after 80 years rather than 100 years.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to consider changes to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 to reduce from its present 100 years the exemption applying to access to census records relating to individuals. The provisions in the act reflect undertakings given to individuals responding to successive censuses that their individual details would remain confidential. The Executive recognises the interest among family historians in gaining access to the returns. However, it is also mindful of the concerns of those who respond to the census regarding confidentiality and of the need to address these concerns so as to ensure reliability and completeness of census coverage. The Executive's view is that the recent act reflects the most satisfactory balance of these interests.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170062,"EventID":"S1W-33623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the availability of burgh records and assist local authorities in making them available to researchers and genealogical enquirers on a uniform basi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the availability of burgh records and assist local authorities in making them available to researchers and genealogical enquirers on a uniform basis throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 empowers local authorities to make whatever provision they consider appropriate for enabling any person to inspect their records. The Executive recognises the importance of such records to researchers and genealogists and will do all it can within available resources to encourage local authorities to make appropriate access arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170063,"EventID":"S1W-33624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the availability of burial and graveyard records and assist local authorities in making them available to researchers and genealogical enquirers on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the availability of burial and graveyard records and assist local authorities in making them available to researchers and genealogical enquirers on a uniform basis throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33623 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170064,"EventID":"S1W-33625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the benefit to the economy of genealogy, including tourism within and to Scotland associated with the tracing of ancestry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the benefit to the economy of genealogy, including tourism within and to Scotland associated with the tracing of ancestry.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland is currently awaiting the results of an audit jointly funded with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to quantify the value to Scotland of the genealogy tourism sector. The findings are due in late spring.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170065,"EventID":"S1W-33626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the online search costs charged by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) for the information it makes available on the internet with a vi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the online search costs charged by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) for the information it makes available on the internet with a view to replacing the current charging system with a charge for a single day's unrestricted access.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) keeps its charges under regular review, and has recently set up a user group consisting of customers of its ScotlandsPeople internet site and Scotland Online, the contractors who run the site on its behalf, to advise it on the future development of the site. Following discussion in the user group, GROS plans to seek the approval of the Parliament to extend the length of an online search session paid for on the site from the 24 hours laid down in the current Statutory Instrument to 48 hours. In the longer term, GROS plans a wider review of the site's charging structure with the aim of achieving discounted and less restricted access for heavy users of the site, or to allow institutions such as libraries to give access to the site through their facilities to users who may not have their own internet access or credit cards.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170066,"EventID":"S1W-33627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought advice from Her Majesty's Government about whether the reallocation of fishing opportunities equivalent to deducted fishing opportunities, referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought advice from Her Majesty's Government about whether the reallocation of fishing opportunities equivalent to deducted fishing opportunities, referred to in Article 23(4) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002, could result in the member state receiving the reallocation gaining fishing opportunities for stocks in International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) areas other than in ICES areas that had been deducted from the member state that had exceeded its fishing opportunities.","AnswerText":"A reallocation of fishing opportunities between member states allowed for by the provisions of Article 23 Paragraph 4 of EU Council Regulation (EC) 2371/2002 can only be decided once the Commission has considered the likely impact of the reallocation on the interests of the member states involved and on the conservation of resources. Further, any decision must be taken by the Commission in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 4 and Article 7 of Decision (EC) 468/1999. This makes it unlikely that such an eventuality could occur except in the most exceptional of circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170067,"EventID":"S1W-33628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought advice from Her Majesty's Government about what the criteria are in respect of a member state having fishing interests in a certain sea area or fish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought advice from Her Majesty's Government about what the criteria are in respect of a member state having fishing interests in a certain sea area or fishing 'one as referred to in Article 31(2) of EU Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170068,"EventID":"S1W-33629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to send any representatives to the EU conference, Towards an Effective Policy on Drugs: Policy Choices, Scientific Facts and Day-to-Day Practice, in Athe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to send any representatives to the EU conference, Towards an Effective Policy on Drugs: Policy Choices, Scientific Facts and Day-to-Day Practice, in Athens on 6 to 8 March 2003 and, if so, of what grade and department each such representative will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be sending representatives to the EU Conference in Athens on 6 to 8 March. The Home Office, which leads for the UK on international drugs policy issues, is sending a small delegation, which will represent UK interests. Although experts and some politicians will speak at the conference, the UK delegation will not include a ministerial representative. I understand that the conference, which will take the form of a series of presentations, will focus on evidence gathering rather than on high-level policy negotiations. The Scottish Executive is regularly consulted on, and fully involved in, discussions with the Home Office at official and ministerial level on the formulation of EU policies that touch on matters falling within the responsibilities of the Executive. The Home Office will feed back to the Executive the outcome of the conference in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170069,"EventID":"S1W-33630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any decisions on the legislative framework for the water industry needed to address the possibility of competition on the public water and sewerag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any decisions on the legislative framework for the water industry needed to address the possibility of competition on the public water and sewerage networks.","AnswerText":"The Executive has concluded that competition on the public water and sewerage networks would have to be restricted if our public health, environment protection and social objectives for the water industry were to continue to be safeguarded. Legislation to provide for this will be a matter for the next Administration in the next Parliament. The purpose of any legislation would be to protect public health and the environment by prohibiting common carriage on the public networks and ensuring that Scottish Water alone was able to add treated drinking water to and draw wastewater from the public networks. It would safeguard social objectives by prohibiting anyone other than Scottish Water from retailing water services to households on the public networks. This would mean that domestic water charges could continue to reflect customers' ability to pay by retaining the link between domestic charges and the banding and discount arrangements of the council tax system. Any legislation would also ensure that business customers on the public networks could benefit from the introduction of choice in the provision of retail services, while ensuring that they continue to pay a fair share of the costs of the networks, by introducing a licensing regime for non-domestic retail services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170070,"EventID":"S1W-33631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33139 by Patricia Ferguson on 29 January 2003, why information about the number of official ministerial visits to each parliamentar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33139 by Patricia Ferguson on 29 January 2003, why information about the number of official ministerial visits to each parliamentary constituency is not held centrally. ","AnswerText":"There is no requirement and no perceived benefit in allocating resources for collecting and holding this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170071,"EventID":"S1W-33632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the First Minister to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the First Minister to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"Individual ministerial private offices make every effort to notify constituency MSPs, Regional MSPs and MPs when official visits take place. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170072,"EventID":"S1W-33633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170073,"EventID":"S1W-33634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Deputy Minister for Justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Deputy Minister for Justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170074,"EventID":"S1W-33635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Minister for Health and Community Care to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the Minister for Health and Community Care to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170075,"EventID":"S1W-33636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by each Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by each Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170076,"EventID":"S1W-33637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for the environment and rural development to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for the environment and rural development to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170077,"EventID":"S1W-33638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for the environment and rural development to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for the environment and rural development to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170078,"EventID":"S1W-33639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for education and young people to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for education and young people to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170079,"EventID":"S1W-33640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for education and young people to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for education and young people to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170080,"EventID":"S1W-33641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for finance and public services to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for finance and public services to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170081,"EventID":"S1W-33642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for finance and public services to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for finance and public services to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170082,"EventID":"S1W-33643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170083,"EventID":"S1W-33644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170084,"EventID":"S1W-33645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for social justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for social justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170085,"EventID":"S1W-33646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for social justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for social justice to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170086,"EventID":"S1W-33647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for tourism, culture and sport to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for tourism, culture and sport to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170087,"EventID":"S1W-33648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for tourism, culture and sport to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for tourism, culture and sport to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170088,"EventID":"S1W-33649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for parliamentary business to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the minister with responsibility for parliamentary business to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170089,"EventID":"S1W-33650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for parliamentary business to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made by the deputy minister with responsibility for parliamentary business to each parliamentary constituency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33632 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170090,"EventID":"S1W-33651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 1 May 2002, whether the new contract for mail services in the Parliament has now been awarded and, if so, to which provider","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 1 May 2002, whether the new contract for mail services in the Parliament has now been awarded and, if so, to which provider it has been awarded.","AnswerText":"The mail and messenger services contract was first competitively tendered in 1999 when the Parliament was established and subsequently awarded to Royal Mail plc. The decision not to employ an in-house messenger service was taken in 1998, prior to the services being tendered. This contract is now due to be re-let and has been tendered in two lots; the off-site mail screening and the on-site messenger delivery, as these are two discrete service elements. Either one contract for the whole service or a contract for each lot will be awarded depending on the outcome of the evaluation process, which will take account of the quality of the service and best overall value for money. Tender submissions are still being evaluated. The aim is to test not only the financial information in bids, but also to ensure that the high standard of service which members have come to expect, including integrity and security, will be delivered. No decision has been made on the award of either lot and the decision is not expected for some months.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170091,"EventID":"S1W-33652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer , further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 1 May 2002, when the existing contract with the Royal Mail for the provision of mail services in the Parliament will expi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer , further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 1 May 2002, when the existing contract with the Royal Mail for the provision of mail services in the Parliament will expire and what the effective start date will be for the new contract.","AnswerText":"The existing contract for mail and messenger services expires when the Parliament moves to Holyrood and does not contain provision for extension beyond this. The timetable for the current tender exercise for the new contract should enable the contract to be awarded by early summer. This will allow the successful contractor(s) sufficient time to work with the Migration Team to set up their service provision for delivery to coincide with the Parliament's move to Holyrood.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170092,"EventID":"S1W-33653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what net increase there has been in bus services across Scotland since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what net increase there has been in bus services across Scotland since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of bus services in Scotland is not held centrally. Statistics from the Department for Transport, however, indicate a growth in bus passenger numbers on local bus services from 434 million in 1999-2000 to 441 million in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170093,"EventID":"S1W-33654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new miles of rail track have been laid since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new miles of rail track have been laid since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Since May 1999, the Scottish Executive has supported several railway projects within Scotland, including the Stirling to Alloa to Kincardine and Larkhall to Milngavie schemes. However, with the exception of the opening of the Edinburgh Crossrail scheme, which utilised already operational freight lines, all of these projects are still at various levels of development. New track through Network Rail's (formerly Railtrack) maintenance and renewal programme is an operational matter for the company. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170094,"EventID":"S1W-33655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new miles of trunk road have been constructed since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new miles of trunk road have been constructed since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested, for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01, is given in Chapter 5 paragraph 3.6, and table number 5.3 of Scottish Transport Statistics No. 21, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316). Figures for the year to March 2002 will be published in Scottish Transport Statistics No. 22 later this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170095,"EventID":"S1W-33656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average weekly gross wage in Orkney and Shetland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average weekly gross wage in Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold any information on the average weekly gross wage in Orkney and Shetland. The New Earnings Survey, which collects information on average gross weekly earnings for full-time staff on adult rates, does not have published information for Orkney and Shetland as the standard error of the gross earnings for this area exceeds 5%, which is outside the publication threshold.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170096,"EventID":"S1W-33657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government seeking an explanation for any reduction by the Office for National Statistics in the si'e of the sample ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government seeking an explanation for any reduction by the Office for National Statistics in the si'e of the sample of local authority areas used in its New Earnings Survey.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive maintains close links with the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and works closely with the UK National Statistician. The Scottish Executive is a member of the New Earnings Survey (NES) users group and is being consulted on the Distribution of Earnings Review which may result in changes to the NES sampling frame in 2004-05. The ONS has given the following statement: "The National Statistics Quality Review of the Distribution of Earnings Statistics (Report No.14) has made recommendations for improvements to the New Earnings Survey. These include extending the coverage of the sample frame for the survey, and reducing known response biases. A project within the Office for National Statistics to deliver these recommendations is now under way. This project allows key users to be consulted on all aspects of the redesign of the survey. Defining the particular needs of devolved administrations will be an important part of the consultation. The project will investigate the basis of sampling and estimation used for the survey and will then make recommendations for the most cost efficient approach to delivering quality estimates of earnings and hours of work."","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170097,"EventID":"S1W-33658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to ensure that the target is met of recovering 50% of packaging waste by 2005, as required by European Parliament and Council Directive 94/6","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to ensure that the target is met of recovering 50% of packaging waste by 2005, as required by European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.","AnswerText":"Directive 94/62/EC requires a minimum of 50% of packaging to be recovered by 30 June 2001. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 were introduced to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170098,"EventID":"S1W-33659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce regulations to make it compulsory for businesses to recycle commercial packaging waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce regulations to make it compulsory for businesses to recycle commercial packaging waste.","AnswerText":"The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997, as amended, already do this.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170099,"EventID":"S1W-33660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an action plan for organic food and farming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an action plan for organic food and farming.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has today published an Organic Action Plan. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26285). The action plan sets out important new ways in which the Scottish Executive will support the sustainable development of the organic sector. It takes account of the expert views of the Organics Stakeholder Group, whose formation I announced last September. The action plan affirms our belief that Scottish organic products can grow in market penetration so that they can meet at least 70% by value of overall Scottish consumer demand for organic products which can be sourced in Scotland. It also looks forward to a doubling of the area of good quality agricultural land in organic conversion or production. To support this growth, the Organic Action Plan sets out important ways in which the Executive will support the organic sector's development. We are consulting on a package of measures including better payment rates for organic conversion, support for capital costs associated with organic conversion, and various ways in which we can offer continuing support for the environmental benefits of organic farming after the initial conversion period. On the marketing side, the action plan includes prioritisation of organic projects for grant assistance and support for the development of Scottish organic branding. We are commissioning ambitious research to help the development of the organic sector. We have accepted the challenge from the bill that the Scottish Executive should report annually on the delivery of its action plan and we will use that opportunity to make sure, year by year, that we are supporting the organic sector as effectively as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170100,"EventID":"S1W-33661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33010 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 January 2003, why information on the number of sheriff court cases adjourned on the day of commenceme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33010 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 January 2003, why information on the number of sheriff court cases adjourned on the day of commencement is not held centrally, given that the number of summary criminal cases called for trial and the number adjourned to another trial date were given in the answer to S1W-22603 on 14 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The original parliamentary question asked for information on the number of sheriff court cases adjourned on the day of commencement and the reasons for these adjournments. Such information is not held centrally. However, detailed information on summary criminal trials can be determined through analysis of a Scottish Court Service information database.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170101,"EventID":"S1W-33662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22603 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, how many summary criminal cases were called for trial in (a) Scotland and (b) each she","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22603 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, how many summary criminal cases were called for trial in (a) Scotland and (b) each sheriff court district and how many such cases were adjourned to another trial date.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out for 2002 the number of summary criminal trials which were called in court for trial, and the number which were adjourned to another date for a variety of reasons. Summary Trial Adjournments 2002 | | Number of Summary Trials Called | Total Number of Adjournments | Aberdeen | 1,318 | 379 | Banff | 140 | 42 | Dingwall | 119 | 27 | Dornoch | 60 | 21 | Elgin | 512 | 161 | Fort William | 113 | 21 | Inverness | 715 | 170 | Kirkwall | 44 | 16 | Lerwick | 102 | 31 | Lochmaddy | 24 | 7 | Peterhead | 297 | 94 | Portree | 28 | 15 | Stonehaven | 112 | 24 | Stornoway | 77 | 19 | Tain | 165 | 29 | Wick | 111 | 26 | Alloa | 484 | 207 | Arbroath | 414 | 126 | Cupar | 263 | 104 | Dundee | 1,797 | 659 | Dunfermline | 540 | 164 | Falkirk | 1,196 | 423 | Forfar | 199 | 65 | Kirkcaldy | 1,011 | 364 | Perth | 864 | 333 | Stirling | 785 | 233 | Edinburgh | 4,1","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170102,"EventID":"S1W-33663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts are not on target to completely comply with the interim technical requirements on decontamination processes by March 2003 as recommended in the Glennie f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts are not on target to completely comply with the interim technical requirements on decontamination processes by March 2003 as recommended in the Glennie framework on decontamination services and provision.","AnswerText":"It is expected that all sites will comply with the interim technical requirements. However, one of the requirements for interim compliance is the installation and commissioning of compliant washer disinfectors. The demand for washer disinfectors currently exceeds the supply available on a UK basis and as a result it is unlikely that all sites that require new equipment will have them installed and commissioned by 31 March 2003. The procurement of the equipment is being co-ordinated centrally by Scottish Healthcare Supplies. In the circumstances it is likely that an extension of up to two months to the March 2003 deadline will be given to those sites currently awaiting equipment.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170103,"EventID":"S1W-33664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which specialities in each NHS trust are currently using disposable clinical equipment in order to comply with the technical requirements on decontamination processes set","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which specialities in each NHS trust are currently using disposable clinical equipment in order to comply with the technical requirements on decontamination processes set out in the Glennie framework on decontamination services and provision.","AnswerText":"The Glennie framework looked at and built upon the best practice standards that exist for the decontamination of re-usable medical devices. As such no technical requirements have been set which stipulate the use of disposable clinical equipment. However, in a move to further reduce the theoretical risk of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease infection from hospital procedures, the department, at the beginning of 2001, introduced single use instruments for tonsillectomies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170104,"EventID":"S1W-33665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the recommendations made in the Glennie framework on decontamination services and provision that the cleaning of hospital equipment sho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the recommendations made in the Glennie framework on decontamination services and provision that the cleaning of hospital equipment should be moved to central sterile service departments.","AnswerText":"At present there are no plans to review the recommendations made in the Glennie framework.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170105,"EventID":"S1W-33666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical procedures have been (a) cancelled in advance and (b) aborted unexpectedly due to problems with the sterilisation of clinical equipment in each year sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical procedures have been (a) cancelled in advance and (b) aborted unexpectedly due to problems with the sterilisation of clinical equipment in each year since 2001, broken down by NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, the Glennie Group and the department have worked closely with NHSScotland to achieve technical compliance and only a small number of instances of cancelled operations have been reported to date.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170106,"EventID":"S1W-33667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of overseas visits by each minister and deputy minister has been in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of overseas visits by each minister and deputy minister has been in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29052 on 9 September 2002, which provides the information requested from July 1999 to March 2002. The information for the current financial year will be published in June this year. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170107,"EventID":"S1W-33668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many overseas visits each minister and deputy minister has made in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many overseas visits each minister and deputy minister has made in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002 and (e) 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29052 on 9 September 2002, which provides the information requested from July 1999 to March 2002. The information for the current financial year will be published in June this year. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170108,"EventID":"S1W-33669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of fee-paying and grant-aided primary and secondary schools with written procedures for managing incidents of drug misuse ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of fee-paying and grant-aided primary and secondary schools with written procedures for managing incidents of drug misuse in line with current national advice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive distributed Guidelines on the Management of Drug Misuse in Schools to all independent schools and grant-aided schools as well as to education authorities. The Executive also conducts and publishes an annual drug education survey of all schools, to establish how many have written procedures in place.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170109,"EventID":"S1W-33670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of fee-paying and grant-aided primary and secondary schools that provide education in line with current national advice on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of fee-paying and grant-aided primary and secondary schools that provide education in line with current national advice on (a) drugs, (b) safe use of medicines, (c) alcohol and (d) tobacco.","AnswerText":"National guidance on health education, including drug education, has been issued to all independent and grant-aided schools. This guidance offers a framework within which drug education programmes should be developed. In addition, these schools are included in the Executive's annual survey of drug education in which we publish statistics about the numbers of schools that provide education on each of these topics.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170110,"EventID":"S1W-33671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether organisations are still able to have criminal records checks carried out on prospective employees and volunteer staff at police stations and whether there are an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether organisations are still able to have criminal records checks carried out on prospective employees and volunteer staff at police stations and whether there are any plans to standardise procedures for such checks across all police forces.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any arrangements enabling organisations to have criminal record checks on employees carried out at police stations. Under a non-statutory scheme introduced in 1989, local authority social work and education departments and health authorities were able to request criminal record checks through the Scottish Criminal Record Office on those being appointed to positions which would give them substantial access to children. The scheme was later extended to cover providers and managers of residential care services for adults, proprietors of independent schools and some voluntary child care organisations. The non-statutory scheme was replaced from April last year by new arrangements under Part V of the Police Act 1997. This provides all individuals on request with information on their convictions which have been recorded centrally, as well as additional criminal records information on those in positions of trust or with substantial access to children or vulnerable adults.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170111,"EventID":"S1W-33672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many checks have been processed by Disclosure Scotland in each week since it became operational and what the average time has been, and is currently, between an appli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many checks have been processed by Disclosure Scotland in each week since it became operational and what the average time has been, and is currently, between an application being made and receipt of the disclosure.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available for all weeks but the available information is given in the following table. Period Ending | Number of Disclosures Processed | Total Average Processing Time (Days) | Period Average Processing Time (Days) | 06/06/2002 | 1,540 | | | 18/06/2002 | 3,763 | | | 01/07/2002 | 2,144 | | | 08/07/2002 | 2,509 | | | 15/07/2002 | 1,869 | | | 22/07/2002 | 1,528 | 7.5 | | 29/07/2002 | 1,614 | 8.0 | | 05/08/2002 | 1,904 | 8.7 | | 12/08/2002 | 2,392 | 9.0 | | 23/08/2002 | 2,240 | 9.4 | | 30/08/2002 | 2,679 | 9.6 | | 06/09/2002 | 1,713 | 9.6 | | 13/09/2002 | 2,083 | 9.7 | | 20/09/2002 | 4,542 | 9.7 | | 26/09/2002 | 2,054 | 10.8 | | 04/10/2002 | 3,405 | 11.2 | | 11/10/2002 | 2,623 | 10.8 | | 18/10/2002 | 4,414 | 11.0 | | 25/10/2002 | 4,846 | 11.5 | | 01/11/2002 | 4,979 | 11.9 | ","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170112,"EventID":"S1W-33673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Disclosure Scotland is now fully operational; if so, when it became fully operational and, if not, when it will be fully operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Disclosure Scotland is now fully operational; if so, when it became fully operational and, if not, when it will be fully operational.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland was established within the Scottish Criminal Record Office to discharge ministers' functions under Part V of the Police Act 1997. It has been fully operational since September last year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170113,"EventID":"S1W-33674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there were any delays in the establishment of Disclosure Scotland and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there were any delays in the establishment of Disclosure Scotland and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland was established last year within the Scottish Criminal Record Office to discharge ministers' functions under Part V of the Police Act 1997. Those functions are concerned with the issue of criminal record certificates. In December 1998 the administration of the day announced that it was the intention to implement Part V on a phased basis starting from December 2000. Following devolution we announced that we had reviewed the position and had decided to plan the phased introduction of the new criminal record certificates in Scotland from July 2001 in line with the plans for implementation in England and Wales. This was because we considered the two operations needed to be developed in parallel to allow for as much integration as possible. In the event, the necessary operational mechanisms and regulations were not fully in place by that date and the new certificates did not start to become available until April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170114,"EventID":"S1W-33675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency headquarter facilities it possesses; how many are protected against attack by (a) terrorists in person, (b) explosives delivered by short-range missile","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency headquarter facilities it possesses; how many are protected against attack by (a) terrorists in person, (b) explosives delivered by short-range missiles or aircraft, (c) chemical weapons, (d) biological weapons and (e) radiological weapons, and how many are fully equipped and ready for use.","AnswerText":"The Executive has a permanent emergency communications facility and, if required, can open others at short notice in accordance with a contingency plan for such situations. This facility is safeguarded by a range of security measures which are kept under close and constant review. On security grounds it would be inappropriate to comment further.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170115,"EventID":"S1W-33676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have emergency headquarter facilities; how many are protected against attack by (a) terrorists in person, (b) explosives delivered by short range ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have emergency headquarter facilities; how many are protected against attack by (a) terrorists in person, (b) explosives delivered by short range missiles or aircraft, (c) chemical weapons, (d) biological weapons and (e) radiological weapons, and how many are fully equipped and ready for use.","AnswerText":"All local authorities in Scotland have identified facilities which can be utilised when dealing with a range of major incidents that may occur in their area. Information on the physical characteristics of these centres is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170116,"EventID":"S1W-33677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stocks it has of antidotes against the effects of chemical, biological or radiological attacks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stocks it has of antidotes against the effects of chemical, biological or radiological attacks.","AnswerText":"Contingency plans exist to deal with chemical, biological or radiological incidents whether caused naturally, by accident or as a result of an act of terrorism. Working closely with other UK Health Departments, strategic supplies of antidotes to deal with the possible effects of such incidents have been stockpiled throughout the UK, including in Scotland. For security reasons, it is UK policy not to disclose details of these antidotes or their location.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170117,"EventID":"S1W-33678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the compensation package for homeowners in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, has been based on the current value of their properties and not on the value","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the compensation package for homeowners in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, has been based on the current value of their properties and not on the value that the properties would have had if the construction defects had not been present.","AnswerText":"It is for the North Lanarkshire Council to interpret and apply the law on compensation should they decide to acquire properties at Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld. No package of compensation and assistance has yet been agreed. North Lanarkshire Council is examining these matters in discussion with relevant stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170118,"EventID":"S1W-33679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected final cost is of the compensation scheme for homeowners in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, what bodies will be responsible for meeting th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected final cost is of the compensation scheme for homeowners in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, what bodies will be responsible for meeting this cost, and what percentage of the cost each such body will meet.","AnswerText":"The overall cost of the compensation element of the package and the contributions to that cost are the subject of continuing discussions and will depend on the housing needs of the homeowners involved.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170119,"EventID":"S1W-33680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies were responsible for construction defects affecting housing in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, and whether it will give details of the defects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies were responsible for construction defects affecting housing in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld, and whether it will give details of the defects.","AnswerText":"I understand that the flats at Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld were commissioned by the Cumbernauld Development Corporation in the late 1960s. Details of their structure are contained in a report dated October 2000 by A.J. Balfour & Associates and a report dated August 2001 by the Structural Partnership, a copy of each of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 27050 and 27052).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170120,"EventID":"S1W-33681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures were in place at the time of construction in order to identify construction defects such as those now identified as affecting housing in Ainslie Road and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures were in place at the time of construction in order to identify construction defects such as those now identified as affecting housing in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld; who had responsibility for ensuring that any such procedures were followed, and why the defects were not identified and prevented at the time of construction.","AnswerText":"The underlying construction methods used in the flats at Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road were regarded at the time of the construction of the flats as accepted practice. The building of these properties would have been subject to the standards and inspection processes required by the local byelaws or the building regulations as they applied at the time.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170121,"EventID":"S1W-33682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any act and section in legislation that would prevent a larger compensation package being offered than that offered to homeowners in Ainslie Road ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any act and section in legislation that would prevent a larger compensation package being offered than that offered to homeowners in Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road, Cumbernauld.","AnswerText":"Any compensation paid will need to be in accordance with the statutory provisions used by North Lanarkshire Council should it decide to acquire the properties in question. No package of compensation and assistance has yet been agreed. North Lanarkshire Council is examining these matters in discussion with relevant stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170122,"EventID":"S1W-33683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19713 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2001, what evidence is required for the registration of Udal land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19713 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2001, what evidence is required for the registration of Udal land.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19713. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Properties in Orkney and Shetland which have written title deeds recorded in the Register of Sasines will be treated in the same way as property owned in mainland Scotland for registration purposes. No special evidence should be required. The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland has recently had discussions with solicitors in Orkney and Shetland and has been given to understand that there are very few properties in the islands for which title deeds have not been previously recorded in the Register of Sasines. In these few cases where Udal property is still held on the basis of succession and possession, without prior written title deeds, the keeper is prepared to consider sympathetically whatever evidence the applicants for registration are able to provide - for example, family trees, affidavits from third parties and written title deeds for adjoining property.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170123,"EventID":"S1W-33684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all owners of Udal land and property will require a written title deed prior to the Land Register becoming operational on 1 April 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all owners of Udal land and property will require a written title deed prior to the Land Register becoming operational on 1 April 2003.","AnswerText":"Anyone acquiring Udal land after the commencement date of the Land Register in Orkney and Shetland on 1 April 2003 will only be able to obtain a real right in the land by registration in the Land Register. However, existing proprietors' rights will not be affected: land registration affects only the rights of persons acquiring title after the commencement date. The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland will deal with applications for first registration in the Land Register of the very few udal titles for which no written deeds exist by considering such other forms of evidence which may be open to him. This is further explained in the answer to question S1W-33683 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170124,"EventID":"S1W-33685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17762 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2001, how land and property owners under the Udal law system hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17762 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2001, how land and property owners under the Udal law system have been, and will be affected, by legislation passed by the Parliament before the end of March 2003.","AnswerText":"There will be no changes for land and property owners under the Udal law system other than those outlined in the answer given to question S1W-18739 on 30 October 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170125,"EventID":"S1W-33686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure the effectiveness of joint working arrangements between the NHS and social work departments on the delivery of care for the elderly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure the effectiveness of joint working arrangements between the NHS and social work departments on the delivery of care for the elderly.","AnswerText":"The effectiveness of joint working arrangements will be measured in a number of ways. At a strategic level, local partners will report progress through their local Health Plans and Community Care Plans. In terms of the Joint Future agenda, whose initial focus is largely on older people, we will analyse Local Partnership Agreements on implementing joint resourcing and joint management, and Action Plans for implementing Single Shared Assessment. We will also monitor partners' Local Outcome Agreements in relation to all the service developments required by the Joint Future agenda. We are introducing joint performance indicators for the first time under the Joint Performance Information and Assessment Framework to gauge the impact of jointly delivered services on the quality of people's lives. The anticipated positive outcomes for older people set out in Delayed Discharge Action Plans are also dependent on effective joint working, and the Executive monitors these plans closely. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and the Social Work Services Inspectorate operate programmes of monitoring and inspection that explore the effectiveness of partnership arrangements. The Executive also has a research programme that evaluates key policies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170126,"EventID":"S1W-33687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring compliance by NHS trusts with provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring compliance by NHS trusts with provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is currently completing a second round of visits to NHS trusts in connection with the generic clinical governance standards, which include issues relating to access to services by those with special requirements. It will shortly be consulting on a revised set of standards that will make specific reference to NHS trusts demonstrating compliance with the obligations and duties of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170127,"EventID":"S1W-33688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether disabled people will be involved in the monitoring process of the implementation by the NHS of provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether disabled people will be involved in the monitoring process of the implementation by the NHS of provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"Patients and members of the public are involved at every stage of the development and monitoring of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland's generic clinical governance standards, which include issues relating to access to services by those with special requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170128,"EventID":"S1W-33689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed asylum seeker accommodation and, in particular, a possible accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse with the Home Secretary or the Secretary of Stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed asylum seeker accommodation and, in particular, a possible accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse with the Home Secretary or the Secretary of State for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The establishment of accommodation centres is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170129,"EventID":"S1W-33690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its second consultation paper on the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its second consultation paper on the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to be able to announce that the consultation paper, the Scottish Human Rights Commission has been published today. The Executive's proposals for the establishment of a Scottish Human Rights Commission firmly underline our commitment to human rights and represent a significant development for Scotland. The powers and functions we propose for the commission will give it the potential to make an important contribution to fairness and justice in Scottish society. The consultation period will be open until Friday 6 June. I hope that the paper will be widely considered and commented on. The debate will be assisted by the major conference Establishing our Rights, which takes place on Monday 17 February.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170130,"EventID":"S1W-33691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive , with regard to its news release SEET240/2003 of 22 January 2003, on what date (a) a performance impact study was completed and (b) regulatory dispensation for the works","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive , with regard to its news release SEET240/2003 of 22 January 2003, on what date (a) a performance impact study was completed and (b) regulatory dispensation for the works was received in respect of each rail project, broken down by the authorising or consulting body in each case.","AnswerText":"Performance impact studies will be carried out and regulatory dispensations will be sought as the detailed specification for each rail scheme is developed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170131,"EventID":"S1W-33692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive , with regard to its news release SE5565/2002 of 21 March 2002, why the works announced for the development and enhancement of facilities at Croy Station have yet to begi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive , with regard to its news release SE5565/2002 of 21 March 2002, why the works announced for the development and enhancement of facilities at Croy Station have yet to begin; what the reasons are for the delay, and what action it has taken to address the situation since the project was announced.","AnswerText":"Delivery of the improved car parking at Croy Station announced in March 2002 is a matter for Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority. I understand that the contract for this work has now been awarded, and site clearance is due to start this month.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170132,"EventID":"S1W-33693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to seek a candidate from Scotland for election to the panel of judges at the International Criminal Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to seek a candidate from Scotland for election to the panel of judges at the International Criminal Court.","AnswerText":"It was agreed in 2002, after consultation with Scottish ministers, that the selection of a UK judge should be by open competition. A public advertisement was placed in newspapers on 30 April 2002 and its terms were drawn to the attention of all Scottish judges. A selection board was convened to decide on the UK nomination and a senior Scottish judge was part of the selection panel. I believe these arrangements are appropriate and provide Scottish judges with the opportunity to put themselves forward for consideration.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170133,"EventID":"S1W-33694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it will put in place to ensure that candidates from Scotland are considered in future for election to the panel of judges at the International Criminal ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it will put in place to ensure that candidates from Scotland are considered in future for election to the panel of judges at the International Criminal Court.","AnswerText":"It has now been established that nomination should be by way of open competition and public advertisement of the post. These arrangements worked well in 2002 when the Scottish judiciary were represented on the selection panel. Scottish ministers will seek to ensure that they will apply on any future occasion.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170134,"EventID":"S1W-33695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive into which category of care service, as set out in the draft statutory instrument attached as appendix A to The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 - Regulation of Car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive into which category of care service, as set out in the draft statutory instrument attached as appendix A to The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 - Regulation of Care Services by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care: Proposals for Maximum Fees to be set by Scottish Ministers for 2003-04: Consultation Paper, organisations such as Crossroads would fall; what registration fees such bodies would pay, and whether such bodies would need to pay any annual continuing charge. ","AnswerText":"It is for the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) to determine which of the definitions in the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 apply to any particular service. The Care Commission will take into account the service's statement of function and purpose in making this decision. Maximum fees are set each year by Scottish ministers for each type of regulated service, for applications for initial registration or cancellation of registration; for the annual continuation of registration; for applications for variation or removal of a condition of registration, and for the issue of a new certificate of registration. Each year the Care Commission sets fees for each type of regulated service within these maxima. Not all of the services defined in the act are already regulated by the Care Commission - regulation is being phased in.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170135,"EventID":"S1W-33696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Building Our Future: Scotland's School Estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Building Our Future: Scotland's School Estate.","AnswerText":"The costs of printing and publishing have amounted to £17,600, with a further £100 for distribution.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170136,"EventID":"S1W-33697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will transfer all cases relating to agricultural holdings disputes within the jurisdiction of the sheriff courts to the Scottish Land Court and, in particular,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will transfer all cases relating to agricultural holdings disputes within the jurisdiction of the sheriff courts to the Scottish Land Court and, in particular, whether it will transfer jurisdiction of such matters in relation to section 1 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1940.","AnswerText":"Sections 59 and 62 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill provide that the Scottish Land Court shall have jurisdiction for all disputes between a tenant and a landlord relating to an agricultural holding that arise in future. The Land Court will be able to exercise the powers of enforcement that are available under section 1 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1940 in relation to all decrees that it issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170137,"EventID":"S1W-33698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders were (a) sought and (b) granted under (i) section 1(1) and (ii) section 1(2) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1940 and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders were (a) sought and (b) granted under (i) section 1(1) and (ii) section 1(2) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1940 and how many such orders related to disputes regarding agricultural holdings in each case in each year since the act came into force.","AnswerText":"The number of applications for civil imprisonment relating to decrees ad factum praestandum in the years 1979 to 2001 were as follows: Year | Number of Applications | 1979 | 2 | 1980 | 10 | 1981 | 5 | 1982 | 3 | 1983 | 14 | 1984 | 8 | 1985 | 8 | 1986 | 9 | 1987 | 6 | 1988 | 15 | 1989 | 0 | 1990 | 59 | 1991 | 14 | 1992 | 15 | 1993 | 7 | 1994 | 5 | 1995 | 1 | 1996 | 0 | 1997 | 4 | 1998 | 8 | 1999 | 0 | 2000 | 0 | 2001 | 2 |
Source: Civil Judicial Statistics. The figures in the table cover all applications based on decrees ad factum praestandum. We do not know how many of these applications relate to disputes regarding agricultural holdings. No figures are available in relation to the following: (a) the number of applications for civil imprisonment based on decrees ad factum praestandum prior to 1979, and (b) how many of the applications were granted, either as a warrant for civil imprisonment under section 1(1) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1940 or as another order in lieu of imprisonment by virtue of section 1(2) of that act.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170138,"EventID":"S1W-33699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office at Broxden Business Park, Perth, will become fully operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office at Broxden Business Park, Perth, will become fully operational.","AnswerText":"The department's new office at Broxden Business Park, Perth will be fully operational on 17 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170139,"EventID":"S1W-33700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs have been incurred following the delay from September 2002 in opening its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office at Broxden Business Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs have been incurred following the delay from September 2002 in opening its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office at Broxden Business Park, Perth.","AnswerText":"There will be no additional costs directly resulting from the slight delay in moving into the new office in Perth.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170140,"EventID":"S1W-33701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Environment and Rural Affairs Department offices in Dundee, Forfar and Stirling will close following the transfer of work and personnel to the new regional offic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Environment and Rural Affairs Department offices in Dundee, Forfar and Stirling will close following the transfer of work and personnel to the new regional office in Perth.","AnswerText":"The department's offices in Dundee, Forfar and Stirling will close on 14 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170141,"EventID":"S1W-33702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is examining the possibility of involving staff that are not legally qualified in the marking of any cases;","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is examining the possibility of involving staff that are not legally qualified in the marking of any cases; if so, in what circumstances such marking would be considered; what training and experience any such staff would need, and what criteria would be used to decide which cases can be marked by such staff.","AnswerText":"As part of our Departmental Improvement Plan, COPFS is investigating whether there are categories of cases which do not attract court proceedings in the first instance that might be susceptible to alternative marking approaches. We are at the initial exploratory stage and will carry out a thorough examination of the costs, benefits and implications for our staff, criminal justice partners and individuals affected before any decisions about changing current practices are reached.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170142,"EventID":"S1W-33703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25404 on 3 May 2002 and in the light of the appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner, whether the Scottish Parliamentary","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25404 on 3 May 2002 and in the light of the appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will now make a voluntary disclosure to the Commissioner in respect of information that has been classed as commercially confidential if such information is the subject of a request to the Commissioner by, for example, a member of the Parliament and whether more information will be made public in 2003 than has been made public under existing arrangements and, if so, whether the SPCB will give details of any such information.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's position on the disclosure of commercially confidential has not changed following the appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner and remains as set out in my answer of 19 September 2000 to question S1W-9469. When the Freedom of Information Act comes into force, the SPCB will be subject to its provisions in the same manner as all other public authorities and claiming commercial confidentiality on material will require to be judged in the context of those provisions on a case-by-case basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170143,"EventID":"S1W-33704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what information the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has received about (a) whether Flour City International Inc (FCII) is still trading, (b) when the shares","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what information the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has received about (a) whether Flour City International Inc (FCII) is still trading, (b) when the shares of FCII ceased to be listed for trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation stock market and (c) whether these shares are still being traded and, if so, on what market and whether the SPCB will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all information that it has received in connection with the finances of (a) FCII and (b) Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170144,"EventID":"S1W-33705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12638 on 2 February 2001, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's position in relation to commercial confidentiality has","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12638 on 2 February 2001, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's position in relation to commercial confidentiality has changed and, if so, what the reasons are for its position on this matter; what contractors (a) have and (b) have not been consulted in relation to releasing individual contract details, and whether all such details may now be released.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170145,"EventID":"S1W-33706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12272 on 25 January 2001, which of the works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood Project remain uncompleted; whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12272 on 25 January 2001, which of the works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood Project remain uncompleted; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide full details of each such package; what the (a) original and (b) revised completion date is in each case, and what the (i) original estimate was and (ii) current best estimate of cost is in respect of each such contract.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170146,"EventID":"S1W-33707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12278 on 22 January 2001, whether all of the works packages in respect of the Holyrood Project have now been awarded; whether all in","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12278 on 22 January 2001, whether all of the works packages in respect of the Holyrood Project have now been awarded; whether all information concerning the value of contracts let will now be put into the public domain, given that the Convenor of the Holyrood Progress Group stated that, in principle and with the agreement of the contractors involved, such information should be put into the public domain; which contractors have refused to permit such information to be placed in the public domain; what the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's current position is in respect of the statement made in the answer that \"the position should ease in the very near future and wherever possible this information will be reported to MSPs as soon as is practicable\", and whether that undertaking applies to information in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170147,"EventID":"S1W-33708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to address the length of waiting times in accident and emergency departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to address the length of waiting times in accident and emergency departments.","AnswerText":"A number of actions are being taken to improve waiting times in accident and emergency departments. Since 1999, an additional £12 million has been invested in new and refurbished units. In addition, a number of areas have plans for new minor injuries units, staffed by nurses, which will stream some of the "walking wounded" cases away from busy accident and emergency centres, leaving staff more time to treat ill and injured patients. Moreover, NHS 24 should have a positive impact on accident and emergency waiting times as it is rolled out across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170148,"EventID":"S1W-33709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all multiple sclerosis patients are assessed at the earliest possible stage to identify whether they would benefit from beta interferon treatment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all multiple sclerosis patients are assessed at the earliest possible stage to identify whether they would benefit from beta interferon treatment.","AnswerText":"Only certain patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are likely to benefit from beta interferon treatment and patients' eligibility for this treatment depends on the clinical judgement of the specialist concerned. Health Department Letter (HDL) (2002) 6, which introduced the risk-sharing scheme for the supply of disease modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis on the NHS, explains the arrangements NHS boards are required to make to implement the scheme locally. This includes the arrangements necessary to enable eligible patients in their area to receive beta interferon treatment. The Executive expects the NHS boards to implement the scheme. Data collected under the risk-sharing scheme is maintained by the scheme co-ordinator Sheffield University's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR). We have requested access to the data collected by ScHARR, on an anonymised basis, which will identify to us the rate of implementation in Scotland. Our discussion with ScHARR has not identified that there are any difficulties particular to Scotland. The Director of ScHARR has visited the Scottish specialist centres and he has indicated that progress in Scotland was satisfactory in all areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170149,"EventID":"S1W-33710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the waiting times are in each NHS trust for an appointment with a consultant neurologist for an assessment to identify whether a multiple sclerosis patient would ben","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the waiting times are in each NHS trust for an appointment with a consultant neurologist for an assessment to identify whether a multiple sclerosis patient would benefit from beta interferon treatment.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting times for out-patient appointments with a consultant is collected centrally at specialty level only.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170150,"EventID":"S1W-33711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each age band are currently serving in each police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers in each age band are currently serving in each police force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170151,"EventID":"S1W-33712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers will retire from each police force in each of the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers will retire from each police force in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"The numbers of officers eligible to retire over the next five years, as supplied by Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, are shown in the following table. Information on the number of officers by force is not held centrally. 2003-04 | 300 | 2004-05 | 373 | 2005-06 | 567 | 2006-07 | 489 | 2007-08 | 451 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170152,"EventID":"S1W-33713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the additional costs to police forces of the retirement of police officers over the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the additional costs to police forces of the retirement of police officers over the next five years.","AnswerText":"The additional costs of the retirement of police officers over the next three years were looked at as part of the 2002 Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170153,"EventID":"S1W-33714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pension contributions by serving police officers are, and will remain, sufficient to cover the pension payments made by police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pension contributions by serving police officers are, and will remain, sufficient to cover the pension payments made by police forces.","AnswerText":"The police pension scheme is funded partly by officers contributions and partly by Grant Aided Expenditure. In the 2002 Spending Review account was taken of estimated costs provided by Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and, as such, sufficient funding has been provided to fund pensions in full over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170154,"EventID":"S1W-33715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has earmarked any additional monies to pay the pension provision for retired and retiring police officers and, if so, how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has earmarked any additional monies to pay the pension provision for retired and retiring police officers and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"The following amounts have been included in police Grant Aided Expenditure calculations to meet pensions expenditure estimated by forces:| | £ Million | 2003-04 | 128 | 2004-05 | 143 | 2005-06 | 171 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170155,"EventID":"S1W-33716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when each NHS board will be able to offer patients with an eating disorder an initial assessment within two weeks of referral.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when each NHS board will be able to offer patients with an eating disorder an initial assessment within two weeks of referral.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33721 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170156,"EventID":"S1W-33717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce dedicated residential units for patients with an eating disorder in each NHS board or local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce dedicated residential units for patients with an eating disorder in each NHS board or local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33721 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170157,"EventID":"S1W-33718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff are required in each NHS board area, and at what level, to provide day care support to patients with an eating disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff are required in each NHS board area, and at what level, to provide day care support to patients with an eating disorder.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33721 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170158,"EventID":"S1W-33719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) under 21 years, (b) from 21 to 40 years and (c) over 40 years died as a result of an eating disorder in each NHS board area in each of the last five","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) under 21 years, (b) from 21 to 40 years and (c) over 40 years died as a result of an eating disorder in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of deaths from anorexia nervosa. No deaths were recorded from bulimia nervosa during the period. Given the small numbers involved the information has not been provided by NHS board area. Age Group | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Under 21 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 21 to 39 | 1 | - | 3 | - | - | 40 and Over | 2 | - | - | 2 | 1 |
Source: General Register Office for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170159,"EventID":"S1W-33720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is for a patient with an eating disorder to receive (a) an initial assessment, (b) an admission to residential care and (c) care support i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is for a patient with an eating disorder to receive (a) an initial assessment, (b) an admission to residential care and (c) care support in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33721 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170160,"EventID":"S1W-33721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which private facilities are used by the NHS to provide residential care to patients with an eating disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which private facilities are used by the NHS to provide residential care to patients with an eating disorder.","AnswerText":"These are operational matters for NHS boards about which information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170161,"EventID":"S1W-33722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dedicated NHS facilities exist for patients with an eating disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dedicated NHS facilities exist for patients with an eating disorder.","AnswerText":"Ayrshire and Arran, Grampian, Highland, Lanarkshire and Lothian NHS Boards provide a community-based specialist out-patient service. The remaining NHS boards provide treatment and support through their generic mental health services. Where in-patient care is indicated patients are either admitted to NHS general psychiatric wards or boards commission services from the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170162,"EventID":"S1W-33723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it has given Aberdeenshire Council regarding its share of the #15 million awarded to local authorities for local roads maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it has given Aberdeenshire Council regarding its share of the #15 million awarded to local authorities for local roads maintenance.","AnswerText":"None. The additional funding which we announced for all councils on 31 January, to carry out works to local roads will form part of the overall local government settlement. Full details of the settlement will be notified to local authorities in the near future: Aberdeenshire Council's share will be in excess of £1.1 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170163,"EventID":"S1W-33724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the specifications in the trunk road maintenance contract with BEAR Scotland in the north east were adequate to anticipate the current weather conditions and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the specifications in the trunk road maintenance contract with BEAR Scotland in the north east were adequate to anticipate the current weather conditions and whether the contract will be re-specified.","AnswerText":"The specifications in the contract are closely monitored by the independent Performance Audit Group. To date there is no evidence to suggest that the current winter specifications are inadequate.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170164,"EventID":"S1W-33725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road tolls will not be included in its funding package for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road tolls will not be included in its funding package for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will fund the strategic elements of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (WPR). We have no plans to include road user charging in our funding package for the WPR.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170165,"EventID":"S1W-33726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the additional #3 million package of support for peripheral fishing communities will be allocated and whether there will be any restrictions on how it can be applied.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the additional #3 million package of support for peripheral fishing communities will be allocated and whether there will be any restrictions on how it can be applied.","AnswerText":"The £3.2 million package announced on 3 February (Scottish Executive Press Release SEen317/2003) represented the latest round of awards from the Scottish Executive under the EU Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) structural fund programmes, which cover the period 2000-06. Awards are allocated to individual grant recipients through the competitive schemes and arrangements that operate under the programmes. The scope of each scheme is determined by the terms of the FIFG regulation and reflected in scheme guidance material. A list of the projects that were awarded assistance, summarising details of recipients, project descriptions and the location of the beneficiaries is available from the Executive, as set out in the press release.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170166,"EventID":"S1W-33727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a task force to consider any difficulties facing the economies of Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Macduff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a task force to consider any difficulties facing the economies of Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Macduff.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive believe that the identification of local priorities for economic development and the delivery of co-ordinated economic development activities is dealt with most effectively by partnerships of local organisations and agencies. The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Local Economic Forum provides a robust mechanism for driving forward an agreed economic agenda for the area. Scottish Enterprise Grampian, a member of the forum, will continue to follow the Smart, Successful Scotland strategy, by taking action to encourage the growth of businesses, improvements in skills and the creation of new employment opportunities. There are already in place effective arrangements for dealing with redundancy situations and in the event of job losses, support will be provided to those affected through a dedicated local response team under the Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance on the wide range of retraining, upskilling and employment opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170167,"EventID":"S1W-33728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the junctions on the A90 at Laurencekirk will have street lighting installed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the junctions on the A90 at Laurencekirk will have street lighting installed.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to install street lighting on the A90 in the vicinity of the junctions at Laurencekirk.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170168,"EventID":"S1W-33729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what road safety measures it plans to put in place at accident spots on the A90 in Aberdeenshire in the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what road safety measures it plans to put in place at accident spots on the A90 in Aberdeenshire in the next three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's annual Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP) programme will investigate the following sites on the A90 in Aberdeenshire during 2003-04. A90/B9120 junction at Laurencekirk; Bridge of Muchalls; Schoolhill Junction at Portlethen, and A90/A956 Charlestown Interchange. Other low-cost road safety measures are currently being carried out at various locations, including the installation of safety cameras.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170169,"EventID":"S1W-33730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding support it will give to Aberdeenshire Council to assist with the raising of the B974 road level at Strachan to minimise the risk of road closures caused by f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding support it will give to Aberdeenshire Council to assist with the raising of the B974 road level at Strachan to minimise the risk of road closures caused by flooding.","AnswerText":"Local roads, such as the B974 at Strachan, are the responsibility of Aberdeenshire Council as the local roads authority for the area. On 31 January, we announced additional funding to help all councils in Scotland carry out works to local roads and bridges. It is for councils to determine their own priorities and allocate resources accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170170,"EventID":"S1W-33731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has offered to Grampian NHS Board to attract dentists to take up community practice in the board's area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has offered to Grampian NHS Board to attract dentists to take up community practice in the board's area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has introduced a number of measures to recruit and retain dentists within NHS general dental services. These include the availability of grants under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative for dentists wishing to set up or expand NHS practices in areas of poor access or high oral health need and a package of recruitment and retention measures. The recruitment and retention package includes payments to vocational trainees taking up vocational training in designated areas, including Grampian, and payments to dentists entering substantive general dental practice in designated areas within three months of completion of training.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170171,"EventID":"S1W-33732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate the establishment of a postgraduate dental teaching institute in the Grampian NHS Board area to attract pre-registration dentists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate the establishment of a postgraduate dental teaching institute in the Grampian NHS Board area to attract pre-registration dentists.","AnswerText":"Grampian is already in the process of improving its provision of postgraduate dental teaching facilities with the development of space within the Westburn Centre as a postgraduate dental centre for Grampian. The Scottish Executive, through NHS Education Scotland, have been reviewing all postgraduate dental facilities in Scotland and these are being expanded to support increased postgraduate education and training for all members of the dental team. A further example is the development of a £2.8 million postgraduate dental centre in Tayside which has a remit for the whole of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170172,"EventID":"S1W-33733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not implement the recommendations in the report by the Office of Fair Trading, The control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the UK, on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not implement the recommendations in the report by the Office of Fair Trading, The control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the UK, on community pharmacy contracts and proceed with its own plans for the development of community pharmacy services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering the Office of Fair Trading report in detail and consulting widely with all key stakeholders. It is committed to the principles and objectives of its strategy for pharmacy services, The Right Medicine, including the development of community pharmacy services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170173,"EventID":"S1W-33734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community pharmacies will close in rural and suburban areas if the planned pharmacy contract approach does not proceed in the light of the report by the Office o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community pharmacies will close in rural and suburban areas if the planned pharmacy contract approach does not proceed in the light of the report by the Office of Fair Trading, The control of entry regulations and retail pharmacy services in the UK.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33733 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. This answer details the current position with regard to the Office of Fair Trading report.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170174,"EventID":"S1W-33735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS prescription services that are only available from supermarkets and large town centre multiple pharmacies could deliver proper pharmaceutical care to people r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS prescription services that are only available from supermarkets and large town centre multiple pharmacies could deliver proper pharmaceutical care to people regardless of where they live.","AnswerText":"In general there is a good distribution of community pharmacies throughout Scotland, and through The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland the Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that patients continue to have access to a modern network of community pharmacies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170175,"EventID":"S1W-33736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the Essential Small Pharmacies Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the Essential Small Pharmacies Scheme.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170176,"EventID":"S1W-33737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will construct a footpath on the Parkside to Lybster village centre section of the A99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will construct a footpath on the Parkside to Lybster village centre section of the A99.","AnswerText":"Funds for minor schemes for the current three-year programme (2002-05) are fully committed. Any new improvement schemes such as a footpath between Parkside and Lybster village will be considered as part of a future programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170177,"EventID":"S1W-33738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will construct a footpath at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will construct a footpath at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery.","AnswerText":"Funds for minor schemes for the current three-year programme (2002-05) are fully committed. Any new improvement schemes such as a footpath scheme at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery will be considered as part of a future programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170178,"EventID":"S1W-33739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will install lighting at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will install lighting at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery.","AnswerText":"Funds for minor schemes for the current three-year programme (2002-05) are fully committed. Any new improvement schemes such as a lighting scheme at the A9/A99 junction at Latheron cemetery will be considered as part of a future programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170179,"EventID":"S1W-33740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why concessionary bus pass holders cannot travel into another local authority area using their pass without making a further payment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why concessionary bus pass holders cannot travel into another local authority area using their pass without making a further payment.","AnswerText":"The conditions of carriage for concessionary fares schemes, including rules on cross-boundary travel, are subject to contractual arrangements between transport authorities and bus operators. Certain schemes permit cross-boundary travel to a limited number of approved destinations at a concessionary or free fare. The decision on whether to offer this benefit, however, is for the local transport authority to make in relation to each particular scheme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170180,"EventID":"S1W-33741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why private school bus operators in Aberdeenshire were required to purchase fare recording systems when the local authority did not own any of the necessary reading equip","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why private school bus operators in Aberdeenshire were required to purchase fare recording systems when the local authority did not own any of the necessary reading equipment and where this equipment is not required on buses that accept passengers on demand.","AnswerText":"I understand this is a matter for Aberdeenshire Council. Electronic ticketing machines are not required on school transport services which are contracted only to carry entitled pupils.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170181,"EventID":"S1W-33742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fare paying bus passengers should be allowed to access school bus services if the local authority does not provide a chaperon to accompany the children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fare paying bus passengers should be allowed to access school bus services if the local authority does not provide a chaperon to accompany the children.","AnswerText":"While the law does not allow fare-paying adults to access services that operate exclusively as school buses, they may use joint local bus/school bus services. In such circumstances, in meeting their statutory obligations to provide free transport to schools for entitled pupils, the local authority must have regard to the pupils' safety.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170182,"EventID":"S1W-33743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 9 May 2002, what consultation there has been with service users in the consideration of the contract for mail services in t","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 9 May 2002, what consultation there has been with service users in the consideration of the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood","AnswerText":"Quarterly surveys seeking feedback from service users have been carried out over the term of the existing contract and the results incorporated into the specified service requirement, which was issued to all tenderers. Under the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is given the function of providing the Parliament, or ensuring that the Parliament is provided with, the property, staff and services required for the Parliament's purposes. This places the responsibility for the letting of contracts with the SPCB, and it is the SPCB that would be liable for any legal challenge that ensued as the result of a contract award decision. The members of the SPCB were elected by the Parliament to carry out this function.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170183,"EventID":"S1W-33744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 9 May 2002, what consultation there has been with trade unions in the consideration of the contract for mail services in th","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-25368 on 9 May 2002, what consultation there has been with trade unions in the consideration of the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"There has been no consultation with trade unions because the internal messenger service in the Parliament has been contracted out since 1999. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to consult with the trade union representing employees of another organisation that is tendering for a contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170184,"EventID":"S1W-33745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consultation there will be with service users prior to final decisions being reached on the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consultation there will be with service users prior to final decisions being reached on the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"Quarterly surveys seeking feedback from service users have been carried out over the term of the existing contract and the results incorporated into the specified service requirement, which was issued to all tenderers. Under the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is given the function of providing the Parliament, or ensuring that the Parliament is provided with, the property, staff and services required for the Parliament's purposes. This places the responsibility for the letting of contracts with the SPCB, and it is the SPCB that would be liable for any legal challenge that ensued as the result of a contract award decision. The members of the SPCB were elected by the Parliament to carry out this function.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170185,"EventID":"S1W-33746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consultations there will be with trade unions prior to final decisions being reached on the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what consultations there will be with trade unions prior to final decisions being reached on the contract for mail services in the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"There has been no consultation with trade unions because the internal messenger service in the Parliament has been contracted out since 1999. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to consult with the trade union representing employees of another organisation that is tendering for a contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170186,"EventID":"S1W-33747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of the summary document of Recording Our Achievements were produced and what the (a) production and (b) distribution costs were. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of the summary document of Recording Our Achievements were produced and what the (a) production and (b) distribution costs were. ","AnswerText":"In total, 93,000 copies of Recording our Achievements: A Summary were produced for distribution at a cost of £15,747. Of the 93,000 copies, 1,711 were distributed with the main Recording our Achievements document; therefore, the costs for distributing the summary documents cannot be separately identified. The total cost of distributing the main and summary documents was £15,888.68.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170187,"EventID":"S1W-33748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods of distribution were used for the summary document of Recording Our Achievements and what the cost of each method was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods of distribution were used for the summary document of Recording Our Achievements and what the cost of each method was.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's distributors, Task Force, distributed 1,711 copies of Recording our Achievements: A Summary with the main Recording our Achievements document and 80,029 copies directly to public libraries, local authorities, NHS GPs, dental, and opticians practices, charities, churches, young people's organisations, older people's organisations, and higher and further education institutions. The costs for this circulation included postage, labour, materials and couriers. A further 5,200 copies were distributed by the task force as inserts to the Friday 31 January 2003 edition (issue 231) of Third Force News. Task Force also distributed 10,000 copies of Recording our Achievements: A Summary to Scottish Post Offices; this involved a cost for the rental of Post Office leaflet space. Two thousand, five hundred and seventy-one copies of the summary document have been retained by the Executive for internal distribution and to meet further requests from members of the public for copies. The costs for distributing the main and summary documents can be broken down as follows. Distribution of main and summary reports by Task Force - 2nd class | £7,411.95 | Labour, materials and couriers | £3,714.23 | Distribution as insert to Third Force News | £1,762.50 | Rental of Post Office leaflet space | £3,000 | Total | £15,888.68 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170188,"EventID":"S1W-33749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the summary document of Recording Our Achievements was distributed as an insert with a newspaper or periodical and, if so, in which newspapers or periodicals, on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the summary document of Recording Our Achievements was distributed as an insert with a newspaper or periodical and, if so, in which newspapers or periodicals, on which dates and what the cost was of each such distribution.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my response to S1W-33748 on 12 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170189,"EventID":"S1W-33750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33166 by Ross Finnie on 27 January 2003, whether it expects the standard for lead set in the EC drinking water directive to be met ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33166 by Ross Finnie on 27 January 2003, whether it expects the standard for lead set in the EC drinking water directive to be met by the target date of December 2003.","AnswerText":"The work being undertaken by Scottish Water, referred to in the answer given to question S1W-33166, is designed to ensure compliance with the Drinking Water Directive by 25 December 2003.Inevitably, there will still be occasional breaches of the lead standard. In the event of a lead failure, Scottish Water will be required to show that lead pipes in its own ownership did not cause the failure. Scottish Water will also be required to notify the occupier, and the owner, of the steps that they should take to avoid the contamination or minimise the risk. In the event of the failure being in a public building, such as a school, hospital or restaurant, new regulations will apply that will require the building owner to rectify the fault. The Executive will consult on the detail of the new regulations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170190,"EventID":"S1W-33751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the status of Yorkhill Hospital NHS Trust. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the status of Yorkhill Hospital NHS Trust. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to review the status of Yorkhill NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170191,"EventID":"S1W-33752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of industrial action by fire service personnel has been to date and from which budget this cost has been met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of industrial action by fire service personnel has been to date and from which budget this cost has been met.","AnswerText":"Provision was made in the Spring Revision to the Budget Bill laid before Parliament on 30 January for £18.5 million. This is the estimated cost of providing emergency cover for the fire dispute based on this being necessary to the end of the financial year. Provision has been found by re-profiling budgets across the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170192,"EventID":"S1W-33753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether housing and regeneration budgets will be affected by industrial action by fire service personnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether housing and regeneration budgets will be affected by industrial action by fire service personnel.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170193,"EventID":"S1W-33754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce details of the proposed assessment of services for people with mental disorder as promised during Stage 1 proceedings on the Mental Health (Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce details of the proposed assessment of services for people with mental disorder as promised during Stage 1 proceedings on the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that Dr Sandra Grant OBE, the former Chief Executive of the Scottish Health Advisory Service, has agreed to lead this work, with the following remit: \"To undertake a comprehensive assessment of existing mental health service provision and consider how the current range of facilities, augmented by the substantial additional resources now coming on stream, can meet the objectives of the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill. The project work will include: mapping existing services for people with needs for mental health services in Scotland; identifying gaps or duplication in the provision of services, including areas where reprioritisation would be possible, or shortcomings in the quality of services; reviewing available evidence about the organisation, management, efficiency and effectiveness of mental health services; assessing the implications for services of the introduction of the new act, and considering priorities for development of services in light of these implications. In carrying out this work, the project team will involve and consult service users and carers and other relevant interests, including NHS bodies, local authorities and the voluntary sector, and: have regard to the wide range of available information on existing services; take account of likely changes in demand for services resulting from demographic trends, changing patterns of morbidity, changing patterns of care and other factors, and assess resource, including workforce, implications\" The aim is to complete the work by 31 August, following which a report of the outcome will be made available.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170194,"EventID":"S1W-33755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33192 by Mr Frank McAveety on 17 January 2003, what details its joint group with COSLA on free personal care has received from East","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33192 by Mr Frank McAveety on 17 January 2003, what details its joint group with COSLA on free personal care has received from East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the council's projected underspend of #357,000 in the 2002-03 allocation for the implementation of free personal care.","AnswerText":"Representatives from the Joint Group on Free Personal Care, consisting of officials from COSLA, Association of Directors of Social Work, Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers and the Scottish Executive, met with officials from East Dunbartonshire Council on the 7 February 2003. The joint group were advised of a provisional projected under spend of £96,462 on the council's overall allocation for free personal and nursing care, as at that date.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170195,"EventID":"S1W-33756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps a record of new landfill sites for which planning permission has been granted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it keeps a record of new landfill sites for which planning permission has been granted.","AnswerText":"No. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170196,"EventID":"S1W-33757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost has been of timber purchased in relation to the Holyrood project, broken down by supplier and works package and, of that total, how much has been supp","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost has been of timber purchased in relation to the Holyrood project, broken down by supplier and works package and, of that total, how much has been supplied from (a) timber grown in Scotland and (b) timber grown outwith Scotland but supplied by companies based in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170197,"EventID":"S1W-33758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10162 on 24 October 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body considers that it remains the case that, on the basis of","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10162 on 24 October 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body considers that it remains the case that, on the basis of price and quality, Bovis was the best candidate for the commission of the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170198,"EventID":"S1W-33759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10163 on 24 October 2000, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body remains of the view that the appointment of Bovis as con","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10163 on 24 October 2000, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body remains of the view that the appointment of Bovis as construction manager for the Holyrood project was undertaken properly and in full compliance with the existing EU regulations and whether any lower bids were received and, if so, from whom and for what amounts.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170199,"EventID":"S1W-33760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the his answer to question S1W-9543 on 21 September 2000, what the total fees for cost consultants for the Holyrood project (a) were projected to be at incepti","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the his answer to question S1W-9543 on 21 September 2000, what the total fees for cost consultants for the Holyrood project (a) were projected to be at inception of the project and (b) are at the current date.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170200,"EventID":"S1W-33761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-9466 on 19 September 2000 about the degree of detail on estimates and costs in respect of the Holyrood project that can be divulged ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-9466 on 19 September 2000 about the degree of detail on estimates and costs in respect of the Holyrood project that can be divulged to MSPs and in the light of developments subsequent to the answer being given, whether more detailed information should be provided; if so, what further information should be provided; whether it is in the public interest that more detailed information be provided; whether public interest in the information outweighs any disadvantages of disclosing it, and whether the information given by the Holyrood Progress Group in its newsletters is impartial, complete and accurate.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170201,"EventID":"S1W-33762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) householder and (b) non-householder planning applications have been made to East Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1999 and what percentage of each c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) householder and (b) non-householder planning applications have been made to East Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1999 and what percentage of each category of applications were dealt with by the council within two months of the application being lodged.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of planning applications dealt with by East Dunbartonshire Council in the financial years 1999-2002. The category non-householder includes other planning consents, such as hazardous substances and listed building consents, as well as planning permissions. | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | No. of Applications | % Within 2 Months | No. of Applications | % Within 2 Months | No. of Applications | % Within 2 Months | Householder | 550 | 62.2 | 619 | 79.3 | 720 | 84.3 | Non-Householder | 214 | 17.3 | 192 | 39.1 | 191 | 47.1 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170202,"EventID":"S1W-33763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds were allocated, and on what dates, to the East Dunbartonshire Council area through (a) the National Childcare Strategy, (b) Sure Start Scotland, (c) New Commun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds were allocated, and on what dates, to the East Dunbartonshire Council area through (a) the National Childcare Strategy, (b) Sure Start Scotland, (c) New Community Schools, (d) New Housing Partnerships, (e) the Early Intervention programme, (f) tackling health inequalities, (g) study support and out of school hours learning activities, (h) the Alternatives to Exclusion grant scheme, (i) social inclusion partnerships (SIPs), (j) the Working for Communities programme, (k) the Listening to Communities programme, (l) the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF), (m) Scottish Homes and (n) Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"The following table gives details of the allocations received by East Dunbartonshire Council. Payments were profiled in each year to reflect the council's spending requirement. The council does not receive funds through the following programmes: SIPs, Working for Communities, Listening to Communities or BNSF.Health inequalities are being tackled through an extensive range of social, economic and health programmes. Consequently, there is no single health inequalities funding programme for which figures can be given. | | East Dunbartonshire | 1999-2000 (£ million) | 2000-01 (£ million) | 2001-02 (£ million) | 2002-03 (£ million) | 2003-04 (£ million) | 2004-05 (£ million) | 2005-06 (£ million) | (a) | Childcare Strategy | 0.113 | 0.188 | 0.188 | 0.213 | 0.247 | 0.440 | 0.601 | (b) | Sure Start | 0.123 | 0.179 | 0.244 | 0.244 | 0.297 | 0.463 | 0.661 | (c) | New Community Schools | 0.200 | 0.200 | 0.400 | 0.495 | 0.495 | 0.442 | 0.590 | (d) | New Housing Partnerships | 0.172 | 0.380 | 0.404 | 0.792 | * | * | * | (e) | Early intervention** | 0.307 | 0.309 | 0.307 | 0.307 | 0.307 | 0.307 | 0.307 | (g) | study support and out of schools learning | 0.191 | 0.273 | 0.273 | 0.277 | 0.277 | 0.332 | 0.332 | (h) | alternatives to exclusion | 0.128 | 0.206 | 0.257 | 0.259 | 0.285 | 0.285 | | Year | £ million | 1996-97 | 6.7 | 1997-98 | 5.6 | 1998-99 | 10.4 | 1999-2000 | 4.8 | 2000-01 | 5.6 | 2001-02 | 12.1 | 2002-03 | 11 |
Outwith the local government settlement, East Dunbartonshire receives an allocation of around £2.4 million each year for housing capital expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170204,"EventID":"S1W-33765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1996, broken down by the total amount of funds spent and the amount spent per head of population.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170205,"EventID":"S1W-33766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the East Dunbartonshire Council area has been designated as a (a) site of special scientific interest, (b) national scenic area, (d) local nature reser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the East Dunbartonshire Council area has been designated as a (a) site of special scientific interest, (b) national scenic area, (d) local nature reserve and (e) country park.","AnswerText":"The following proportions of the East Dunbartonshire Council area have been designated as (a) Sites of Special Scientific Interest - 0.8%, (b) National Scenic Area - 0%, (c) Local Nature Reserve - 0% and (d) Country Park - 0.46%.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170206,"EventID":"S1W-33767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the East Dunbartonshire Council area is greenspace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the East Dunbartonshire Council area is greenspace.","AnswerText":"Greenspace is defined by Greenspace Scotland as vegetated land adjoining settlements of 3,000 people or more. On that basis, there are 1,207 hectares of greenspace in the East Dunbartonshire Council area, representing 6.9% of the total area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170207,"EventID":"S1W-33768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurements of transport-related pollutants have been taken in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1992 and what progress is being made on achie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurements of transport-related pollutants have been taken in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1992 and what progress is being made on achieving the Air Quality Strategy Objective in the area.","AnswerText":"Information on the measurement of transport-related pollutants is not held centrally. Monitoring of air pollutants is a matter for East Dunbartonshire Council under the Environment Act 1995 which requires local authorities to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This has been a statutory requirement since December 1997. Review and assessment work undertaken by the council so far suggests that all the air quality objectives will be met by the required dates in the East Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170208,"EventID":"S1W-33769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in particulate-pollutant concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1992.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in particulate-pollutant concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Monitoring of particulate levels and other air pollutants is a matter for East Dunbartonshire Council under the Environment Act 1995 which requires local authorities to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This has been a statutory requirement since December 1997. Review and assessment work undertaken by the council so far suggests that the air quality objectives for particles will be met by the required dates in the East Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170209,"EventID":"S1W-33770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1987.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1987.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide levels and other air pollutants is a matter for East Dunbartonshire Council under the Environment Act 1995 which requires local authorities to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This has been a statutory requirement since December 1997. Review and assessment work undertaken by the council so far suggests that the air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide will be met by the required dates in the East Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170210,"EventID":"S1W-33771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in carbon monoxide concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1987.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any falls in carbon monoxide concentrations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1987.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Monitoring of carbon monoxide levels and other air pollutants is a matter for East Dunbartonshire Council under the Environment Act 1995 which requires local authorities to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This has been a statutory requirement since December 1997. Review and assessment work undertaken by the council so far suggests that the air quality objective for carbon monoxide will be met by the required date in the East Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170211,"EventID":"S1W-33772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of housing stock in (a) Scotland and (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area is rated under the National Home Energy Ratings as (i) poor, (ii) moderate ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of housing stock in (a) Scotland and (b) the East Dunbartonshire Council area is rated under the National Home Energy Ratings as (i) poor, (ii) moderate and (iii) good.","AnswerText":"The latest information on the National Home Energy Rating (NHER) of Scottish housing stock is the Scottish House Condition Survey 1996. According to this report, (a) in Scotland (i) 17% is NHER poor, (ii) 76% is NHER moderate and (iii) 7% is good. The data is not broken down by local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170212,"EventID":"S1W-33773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of household waste in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (c) the East Dunbartonshire Council area is (i) disposed of by landfill, (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of household waste in (a) Scotland, (b) the East Renfrewshire Council area and (c) the East Dunbartonshire Council area is (i) disposed of by landfill, (ii) recycled, (iii) composted and (iv) incinerated.","AnswerText":"The information requested for the two councils is available for 2001-02 on the Accounts Commission website, http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/performance/compendium/councils.htm Summation of the data from that source shows that overall Scotland landfilled 89.6%, recycled 8% (including 2.3% composted and 0.4% ash from incineration which is recycled) and incinerated 2.4% of household waste in 2001-02. Unreliable information from one council (Dumfries and Galloway) has been excluded from the Scotland figures.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170213,"EventID":"S1W-33774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many new homes have been sold by building companies to individuals in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many new homes have been sold by building companies to individuals in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1991.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Information is available on the number of private sector housing completions in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1991 as shown in the following table. Private sector sales figures can be obtained from Registers of Scotland. New Private Sector Dwellings Completed in East Dunbartonshire: 1991-2001 Period | Number of Dwellings Completed | 1991 | 421 | 1992 | 162 | 1993 | 479 | 1994 | 562 | 1995 | 471 | 1996 | 234 | 1997 | 187 | 1998 | 312 | 1999 | 141 | 2000 | 192 | 2001 | 77 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170214,"EventID":"S1W-33775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to reconcile the road priorities set out in the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan with current plans to upgrade the Ayr to Stranraer section of the A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to reconcile the road priorities set out in the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan with current plans to upgrade the Ayr to Stranraer section of the A77.","AnswerText":"As part of the development plan process, local authorities refer draft development plans, both structure and local, to the Scottish Executive for comments. Where there are concerns or potential conflicts between the plan proposals and the trunk road network the Executive will seek to resolve these with the local authorities concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170215,"EventID":"S1W-33776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of the Draft Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer, submitted to the Scottish Office by South Ayrshire Council in 1997 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is of the Draft Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer, submitted to the Scottish Office by South Ayrshire Council in 1997 at the Scottish Office's request and why the report has not been published.","AnswerText":"The Draft Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report (RAP) for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer was submitted to the then National Roads Directorate in 1997, but it has not been formally ratified and has, therefore, not been published. Several schemes arising from the RAP have, however, been implemented.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170216,"EventID":"S1W-33777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports on the A77 other than the Draft Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer have been requested, or prepared, by it or any other bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports on the A77 other than the Draft Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report for the A77: Ayr to Stranraer have been requested, or prepared, by it or any other body.","AnswerText":"The first phase report of a Port Approach Study on the A75 and A77 routes, commissioned by the Executive and conducted by consultants Mouchel, was finalised in November 2001 and was shared with members of the North Channel Partnership and South Ayrshire Council. Following discussions, a second phase study was commissioned, to examine a number of schemes in greater detail. A draft report of this work was received late last year and is being considered by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170217,"EventID":"S1W-33778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the International Labour Organisation unemployment figures were for (a) Scotland and (b) Ayrshire for the period May 1997 to May 2002 and what the current figure is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the International Labour Organisation unemployment figures were for (a) Scotland and (b) Ayrshire for the period May 1997 to May 2002 and what the current figure is.","AnswerText":"As of January 2003 the Office for National Statistics have advised that the 'International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment' figures are to be labelled 'unemployment' figures to emphasise that this is the official UK measure of unemployment. (a) Scotland seasonally adjusted unemployment counts and rates for people aged 16 and over for March to May 1997 to March to May 2002 (000) Year | Season | Count | Rate | 1997 | March to May | 217 | 8.7 | 1997 | June to August | 212 | 8.5 | 1997 | September to November | 186 | 7.5 | 1997 | December to February | 187 | 7.5 | 1998 | March to May | 187 | 7.5 | 1998 | June to August | 186 | 7.5 | 1998 | September to Nove | 193 | 7.7 | 1998 | Dece to February | 183 | 7.4 | 1999 | March to May | 186 | 7.5 | 1999 | June to August | 176 | 7.1 | 1999 | September to November | 177 | 7.2 | 1999 | December to February | 189 | 7.5 | 2000 | March to May | 191 | 7.6 | 2000 | June to August | 165 | 6.5 | 2000 | September to November | 164 | 6.4 | The costs associated with preparing the draft bill cannot be identified separately. The preparation of the draft bill formed part of the overall work programme of the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170219,"EventID":"S1W-33780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has, and its executive agencies and non-departmental bodies have, invested in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company in each year since the company was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has, and its executive agencies and non-departmental bodies have, invested in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company in each year since the company was established.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:Investments by the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company are outlined in the table. Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company (PPRC) provides the support team for the Paisley Partnership. The table shows the allocations to PPRC in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 for support costs for the former Paisley PPA. Since 2001-02 support costs have been included within the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund allocation for the Paisley Partnership and paid directly to Renfrewshire Council as the accountable body for the Paisley SIP. | £ | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Scottish Executive | | 100,0001 | 120,000 | - | - | Scottish Homes/Communities Scotland | 25,000 | 64,6002 | - | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Notes: 1. Legacy funding for the Ferguslie Park Partnership support. 2. Includes £39,600 for consultancy fees. In relation to contributions from NDPBs this information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170220,"EventID":"S1W-33781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what purposes it, and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies, invested money in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what purposes it, and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies, invested money in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Since it's inception in 1998 the primary focus of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company has been around three objectives. These are to: service, administer, and support the Paisley Partnership and it's objectives; deliver the training and employment strategy of the Paisley Partnership, and promote and market the Paisley Partnership. The purpose of any investment in PPRC by the Executive, its agencies, and non-departmental public bodies would therefore be in support of these objectives.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170221,"EventID":"S1W-33782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic objectives and operational targets it, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, set for the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic objectives and operational targets it, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, set for the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company provides the support team for the Paisley Partnership, and as such its strategic objectives and operational targets flow from the priorities of the partnership itself. In relation to the strategic objectives of the Paisley Partnership specifically, these are not set by the Executive or Communities Scotland centrally. Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) across Scotland are expected to formulate and implement their own strategies locally, based on their understanding of the particular needs of their own community. As a partner on the Paisley Partnership, Communities Scotland would be expected to contribute to the process of formulating and implementing SIP strategy in that area. This would also apply to any non-departmental public bodies on the SIP board. In relation to operational targets, this would be a matter for the Paisley Partnership and Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company with, as above, no central role for either Communities Scotland and the Executive, but with a local input as partners on the SIP.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170222,"EventID":"S1W-33783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurements it, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, used to monitor value for money obtained by the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurements it, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, used to monitor value for money obtained by the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company and what the company's performance has been against each of these targets since the company was established.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company receives Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) funding and as such is subject to the same monitoring and appraisal processes as all Social Inclusion Partnerships. Under Communities Scotland's Standard Terms and Conditions of Grant for the SIP fund, Renfrewshire Council's role as grant recipient is to ensure effective appraisal, monitoring and financial systems are in place so that the costs of each activity which receives SIP funding and the outputs generated can be clearly identified, value for money demonstrated, and the propriety and regularity of all payments and handling of SIP fund funding ensured. The council's audit department were acting in this capacity when carrying out the recent financial health check on Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. In addition, the Monitoring Framework for SIPs also provides for annual monitoring and appraisal of SIPs by Communities Scotland. SIPs are also subject to independent evaluation at appropriate points in their life cycle. Paisley Partnership's 2001 evaluation concluded that in broad terms the Paisley SIP was making good progress towards its aims and that many of the projects funded by the SIP represented good value for money.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170223,"EventID":"S1W-33784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who its, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, representatives are on the board of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who its, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, representatives are on the board of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Executive has no representatives on the board of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company (PPRC). The present membership on the board of this company is as follows. Jim Cunningham [acting chair] | Renfrewshire Council | Charlie MacGregor | Renfrewshire Council | Norma Bennie | Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust | Gordon McGuinness | Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire |
Jim Cunningham has only recently taken over as chair of PPRC following the recent death of the previous Chairperson Cllr Brian Oldrey.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170224,"EventID":"S1W-33785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all audits and any other reports relating to the financial and operational management of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company will be placed in the Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all audits and any other reports relating to the financial and operational management of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Renfrewshire Council are in the process of compiling a finalised report into the operation of this company. This report, when complete, will be passed on to Communities Scotland who will take any further steps necessary at that time. There are no plans at present to place all audits and reports relating to the financial management of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170225,"EventID":"S1W-33786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what terms and conditions, including non-disclosure agreements, have been attached to any pay-off packages awarded to senior management staff of the Paisley Partnership ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what terms and conditions, including non-disclosure agreements, have been attached to any pay-off packages awarded to senior management staff of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company and what contribution it, and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, made to any such packages.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company is a private company limited by guarantee. As such, issues relating to the terms and conditions of employment of their staff or former staff are a confidential matter between the company and its staff.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170226,"EventID":"S1W-33787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any of its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, plan to request a police inquiry into the financial affairs of the Paisley Partnership R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any of its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, plan to request a police inquiry into the financial affairs of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: There are no plans at present to request a police enquiry into the financial affairs of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. Renfrewshire Council are in the process of compiling a report into the operation of this company. This report, when complete, will be passed on to Communities Scotland who will take any further steps necessary at that time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170227,"EventID":"S1W-33788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of consultancy work commissioned by, or for, the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company paid for, directly or indirectly, by the Executive, wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value is of consultancy work commissioned by, or for, the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company paid for, directly or indirectly, by the Executive, what the remit of any such consultancy was, and what outcomes have been achieved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: The value of consultancy work, the remit of such work and the outcomes achieved by it are matters currently under consideration by Renfrewshire Council as part of the financial health check they are carrying out in relation to Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. Renfrewshire Council are in the process of compiling a report into the operation of this company. This report, when complete, will be passed on to Communities Scotland who will take any further steps necessary at that time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170228,"EventID":"S1W-33789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, will undertake an inquiry into the running of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company, inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, will undertake an inquiry into the running of the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company, including the use to which public monies have been put.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Renfrewshire Council are in the process of compiling a report into the operation of this company. This report, when complete, will be passed on to Communities Scotland who will take any further steps necessary at that time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170229,"EventID":"S1W-33790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) it was and (b) each of its executive agencies and non departmental public bodies were advised of any financial irregularities in the Paisley Partnership Rege","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) it was and (b) each of its executive agencies and non departmental public bodies were advised of any financial irregularities in the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive, Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: Towards the end of last year Communities Scotland were advised by Renfrewshire Council of its intention to carry out a financial health check in relation to the Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company. This report, when complete, will be passed on to Communities Scotland who will take any further steps necessary at that time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170230,"EventID":"S1W-33791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which departments, other than its Education Department and its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, have issued written guidance, guidelines and official circula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which departments, other than its Education Department and its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, have issued written guidance, guidelines and official circulars that are still operational in respect of pre-school centres, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and tertiary education institutes.","AnswerText":"The issue of material of the kind you have asked about is not subject to central logging. It is not possible, therefore, to provide a comprehensive list of all departmental sources of such material.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170231,"EventID":"S1W-33792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated gross loss of revenue will be of the reduction in rate poundage for businesses with a rateable value less than #10,000 under the Small Business Rates R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated gross loss of revenue will be of the reduction in rate poundage for businesses with a rateable value less than #10,000 under the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in the financial year 2003-04.","AnswerText":"There will be no loss of revenue. The additional cost of £19.4 million will be met through a small supplement (0.6 pence or 1.3%) on the poundage for properties with a rateable value above £25,000.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170232,"EventID":"S1W-33793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated gross increase in revenue will be of the increase in rate poundage for businesses with a rateable value greater than #25,000 under the Small Business R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated gross increase in revenue will be of the increase in rate poundage for businesses with a rateable value greater than #25,000 under the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"There will be no increase in revenue. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33792 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170233,"EventID":"S1W-33794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33266 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 January 2003, how many journeys were undertaken in 2002 by ambulances transferring patients between","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33266 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 January 2003, how many journeys were undertaken in 2002 by ambulances transferring patients between (a) the Garrick Hospital, (b) private homes in the DG9 postcode area and (c) GP surgeries and (i) Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, (ii) Cresswell Maternity Unit, Dumfries, and (iii) the Crichton Royal Hospital.","AnswerText":"This detailed information is not readily available. The Scottish Ambulance Service transfers many patients from the Stranraer area to hospitals in Dumfries and elsewhere, including Ayr and further afield. The general manager of the service's South West Division has advised me that he would be happy to meet with you to discuss ambulance provision in the area, together with the Service's plans for future developments. I have asked him to contact you to offer such a meeting.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170234,"EventID":"S1W-33795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were sent from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or betwe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were sent from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: None.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170235,"EventID":"S1W-33796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cover was available at those Scottish Prison Service establishments from which staff were sent to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cover was available at those Scottish Prison Service establishments from which staff were sent to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33795 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170236,"EventID":"S1W-33797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether assistance was requested from any other service by the Scottish Prison Service to deal with the concerted indiscipline at HM Prison Kilmarnock that occurred on or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether assistance was requested from any other service by the Scottish Prison Service to deal with the concerted indiscipline at HM Prison Kilmarnock that occurred on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170237,"EventID":"S1W-33798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock has sent any staff to deal with the concerted indiscipline at other Scottish Prison Service establishments and, if so, on what dates and how ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock has sent any staff to deal with the concerted indiscipline at other Scottish Prison Service establishments and, if so, on what dates and how many staff were sent on each occasion.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Staff from HM Prison Kilmarnock are available to assist in the management of major incidents in any Scottish prison, under mutual aid arrangements between the SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd. This assistance has been provided. The SPS Incident Command policy is not to identify how many or which staff of any named prison had been deployed on any particular incident, so as not to release information inadvertently which might be used by prisoners in a future incident. The SPS would be pleased to arrange a detailed briefing for Mr Matheson on Incident Command arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170238,"EventID":"S1W-33799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of sending staff from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that occurred there o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of sending staff from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33795 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170239,"EventID":"S1W-33800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable for any injury occurring to staff sent from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with any concerted indiscipline th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is liable for any injury occurring to staff sent from other Scottish Prison Service establishments to HM Prison Kilmarnock to deal with any concerted indiscipline there.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170240,"EventID":"S1W-33801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fine the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock are liable for as a result of the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fine the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock are liable for as a result of the concerted indiscipline that occurred there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: There is no provision for fines in the arrangements for operating Kilmarnock prison. Investigations into the alleged incident are on-going.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170241,"EventID":"S1W-33802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many performance points have been accrued under the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Des","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many performance points have been accrued under the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock by the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock as a result of the concerted indiscipline there on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Investigations into the incident are still on-going. They will inform discussions between the Scottish Prison Service and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited about any performance point issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170242,"EventID":"S1W-33803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each police force has targets for the recruitment and retention of special constables and whether any such targets are being met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each police force has targets for the recruitment and retention of special constables and whether any such targets are being met.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for each police force. While no national targets relating to the Special Constabulary have been set by the Scottish Executive, Scottish ministers have made clear their desire to see an increase in the number of special constables.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170243,"EventID":"S1W-33804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been available for grants for urban renewal in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been available for grants for urban renewal in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: The following has been made available in the way of capital grants for urban renewal in 2001-02 and 2002-03. Grants for Urban Renewal (2001-02 and 2002-03) | | 2001-02 (£ Million) Actual Expenditure | 2002-03 (£ Million) Approved Budget | Communities Scotland - Development Programme - Capital Grants | 163 | 158 | New Housing Partnership Programme | 35 | 20 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170244,"EventID":"S1W-33805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the cost of regulation for the aquaculture industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the cost of regulation for the aquaculture industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive's review of aquaculture regulation resulted in proposals to streamline the consenting process and reduce duplication of effort. In implementing the Strategic Framework, the Executive will be pursuing a number of regulatory lightening initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170245,"EventID":"S1W-33806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support businesses that provide support services to the fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support businesses that provide support services to the fishing industry.","AnswerText":"The Enterprise companies have a number of programmes in place to support businesses. These can include business advice, training and certain types of financial assistance.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170246,"EventID":"S1W-33807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the harnessing of energy from wave and tidal current resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the harnessing of energy from wave and tidal current resources.","AnswerText":"We are fully committed to the development of emerging marine technologies. We are working in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Carbon Trust, Orkney Islands Council, Scottish Enterprise and the DTI to establish a European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. The centre, which will open during 2003, will represent a unique testing facility for marine power technology. It will allow companies to design, develop and manufacture devices, and will promote a cluster of high value technology based companies in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170247,"EventID":"S1W-33808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any low uptake of further education opportunities in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any low uptake of further education opportunities in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that further education opportunities are accessible by everyone no matter where they live or their personal circumstances. Our widening access policy aims to break down barriers and ensure that social prejudice plays no part in who gets to benefit from further education.We have delegated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) the duty to secure adequate and efficient provision of further education in Scotland. We expect SFEFC to allocate budgets to individual colleges, and offer other support and guidance, in a way which takes account of that duty.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170248,"EventID":"S1W-33809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that all local authorities meet the national target of dealing with 80% of all planning applications within two months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that all local authorities meet the national target of dealing with 80% of all planning applications within two months.","AnswerText":"Ministers attach considerable importance to the performance of planning authorities in processing planning applications and are keen to see performance match the Executive's targets in this regard. To that end, the Executive carries out a rolling programme of planning audits of the development control and development planning procedures of planning authorities. The audits aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in the procedures of each planning authority, promote good practice and help authorities improve upon their levels of performance. An annual audit report is published containing statistics on performance with a short commentary, and is available on the internet (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/Planning/audit.aspx).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170249,"EventID":"S1W-33810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the needs of families with disabled children in response to the report by Barnardo's, Still missing out? Ending poverty and social","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the needs of families with disabled children in response to the report by Barnardo's, Still missing out? Ending poverty and social exclusion: messages to government from families with disabled children.","AnswerText":"The Executive is already taking action to support the needs of families with disabled children. Sure Start Scotland delivers support to very young children with disabilities and their families. Guidance emphasises that services should "provide inclusive support which is both culturally appropriate and sensitive and takes account of any special needs of children and parents". Funding through the Executive's child care strategy supports the provision of child care to meet local needs, including those of families with disabled children. Sitter services provide child care in the parent's home, and existing services support some families with disabled children. A development worker is being funded to take forward the promotion and development of sitter services across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170250,"EventID":"S1W-33811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police intervened during the concerted indiscipline that occurred at HM Prison Kilmarnock on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police intervened during the concerted indiscipline that occurred at HM Prison Kilmarnock on or between 29 and 31 January 2003.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the force and information of this sort is not held centrally. Police forces have contingency plans, developed with partner organisations, to cover a variety of situations that may occur at key premises or installations, including each prison, within their areas. These set out individual organisational roles and responsibilities as well as the actions to be taken should a contingency response be required.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170251,"EventID":"S1W-33812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any performance points will accrue directly or indirectly to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock for the fire at the prison reported in the Sunday Mail on 19 Ja","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any performance points will accrue directly or indirectly to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock for the fire at the prison reported in the Sunday Mail on 19 January 2003 and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33802 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170252,"EventID":"S1W-33813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve procedures for suicide prevention at HM Prison Kilmarnock following reports in The Scotsman on 16 December 2002 that paperwork was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve procedures for suicide prevention at HM Prison Kilmarnock following reports in The Scotsman on 16 December 2002 that paperwork was not properly completed and on 20 December 2002 that up to 90% of half-hourly suicide watches are routinely missed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I understand that the director has conducted an investigation to ascertain whether there are changes which require to be made ahead of any determination which may be produced by the current Fatal Accident Inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170253,"EventID":"S1W-33814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the stabbings of three prisoners at HM Prison Kilmarnock in September 2002 were recorded for the purpose of the (a) prison's performance points and (b) Scottish Pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the stabbings of three prisoners at HM Prison Kilmarnock in September 2002 were recorded for the purpose of the (a) prison's performance points and (b) Scottish Prison Service's key performance indicators.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Three KPI assaults were recorded. No performance points have been recorded; the police are investigating the incident.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170254,"EventID":"S1W-33815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs have been of producing, publishing, launching and distributing each of its publications produced to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs have been of producing, publishing, launching and distributing each of its publications produced to date.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available in the format asked for and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170255,"EventID":"S1W-33816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8566 by Mr Jack McConnell on 22 August 2000, how much money has been spent on fuel for ministerial cars in each year since 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8566 by Mr Jack McConnell on 22 August 2000, how much money has been spent on fuel for ministerial cars in each year since 2000-01.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33817 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170256,"EventID":"S1W-33817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the full costs, including fuel, drivers' salaries, insurance, road tax and servicing, of providing the ministerial car service for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the full costs, including fuel, drivers' salaries, insurance, road tax and servicing, of providing the ministerial car service for ministerial use and how many cars there were in the pool in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on fuel, service and repairs, staff costs, contract hire and the number of vehicles used by the Government Car Service (Scotland) (GCS) since 1997 is shown in the table: Year | Fuel Cost (£) | Service/Repairs (£) | Staff Costs (£)1 | Private Contract Hire5 | Number of Cars | 1997-98 | 16,417 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 1998-99 | 24,033 | 25,871 | 233,444 | 51,051 | 8 | 1999-2000 | 34,832 | 12,775 | 235,000 | 106,000 | 11 | 2000-01 | 25,776 | 13,757 | 233,402 | 259,454 | 143 | 2001-02 | 39,026 | 26,470 | 413,768 | 110,148 | 223 | 2002-03 | 46,7374 | 27,0004 | 416,8654 | 123,0004 | 223 |
Notes: 1. Staff costs include ASLC and ERNIC. 2. Comparable figures are not available. 3. Includes one people-carrier. 4. Estimate for the full year based on part-year figures. 5. When demand exceeds capacity, private hire cars are engaged. The Government Car Service (Scotland) provides or arranges transport for Scottish ministers, ministers of UK Government Departments when in Scotland, senior officials at the Scottish Executive, and visiting dignitaries. All vehicles owned by the Scottish Executive have Crown exemption from road tax. Vehicle insurance policies are not taken out by the public sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170257,"EventID":"S1W-33818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with HM Prison Service with regard to HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution Ashfield and, in particular, the management of the institut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with HM Prison Service with regard to HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution Ashfield and, in particular, the management of the institution.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS has discussions with HM Prison Service, covering a range of issues, but not normally the management of individual establishments.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170258,"EventID":"S1W-33819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-examine any of its present contracts with companies that are part of the Premier Custodial Group Ltd which operates HM Prison and Young Offenders Inst","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-examine any of its present contracts with companies that are part of the Premier Custodial Group Ltd which operates HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution Ashfield and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS see no need to do so. Our contract is working satisfactorily.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170259,"EventID":"S1W-33820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Premier Custodial Group Ltd, (b) any of its subsidiary companies and (c) any other companies that belong to the parent companies of the Premier group will be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Premier Custodial Group Ltd, (b) any of its subsidiary companies and (c) any other companies that belong to the parent companies of the Premier group will be allowed to bid for the new private prison in the light of the experience of HM Prison Young Offenders Institution Ashfield and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Yes. The SPS hopes to attract a large number of expressions of interest in bidding, which will be evaluated in accordance with EU procurement rules.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170260,"EventID":"S1W-33821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees it can give that the level of violence that has occurred at HM Prison Young Offenders Institution Ashfield will not occur at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees it can give that the level of violence that has occurred at HM Prison Young Offenders Institution Ashfield will not occur at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS make every effort to ensure that good order and discipline is maintained at all prisons in Scotland including Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170261,"EventID":"S1W-33822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction there has been in mortality rates from coronary heart disease in the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction there has been in mortality rates from coronary heart disease in the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Mortality Rates from Coronary Heart Disease1 Per 100,000 Population2, 1996-2001 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | West Dunbartonshire | 323 | 338 | 287 | 290 | 272 | 266 | Argyll and Bute | 348 | 356 | 308 | 295 | 294 | 286 |
Notes: 1. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 410-414 (1996 to 1999) and Tenth Revision codes I20-I25 (2000 and 2001), ischaemic heart disease. 2. The rates have been calculated using the latest available mid-year population estimates. Those for 1996 to 2000 are subject to revision to make them consistent with population results from the 2001 Census. The rates have not been age standardised.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170262,"EventID":"S1W-33823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The statistics requested are available from 1998 onwards, and are contained in the table: Table1: Percentage of People Aged 65 and Over Receiving Intensive Home Care Local Authority | Year | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Argyll and Bute | 0.94% | 0.90% | 1.24% | 1.23% | 1.46% | West Dunbartonshire | 1.59% | 1.67% | 1.63% | 1.72% | 1.85% |
Source: Home Care Statistical Return H1.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170263,"EventID":"S1W-33824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area that are able to live in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area that are able to live independently by increasing home care opportunities since 1997.","AnswerText":"Councils' expenditure on home care services is funded through the general local government settlement. Between 1997-98 and 2001-02, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Councils' net expenditure on home care services increased by 26% to £3.7million and by 28% to £3.0 million respectively. The following tables show the number of clients in receipt of care at home in each of these areas from 1997. Argyll and Bute Home Care Clients Year | No. of Clients | No. of Clients over 65 | 1997 | 1,033 | 855 | 1998 | 1,007 | 906 | 1999 | 949 | 814 | 2000 | 972 | 829 | 2001 | 927 | 786 | 2002 | 957 | 827 |
Source: SEHD H1 Home Care Return. West Dunbartonshire Home Care Clients Year | No. of Clients | No. of Clients over 65 | 1997 | 1,641 | 1,490 | 1998 | 1,699 | 1,449 | 1999 | 1,760 | 1,388 | 2000 | 1,767 | 1,387 | 2001 | 1,558 | 1,244 | 2002 | 1,647 | 1,300 |
Source: SEHD H1 Home Care Return.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170264,"EventID":"S1W-33825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal care and nursing care was allocated to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal care and nursing care was allocated to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Bute Council was allocated £2.655 million for 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003 and £3.547 million for 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004. West Dunbartonshire Council was allocated £1.591 million for 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003 and £2.101 million for 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170265,"EventID":"S1W-33826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-9467 on 19 September 2000, whether the matter of the financial costs of the new Parliament building at Holyrood is of greater contro","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-9467 on 19 September 2000, whether the matter of the financial costs of the new Parliament building at Holyrood is of greater controversy than it was in March 2000; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will now provide to the public all available financial information; what the reasons are for the position on this matter in the light of the position given in the answer to question S1W-9467; whether it will continue to be the position that documents in relation to the package awarded to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd will not be disclosed; if so, whether the SPCB will review this position and what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and, if such reasons relate to potential prejudice to any legal action, how any such action could be prejudiced or damaged by such disclosure, given that the legal liability will already have been set and cannot be in any way altered by such disclosure.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170266,"EventID":"S1W-33827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-8962 on 21 August 2000, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give in relation to each works package for the Holyro","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-8962 on 21 August 2000, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give in relation to each works package for the Holyrood project and in tabular form, (a) the identity of the contractor, (b) the actual, or projected, date of (i) contract award, (ii) site start and (iii) completion, (c) the original estimated (1) cost and (2) value of the contract and the increase in each such figure and (d) the current total estimate and, in respect of any packages for which there is no estimated completion date, what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170267,"EventID":"S1W-33828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-5674 on 13 April 2000, how much VAT is currently expected to be paid in total to Her Majesty's Treasury from the Holyrood project an","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-5674 on 13 April 2000, how much VAT is currently expected to be paid in total to Her Majesty's Treasury from the Holyrood project and what proportion of the overall costs of the project this sum represents, showing the estimates given in the answer to question S1W-5674 as comparative figures.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170268,"EventID":"S1W-33829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-23571 on 13 March 2002, whether the cost of completing design services that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was under contr","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-23571 on 13 March 2002, whether the cost of completing design services that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was under contract to provide but did not complete has now been ascertained and, if so, what the current estimated total cost is of such works and services; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a breakdown of this estimate, and what the reasons are for any variance between the current estimated total cost and the original estimate of #117,500.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170269,"EventID":"S1W-33830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22306 on 31 January 2002, whether copies of the Letter of Intent and formal contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd w","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22306 on 31 January 2002, whether copies of the Letter of Intent and formal contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd will now be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre; if they will not, what the reasons are for the position on this matter; if the reasons are that the letter and contract are commercially confidential, on what grounds this conclusion is based; in particular, whether potential prejudicing of any future court action against Flour City International Inc is one such ground and, if so, how disclosing the letter and contract could prejudice any such action, and, if there are other reasons for not disclosing these documents, what they are in detail.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170270,"EventID":"S1W-33831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13764 by Angus MacKay on 5 April 2001, whether it will give up-to-date figures on how much was spent on new capital investment in a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13764 by Angus MacKay on 5 April 2001, whether it will give up-to-date figures on how much was spent on new capital investment in and refurbishment of its property in each year for which figures are available, broken down by project.","AnswerText":"The cost of refurbishment* (excluding maintenance, repairs and minor works) since 1 April 1996 is shown in the table: Project | 1996-97 (£ million) | 1997-98 (£ million) | 1998-99 (£ million) | 1999-2000 (£ million) | 2000-01 (£ million) | 2001-02 (£ million) | 2002-03 Estimated (£ million) | St Andrew's House: refurbishment | | | 1.26 | 6.26 | 4.20 | 5.86 | | Saughton House: Conversion of areas to provide additional staff accommodation | | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.10 | 0.11 | 0.36 | 0.15 | Pentland House: Conversion of areas to provide additional staff accommodation | | | | | | | 0.40 | Strathearn House, Perth: New building fit-out | | | | | | | 0.65 |
Notes: Expenditure on refurbishment projects comprises both capital and current expenditure under present accounting rules. *Budgets are now set net of recoverable VAT and figures for previous years have been adjusted to take account of VAT recovered.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170271,"EventID":"S1W-33832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated annual cost of employment of special advisors has been in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated annual cost of employment of special advisors has been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"For figures relating to the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19765 on 20 November 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The total actual cost for 2001-02 was £676,895. The estimated cost for the current year to end March 2003 is £602,449. Details are: | | Salary | Ernic | Pension Contribution* | Total | 2001-02 | £581,958 | £73,900 | £21,038 | £676,895 | 2002-03 (estimated) | £485,529 | £52,429 | £64,491 | £602,449 |
Note: *Not all advisers had pension arrangements in place in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170272,"EventID":"S1W-33833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there are currently in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and when each partnership was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there are currently in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and when each partnership was established.","AnswerText":"Each local authority area has a community safety partnership. Therefore there are two partnerships in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency area, one led by Argyll and Bute Council and the other led by West Dunbartonshire Council. The community safety partnership in Argyll and Bute was established on 4 June 1999. The West Dunbartonshire community safety partnership was established on 22 January 1999.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170273,"EventID":"S1W-33834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce crime rates in disadvantaged areas in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce crime rates in disadvantaged areas in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area since 1996.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has actively encouraged the establishment of community safety partnerships led by the local authority and the police and involving the public, private and voluntary bodies to tackle community safety issues at a local level. Community Safety Partnerships are encouraged to focus on the main themes of improved crime prevention; tackling alcohol and drug related crime; changing attitudes and modifying behaviour; diverting young people away from criminal and anti-social behaviour, and reducing the fear of crime. Crime prevention spend by the Scottish Executive in Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire is outlined in the answer given to question S1W-33835 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Both council areas also benefit from Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) and Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) funding. Under BNSF Argyll and Bute has been awarded £2.7 million and West Dunbartonshire has been awarded £9 million over a three-year period 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04. Although the Local Outcome Agreements for neither area are specifically aimed at preventing crime, Argyll and Bute do include activities aimed at reducing the fear of crime among older people and West Dunbartonshire is providing a range of information, services and activities for young people to make it less likely that they will become involved in crime. Since 1997 the Argyll and Bute SIP has funded various crime prevention projects totalling £204,000. Although in West Dunbartonshire few project allocations by the SIP have been for direct crime prevention work, they have provided £1 million funding for projects which have an impact on crime prevention and reduction, such as young person's befriending schemes, action against vandalism, domestic violence, crimestoppers, youth diversion schemes and other similar schemes.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170274,"EventID":"S1W-33835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on crime prevention by (a) central government, (b) Argyll and Bute Council and (c) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on crime prevention by (a) central government, (b) Argyll and Bute Council and (c) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Spend by a local authority on crime prevention is a matter for that local authority. The information is not held centrally. Under the Make our Communities Safer Challenge Competition, which ended in March 2002, the awards detailed in the following tables were made: Argyll and Bute 1996-97 | Campbeltown Town Centre CCTV Dunoon Town Centre CCTV Helensburgh Town Centre CCTV | £11,700 £76,288 £23,544 | 1997-98 | Oban Town Centre CCTV | £71,000 | 1998-99 | Rothesay Town Centre CCTV | £63,300 | 1999-2000 | | £0 | 2000-01 | Campbeltown CCTV | £9,500 | 2001-02 | Dunoon New Community Schools | £8,100 |
West Dunbartonshire 1996-97 | Clydebank Town Centre CCTV | £108,490 | 1997-98 | Clydebank Town Centre CCTV Dumbarton CCTV | £27,000 £63,000 | 1998-99 | | £0 | 1999-2000 | Dumbarton Town Centre CCTV | £160,000 | 2000-01 | New Bonhill CCTV | £140,000 | 2001-02 | Clydebank Trust CCTV Youth Shelters | £129,440 £18,500 |
On 1 April 2002, we introduced a new Community Safety Partnership Award Programme for all council-led Community Safety Partnerships. For 2002-03, Argyll and Bute Community Safety Partnership were awarded £84,127 to address local community safety priorities, West Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership were awarded £118,491.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170275,"EventID":"S1W-33836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monetary value is of drugs sei'ed by the L Division of Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency since the inception of the policy to reinvest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monetary value is of drugs sei'ed by the L Division of Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency since the inception of the policy to reinvest assets recovered from illegal drug dealing.","AnswerText":"During 2001-02, the estimated street value of controlled drugs seized in all operations involving the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (including those involving Scottish police forces) was £19.9 million. Equivalent figures for individual divisions of police forces are only available on a calendar year basis. The estimated street value of controlled drugs seized by L Division of Strathclyde Police in the calendar years 2001 and 2002 was £686,000. The estimated value of drugs seized is of course different from the value of assets recovered.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170276,"EventID":"S1W-33837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assets sei'ed from illegal drug dealing have been redistributed to the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assets sei'ed from illegal drug dealing have been redistributed to the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area. ","AnswerText":"None of the recovered criminal assets we have redistributed so far have been provided specifically to West Dunbartonshire or Argyll and Bute. However, £180,000 from recovered criminal assets has been earmarked to support families across Scotland affected by drug misuse. A national network of family support groups is being established, and this is being driven by a steering group of family members. This will determine, in due course, how these resources can best be used to support the families of drug misusers, including those in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170277,"EventID":"S1W-33838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in the (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in the (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area and (c) West Dunbartonshire local authority area and how much money has been allocated to each area for this purpose. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's drugs strategy, Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership, is backed by around £130 million in new resources for 2001-02 to 2003-04. All areas of Scotland have benefited from these additional resources in terms of new drug treatment and rehabilitation services, improved support for young people and families, improved treatment provision in prisons, more criminal justice interventions, strengthened enforcement activity, enhanced drugs education in schools and in the community and better improved information on drugs. However, the planning and delivery of local activities and initiatives is the responsibility of local drug action teams and partner agencies. drug action teams are required to report to the Scottish Executive on actions undertaken and planned in their annual corporate action plans. These can be found on the national drugs website at www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org The plans show evidence of enhanced service provision in the areas requested, particularly in terms of services for vulnerable young people, the further development of integrated services, and the provision of training and employment opportunities for recovering drug users. A Drug Treatment and Testing Order has also recently come into operation in the Argyll and Clyde area. Information on drug-related expenditure is not held on a constituency basis. The main components of drugs specific expenditure allocated to NHS boards and local authorities in the areas requested is outlined in the following tables. The areas may also be benefiting from other resources which are not drug specific, but which impact on the problem. Drug Treatment NHS Board | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | Argyll and Clyde | 1,111 | 1,338 | 1,338 | Greater Glasgow | 4,387 | 4,488 | 4,488 |
Rehabilitation Council Area | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | Argyll and Bute | 119 | 119 | 119 | West Dunbaronshire | 126 | 126 | 126 |
Drugs Education in Schools Council Area | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | Argyll and Bute | 17.5 | 17.5 | West Dunbaronshire | 21 | 21 |
Changing Children's Services Fund (for work with young people and families) Council Area | 2001-02 to 2003-04 (£000) | Argyll and Bute | 259 | West Dunbaronshire | | | £ million | Police | 317 | Fire | 72 | Prisons | 15 |
The breakdown for Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire is not available as it is a matter for the relevant Chief Constable, Fire Master or Chief Executive (in conjunction with the Prison Board) to decide how much is allocated within each area. However, the amounts added to Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire Brigade Grant Aided Expenditure, following the spending review were as follows. | 2003-04 (£ million) | 2004-05 (£ million) | 2005-06 (£ million) | Police | 18 | 41 | 71 | Fire | 5 | 10 | 16 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170279,"EventID":"S1W-33840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be in Scotland of the UK Communications Bill, in particular with regard to the roll-out of broadband technologies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be in Scotland of the UK Communications Bill, in particular with regard to the roll-out of broadband technologies.","AnswerText":"The UK Communications Bill will streamline the regulatory framework for communications across the UK, including Scotland. The bill is technology-neutral so it does not explicitly refer to broadband. However, the new amalgamated regulator, OFCOM, generally should be in a position to respond better and faster to developing and converging technologies such as broadband. The end result should be improved services for consumers in all parts of the UK. In addition, the bill introduces the concept of spectrum trading, which should make spectrum available for new services more quickly and could facilitate the delivery of wireless broadband in the future.Through our discussions with the UK Government and OFCOM, we are working to ensure appropriate representative mechanisms for Scotland within the new regulator. These mechanisms should help OFCOM to take account of the impact of their activities in Scotland including any that affect the roll-out of broadband technologies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170280,"EventID":"S1W-33841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) has been issued to control unacceptable conduct in retail outlets in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) has been issued to control unacceptable conduct in retail outlets in the last year.","AnswerText":"While ASBOs can be used to address anti-social behaviour wherever it occurs, research commissioned by the Executive into the use of ASBOs suggests that, in the period 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001, no ASBOs have been issued specifically to control anti-social conduct in retail outlets. This is the latest information held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170281,"EventID":"S1W-33842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33055 by Hugh Henry on 5 February 2003, what submissions were made in the Scottish response to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33055 by Hugh Henry on 5 February 2003, what submissions were made in the Scottish response to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report specifically about links between homophobia and racism.","AnswerText":"No submissions were made in the Scottish response to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report specifically about links between homophobia and racism.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170282,"EventID":"S1W-33843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33055 by Hugh Henry on 5 February 2003, whether it has ever established a working group on discrimination and whether it intends to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33055 by Hugh Henry on 5 February 2003, whether it has ever established a working group on discrimination and whether it intends to set one up.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not have a single working group on discrimination. However, we have established a number of working groups which have considered aspects of discrimination for particular groups. For example, the Race Equality Advisory Forum considered issues of discrimination for minority ethnic communities in Scotland; we have established a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) health discussion forum which is considering access to primary health care for LGBT people, and we recently announced the creation of a new independent group to examine what more the Executive should do to improve opportunities for women.In addition, the Executive is in regular contact with a range of minority groups and equality organisations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170283,"EventID":"S1W-33844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speed cameras have been maliciously damaged in the last six months; whether it will seek to have such cameras reinstated as soon as possible, and what action is ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speed cameras have been maliciously damaged in the last six months; whether it will seek to have such cameras reinstated as soon as possible, and what action is being taken on claims made by the Motorists Against Detection group.","AnswerText":"In the last six months, six camera sites in Scotland have been decommissioned for a period of time following malicious damage. Five of these have already been reinstated, and the sixth is awaiting repair. Anyone found interfering with a safety camera can expect to be arrested, charged and reported to the procurator fiscal's office.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170284,"EventID":"S1W-33845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been taken up by residents of the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been taken up by residents of the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Eighty-eight residents of West Dunbartonshire took up a modern apprenticeship in 1999-2000; 141 in 2000-01; 262 in 2001-02 and 255 in 2002-03 (to end January 2003). The numbers for Argyll and Bute local authority area are not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170285,"EventID":"S1W-33846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce alcohol-related road deaths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce alcohol-related road deaths.","AnswerText":"The Executive provides funding to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the development of key road safety education initiatives and publicity messages. The campaign's strategy for drink drive publicity is informed by research, published by the Executive in 2001, on Drinking and Driving: Prevalence, Decision-Making and Attitudes. The research is enabling the campaign to target specific messages at key groups. Copies of the research report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18061). The campaign provides publicity to complement enforcement campaigns, focussing on drink driving, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170286,"EventID":"S1W-33847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate drink-driving rehabilitation programmes as a method of educating those found guilty of drink-driving.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate drink-driving rehabilitation programmes as a method of educating those found guilty of drink-driving.","AnswerText":"The statutory scheme of drink-drive rehabilitation courses is a reserved matter. The Department for Transport, which administers the scheme, has commissioned research into the operation of these courses and their effectiveness in discouraging reoffending since the creation of a permanent scheme in January 2000. The research will cover Scotland and the Scottish Executive will have access to the results of that evaluation as soon as they are available. Monitoring of the pilot scheme, which ended in 1999, found that those offenders who had attended a course were between two and three times less likely to re-offend than those who had not.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170287,"EventID":"S1W-33848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the courts are applying drink-driving rehabilitation programmes as part of sentencing procedure and whether it is monitoring uptake of such programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the courts are applying drink-driving rehabilitation programmes as part of sentencing procedure and whether it is monitoring uptake of such programmes.","AnswerText":"In 2001, Scottish courts referred 562 offenders to the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Scheme as part of the sentencing procedure. In 2002, this number had increased to 1,487. The scheme itself is reserved under section 34A of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, and it is the Department for Transport which monitors the provision of courses nationally, including the amount of referrals by courts in England, Scotland and Wales, the number of courses run and the total number of offenders completing a course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170288,"EventID":"S1W-33849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adverse incidents regarding the use of Factor VIII and Factor IX blood products in the treatment of haemophiliacs were reported in each year from 1970 to 1987.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adverse incidents regarding the use of Factor VIII and Factor IX blood products in the treatment of haemophiliacs were reported in each year from 1970 to 1987.","AnswerText":"The number of adverse incidents relating to the use of SNBTS Factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates reported to SNBTS between the years 1970 to 1987 are as follows: | Factor VIII | Factor IX | 1970 | 0 | 0 | 1971 | 0 | 0 | 1972 | 0 | 0 | 1973 | 0 | 0 | 1974 | 0 | 0 | 1975 | 2 | 0 | 1976 | 6 | 1 | 1977 | 1 | 3 | 1978 | 2 | 0 | 1979 | 0 | 1 | 1980 | 1 | 2 | 1981 | 1 | 0 | 1982 | 1 | 1 | 1983 | 4 | 1 | 1984 | 16 | 1 | 1985 | 4 | 0 | 1986 | 0 | 0 | 1987 | 1 | 0 | Total | 39 | 10 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170289,"EventID":"S1W-33850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in each local authority area have been affected by weather-related school closures since 1 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in each local authority area have been affected by weather-related school closures since 1 October 2002.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170290,"EventID":"S1W-33851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of any reductions in local authority budgets for snow clearing on the number of weather-related school closures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of any reductions in local authority budgets for snow clearing on the number of weather-related school closures.","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170291,"EventID":"S1W-33852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to request the service records of Scottish armed forces personnel from the Ministry of Defence archive at Hayes, Middlesex, for archiving in Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to request the service records of Scottish armed forces personnel from the Ministry of Defence archive at Hayes, Middlesex, for archiving in Scotland for the purposes of genealogical research and as part of its cultural strategy and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. Service records are entirely a matter for the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170292,"EventID":"S1W-33853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the maintenance of gravestones and to safeguard them as a source of historical and genealogical information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the maintenance of gravestones and to safeguard them as a source of historical and genealogical information.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:Responsibility for the maintenance of gravestones lies with their owners. On the advice of Historic Scotland, significant graveyards and gravestones are given legal protection through listing or scheduling, as appropriate. Any proposals affecting listed structures or scheduled monuments should normally be the subject of listed building or scheduled monument consent unless there are over-riding public safety considerations. The condition of scheduled monuments is monitored by Historic Scotland's Monument Wardens. In addition, Historic Scotland has commissioned research which had led to two publications - Conservation of Historic Graveyards - A Guide for Practitioners and The Carved Stones of Scotland: A guide to Helping in their Protection, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 26560 and 26559 respectively). Historic Scotland is also providing financial support, through the Council for Scottish Archaeology, for a development officer working with community groups and cemetery managers to promote best practice in the recording and management of graveyards and gravestones.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170293,"EventID":"S1W-33854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why agricultural planning application charges are, for applications in respect of areas of less than 465 square meters, a flat rate of #42 and, for applications in respec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why agricultural planning application charges are, for applications in respect of areas of less than 465 square meters, a flat rate of #42 and, for applications in respect of larger areas, #220 for the first 465 square metres and a further #220 for every additional 75 square metres.","AnswerText":"The introduction of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Scotland) Order 1992 in March 1992 removed permitted development rights from agricultural buildings in excess of 465 square metres or 12 metres in height. It was considered that the larger structures should be subject to planning control in order to ensure that their effect on the landscape, particularly the sensitivity of build and location, could be taken fully into account in the deliberation process. While no planning fee is charged on agricultural buildings not exceeding 465 square metres the developer must apply to the authority for prior approval which currently costs £42.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170294,"EventID":"S1W-33855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the Scottish Environment Protection Agency any additional powers in order to improve its ability to become more involved in the planning process,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the Scottish Environment Protection Agency any additional powers in order to improve its ability to become more involved in the planning process, including by making objections to planning proposals.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to give additional powers to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to become more involved in the planning process. SEPA is already a statutory consultee in defined circumstances under the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992 with regard to planning applications. SEPA is also consulted under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999. SEPA's involvement in the planning process has been examined as part of the current Policy and Financial Management Review of SEPA.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170295,"EventID":"S1W-33856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the Scottish Environment Protection Agency any additional powers in order to improve its ability to become more involved in environmental regulat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the Scottish Environment Protection Agency any additional powers in order to improve its ability to become more involved in environmental regulation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has consulted on a range of proposals to give additional powers to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). These include the following proposals, many of which are described in detail in consultation papers published on the Scottish Executive website www.scotland.gov.uk/publications: - new powers to regulate waste incinerators more stringently; - new powers to control solvent-based emissions; - revised powers under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000; - tightening of powers for permitting landfill sites; - revised regulation of the spreading of treated sewage sludge to land; - tightening of exemptions under Waste Management Licence Regulations; - new powers to require polluters to carry out works to prevent or clean up water pollution; - a range of additional powers under the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill to protect the water environment, including controlling activities liable to cause pollution, engineering works in the vicinity of the water environment and water abstractions, and - new powers to license flood prevention schemes. The detailed implications for SEPA will be defined in regulations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170296,"EventID":"S1W-33857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"The level of grant-in-aid awarded to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency since its inception is shown in the following table: Year | Allocation (£) | 2002-03 | 25,980,000 | 2001-02 | 23,470,000 | 2000-01 | 17,300,000 | 1999-2000 | 18,600,000 | 1998-99 | 19,836,000 | 1997-98 | 19,515,000 | 1996-97* | 23,714,000 |
Note: * Covers the period 12 October 1995 to 31 March 1997.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170297,"EventID":"S1W-33858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases have been referred by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases have been referred by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems within the next few months, making the information requested more readily available.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170298,"EventID":"S1W-33859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases referred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) the service has declined to proceed with i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases referred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) the service has declined to proceed with in each year since SEPA was established.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems within the next few months, making the information requested more readily available.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170299,"EventID":"S1W-33860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service about the prosecution of environmental cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service about the prosecution of environmental cases.","AnswerText":"With input from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Crown Office has provided detailed guidance on environmental crime to prosecutors to assist them in dealing with these cases.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170300,"EventID":"S1W-33861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency about the prosecution of environmental cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency about the prosecution of environmental cases.","AnswerText":"Decisions on whether to prosecute those who breach environmental legislation are entirely matters for the Crown Office and the Procurators Fiscal Service. Guidelines have been issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) by the Crown Office to assist the agency in reporting cases to the procurators fiscal and to address issues such as sufficiency of evidence and public interest. SEPA's policy on when to recommend to the procurator fiscal that a case be brought against an offender was developed after consultation with the Scottish Executive and a wide range of stakeholders. This policy takes into account the need to punish offenders, as well as proportionality in relation to the risks posed to the environment and the seriousness of the offence. A copy of SEPA's Policy Statement on Enforcement is available on the agency's website at www.sepa.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170301,"EventID":"S1W-33863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31518 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, whether it has now had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31518 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, whether it has now had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implementation of the pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route.","AnswerText":"Superfast Ferries sent the first draft of their methods of operation for the carriage of pet dogs and cats to my officials on 17 January 2003. This is being considered and my officials will give the company any comments shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170302,"EventID":"S1W-33864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of student support for further and higher education students that will apply for the academic year 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of student support for further and higher education students that will apply for the academic year 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce the new rates of support for students in further and higher education for academic year 2003-04. I am today placing in the Parliament's Reference Centre details of the rates of those loans, bursaries and grants, which will be available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students in full-time higher education (Bib. number 26394). A general uprating factor of 2.4%, in line with inflation, will be applied to the existing schemes of support in 2003-04, thus maintaining their value in real terms. We are also increasing by the same factor the standard rates of tuition fee payments made to institutions on behalf of eligible students by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. This increase is consistent with that announced by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on 19 December 2002 for English and Welsh domiciled students. The Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) has also agreed to maintain the alignment between the further and higher education sectors by, where appropriate, uprating the support available to further education students by 2.4%.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170303,"EventID":"S1W-33865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to give final approval to the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock to Glasgow Housing Association Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to give final approval to the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock to Glasgow Housing Association Ltd.","AnswerText":"The First Minister is expected to be in a position to make a decision within a matter of weeks.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170304,"EventID":"S1W-33866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been given a unified budget of £4997.388 million, an average increase over the equivalent 2002-03 of 7.8%. Details of each NHS board's allocation is as follows. | | Total Unified Budget | Percentage Increase in Unified Budget | Health Board | £ million | % | Argyll and Clyde | 431.117 | 7.6 | Ayrshire and Arran | 381.474 | 8.5 | Borders | 108.307 | 8.6 | Dumfries and Galloway | 157.518 | 8.3 | Fife | 327.832 | 8.3 | Forth Valley | 260.494 | 8.3 | Grampian | 455.118 | 7.4 | Greater Glasgow | 957.290 | 7.4 | Highland | 221.795 | 8.9 | Lanarkshire | 526.651 | 7.8 | Lothian | 684.068 | 7.4 | Orkney | 21.002 | 7.4 | Shetland | 25.336 | 7.4 | Tayside | 399.126 | 7.4 | Western Isles | 40.260 | 7.4 | Total | 4997.388 | 7.8 |
Note: The Unified Budget for 2003-04 and includes provision for Hospital and Community Health Services and the cost of drugs prescribed by general practitioners. Allocations for GP premises, computers and staff and Out of Hours Services have not yet been included. Allocations to Special Health Boards are as follows. | Allocation (£ million) | Percentage Increase (%) | NHS Education for Scotland | 198.839 | 7.4 | Common Services Agency | 155.033 | 7.4 | Scottish Ambulance Service | 117.155 | 7.4 | State Hospital | 22.734 | 7.4 | | West Dunbartonshire Council received £1,106,000 during the first three years of the Sure Start Scotland programme. Their allocation has been spent on a range of projects including expanding the number of nursery places available for children 0 to 3; increasing the number of childminders; providing mobile crèches, and providing a wide range of parenting support, including parent and toddler groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170306,"EventID":"S1W-33868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31383 by Dr Elaine Murray on 18 November 2002, how much additional money has been allocated to school sport in the (a) Argyll and B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31383 by Dr Elaine Murray on 18 November 2002, how much additional money has been allocated to school sport in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"Through the School Sports Co-ordinator Programme, school sport in the Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire local authority areas has benefited since 1998-99 by £43,145 and £139,870 respectively as outlined in the following table. West Dunbartonshire Council applied to the programme on behalf of all schools in its area whereas Argyll and Bute Council decided to leave it to individual schools to decide whether to apply to the programme for funding. Neither local authority is involved in the Active Primary School Programme or the TOP Programme. The Executive's aim is to increase participation in sport at all age levels and in particular instil healthy positive attitudes in our children and young people towards sport and physical activity in all parts of Scotland. To assist that objective the Executive has allocated significant additional resources to school sport in particular in its most recent budget. Sportscotland will work with all education authorities including Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire in developing these programmes further. Year | Argyll and Bute | West Dunbartonshire | 1998-99 | £0 | £0 | 1999-2000 | £1,945 | £0 | 2000-01 | £10,440 | £92,830 | 2001-02 | £7,340 | £0 | 2002-03 | £23,420 | £47,040 | | | £43,145 | £139,870 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170307,"EventID":"S1W-33869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has carried out with rural GPs regarding any proposed withdrawal of the Chapter 10.5 payments scheme for GP practices in rural areas with low list si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has carried out with rural GPs regarding any proposed withdrawal of the Chapter 10.5 payments scheme for GP practices in rural areas with low list si'es.","AnswerText":"Future funding arrangements for GP practices in rural and urban areas are currently being considered as part of the on-going negotiations over a new contract for GPs. Negotiations are being taken forward on a UK basis by the NHS Confederation, representing the four UK Health Departments, and the UK General Practitioners Committee (GPC). As negotiations are currently on-going it would be inappropriate for me to provide details of what is being discussed at this stage. Any agreed proposals for a new contract arising from these talks will be subject to consultation with all GPs.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170308,"EventID":"S1W-33870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will introduce to safeguard GP practices in rural areas on the introduction of the new GP contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will introduce to safeguard GP practices in rural areas on the introduction of the new GP contracts.","AnswerText":"Negotiations on a new GP contract are on-going and at this stage it would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail on what measures might be introduced to safeguard GP practices in rural areas. However, the framework document for the new contract published in April 2002 recognises that special remote and rural arrangements are likely to be needed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170309,"EventID":"S1W-33871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has changed the system of payment for services rendered in the inspection of seed potatoes from payment on account to pay","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has changed the system of payment for services rendered in the inspection of seed potatoes from payment on account to payment up front and what consultation was carried out with seed potato growers in advance of this change.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency is responsible for the operation of the Seed Potato Classification Scheme in Scotland. I have asked Dr Robert Hay, Chief Executive of the agency, to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has not changed its system of payment for seed potato inspection services. The Seed Potatoes (Fees) Regulations 1993 require that all fees relating to seed potato inspections be paid in advance of the inspections. However, to facilitate trade, the agency extends credit facilities for the inspection of seed potato tubers and the provision of seed potato labels to customers who meet certain criteria. These credit facilities may be withdrawn from customers who do not settle their accounts within a reasonable time.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170310,"EventID":"S1W-33872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has changed the system of payment for the sale of seed potato plantlets from payment on account to payment up front and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has changed the system of payment for the sale of seed potato plantlets from payment on account to payment up front and what consultation was carried out with seed potato growers in advance of this change.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Robert Hay, Chief Executive of the agency, to respond. His response is as follows: The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has not changed the system of payment for the sale of seed potato plantlets. The usual procedure is for payment to be requested following dispatch of the plantlets, with payment due within 30 days of the date of the invoice. These credit facilities may be withdrawn from customers who do not settle their accounts within a reasonable time.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170311,"EventID":"S1W-33873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sportscotland and the Lottery Sports Fund will improve sport opportunities for young people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sportscotland and the Lottery Sports Fund will improve sport opportunities for young people in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33868 on 17 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170312,"EventID":"S1W-33874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School Projects are situated in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School Projects are situated in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area.","AnswerText":"Two of the New Community Schools pilot projects are located in Argyll and Bute. One project covers Clyde Cottage Nursery and Dunoon, Kirn and St Mun's Primary Schools. The other covers Campbeltown Grammar School and Carradale, Castlehill, Dalintober, Drumlemble, Gigha, Glenbar, Rhunahaorine, Southend and St Kieran's Primary Schools. Two of the pilot projects are located in West Dunbartonshire. One focuses on Braidfield High School. The other covers Vale of Leven Academy, Our Lady and St Patrick's and St Columba's High Schools, and Bonhill, Christie Park, Gartocharn, Haldane, Highdykes, Jamestown, Ladyton, Levendale, Renton, St Eunan's, St Joseph's, St Kessog's, St Martin's, St Mary's (Alexandria), St Mary's (Clydebank), St Michael's, St Patrick's, St Peter's, St Ronan's and St Stephen's Primary Schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170313,"EventID":"S1W-33875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #24 million childcare package was allocated to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council and how the money was distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #24 million childcare package was allocated to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council and how the money was distributed.","AnswerText":"In July 2001, £24 million additional resources for child care were allocated through the child poverty package over 2001-04. The money was allocated as follows: £8.5 million was made available for child care grants for lone parents in full-time higher education to pay for child care. This grant is administered through the Students Awards Agency for Scotland. Figures for the 2001-02 allocation are not available, as payments were manual and not automated. The number of students receiving the £1,000 grant in 2002-03 is as follows: Argyll and Bute Council - 13 West Dunbartonshire Council - 30 £7.5 million was made available to further education colleges throughout Scotland to widen child care provision, based on locally identified needs. Responsibility for administering this money lies with the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. Information on awards made by this body is not held centrally. £8 million was made available to local authorities to help stabilise and sustain out-of-school care projects, especially in disadvantaged areas. The money was allocated over a three-year period as £2 million in 2001-02, £3 million in 2002-03 and £3 million in 2003-04. Of this, Argyll and Bute council was allocated £31,400 in 2001-02 and £47,500 in 2002-03 and 2003-04. West Dunbartonshire Council was allocated £22,800 in 2001-02 and £34,100 in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Allocation of this money within each local authority area is a matter for the individual council as they have responsibility for the allocation of funds at a local level. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170314,"EventID":"S1W-33876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 billion to rebuild and refurbish schools was made available to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 billion to rebuild and refurbish schools was made available to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerText":"In June 2002 we offered financial support to 15 local authorities to enable them to take forward school public private partnership (PPP) projects with a total capital investment value of £1.195 billion. Argyll and Bute Council's share of that figure is £80 million. West Dunbartonshire Council have not submitted a bid for financial support for a school PPP project.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170315,"EventID":"S1W-33877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency on the implementation of the 10-point action plan arising from Scotland's Action Programme to Reduc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency on the implementation of the 10-point action plan arising from Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Councils received around £175,000 and £422,000 respectively for investment in youth justice this year. Of this, £111,092 for Argyll and Bute and £236,444 for West Dunbartonshire is new money made available by the Executive following the publication of the action plan. The Executive published a report in September 2002 of a local authority youth justice mapping exercise which contains information about initiatives in Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire using these funds. The report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24541). West Dunbartonshire will also benefit between now and 2005 from two projects to be run by Includem, funded by the Youth Crime Prevention Fund: £165,400 to the West Home Team to provide advice and support to parents and families of those at risk of offending; and £139,700 for the Relapse Project which offers support and supervision to persistent young offenders to ease their transition back into the community. These projects and the national initiatives we are taking forward under the action plan will support local implementation.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170316,"EventID":"S1W-33878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has implemented in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency to tackle youth crime and what funding it has allocated for such policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has implemented in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency to tackle youth crime and what funding it has allocated for such policies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33877 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170317,"EventID":"S1W-33879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time students from the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area received bursaries to support them at university.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time students from the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area received bursaries to support them at university.","AnswerText":"Young Scottish students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland from 2001-02 are entitled to an annual Young Students' Bursary (YSB) of up to £2,050, which replaces part of their loan support. Young Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK for the first time from 2002-03 onwards are entitled to an annual Young Students' Outside Scotland Bursary (YSO) of up to £510, which is provided in addition to their student loan entitlement. Both bursaries are provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income and eligibility is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support. In the current academic year, to date, 21,384 YSB awards and 317 Young Students' Outside Scotland Bursary awards have been made, of whom 403 were domiciled in Argyll and Bute and 450 were domiciled in West Dunbartonshire. Non-repayable supplementary grants are also available for those students who have additional financial needs, such as students who have dependants or who have a disability. Additional discretionary grants are available from individual colleges and universities for new mature students with child care costs and for any student who faces particular financial difficulties, which might prevent them from accessing or continuing their course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170318,"EventID":"S1W-33880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from low-income backgrounds from the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area have had their university fees waived.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from low-income backgrounds from the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area have had their university fees waived.","AnswerText":"Tuition fees have been abolished for Scottish domiciled and EU students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland. This support is not repayable and is available to all eligible full-time students to undertake one first degree, or comparable course of higher education, provided they have not previously undertaken such a course with assistance from public funds. This support is paid irrespective of the students' family income. Scottish domiciled students who study full-time higher education (HE) courses elsewhere in the UK make an annual means tested contribution of up to £1,100 towards the cost of their tuition. Such students from low-income families will, therefore, have their tuition fees paid on their behalf by SAAS. In the current academic year there are 2,018 undergraduate students from Argyll and Bute and 1,808 undergraduate students from West Dunbartonshire local authority area who have had their tuition fees waived. Scottish domiciled students who study part-time HE courses in Scotland can apply to their institution to waive their fees if they have a disability, are claiming benefits or are from a low income family. Information on the number of part-time students who have their fees waived is not held centrally. Students studying at institutions overseas generally do not receive tuition fee support.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170319,"EventID":"S1W-33881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education would operate in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education would operate in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education would operate in Scotland if Scottish ministers were to exercise their power under section 66 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 to appoint persons other than HM Inspectorate of Education to conduct inspections.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170320,"EventID":"S1W-33882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any permission for inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to work in Scotland and, if so, what the reasons are for its position on thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any permission for inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to work in Scotland and, if so, what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"Inspections of educational provision in Scotland are conducted by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE). HMIE has on occasion invited inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to accompany them in an advisory or observational capacity.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170321,"EventID":"S1W-33883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation permits inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to operate in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation permits inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to operate in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33881 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170322,"EventID":"S1W-33884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about any use of inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to inspect education provision for ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about any use of inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education to inspect education provision for refugee children and whether any presence of these inspectors conforms with the letter and spirit of current educational legislation in Scotland and with the devolution settlement.","AnswerText":"The inspection of education provision for refugee children in Scotland has been conducted by HM Inspectorate of Education.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170323,"EventID":"S1W-33885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to ensure that any inspection undertaken by the Office for Standards in Education conforms to Scottish practice and procedure given the dif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to ensure that any inspection undertaken by the Office for Standards in Education conforms to Scottish practice and procedure given the different inspection regimes in place in Scotland and in England.","AnswerText":"Inspections of educational provision in Scotland are not carried out by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170324,"EventID":"S1W-33886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it will follow to enable parliamentary scrutiny of any reports on educational provision in Scotland by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it will follow to enable parliamentary scrutiny of any reports on educational provision in Scotland by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education.","AnswerText":"Inspections of educational provision in Scotland are not carried out by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170325,"EventID":"S1W-33887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Review of Lottery Funding: A consultation paper on Lottery distribution policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Review of Lottery Funding: A consultation paper on Lottery distribution policy.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper on lottery distribution policy was published in July 2002 by ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The consultation closed on 30 October 2002. Consultation responses were collected by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with responses from Scotland being copied to the Scottish Executive. I have written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport conveying Scottish ministers' views in the light of the Scottish consultation responses. Copies of the letter have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26471). There is to be a meeting of ministers from across the UK later this month to discuss a range of issues on the National Lottery. The outcome of the review of lottery funding is expected to be announced in late spring or early summer.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170326,"EventID":"S1W-33888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170327,"EventID":"S1W-33889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much funding levels for the Lanarkshire NHS Board have increased in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much funding levels for the Lanarkshire NHS Board have increased in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Details of funding increases are as follows: | £ million | 1996-97 | 21.089 | 1997-98 | 25.702 | 1998-99 | 18.136 | 1999-2000 | 14.195 | 2000-01 | 36.074 | 2001-02 | 23.165 | 2002-03 | 26.058 |
In addition, Lanarkshire NHS Board's initial unified budget for 2003-04 has increased by £38.766 million over the comparable budget for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170328,"EventID":"S1W-33890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve community fire safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve community fire safety.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32872 on 15 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170329,"EventID":"S1W-33891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link since Januar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link since January 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been in regular and close touch with Network Rail, the Strategic Rail Authority, and Strathclyde Passenger Transport who are the promoters of the link from Larkhall to Milngavie.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170330,"EventID":"S1W-33892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the participation of adults in community-based learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the participation of adults in community-based learning.","AnswerText":"The Executive's new Lifelong Learning Strategy emphasises the importance of informal community-based learning opportunities in encouraging non-traditional learners back into learning. On 28 January, the Scottish Executive issued guidance on community learning and development to all local authorities and their Community Planning Partners. This guidance has highlighted community-based adult learning as one of four national priorities for local community learning and development partnerships. The guidance emphasises the need for statutory and voluntary sector agencies to work together to raise standards of achievement in learning for adults, in the core skills of literacy and numeracy and in ICT, and through extending community-based vocational and non-vocational lifelong learning opportunities. The Scottish Executive has committed £51 million over five years to 2006 to help 150,000 adults with low literacy and numeracy skills. £40 million of this will be routed through local authorities to Community Learning Strategy Partnerships to provide a wide range of learning opportunities in local communities.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170331,"EventID":"S1W-33893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency (i) in total and (ii) per head of popul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency (i) in total and (ii) per head of population in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170332,"EventID":"S1W-33894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds were allocated, and on what dates, to the South Lanarkshire Council area through (a) the National Childcare Strategy, (b) Sure Start Scotland, (c) New Communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds were allocated, and on what dates, to the South Lanarkshire Council area through (a) the National Childcare Strategy, (b) Sure Start Scotland, (c) New Community Schools, (d) New Housing Partnerships, (e) the Early Intervention Programme, (f) tackling health inequalities, (g) study support and out-of-school hours learning activities, (h) the Alternatives to Exclusion grant scheme, (i) social inclusion partnerships, (j) the Working Communities programme, (k) the Listening to Communities programme, (l) the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, (m) Scottish Homes and (n) Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive funding allocated to South Lanarkshire council for 2002-03 is as follows: | | £ | Childcare Strategy | £942,700 | Sure Start Scotland | £1,060,000 | New Community schools | £1,637,920 | New Housing Partnerships | £2,180,672 | Early Intervention Programme - Included Under Sure Start Scotland | Study Support | £624,924 | Alternatives to Exclusion | £637,910 | Social Inclusion Partnerships | £3,886,779 | Working for Communities | nil | Listening to Communities | nil | BNSF | £1.5 million | Communities Scotland | £8.71 million | Scottish Homes | £48,000 |
Working for Communities and Listening to Communities programmes have now ended. As set out in the white paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 3036), the aim of tackling health inequalities is being pursued through the contributions of an extensive range of social, economic and health programmes. Consequently, there is no discrete health inequalities funding programme for which figures can be given.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170333,"EventID":"S1W-33895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from South Lanarkshire Council on the need for investment in the roads infrastructure in its area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from South Lanarkshire Council on the need for investment in the roads infrastructure in its area.","AnswerText":"We regularly receive representations on roads infrastructure issues from local authorities across Scotland, including South Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170334,"EventID":"S1W-33896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in the South Lanarkshire Council area (i) in total and (ii) per head of population i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in the South Lanarkshire Council area (i) in total and (ii) per head of population in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170335,"EventID":"S1W-33897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for closure of the Erskine Bridge as a result of adverse weather or road traffic circumstances; with whom that organisation is required to consult,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for closure of the Erskine Bridge as a result of adverse weather or road traffic circumstances; with whom that organisation is required to consult, and to whom it notifies its decision.","AnswerText":"The operating company, Amey Highways Ltd, manages and maintains the Erskine Bridge as part of the A898 trunk road. On receipt of adverse weather reports from the Met Office or for road traffic circumstances, Amey liases with the police, who have the legal power to close the bridge, the Toll Collector, APCOA Ltd, and the National Driver Information and Control System (NADICS). If a decision to close the bridge is taken, the information is passed to the Executive, APCOA, NADICS and the media.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170336,"EventID":"S1W-33898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487 and S1W-32018 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 respectively, whether it will sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487 and S1W-32018 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 respectively, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down for each heading and sub-section in sections 2.1(i), 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(d) and 2.4(e) in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, for the quarter October to December 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Performance Points to Date - Year 4, Quarter 3 2.1 (i) | Failure of Security Procedures | 240 | 2.2 (a) | Serious Injury | 0 | Minor Injury | 0 | No Injury | 5 | 2.2 (b) | Serious Injury | 0 | Minor Injury | 60 | No Injury | 70 | 2.4 (a) | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (76-95%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (66-75%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (56-65%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (Equal to or less than 55%) | 0 | 2.4 (b) | Failure to Deliver Work Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (76-95%) | 40 | Failure to Deliver Work Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (66-75%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Work Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (56-65%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Work Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (Equal to or less than 55%) | 0 | 2.4 (d) | Failure to Provide Structured Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (76-95%) | 35 | Failure to Provide Structured Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (66-75%) | 0 | Failure to Provide Structured Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (56-65%) | 0 | Failure to Provide Structured Activity Hours (Sentenced Prisoners) (Equal to or less than 55%) | 0 | 2.4 (e) | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours for Remand Prisoners (76-95%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours for Remand Prisoners (76-95%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours for Remand Prisoners (76-95%) | 0 | Failure to Deliver Regime Activity Hours for Remand Prisoners (76-95%) | 0 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170337,"EventID":"S1W-33899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31154 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what performance-related revenue deductions were incurred under the contract to operat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31154 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what performance-related revenue deductions were incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the prison's operator in the quarter October to December 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:£159,000.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170338,"EventID":"S1W-33900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30309 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 18 November 2002, how many (a) proceedings were taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30309 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 18 November 2002, how many (a) proceedings were taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions were obtained under sections (i) 4(2), (ii) 4(3) and (iii) 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in 2001, broken down by sheriff court.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Persons Proceeded Against Under Sections 4(2), 4(3) and 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 19711, 2001 | | Section 4(2) | Section 4(3) | Section 5(3) | Proceeded against | Charge proved | Proceeded against | Charge proved | Proceeded against | Charge proved | All Courts2 | 35 | 28 | 1,139 | 827 | 615 | 429 | Non- Sheriff Courts | 1 | 0 | 297 | 244 | 6 | 4 | Sheriff Court | Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | 37 | 30 | 19 | 16 | Airdrie | 0 | 0 | 22 | 10 | 22 | 14 | Alloa | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 8 | Arbroath | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | Ayr | 0 | 0 | 18 | 6 | 31 | 17 | Banff | 0 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | Campbeltown | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | Cupar | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | Dingwall | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | | Local Authority | Number of Cases of Breach of the Peace Recorded | Number of Cases of Petty Assault Recorded | Aberdeen City | 3,826 | 3,222 | Aberdeenshire | 2,431 | 1,752 | Angus | 1,240 | 994 | Argyll and Bute | 1,722 | 566 | Clackmannanshire | 674 | 508 | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,423 | 1,073 | Dundee City | 2,714 | 1,829 | East Ayrshire | 1,658 | 1,149 | East Dunbartonshire | 772 | 516 | East Lothian | 521 | 785 | East Renfrewshire | 522 | 322 | Edinburgh, City of | 3,658 | 7,167 | Eilean Siar | 254 | 131 | Falkirk | 1,952 | 1,484 | Fife | 3,954 | 3,421 | Glasgow, City of | 16,077 | 9,836 | Highland | 3,733 | 1,982 | Inverclyde | 1,380 | 888 | Midlothian | 611 | 918 | Moray | 1,945 | 982 | North Ayrshire | 1,868 | 1,138 | North Lanarkshire | 5,093 | 3,181 | Orkney Island | 157 | 86 | Perth and Kinross | 1,288 | 944 | Renfrewshire | 2,146 | 1,829 | Scottish Borders | 931 | 1,021 The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170341,"EventID":"S1W-33903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will meet the Scottish Information Commissioner to discuss releasing into the public domain all information in re","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will meet the Scottish Information Commissioner to discuss releasing into the public domain all information in relation to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and its parent company and their involvement with the Holyrood project and what the reasons are for the SPCB's position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170342,"EventID":"S1W-33904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21898 on 24 January 2002, whether it is still the position that there was no available published credit reference for Flour City Arc","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21898 on 24 January 2002, whether it is still the position that there was no available published credit reference for Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd before the contract was awarded to the company; if this is no longer the position, on what date any such reference became available, and whether it was available before the award of the first letter of intent in December 2000.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170343,"EventID":"S1W-33905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Bovis Lend Lease (BLL) sought a credit reference in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) and, if so, on what date or dates it did so; whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Bovis Lend Lease (BLL) sought a credit reference in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) and, if so, on what date or dates it did so; whether BLL sought information relating to county court judgements in England and, if not, what the cost of such a request would have been, and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has since obtained any information about the creditworthiness of FCAM and/or Flour City International Inc and, if so, whether (a) the letter, letters or any other documents seeking or requesting such information, (b) the replies received in respect of such letters or documents and (c) any memos or other documentary evidence or verbal evidence received in relation to them will be published. ","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170344,"EventID":"S1W-33906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21898 on 24 January 2002, whether the information obtained by Bovis Lend Lease in respect of Flour City International Inc, including","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21898 on 24 January 2002, whether the information obtained by Bovis Lend Lease in respect of Flour City International Inc, including the Highlights of Financial Summary 1994-98, Condensed Balance Sheet 1997-98, Condensed Statement of Income 1997-98 and Condensed Statement of Cashflow 1996-98, will now be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) and why such information has not already been placed in SPICe.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170345,"EventID":"S1W-33907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it now holds on the average waiting time for drug treatment in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it now holds on the average waiting time for drug treatment in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Waiting time information for drug treatment is not held consistently by NHS boards. Information obtained from Drug Action Team (DAT) Corporate Action Plans on the maximum waiting times for individual care and treatment agencies in each DAT area in 2001-02 is available on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/dat/cap.htm. Information on waiting times for 2002-03 will be collected from DATs as part of this year's reporting arrangements. The Executive is currently working with key people from DATs, lead agencies and providers on practical interventions to address waiting times and on issues related to the monitoring of waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170346,"EventID":"S1W-33908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill applications it has been notified of in each of the last five years and how many have been for landfills within 3 km of existing settlements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill applications it has been notified of in each of the last five years and how many have been for landfills within 3 km of existing settlements.","AnswerText":"Planning consent for landfill is a matter for local authorities, and operational permits are a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Planning applications are not automatically notifiable to the Scottish ministers for the sole reason that they relate to landfill sites, but may be notified because of a variety of other criteria. Five applications for planning permission for landfill sites have been notified to the Scottish ministers during the last five years. The breakdown is as follows: 1998 | 1 | 1999 | 1 | 2000 | 0 | 2001 | 1 | 2002 | 2 | 2003 to date | 0 |
The Scottish Executive also becomes aware of landfill applications in the event of an appeal to the Scottish ministers against a decision of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, under section 43 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The numbers of such appeals relating to landfills in the last five years are as follows: 1998 | 2 | 1999 | 6 | 2000 | 7 | 2001 | 6 | 2002 | 3 |
Information regarding distances from settlements is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170347,"EventID":"S1W-33909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in each of the last five years to registered social landlords in grants under section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 to offset corporation tax liabilit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in each of the last five years to registered social landlords in grants under section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 to offset corporation tax liabilities incurred by housing associations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: The table details the Scottish Executive's expenditure to Registered Social Landlord's in grants under section 54 (tax relief grants) over the last five years. Year | £ million (per annual accounts) | 2001-02 | 3.514 | 2000-01 | 5.077 | 1999-2000 | 5.610 | 1998-99 | 4.477 | 1997-98 | 5.923 | Total | 24.601 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170348,"EventID":"S1W-33910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding reviewing the availability of grants under section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 that are presently paid to registered social landlor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is regarding reviewing the availability of grants under section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 that are presently paid to registered social landlords in order to mitigate their liability for corporation tax.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:A working group was established to review the impact of the withdrawal of tax relief grants. The working group's recommendation has been accepted that Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) will continue to be in receipt of tax relief grant and be able to claim 75%, 50% and 25% of their tax liability during the RSL financial years completing March 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. There will be an additional safeguard during the phasing out period whereby RSLs will be able to claim up to £100,000 if this is greater than these amounts. There is an expectation that the grant scheme will cease at the end of 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170349,"EventID":"S1W-33911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest response times are for ambulances responding to emergency calls in Carnoustie and the rest of the Angus area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest response times are for ambulances responding to emergency calls in Carnoustie and the rest of the Angus area.","AnswerText":"I refer to the answer given to S1W-33912 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170350,"EventID":"S1W-33912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of emergency category A responses has been within eight minutes in each NHS board area since the introduction of priority-based dispatch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of emergency category A responses has been within eight minutes in each NHS board area since the introduction of priority-based dispatch.","AnswerText":"The priority-based dispatch system is scheduled to be rolled out across Scotland by 2004. The system was introduced into the south east of Scotland on 1 August 2002, and into the Tayside area on 30 September. Officials from the Scottish Executive's Health Department are currently in discussion with the Scottish Ambulance Service about the frequency to which performance information should be published. In the past, the service in its annual report has published such information once a year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170351,"EventID":"S1W-33913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of access bursaries have been domiciled in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) Dumbarton parl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of access bursaries have been domiciled in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency since the bursaries were introduced.","AnswerText":"Young Scottish students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland from 2001-02 are entitled to an annual Young Students' Bursary (YSB) of up to £2,050, which replaces part of their loan support. Young Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK for the first time from 2002-03 onwards are entitled to an annual Young Students' Outside Scotland Bursary (YSO) of up to £510, which is provided in addition to their student loan entitlement. Both bursaries are provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income and eligibility is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support. In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of YSB. In the current academic year, to date, 21,384 YSB awards and 317 YSO awards have been made. The following table shows the percentage of recipients domiciled in each area since the bursaries were introduced. Area | % in 2001-02 | % in 2002-03 | (a) Argyll and Bute | 1.80 | 1.86 | (b) West Dunbartonshire | 1.97 | 2.07 | (c) Dumbarton | 1.45 | 1.76 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170352,"EventID":"S1W-33914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inclusiveness projects there are in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area and how much funding has been allocated to each such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inclusiveness projects there are in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area and how much funding has been allocated to each such project.","AnswerText":"The Pan Highlands and Islands inclusiveness project includes the Argyll and Bute area. Of the overall allocation to this project, Argyll and Bute was awarded £357,670 by the Scottish Executive for the period April 2001 to March 2004.The West Dunbartonshire local authority area is included within the Dumbarton and Lomond inclusiveness project. Scottish Executive funding of £594,500 was awarded to this project for the period April 2001 to March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170353,"EventID":"S1W-33915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Dumbarton constituency have gone into jobs from the New Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Dumbarton constituency have gone into jobs from the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Constituency statistics are only available for the New Deals for young people aged 18 to 24, for the long-term unemployed aged 25 and over and for lone parents. These statistics indicate that across these three New Deals, to the end of September 2002, a total of 1,489 people had gone into jobs within the Dumbarton constituency.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170354,"EventID":"S1W-33916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups such as lone parents or ethnic minorities in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups such as lone parents or ethnic minorities in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of Welfare to Work programmes. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations. The New Deal for Lone Parents is available on a voluntary basis in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency. Following a qualifying period of unemployment Jobcentre Plus clients are eligible to join the New Deal for Young People and the New Deal for the Long Term Unemployed. Both these programmes have targets to achieve parity of outcomes for those clients from Minority Ethnic Groups. Action Teams for Jobs, available in three Dumbarton wards - Dumbarton North, Dumbarton West and Dumbarton Central, is a programme which aims to increase employment rates amongst disadvantaged groups in employment deprived areas. This programme is available to lone parents and ethnic minorities. The action team has co-funded two One Plus Child Care training courses to help address child minding problems of lone parents returning to work. The action team is also able to provide additional funding to lone parents not available through mainstream provision. A number of disadvantaged groups have early access to the Training for Work programme (TfW). TfW offers a selection of work focused training opportunities and, in the Dunbartonshire area, is enhanced by the JOBlink project and by the Adult Recruitment and Training Credit that is available to employers recruiting unemployed TfW eligible clients.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170355,"EventID":"S1W-33917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many New Futures Fund projects have been funded in (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, (b) the Argyll and Bute Council area and (c) the West Dunbartonshire Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many New Futures Fund projects have been funded in (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, (b) the Argyll and Bute Council area and (c) the West Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"(a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency has one project: the East Dunbartonshire Multi-Agency Drug and Alcohol Forum, which works with drug misusers. (b) There are currently no New Futures Fund Projects in Argyle and Bute Council area. (c) The West Dunbartonshire Council area has one project; the West Dunbartonshire Partnership, which works with drug misusers.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170356,"EventID":"S1W-33918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Further Education Funding Council allocated to Clydebank College in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Further Education Funding Council allocated to Clydebank College in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council has been responsible for allocating funds to further education colleges since 1 July 1999, when it took over that responsibility from the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department. The annual allocations to Clydebank College were as follows: Year | £ | 1997-98 | 7,432,900 | 1998-99 | 8,346,450 | 1999-2000 | 8,386,494 | 2000-01 | 9,058,602 | 2001-02 | 13,078,008 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170357,"EventID":"S1W-33919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the gap between unemployment rates in the areas of lowest employment in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and the rate in Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the gap between unemployment rates in the areas of lowest employment in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and the rate in Scotland as a whole and whether this gap has reduced since 1999.","AnswerText":"Narrowing the gap in unemployment is a key area of the Executive's strategy for the enterprise networks. By offering a range of skills and training initiatives, Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire is working hard to ensure that employment opportunities are open to all.The answers to S1W-33915 on 18 February 2003 and S1W-33916 today, provide information on action being taken through New Deal, and other Welfare to Work Initiatives, to reduce the gap between unemployment rates in the areas of lowest employment in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, and the rate in Scotland as a whole. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Specifically, the Action Teams for Jobs Programme (available in three Dumbarton Wards - Dumbarton North, Dumbarton West and Dumbarton Central) aims to increase employment rates amongst disadvantaged groups in employment deprived areas. Statistics for the New Deal for Young People, for the long-term unemployed, and for lone parents indicate that to the end of September 2002 a total of 1,489 people had gone into jobs within the Dumbarton constituency since the introduction of these programmes. The Dumbarton constituency has benefited directly from £3.9 million from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund from the Western Scotland Objective 2 Programme 2000-2006. Projects supported will promote economic regeneration, vocational training and economic development opportunities. It is forecast that these projects will cater for 670 trainees and create 2,145 jobs. In the last five financial years to end March 2002, 11 projects creating and safeguarding jobs in the area have benefited from over £3.4 million in Regional Selective Assistance. Claimant unemployment rates have fallen in all wards in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency between January 1999 and January 2003 as shown in the following table. Residence-based claimant count unemployment rates, by all council wards in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, in January of each year between 1999-2003. Ward | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Dumbarton West | 12.5% | 11.3% | 10.2% | 10.3% | 8.3% | Dumbarton North | 11.8% | 11.5% | 10.9% | 10.2% | 7.8% | Renton/Alexandria South | 7.6% | 7.8% | 8.1% | 7.2% | 7.1% | Bonhill East | 9.0% | 8.9% | 8.2% | 7.2% | 6.4% | Haldane/Kilmaronock | 7.3% | 6.8% | 6.7% | 5.5% | 5.5% | Tullichewna/Luss | Fines Written Off in the Sheriff Courts, 1999-2000 to 2000-01| | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | No. of Fines | Value (£) | No. of Fines | Value (£) | Aberdeen | 84 | 21,615 | 51 | 10,680 | Airdrie | 71 | 15,575 | 49 | 11,823 | Alloa | 8 | 977 | 6 | 540 | Arbroath | 29 | 9,063 | 23 | 6,364 | Ayr | 64 | 22,053 | 71 | 21,782 | Banff | 3 | 506 | 2 | 490 | Campbeltown | 12 | 3,609 | 19 | 6,286 | Cupar | 4 | 850 | 1 | 250 | Dingwall | 53 | 5,812 | 39 | 5,393 | Dornoch | 3 | 553 | 3 | 375 | Dumbarton | 60 | 11,800 | 49 | 8,920 | Dumfries | 56 | 9,944 | 36 | 7,140 | Dundee | 60 | 10,446 | 73 | 16,262 | Dunfermline | 24 | 6,098 | 25 | 6,409 | Dunoon | 6 | April 2002 to December 2002Total Reports Received | Total No Proceedings | Delay Police or Reporting Agency | Delay PF | Lack of Court Resources | PF Staff Shortage | Time-Bar | 224,779 | 37,776 | 11,533 | 141 | 0 | 2 | 1,861 | As % of Total Reports | 17% | 5% | 0.06% | 0% | 0% | 0.8% |
There is strict guidance on use of these no proceedings categories by procurators fiscal when marking cases. In particular, the "time-barred" category is only to be used when the offences are time-barred at the time the report is received from the police or other reporting agency. While the overall proportion of cases marked no proceedings has remained steady, the proportion marked no proceedings because of delay in reporting by the police has increased since 2001-02, largely because of reporting problems in the Strathclyde Area. This is attributable by the police to a number of factors around an increase in detection rates, reporting policies, technology and resources. It is a temporary problem, which has been identified and is being addressed by the police, in partnership with the Area Procurators Fiscal in Strathclyde.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170362,"EventID":"S1W-33924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has instigated a review of Historic Scotland and, if so, whether the results will be made available to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has instigated a review of Historic Scotland and, if so, whether the results will be made available to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Arrangements are currently being made to undertake a review of the functions and structure of Historic Scotland. The results of the review and minister's conclusions in the light of the review will be made available to the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170363,"EventID":"S1W-33925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which consultants it commissioned to develop a strategy for the improvement of the rail network in Scotland; what the cost of the commission has been, and when in early 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which consultants it commissioned to develop a strategy for the improvement of the rail network in Scotland; what the cost of the commission has been, and when in early 2003 the strategy will be published, as referred to on page 52 of the Strategic Rail Authority's The Strategic Plan 2003: Route Descriptions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategic Rail Study was commissioned in July 2001 in partnership with the Strategic Rail Authority, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, SESTRAN, Railtrack and, latterly, NESTRANS and Dundee City Council. Work was undertaken by consultants Steer Davies Gleave at a total cost of £153,250 and the final report is expected to be published in March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170364,"EventID":"S1W-33926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33187 by Iain Gray on 15 January 2003, what consideration the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is giving to the proposed Borders rail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33187 by Iain Gray on 15 January 2003, what consideration the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is giving to the proposed Borders rail service in relation to any bids received, or expected to be received, for the new passenger rail franchise, given that the timetable for the development and opening of the line falls within the term of the next franchise award.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has been directed by the Scottish ministers to deliver an enhanceable franchise for ScotRail. This means, among other things, that new or improved services associated with new infrastructure can be introduced into the franchise throughout its life. The franchise will contain a mechanism to ensure that new services are introduced on reasonable terms as and when the new infrastructure becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170365,"EventID":"S1W-33927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) rapes and (b) attempted rapes have been reported to the police in each year since 1997 and how many convictions were secured following such reports, broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) rapes and (b) attempted rapes have been reported to the police in each year since 1997 and how many convictions were secured following such reports, broken down by (i) police force and (ii) local authority area.","AnswerText":"The available information on crimes of rape and assault with intent to rape which were recorded by the police, and on persons with a charge proved in court where rape and assault with intent to rape was the main offence, is given in the following tables. Data on persons with a charge proved is not available by local authority area. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process. Crimes of Rape Recorded by the Police by Police Force Area, Scotland, 1997-2001 Police Force Area | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Scotland | 570 | 613 | 591 | 562 | 589 | Central | 12 | 19 | 5 | 14 | 33 | Dumfries and Galloway | 14 | 25 | 40 | 19 | 16 | Fife | 25 | 35 | 32 | 54 | 42 | Grampian | 54 | 76 | 82 | 60 | 55 | Lothian and Borders | 144 | 151 | 111 | 119 | 130 | Northern | 24 | 26 | 36 | 15 | 21 | Strathclyde | 217 | 215 | 218 | 219 | 240 | Tayside | 80 | 66 | 67 | 62 | 52 |
Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts for Rape (Main Offence) by Police Force Area, 1997-2001 Police Force area | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Scotland | 29 | 37 | 27 | The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170368,"EventID":"S1W-33930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21634 on 22 January 2002, whether the summaries given in the Holyrood Progress Group's newsletters of the group's question and answe","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21634 on 22 January 2002, whether the summaries given in the Holyrood Progress Group's newsletters of the group's question and answer sessions have been (a) accurate, (b) impartial and (c) complete and what plans it has for such summaries in future to be prepared by the Parliament's official reporters to ensure accuracy, impartiality and completeness.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170369,"EventID":"S1W-33931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21635 on 22 January 2002, whether the construction managers of the Holyrood project hold any information on the amounts due to sub-c","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21635 on 22 January 2002, whether the construction managers of the Holyrood project hold any information on the amounts due to sub-contractors of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and, in particular, on any claims in respect of unpaid debts owing to said sub-contractors and, if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will obtain such information and place it in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170370,"EventID":"S1W-33932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there was any regular arrangement for meetings between representatives of Bovis Lend Lease and Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) about the progress ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there was any regular arrangement for meetings between representatives of Bovis Lend Lease and Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) about the progress of FCAM in relation to fulfilling its obligations under the works package awarded to it; on what dates any such meetings took place or were due to take place, and whether any minutes of, or other documents showing the matters discussed at, such meetings will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170371,"EventID":"S1W-33933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21636 on 22 January 2002, what contractors other than Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd have used the Holyrood site as their ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21636 on 22 January 2002, what contractors other than Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd have used the Holyrood site as their business address.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170372,"EventID":"S1W-33934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new lifelong learning strategy will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new lifelong learning strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"Our interim response welcomed the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee's Report on their Inquiry into Lifelong Learning. When I spoke at the parliamentary debate on the report on 27 November 2002, I indicated that we would publish a strategy for lifelong learning early this year. That strategy, Life Through Learning; Learning Through Life, will be published today. It sets out the Executive's strategy for lifelong learning and identifies our key goals. The committee's findings have been taken into account in its development. A summary will also be published. My final response to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee's Inquiry will be laid before Parliament tomorrow. Copies of these documents will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. (Bib. numbers 26050, 26051 and 26052 respectively).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170373,"EventID":"S1W-33935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4038 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 February 2000, how many full-time equivalent members of staff have been employed by it and each exe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4038 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 February 2000, how many full-time equivalent members of staff have been employed by it and each executive agency and associated departments in each year since 1 April 1999 and how many members of staff have transferred to the Scotland Office since its formation.","AnswerText":"The full-time equivalent of permanent staff employed in the main departments in each year between 1 April 1999 and 1 February 2003 in The Scottish Office and Scottish Executive are set out in the following table. In the past four years, the definition of the core Scottish Executive (Scottish Office) has changed with movements of responsibilities into and out of the Office/Executive. The figures shown in the table have been backdated as far as possible for comparison purposes. The main changes to note are HM Inspectorate of Education became an agency in 2001, resulting in 150 staff transferring from the core Education Department. The Food Standards Agency was created in 2001 and assumed responsibility in Scotland from the core Environment and Rural Affairs Department (40 staff). Communities Scotland became an agency in 2001 (380 staff) and in 2002 a new agency, Accountant in Bankruptcy (80 staff), was created. Scottish Executive/Office, Agencies and Associated Departments Full-time Equivalent Permanent Staff April 1999 to February 2003 | 1 Apr 99 | 1 Apr 00 | 1 Apr 01 | 1 Apr 02 | 1 Feb 03 | Scottish Executive/Office | 3,366.7 | 3,634.3 | 3,823.5 | 4,122.6 | 4,272.5 | Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal | 1,065.8 | 1,117.1 | 1,162.9 | 1,251.7 | 1,364.5 | Agencies and Associated Departments | Accountant in Bankruptcy | 82.0 | 78.0 | 81.3 | 86.9 | 79.7 | Fisheries Research Service | 256.5 | 254.9 | 275.3 | 305 | 321.7 | HMI Education | 148.8 | 143.5 | 152.4 | 160.6 | 150.5 | Student Awards Agency for Scotland | 126.8 | 122.8 | 136.3 | 137.2 | 130.1 | Scottish Agricultural Science Agency | 114.3 | 128.4 | 130.7 | 138.8 | 136.9 | Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | Year | 1 Jan 2002 | Press Officers | 44 | Support for Press Office/Publicity | 12 | Publicity Officers | 4 | Internal Communications | 0 | Support for Internal Communications | 0 | Forward Planning | 3 | Support for Forward Planning | 1 | Brix Team | 2 | Web Team | 3 | Media Monitoring Unit | 3 | Total Number of MCG staff | 72 |
Note: Figures are calculated on a full-time equivalent basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170375,"EventID":"S1W-33937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons are to be learnt from any complaint by Troon Business Association about the Executive's involvement in the publicity and public relations for the visit of H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons are to be learnt from any complaint by Troon Business Association about the Executive's involvement in the publicity and public relations for the visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Troon on 30 October 2002 in connection with the centenary of the sailing of the vessel Scotia to the Antarctic.","AnswerText":"The Executive carried out its role fully and in accordance with its normal remit for Royal engagements. Current operational procedures have proved to be both efficient and effective. It is of course for the media, both local and national, to choose which royal engagements they wish to cover.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170376,"EventID":"S1W-33938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a letter from Associated British Ports (ABP) about the publicity and public relations for the visit to Troon of Her Royal Highness The Princess Ro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a letter from Associated British Ports (ABP) about the publicity and public relations for the visit to Troon of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on 30 October 2002 in connection with the centenary of the sailing of the vessel Scotia to the Antarctic and, if so, what response it has made, or plans to make; whether one of its officials advised ABP to leave the matter of publicity to the Executive; whether the visit received sufficient publicity, and what its position is on the concerns of ABP regarding the adequacy of the publicity that the visit received.","AnswerText":"Associated British Ports (ABP) has not written to the Scottish Executive about this matter. A representative of ABP telephoned the Scottish Executive shortly before the visit to request accreditation for its photographer. This request was granted and the standard conditions for use of host photographers at royal engagements were explained. This was the only aspect of media coverage discussed with ABP. I am satisfied that the Scottish Executive carried out its role fully and in accordance with normal operational procedures for royal engagements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170377,"EventID":"S1W-33939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual net salary, inclusive of overtime payments, of (a) senior house officers, (b) specialist registrars and (c) consultants has been in the Greater G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual net salary, inclusive of overtime payments, of (a) senior house officers, (b) specialist registrars and (c) consultants has been in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170378,"EventID":"S1W-33940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Arts Council's Youth Music Audit will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Arts Council's Youth Music Audit will be published.","AnswerText":"The Audit of Youth Music Provision by the Scottish Arts Council, Youth Music and the Musician's Union, What's going on, was published on 26 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170379,"EventID":"S1W-33941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to ensure that any public concern about gas leaks, such as the one reported from Park Place and Westport in Lanark, is reflected in urgent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to ensure that any public concern about gas leaks, such as the one reported from Park Place and Westport in Lanark, is reflected in urgent action by the relevant authorities and supervised by those responsible for public safety.","AnswerText":"Gas safety is a reserved matter. Transco is responsible for running the gas emergency service under its licence conditions. This service is provided free of charge, at point of delivery, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round. The Health and Safety Executive monitors Transco's overall safety performance. Local authorities and the emergency services are primarily concerned with consequence management. As part of their emergency planning responsibilities, local authorities are required to have in place arrangements to deal with the consequences of major gas leaks. Their response and that of the emergency services would reflect the expert advice of the pipeline operator.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170380,"EventID":"S1W-33942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2474 by the First Minister on 6 February 2003, whether the use of the quotation contained in that answer, taken from an article of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2474 by the First Minister on 6 February 2003, whether the use of the quotation contained in that answer, taken from an article of mine in The Herald on 22 October 2001, and intended to show support for the stance taken by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on the national theatre and its funding, was complete without including the next sentence in the article, \"But, equally, to invest in existing theatre and leave the national theatre plan hanging in the air where it has been for the past decade or more would indicate no ambition for Scottish arts and culture and no commitment to making progress\", and whether the use of the quotation in that manner by the First Minister was contrary to the founding principles of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The use of quotations in answers to parliamentary questions, in debates and in speeches is a perfectly legitimate practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170381,"EventID":"S1W-33943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all female frontline NHS, local authority and care home staff that were, or may have been, pregnant were warned against any potentially harmful effects of flu va","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all female frontline NHS, local authority and care home staff that were, or may have been, pregnant were warned against any potentially harmful effects of flu vaccines containing thimerosal.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Not all influenza vaccines used in the UK contain thiomersal (also referred to as thimerosal) in the final product. With the exception of hypersensitivity reactions, there is no evidence that exposure to levels of thiomersal contained in influenza vaccine causes harm to adults or children. Similarly, with regard to vaccination of pregnant women, there is no evidence that the thiomersal content of influenza vaccine causes harm to the developing foetus. The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The MCA has advised that, as with any effective medicine or vaccine, influenza vaccine is not without side effects in some recipients. The risks and side effects associated with immunisation with influenza vaccine are stated in the product information for the vaccine. The recommendation of the Department of Health, outlined in its publication, Immunisation Against Infectious Disease (1996), is that the vaccine should not be given during pregnancy unless there is a specific indication. In general, it is the responsibility of the prescribing physician to weigh the possible risks of vaccination against the possible risks of clinical infection with influenza virus during pregnancy, and to discuss these risks and benefits with patients as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170382,"EventID":"S1W-33944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly people in each NHS trust are on the waiting list for a placement in a care home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many elderly people in each NHS trust are on the waiting list for a placement in a care home.","AnswerText":"Information on the total number of patients aged over 65 in NHS hospitals awaiting placement in a care home is shown in table 1. The figures relate to 15 October 2002, the latest date for which information is centrally available. Table 1: Patients Ready for Discharge - Numbers Waiting for a Care Home Placement1 Aged 65+, by NHS Trust, as at 15 October 2002 NHS Trust | Number of Patients Ready for Discharge Waiting for a Care Home Placement Aged 65+ | Scotland | 1,346 | Argyll and Clyde | Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust | 23 | Lomond and Argyll Primary Care NHS Trust | 27 | Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust | 142 | Ayrshire and Arran | | Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust | 28 | Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust | 63 | Ayrshire and Arran (other) | 20 | Borders | Borders General Hospital NHS Trust | - | Borders Primary Care NHS Trust | 30 | Dumfries and Galloway | Dumfries and Galloway Health Board | - | Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care NHS Trust | 5 | Fife | Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust | 14 | Fife Primary Care NHS Trust | 74 | Forth Valley | Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust | 7 | Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust | 48 | Grampian | Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust | 31 | Grampian Primary Care NHS Trust | 168 | Greater Glasgow | South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust | 58 | North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust | 122 | Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust | 21 | Highland | Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust | 22 | Highland Primary Care NHS Trust | The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170384,"EventID":"S1W-33946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18874 on 12 October 2001, whether any further work has been carried out by other contractors on (a) work initially carried out by Fl","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18874 on 12 October 2001, whether any further work has been carried out by other contractors on (a) work initially carried out by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) and (b) design and specialist cladding services provided by FCAM and, if so, whether he will give full details of (i) the services provided and (ii) the total cost of such services.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170385,"EventID":"S1W-33947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood project have (a) been completed and (b) not been completed and what the reasons are for any such contracts n","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which works package contracts let in relation to the Holyrood project have (a) been completed and (b) not been completed and what the reasons are for any such contracts not having been completed; what the (i) original estimated cost was and (ii) current estimated cost is of any uncompleted contracts, and what the estimated date of completion is of each such contract.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170386,"EventID":"S1W-33948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraphs 6 and 7 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the advert or adverts were p","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraphs 6 and 7 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the advert or adverts were placed for the tender of the cladding and windows package for the MSP block of the Holyrood project; whether copies of such adverts will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and on what date, and by what means, the two bids received in respect of this package were submitted.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170387,"EventID":"S1W-33949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 14 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the construction managers were fir","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 14 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the construction managers were first alerted by any member, employee or representative of the Bovis group of companies to any problems and difficulties in respect of the Canary Wharf project that was undertaken by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) and terminated in August 2001; whether information received in respect of this matter was passed on to any member of the Holyrood project team, the Holyrood Progress Group or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and, if so, on what date, and whether, prior to award of the contract, references were received from any other member of the Bovis group and, if so, from which member and in respect of which other contracts undertaken by FCAM or any other member of the Flour City International group of companies.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these 36 questions are in addition to the 113 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my Answer of 12 February 2003. I have written to the Member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170388,"EventID":"S1W-33950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many hits there have been on each of the Parliament's interactive discussion boards on the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many hits there have been on each of the Parliament's interactive discussion boards on the internet.","AnswerText":"Since February 2002 in total 994,015 hits have been recorded on the parliament's interactive forum web pages. Statistics on the number of hits, broken down by individual interactive forum, are not, however, available "Hits" measure the volume of data downloaded from a website, and is only one way of measuring web centred activity. Another is to measure the number of individual visitors and here statistics are available which break down activity by discussion forum. In total 9,972 people have visited the Scottish Parliament interactive discussion forum since February 2002. In terms of individual forum, this total breaks down as follows. Aberdeen Forums: 628 (6.3%) Children's Hospice: 235 (2.37%) Democracy Online: 920 (9.23%) Europe: 245 (2.46%) International Women's Day: 898 (9%) Hamish Henderson: 631 (6.33%) Scottish Education: 827 (8.29%) Post Office: 536 (5.37%) Future of Europe: 347 (3.48%) Middle East: 853 (8.55%) Chronic Pain: 3,327 (33.36%) Value Nurses: 635 (6.37%)","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170389,"EventID":"S1W-33951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is responsible for the maintenance of the Murray Fountain in James Square, Crieff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is responsible for the maintenance of the Murray Fountain in James Square, Crieff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not responsible for the maintenance of the Murray Fountain in James Square, Crieff. Responsibility for the maintenance, repair and protection of statues and monuments lies with the owner, or the body in which it is vested. However, section 96 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 enables local authorities to require the owner of any statue or monument not owned by them, which is located in a public place, to keep it in good repair.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170390,"EventID":"S1W-33952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what minimum notice periods must be complied with prior to surrendering the leases for the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall and other buildings in the parliamentary estate","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what minimum notice periods must be complied with prior to surrendering the leases for the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall and other buildings in the parliamentary estate.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's lease of the Assembly Hall may be surrendered on provision of six months' written notice. No notice is required where the lease is surrendered at the end of the period of lease. There are no notice periods stipulated by our current arrangements with the City of Edinburgh Council in respect of 369 and 375 High Street, the Parliamentary Headquarters on George IV Bridge, the Committee Chambers or Cannonball House. The Parliament's lease of office accommodation at the Tun may be surrendered by either party with effect from 28 May 2004, on provision of not less than six months' written notice. There are no notice periods stipulated by the Parliament's lease of the Interim Visitor Centre, also at the Tun. Finally, the Parliament's license in respect of interim office accommodation at the MWB Business Exchange in Edinburgh may now be terminated on provision of three months' written notice.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170391,"EventID":"S1W-33953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisation is, or will be, implementing the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with regard to the provision of rail infrastructure; what fundi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisation is, or will be, implementing the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with regard to the provision of rail infrastructure; what funding has been allocated towards the cost of implementing such requirements; what action it plans to take on the matter, and what the timescale for any such action is.","AnswerText":"The implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with regard to the provision of railway infrastructure is the responsibility of the Department of Transport.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170392,"EventID":"S1W-33954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed by VisitScotland and what the staff costs have been in each year since 1999, broken down by department and salary band.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been employed by VisitScotland and what the staff costs have been in each year since 1999, broken down by department and salary band.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170393,"EventID":"S1W-33955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33304 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 February 2003, whether the figure of 1.4 million lorry miles removed from roads was an estimated figu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33304 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 February 2003, whether the figure of 1.4 million lorry miles removed from roads was an estimated figure; if so, on what basis the figure was calculated and what the actual number of miles removed from roads has been.","AnswerText":"The 1.4 million lorry miles figure referred to in the previous answer was the actual number, based on data collected from the companies concerned as part of the Scottish Executive's Freight Facilities Grant monitoring programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170394,"EventID":"S1W-33956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff (a) were recruited by and (b) left VisitScotland in each month since June 2002, broken down by department and salary band.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff (a) were recruited by and (b) left VisitScotland in each month since June 2002, broken down by department and salary band.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170395,"EventID":"S1W-33957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the recent announcements by the Strategic Rail Authority will have on the service provided currently, and due to be provided in the future, on the East Coast ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the recent announcements by the Strategic Rail Authority will have on the service provided currently, and due to be provided in the future, on the East Coast Main Line.","AnswerText":"Current and future proposals, which the Strategic Rail Authority has for the East Coast Main Line, in common with those it has for the rest of the UK railway network, are laid out in its Strategic Plan, published in January.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170396,"EventID":"S1W-33958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the recent announcements by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will have on any construction of rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports; what funding th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the recent announcements by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will have on any construction of rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports; what funding the SRA has indicated that it will provide for such projects, and when any such funding will be made available. ","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are considering the consultants' report on options for rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, published on 12 February. The SRA were members of the study's steering group. Final decisions on the options have not been taken by ministers, and funding requirements have therefore yet to be established.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170397,"EventID":"S1W-33959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund or support an action for judicial review against the Strategic Rail Authority in relation to its recent announcements on cuts in expenditure; if so,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund or support an action for judicial review against the Strategic Rail Authority in relation to its recent announcements on cuts in expenditure; if so, to what extent; which aspects of the decisions will be reviewed, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170398,"EventID":"S1W-33960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent under the modern facilities at stations scheme, broken down by project and date of expenditure, since the inception of the scheme; how much remain","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent under the modern facilities at stations scheme, broken down by project and date of expenditure, since the inception of the scheme; how much remains to be spent, and what future projects are planned, broken down by date and cost.","AnswerText":"The modern facilities at stations scheme is the responsibility of the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170399,"EventID":"S1W-33961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has called for a report into the circumstances in which a person on the sex offenders' register was employed at Castle Douglas swimming pool.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has called for a report into the circumstances in which a person on the sex offenders' register was employed at Castle Douglas swimming pool.","AnswerText":"We have asked Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and Disclosure Scotland to report on the circumstances of this case from their respective perspectives to see what lessons there are to be learned. We will consider what changes in practice and procedures may be required in the light of the reports.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170400,"EventID":"S1W-33962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was undertaken to ensure best value in encouraging growth in the credit union and community banking movement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research was undertaken to ensure best value in encouraging growth in the credit union and community banking movement.","AnswerText":"The aim of the Scottish Executive's support for credit unions is to remove barriers to credit union growth and ensure credit unions have access to support and development services. To date, the Executive's funding is providing support through compliance training, health checks and business planning. Funding has also been provided for capacity building that will help credit unions to extend their membership and the services they offer. We are currently monitoring the outcomes of the Executive's investment. To inform the next phase of the Executive's work, we have funded the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations to carry out research on credit union IT capacity. This has been made available to the Scottish Credit Union Partnership. Executive funded research will begin shortly looking at volunteer training needs with a summary of research findings to be published in the Scottish Executive Social Research Series at www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch in June 2003. A Community Banking initiative currently exists in Wester Hailes. This was originally supported with a Pathfinder grant from the Scottish Executive. Communities Scotland is currently undertaking an evaluation of this model which will look at the potential of replicating it in other areas. Communities Scotland is currently supporting Capital City Partnership's Edinburgh-wide financial inclusion strategy which aims to co-ordinate financial inclusion work across Edinburgh's Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIP). Part of this support funds the production of a baseline study which will establish the nature and scale of financial exclusion in Edinburgh SIPs and help develop local solutions In the North and East of Scotland, Communities Scotland is supporting a consortium of housing associations who are currently undertaking a feasibility study to inform the development of a joint financial inclusion project. This will include looking to identify the demand for a community banking facility.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170401,"EventID":"S1W-33963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be available for schemes funded by the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund when that fund ends.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be available for schemes funded by the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund when that fund ends.","AnswerText":"We have made no commitment to continue to fund BNSF pathfinder schemes after the programme ends in 2003-04. We are considering how the regeneration resources identified in the 2003-06 budget can be used to take forward our commitments in the Community Regeneration Statement and further announcements will follow in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170402,"EventID":"S1W-33964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which performance quarters the maximum limit of 5% of contract price for performance revenue deductions, as referred to in the second paragraph of Schedule F to the Mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which performance quarters the maximum limit of 5% of contract price for performance revenue deductions, as referred to in the second paragraph of Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, has been applied since operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock began and what the performance revenue deduction would have been in each case had there been no such maximum limit.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Quarters 1, 2 and 3 of performance year 1 and performance quarters 1, 2 and 3 of performance year 4. The contract does not provide for the calculation of performance revenue deductions where no maximum limit applies; such a figure cannot therefore be calculated.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170403,"EventID":"S1W-33965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 20 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, in respect of which aspects of awarding","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 20 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, in respect of which aspects of awarding and managing the Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd contract the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body did not obtain its own legal advice and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these four questions are in addition to the 149 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my answer of 26th February 2003. I have written to the member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170404,"EventID":"S1W-33966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 22 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, why Holyrood project management did not","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 22 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, why Holyrood project management did not obtain advice from the Parliament's legal directorate prior to issuing the interim contracts to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these four questions are in addition to the 149 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my answer of 26th February 2003. I have written to the member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170405,"EventID":"S1W-33967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 22 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the request for a parent company g","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 22 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, when the request for a parent company guarantee under the second interim contract issued to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd in January 2001 was first made; what legal advice it has received about whether such a request could be made on demand, and why the request was not made at the outset.","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these four questions are in addition to the 149 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my answer of 26th February 2003. I have written to the member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170406,"EventID":"S1W-33968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 25 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, from whom Flour City Architectural Meta","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to paragraph 25 of The 2001/02 Audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body by the Auditor General for Scotland, from whom Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (FCAM) sought an advance payment of #2 million; who made the request on behalf of FCAM; by whom it was received on behalf of the construction managers, and whether the construction managers advised (a) any other member of the Holyrood project team, (b) the Holyrood Progress Group and (c) the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body that the request had been made and, if so, whether they did so before the second interim contract was awarded and on what date such information was first conveyed by the construction managers. ","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body has noted that these four questions are in addition to the 149 the member has already asked about the Holyrood Project. Accordingly, I shall write at length to the member in due course, placing a copy in SPICe. The following is a further answer (published on 13 March 2003); see below. Sir David Steel: Pursuant to my answer of 26th February 2003. I have written to the member and placed a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 26936).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170407,"EventID":"S1W-33969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing plans for an accessible online pollution inventory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing plans for an accessible online pollution inventory.","AnswerText":"Improving public access to clear and reliable information on the environment is a core part of the Scottish Executive's commitment to environmental justice. As I explained in the answer given to question S1W-29496 on 25 September 2002, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been allocated additional resources over the three-year period covered by the 2002 spending review. The resources include funding to enable the agency to implement plans for a comprehensive online pollution inventory. SEPA will launch such an inventory within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment that will allow data to be presented against an interactive map background and searched by location information (including postcode) in August 2005. This will represent the most significant development in providing public access to environmental information since the establishment of public registers in the early 90s. The inventory will comply with the requirements of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. The precise activities required to report and the pollutants (with associated thresholds) featured will be subject to detailed consultation. An integral feature of SEPA's plans will be the involvement of key stakeholders. As a first step, SEPA will provide online access to Scottish European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) emissions, initially in tabular form by the end of May 2003. They will be presented in GIS form by the end of August. SEPA will also publish electronically water quality maps in June 2004. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170408,"EventID":"S1W-33970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortality rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constitue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortality rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency compare with the Scottish average in each year from 1996 to 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Mortality Rates from Coronary Heart Disease1 Per 100,000 Population2, 1996-2001 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Hamilton North and Bellshill | 274 | 314 | 259 | 286 | 266 | 232 | Kilmarnock and Loudoun | 309 | 359 | 292 | 327 | 263 | 256 | Scotland | 286 | 274 | 262 | 261 | 245 | 235 |
Notes: 1. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 410-414 (1996 to 1999) and Tenth Revision codes 120-125 (2000 and 2001), ischaemic heart disease. 2. The rates for the parliamentary constituencies were calculated using population data from the 2001 Census. The rates for Scotland have been calculated using the latest available mid-year population estimates. Those for 1996 to 2000 are subject to revision to make them consistent with population results from the 2001 Census. The rates have not been age standardised.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170409,"EventID":"S1W-33971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sector skills councils are currently in place and how many will be in place by the end of (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sector skills councils are currently in place and how many will be in place by the end of (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.","AnswerText":"There are presently five Trailblazer Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) in place, provisionally licensed to March 2004, and a further nine aspirant SSCs in development. The Sector Skills Development Agency expects to have (a) 10 SSCs licensed by September 2003, (b) a further eight by March 2004 and (c) a further five by March 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170410,"EventID":"S1W-33972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in respect of employment sectors that are not covered by sectors skills councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in respect of employment sectors that are not covered by sectors skills councils.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for essential functions, such as National Occupational Standards and Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks, for sectors which are not be covered by an individual Sector Skills Council rests with the Sector Skills Development Agency.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170411,"EventID":"S1W-33973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Sector Skills Development Agency has the experience and expertise to provide the services previously provided by other bodies such as Sector Skills Alliance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Sector Skills Development Agency has the experience and expertise to provide the services previously provided by other bodies such as Sector Skills Alliance Scotland and, if not, how long it will take to develop the necessary expertise.","AnswerText":"The role of the Sector Skills Development Agency is to guide, core-fund and monitor the evolving sector skills council network. Its role is independent of that of other bodies such as Sector Skills Alliance Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170412,"EventID":"S1W-33974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for installations under its central heating installation programme in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliament","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the targets are for installations under its central heating installation programme in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency for (i) all households and (ii) pensioners' homes.","AnswerText":"The targets are that any local authority stock in the area which currently lacks central heating should have it by 31 March 2004. Any housing association stock which currently lacks central heating should have it during March 2004. Owner-occupiers and private renters who are eligible for the programme should receive it by 31 March 2006 at the latest.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170413,"EventID":"S1W-33975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to address any shortage of NHS dentists in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to address any shortage of NHS dentists in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Staffing issues are, in the first instance, for the appropriate NHS boards and trusts. However, at a national level, action has been taken to tackle shortages in dentistry. In April last year, I announced a £1 million package of measures to encourage the recruitment and retention of the newly qualified dentists in Scotland. Earlier this month, I then announced a further £6 million package of measures to improve access to NHS dental treatment and modernise Scotland's dental practices, broken down to provide £3 million for new and enhanced incentives to support recruitment and retention in NHSScotland, and £3 million for dental improvements to NHS dental practices.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170414,"EventID":"S1W-33976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33579 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 February 2003, how many empty local authority houses have been brought back into use under the Emp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33579 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 February 2003, how many empty local authority houses have been brought back into use under the Empty Homes Initiative. ","AnswerText":"In total the Empty Homes Initiative (EHI) has so far brought back into use 1,318 empty properties for use by those in housing need. Local authorities took the lead in developing EHI projects often in partnership with Registered Social Landlords. No separate breakdown is available for the number of local authority houses that have been brought back into use.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170415,"EventID":"S1W-33977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing The Scottish Executive's Central Heating Programme and the Warm Deal: Annual Report 2001/02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing The Scottish Executive's Central Heating Programme and the Warm Deal: Annual Report 2001/02.","AnswerText":"The total cost was £5,500.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170416,"EventID":"S1W-33978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the construction industry under the modern apprenticeship scheme in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the construction industry under the modern apprenticeship scheme in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"There are 59 modern apprentices (MA) in the Hamilton North and Bellshill parliamentary constituency and 78 in the Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency who are training towards Construction Industry Training Board MA frameworks.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170417,"EventID":"S1W-33979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to update its policy on planning agreements between developers and local authorities made under section 50 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to update its policy on planning agreements between developers and local authorities made under section 50 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 and set out in Scottish Office Development Department Circular 12/1996.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no specific plans at present to amend the policy on planning agreements as set out in the Scottish Office Development Department Circular 12/1996. As a result of the consolidation of planning legislation, the provisions on planning agreements are now covered by section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170418,"EventID":"S1W-33980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in introducing regulations for the body piercing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in introducing regulations for the body piercing industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering the legislative options available to regulate the body piercing industry.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170419,"EventID":"S1W-33981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28163 by Ross Finnie on 30 August 2002, what action it is taking to reduce littering and flytipping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28163 by Ross Finnie on 30 August 2002, what action it is taking to reduce littering and flytipping.","AnswerText":"Currently, the Scottish Executive provides annual core funding of £234,000 to Keep Scotland Beautiful which runs a number of anti-litter initiatives. Over the last year, additional funding of £900,000 has been allocated to support elements of this programme. As part of the Executive's Quality of Life Initiative, £95 million was allocated to local authorities this year, and a further £180 million has been provided over the next three years, in addition to regular annual funding. These additional resources were made available to fund local initiatives that will improve the local environment and quality of life. Around £3 million of this year's allocation has been committed to litter reduction schemes. In addition, the Executive has made £20 million available over the next three years to put in place a network of community wardens, one of whose tasks will be to combat littering. The report on the current review of litter legislation was submitted to the Scottish Executive in December 2002 by Environmental Resources Management and will be published when the recommendations have been fully considered. The report was somewhat delayed from initial plans, in order to take account of comments from the advisory group, which included representatives from local government, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170420,"EventID":"S1W-33982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27797 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, when it will publish the feasibility study undertaken by Paisley Enterprise Research Centre o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27797 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, when it will publish the feasibility study undertaken by Paisley Enterprise Research Centre on establishing a National Centre for Women's Enterprise.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to publish the feasibility study in March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170421,"EventID":"S1W-33983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27798 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, whether it will establish a national centre for women's enterprise to promote new businesses ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27798 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, whether it will establish a national centre for women's enterprise to promote new businesses run by women and disseminate best practice.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering the case for a national centre for women's enterprise and I hope to announce a decision on the way forward in March.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170422,"EventID":"S1W-33984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any input into the Department of Trade and Industry's Women's Enterprise Strategic Framework due to be published shortly and how it intends to respond ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any input into the Department of Trade and Industry's Women's Enterprise Strategic Framework due to be published shortly and how it intends to respond to the recommendations in this report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided an input to the development of the Department of Trade and Industry's Women's Enterprise Strategic Framework. The Executive is currently considering the draft framework for Scottish interests.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170423,"EventID":"S1W-33985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for promoting businesses run by women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for promoting businesses run by women.","AnswerText":"Within the framework of A Smart, Successful Scotland, the Executive is strongly committed to encouraging and supporting women in business. A range of new measures was introduced by Scottish Enterprise under its New Approach to Entrepreneurship strategy, launched last year. At a strategic level this includes specific targets for the number of start-ups by women supported by the network, together with practical promotional activity, for example the Executive and Scottish Enterprise jointly funding a brochure promoting successful women entrepreneurs last year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170424,"EventID":"S1W-33986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002, what percentage of microcredit loans for start-up businesses go to women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002, what percentage of microcredit loans for start-up businesses go to women.","AnswerText":"While this is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise, I understand that there are currently 19 microcredit groups operating across the Scottish Enterprise area supporting some 149 clients. Approximately 92% of the clients are women.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170425,"EventID":"S1W-33987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle hate crime against people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle hate crime against people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) has established a newly constituted Race and Community Relations Standing Committee to reflect the importance ACPOS gives to diversity issues. The new committee has several portfolios, one of which is disability/mental health. ACPOS is currently consulting with major stakeholders to ascertain which issues on disability/mental health the committee should consider addressing.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170426,"EventID":"S1W-33988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is measuring the level and type of hate crime against people with learning disabilities and whether it has any performance targets in this area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is measuring the level and type of hate crime against people with learning disabilities and whether it has any performance targets in this area.","AnswerText":"The Executive collates and publishes crime statistics from information recorded by the police. The police do not record either the level or type of hate crime against people with learning difficulties or any other disabilities. Only the nature of the offence is recorded.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170427,"EventID":"S1W-33989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces are receiving any specialised diversity and hate crime related training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces are receiving any specialised diversity and hate crime related training.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police College has developed a National Equal Opportunities Training Strategy (NEOTS) which covers all aspects of equal opportunities. NEOTS training has been incorporated into the new Probationer Training Programme. In addition to this centrally delivered training, all police forces in Scotland are now running NEOTS courses. The college also delivers a two-day Diversity Awareness course. The Scottish Police College has recently appointed a Diversity Co-ordinator and is in the process of setting up a diversity panel, made up of officers from all police forces, whose remit will be to advise the college on diversity issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170428,"EventID":"S1W-33990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer police officers there have been in each police force in each of the last five financial years and in the current financial year to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many probationer police officers there have been in each police force in each of the last five financial years and in the current financial year to date.","AnswerText":"Information in the form requested is not held centrally. However, the following figures give a breakdown of entrants to probationer training at the Scottish Police College, in each of the past three years. Prior to 2000, figures were recorded for the whole of Scotland and not split between forces. Totals for 1998 and 1999 were 476 and 356 respectively. Force | Number of New Recruits | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | British Transport Police | 6 | 18 | 16 | Central | 47 | 21 | 51 | Dumfries and Galloway | 29 | 34 | 12 | Fife | 41 | 75 | 57 | Grampian | 82 | 75 | 52 | Lothian and Borders | 174 | 109 | 173 | Northern | 20 | 98 | 42 | Strathclyde | 404 | 378 | 383 | Tayside | 61 | 55 | 65 | Scotland | 864 | 863 | 851 |
Note: Recruits normally retain probationer status for around two years.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170429,"EventID":"S1W-33992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33538 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2003, in how many cases a serious assault has occurred in HM Prison Kilmarnock but no perform","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33538 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2003, in how many cases a serious assault has occurred in HM Prison Kilmarnock but no performance points have accrued to the prison operators, showing for each such case whether (a) no charges were brought in relation to the assault, (b) charges were dropped by the prosecution or (c) no conviction was obtained despite prosecution.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Performance points have not been applied in 13 such cases referred to the police because, so far as can be ascertained, there were no court proceedings and consequently no convictions. A trial is under way in one case and investigations are on-going in another 11 cases. It is not possible to say why there were no proceedings in the 13 cases, for the reasons given in the answer to question S1W-33537 on 11 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170430,"EventID":"S1W-33993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when additional results from the 2001 Census will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when additional results from the 2001 Census will be published.","AnswerText":"Further results from the 2001 Census are published by the Registrar General today in two reports. The first of these, The Registrar General's 2001 Census Report to the Scottish Parliament, provides summary statistics for the majority of census questions and topics, including where appropriate comparable statistics from the previous census in 1991. The second report, 2001 Key Statistics for Council areas and Health Board areas Scotland, provides summary statistics for the majority of census questions and topics for each council area and health board area. Copies of the reports are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 26398 and 26399 respectively), or from the GROS website (www.gro-scotland.gov.uk).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170431,"EventID":"S1W-33994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will wait until the implementation of the new EU bathing water directive in 2006 before it designates any further beaches as official bathing beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will wait until the implementation of the new EU bathing water directive in 2006 before it designates any further beaches as official bathing beaches.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to carry out a bathing waters survey this summer to find out what use is made of beaches around Scotland. Ministers will consider the findings of this survey and decide what future actions are needed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170432,"EventID":"S1W-33995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reconvene the Bathing Waters Review Panel to designate further beaches as official bathing beaches and what the reasons are for its position on this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reconvene the Bathing Waters Review Panel to designate further beaches as official bathing beaches and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There are, at present, no plans to reconvene the Bathing Waters Review Panel. While discussions continue at a European level about the revision of the Bathing Water Directive, it makes sense to work closely with our partners to ensure that we have the right information on which to take future decisions. The Scottish Executive participates in the Clean Coast Scotland Initiative and is actively involved in discussing policy development on bathing and recreational waters within this forum.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170433,"EventID":"S1W-33996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Broughty Ferry beach is the best candidate for becoming a new designated bathing beach.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Broughty Ferry beach is the best candidate for becoming a new designated bathing beach.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive plans to undertake a review of beach usage in Scotland this summer. Ministers will consider the results of this study before deciding on future bathing water designations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170434,"EventID":"S1W-33997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to assist Broughty Ferry beach in securing yellow flag status this year and what bearing being designated an officially designated bathing beac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to assist Broughty Ferry beach in securing yellow flag status this year and what bearing being designated an officially designated bathing beach would have on securing such status.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water has recently invested £100 million in upgrading the sewage treatment works for Dundee, which has resulted in much cleaner waters at Broughty Ferry. This may help Broughty Ferry achieve yellow flag status. The yellow flag is a Seaside Award which is given to beaches that are clean, safe, well-managed and comply with all appropriate legislation (including the standards of the Bathing Water Directive). Being an officially designated bathing water will have no impact on whether a beach is awarded yellow flag status.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170435,"EventID":"S1W-33998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999 in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Lou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to its Inquiry Reporters Unit in each year since 1999 in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"While information is not held centrally on a parliamentary constituency basis, the following table provides a breakdown of figures on a local authority basis. Year (1 April to 31 March) | South Lanarkshire | North Lanarkshire | East Ayrshire | 1999-2000 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2000-01 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2001-02 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2002 to date | 1 | 3 | 0 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170436,"EventID":"S1W-33999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who, or what body, will represent the collective interests of sectors skills councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who, or what body, will represent the collective interests of sectors skills councils.","AnswerText":"Any collective representation of the interests of sector skills councils is a matter for those employer-led councils to determine for themselves.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170437,"EventID":"S1W-34000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for drug trafficking in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for drug trafficking in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally on persons with a charge proved cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency. Figures for Hamilton and Kilmarnock Sheriff Courts are given in the table. Data for the year 2002 are not yet available.Persons with a Charge Proved where the Main Offence was a Drug Trafficking1 Offence in Selected Sheriff Courts, 1997-2001 Sheriff Court | Year of Sentence | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Hamilton Sheriff Court | 59 | 68 | 48 | 58 | 75 | Kilmarnock Sheriff Court | 46 | 49 | 42 | 42 | 51 |
Note: 1. Includes illegal importation, production and supply of drugs, and money laundering and other related offences.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170438,"EventID":"S1W-34001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to cocaine and crack cocaine addicts in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to cocaine and crack cocaine addicts in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the development of service provision for psychostimulant users, including cocaine and crack cocaine, was issued last August by the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit, based on the work of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse. Training modules on dealing with those with psychostimulant problems have been available from STRADA (Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol) since November 2002. It is for Drug Action Teams and their local partners to assess the level of need in their areas and to ensure that the treatment needs of their local drug using population are met. Individual Drug Action Teams will be asked to detail the work they have undertaken on psychostimulants in this year's Corporate Action Plans. I understand that, whilst the areas in question have not identified a need for specific services for cocaine and crack cocaine users, training has been commissioned for staff of existing services to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of users, should they present to services.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170439,"EventID":"S1W-34002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in postcode areas covering the (i) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in postcode areas covering the (i) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency are estimated to be eligible for free central heating under its Central Heating Installation Programme.","AnswerText":"There is no information on which to base such an estimate. Any local authority stock in these postcode areas which currently lacks central heating should have it by 31 March 2004. Any housing association stock which currently lacks central heating should have it during March 2004. Owner-occupiers and private renters who lack central heating will be given every encouragement to apply and all eligible households should receive it by 31 March 2006 at the latest.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170440,"EventID":"S1W-34003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in postcode areas covering (i) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in postcode areas covering (i) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun parliamentary constituency have (1) benefited in 2001-02 and (2) are expected to benefit in 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 under its Central Heating Installation Programme. ","AnswerText":"East Ayrshire Council installed central heating in 133 dwellings in 2001-02, and expect to install it in 80 dwellings in 2002-03 and 203 dwellings in 2003-04. South Lanarkshire Council installed central heating in 863 dwellings in 2001-02, and expect to install it in 1,094 dwellings in 2002-03 and 1,100 dwellings in 2003-04. All council houses in these areas should have central heating by 31 March 2004. North Lanarkshire does not take part in the Central Heating Installation Programme; all its stock having central heating. Eaga are responsible for delivering the Central Heating Installation Programme to owner-occupiers and private renters. They collect data by main postcode area. That data shows that 195 private dwellings in the KA postcode area had central heating installed in the period from October 2000 to 31 January 2001. One hundred and thirteen private dwellings in the ML postcode area had central heating installed in the same period. There is no estimate of the number of private householders in these areas who will benefit during the remainder of the programme, but Eaga will make every effort to ensure that everyone who is eligible is made aware of the programme and encouraged to apply.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170441,"EventID":"S1W-34004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33400 by Des McNulty on 5 February 2003, how many of the planning permission appeals in each category were in the (a) Hamilton Nort","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33400 by Des McNulty on 5 February 2003, how many of the planning permission appeals in each category were in the (a) Hamilton North and Bellshill and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudon parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held on a parliamentary constituency basis. The relevant planning authorities are North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire. The following tables therefore show the number of planning permission appeals determined by the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) and the number successful for each of the business years since 1999, in respect of each of these planning authorities. 1. North Lanarkshire | | Planning Permission Appeals Decided | Number Successful | % | 1.4.99 to 31.3.00 | 12 | 3 | 25% | 1.4.00 to 31.3.01 | 23 | 12 | 52% | 1.4.01 to 31.3.02 | 22 | 9 | 41% | 1.4.02 to 31.12.02 (part year) | 17 | 6 | 35% |
2. South Lanarkshire | | Planning Permission Appeals Decided | Number Successful | % | 1.4.99 to 31.3.00 | 28 | 10 | 36% | 1.4.00 to 31.3.01 | 37 | 12 | 32% | 1.4.01 to 31.3.02 | 25 | 11 | 44% | 1.4.02 to 31.12.02 (part year) | 21 | 10 | 48% |
3. East Ayrshire | | Planning Permission Appeals Decided | Number Successful | % | 1.4.99 to 31.3.00 | 10 | 5 | 50% | 1.4.00 to 31.3.01 | 13 | 7 | 54% | 1.4.01 to 31.3.02 | 24 | 10 | 42% | 1.4.02 to 31.12.02 (part year) | 13 | 5 | 38% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170442,"EventID":"S1W-34005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Annual Report: Achievements 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Annual Report: Achievements 2002.","AnswerText":"The cost of publishing and printing the Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Annual Report: Achievements 2002 was £4,400, and was met in full by Jobcentre Plus. The Scottish Executive distributed the majority of the reports through its internal courier system. External posting costs amounted to approximately £150.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170443,"EventID":"S1W-34006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what attention is being paid to diversity by the Scottish Social Services Council when it considers which qualifications will be recognised for people working in the soc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what attention is being paid to diversity by the Scottish Social Services Council when it considers which qualifications will be recognised for people working in the social services workforce, given that diversity is one of the key principles underpinning the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"In developing the proposed qualification framework, the Scottish Social Services Council has taken account of the diverse nature of social services in Scotland. Extensive consultation has been undertaken with a wide range of bodies to ensure that the framework reflects the requirements of the different users and providers of social services. Account has been taken of the need to increase qualifications across the sector yet retain a balance with the need to be inclusive and recognise the full range of skills and attributes necessary to deliver quality social services for the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170444,"EventID":"S1W-34007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what viruses and diseases haemophiliacs have been exposed to through blood transfusion products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what viruses and diseases haemophiliacs have been exposed to through blood transfusion products.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) screens blood donations for HIV, HTLV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C. SNBTS has no knowledge of any of these infections having been transmitted to any haemophiliacs by transfusion of plasma derivatives manufactured by SNBTS since April 1987. This is an area in which the science is very complex. I will write to you providing further information and will place copies of my letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170445,"EventID":"S1W-34008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether blood products are being tested for hepatitis G.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether blood products are being tested for hepatitis G.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service does not screen blood donations for this virus because it is unaware of any evidence that it causes any illness in humans.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170446,"EventID":"S1W-34009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether blood transfusion products are not being tested for hepatitis G and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether blood transfusion products are not being tested for hepatitis G and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34008 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170447,"EventID":"S1W-34010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any reduction in fishing effort in the white fish sector has arisen due to the cancellation, sale or transferring of licences outwith the recent decommissioning s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any reduction in fishing effort in the white fish sector has arisen due to the cancellation, sale or transferring of licences outwith the recent decommissioning scheme in each of the last three years and, if so, what the si'e of such a reduction has been in each year.","AnswerText":"It is certainly the case that a number of white fish licences have been used, and more are expected to be used, to licence incoming pelagic vessels. This will have the effect of reducing licensed white fish capacity and could lead to reductions in white fish fishing effort. It is extremely difficult to track the effects of these and other licence transactions: an exercise to do so would take some time and resources and could only be undertaken at likely disproportionate cost. However, work done previously to inform discussions in the joint industry/Departmental Working Group on fishing vessel licensing suggested that over 1998 and 1999, in licence transactions involving over 10 metre vessels, the average increase in effort of vessels new to the fleet (measured in GT days) was 34%. This was offset to some extent by a 10% drop in the fishing effort of donor licence vessels, following re-licensing. The effects on fishing mortality of such transactions will also depend, amongst other things, on the efficiency of the vessels concerned, including as a result of technological gains. Overall, it seems unlikely that licence transactions have resulted in a real reduction in fishing effort in the white fish sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170448,"EventID":"S1W-34011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mother and baby in-patient units carry out treatment of perinatal mental illness, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mother and baby in-patient units carry out treatment of perinatal mental illness, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"At present there are no mother and baby in-patient units carrying out treatment of perinatal mental illness in Scotland. However, a number of NHS boards are considering the development of mother and baby units in their areas. In this respect NHS Greater Glasgow's proposals to develop an interim six-bedded mother and baby in-patient unit adjacent to the Psychiatric Department at the Glasgow Southern General Hospital are the most advanced. Funding has been secured for this project, which will come on stream at the beginning of 2004. In the longer term, NHS Greater Glasgow has plans for a permanent six-bedded unit as part of the reconfiguration of in-patient sites across the city. In December 2002 I asked NHS Scotland's regional planning groups to consider the benefits of providing joint admission services for post-natal depression on a shared, regional, basis. This issue will be an agenda item for the regional partnership networks, which bring together the Chief Executives of the five NHS boards in each Scottish region. Progress will be assessed in April.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170449,"EventID":"S1W-34012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued regarding the treatment of perinatal mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued regarding the treatment of perinatal mental illness.","AnswerText":"Four key sets of guidance have issued concentrating on the earliest possible detection and best care responses for mother, child and wider family. All are available in the Parliament's reference Centre: The 1996 Working Group on Maternity Services guidance on detection and early intervention, (Bib. number 26494), the March 1999 guidance on pre- and post natal depression services, (Bib. number 24358), the October 2001 advice on the contribution to be made through psychological interventions (Bib. number 23704) and the management of Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis, (Bib. number 25439) published in June 2002 by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network offering advice based on a review of the latest evidence.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170450,"EventID":"S1W-34013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been diagnosed with a perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been diagnosed with a perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested. While some discharge data is available there are concerns over accuracy. Indications are that some admissions are recorded as for depression or other psychosis, rather than specifically for perinatal depression or psychosis. Work continues to improve the accuracy of data collection. Patients Discharged from Psychiatric Specialties1 with a Diagnosis2 of Postnatal Depression or Puerperal Psychosis Years Ending 31 March | Postnatal Depression | Puerperal Psychosis | 1998 | 35 | 16 | 1999 | 32 | 12 | 2000 | 14 | 13 | 2001 | 29 | 9 | 2002 Provisional | 28 | 15 |
Source: ISD SMR04 Linked Database. Notes: 1. The number of patients with a diagnosis of postnatal depression or puerperal psychosis (separately) discharged in each financial year. Individual patients may be counted separately in each year. 2. Patients with a diagnosis of postnatal depression or puerperal psychosis in any one of six possible diagnoses on discharge.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170451,"EventID":"S1W-34014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have been recorded as a result of perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have been recorded as a result of perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Deaths due to perinatal mental illness have not been recorded by the General Register Office for Scotland during the period. The most recent Report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the United Kingdom 1997-1999, which records information on causes of maternal deaths occurring during pregnancy and immediately thereafter, reports 42 deaths as attributable to psychiatric causes. The report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18324).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170452,"EventID":"S1W-34015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist services are provided in each NHS board area for the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist services are provided in each NHS board area for the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental illness.","AnswerText":"While this is primarily a matter for local NHS systems, there is evidence that progress is being made locally in the provision of perinatal services. This includes the introduction of nurse consultants specialising in perinatal mental illness and the development of integrated care pathways (ICPs) for the early detection and management of perinatal mental health problems. However, I realise that there is further work to be taken forward in this area and, in December 2002, I asked NHS Scotland's regional planning groups to consider the benefits of providing joint admission in-patient services for post-natal depression on a shared, regional, basis. This issue will be an agenda item for the regional partnership networks, which bring together the Chief Executives of the five NHS boards in each Scottish region. Progress will be assessed in April. The Mental Health and Well Being Support Group is also monitoring strategic planning of perinatal services throughout NHS Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170453,"EventID":"S1W-34016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been admitted to adult psychiatric wards with their babies due to perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been admitted to adult psychiatric wards with their babies due to perinatal mental illness in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170454,"EventID":"S1W-34017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to research into best practice for the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to research into best practice for the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental illness.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office within the Scottish Executive Health Department is investing £133,302 in a research project on the diagnosis of perinatal mental illness in women and their partners and is contributing £45,827 to a research fellowship into the treatment of postnatal depression. I would be pleased to receive further quality research applications on perinatal mental illness for peer and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170455,"EventID":"S1W-34018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the investigation into fraudulent activity involving the individual learning account scheme has been completed and, if not, when the investigation will be complet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the investigation into fraudulent activity involving the individual learning account scheme has been completed and, if not, when the investigation will be complete.","AnswerText":"Investigations into potentially fraudulent activity have not yet been completed. Crown Office advises that the investigative process is likely to be a lengthy one and I cannot yet say when it will be completed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170456,"EventID":"S1W-34019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers under the individual learning account scheme have been identified as having been involved in fraudulent activity and what this figure represen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers under the individual learning account scheme have been identified as having been involved in fraudulent activity and what this figure represents as a proportion of the total number of accounts opened.","AnswerText":"Fraud has not yet been proven in relation to any learning provider, although investigations are on-going in a number of cases. It is not, therefore, possible to state the proportion of fraudulent activity in relation to accounts opened. It will ultimately be a matter for the Procurator Fiscal Service to decide whether proceedings should be raised, and for the courts to determine whether fraud has been committed.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170457,"EventID":"S1W-34020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been referred to procurators fiscal and (b) arrests have been made in relation to identified fraudulent activity involving the individual learni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been referred to procurators fiscal and (b) arrests have been made in relation to identified fraudulent activity involving the individual learning account scheme.","AnswerText":"Search warrants have been executed in respect of a number of learning providers who are presently being considered by Crown Office, ahead of possible referral to procurators fiscal. A large quantity of documentation and computer records has been recovered, analysis of which is likely to be a lengthy task. No case has yet been referred to procurators fiscal and it is understood that no arrests have yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170458,"EventID":"S1W-34021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all monies owed to learning and training providers under the individual learning account scheme have been paid and, if not, which providers are still awaiting out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all monies owed to learning and training providers under the individual learning account scheme have been paid and, if not, which providers are still awaiting outstanding payments and how much is outstanding in each case.","AnswerText":"Where claims have been satisfactorily validated payment, or offer of payment, has been made.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170459,"EventID":"S1W-34022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job losses have occurred to date as a result of the termination of the individual learning accounts scheme and how it calculated this figure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job losses have occurred to date as a result of the termination of the individual learning accounts scheme and how it calculated this figure.","AnswerText":"I am unable to comment on the number of job losses which may have occurred due to the individual learning account scheme's withdrawal, as this information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170460,"EventID":"S1W-34023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation scheme it will introduce for small businesses that provided training under the individual learning account scheme and incurred losses as a result of pay","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation scheme it will introduce for small businesses that provided training under the individual learning account scheme and incurred losses as a result of payment delays while investigations took place into fraudulent activity under the scheme and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present for any compensation scheme for learning providers in respect of the individual learning account scheme. While payment delays were incurred when the scheme was closed, it was essential that thorough investigations were undertaken, to establish the scale and extent of the problems and to protect the public purse.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170461,"EventID":"S1W-34024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been of the investigation into fraudulent activity under the individual learning account scheme; what amount has been budgeted for any further inv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been of the investigation into fraudulent activity under the individual learning account scheme; what amount has been budgeted for any further investigations, and from which departmental budget such amounts will be met.","AnswerText":"Investigations into potentially fraudulent and irregular activity under the individual learning account (ILA) scheme have not yet been concluded. Until they are, the total cost of the investigations cannot be established. While a specific budget for the investigations has not been set, the cost-effectiveness of the process is being kept under review. Direct costs, thus far, have been met from the ILA budget administered by the enterprise networks on behalf of the Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170462,"EventID":"S1W-34025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the successor to the individual learning account (ILA) scheme could not have commenced within this session of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the successor to the individual learning account (ILA) scheme could not have commenced within this session of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"While good progress is being made in developing a new ILA scheme, it is essential to ensure that all the practical lessons of the first scheme are being taken fully into account. I will be giving careful consideration to the report on ILAs by Audit Scotland, due to be published in March, before announcing operational plans for the new scheme. Decisions on the timetable for introduction of the replacement scheme will be finalised when I am content that the new scheme incorporates all the necessary improvements.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170463,"EventID":"S1W-34026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements it is considering for inclusion in the administrative structure of a successor to the individual learning account scheme to overcome any difficulties ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements it is considering for inclusion in the administrative structure of a successor to the individual learning account scheme to overcome any difficulties experienced in the first.","AnswerText":"My department has undertaken a thorough review of the original individual learning account scheme, drawing on independent evaluation and extensive stakeholder consultation. The new scheme will incorporate a range of improvements, taking full account of the lessons learned from our experience of the first scheme. I will say more on this when I have had the opportunity to consider the recommendations of the Audit Scotland report on the first individual learning account scheme in Scotland, which is due to be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170464,"EventID":"S1W-34027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recipients of any blood products that have been exposed to hepatitis G are informed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recipients of any blood products that have been exposed to hepatitis G are informed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34008 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170465,"EventID":"S1W-34028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33057 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 January 2003, whether it has received a final copy of the Society of Chief Officers of Transport (SC","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33057 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 January 2003, whether it has received a final copy of the Society of Chief Officers of Transport (SCOTS) roads condition report.","AnswerText":"No. The national condition survey of local roads is being carried out by SCOTS on behalf of COSLA and local authorities. The findings of the first year's survey work have not yet been published and will be reported to those bodies in the first instance, not to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170466,"EventID":"S1W-34029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) net revenue expenditure on roads maintenance and winter maintenance and (b) gross capital expenditure on the structural maintenance of roads has been in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) net revenue expenditure on roads maintenance and winter maintenance and (b) gross capital expenditure on the structural maintenance of roads has been in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in tables number 11.1 to 11.4 of Scottish Transport Statistics No. 21, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316). For trunk roads, expenditure is expressed for the network as a whole and is not broken down into local authority areas. For local roads, table 11.1 shows expenditure for all authorities year by year, while table 11.3 breaks the most recent year down by authority. A breakdown by authority for previous years is given in earlier editions of the publication (Bib. numbers 26533, 16385, 8690 and 15770). Figures are not yet available for the year to March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170467,"EventID":"S1W-34030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will ensure that the Scottish Youth Parliament is given access to the debating chamber for its annual general mee","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will ensure that the Scottish Youth Parliament is given access to the debating chamber for its annual general meeting on 29 and 30 March 2003. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Youth Parliament has booked a venue in Glasgow for their meeting on 29 and 30 March 2003 so the SPCB is not required to ensure access to the Chamber.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170468,"EventID":"S1W-34031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is keen to encourage the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and whether it will assist the SYP by ensuring that ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is keen to encourage the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and whether it will assist the SYP by ensuring that it has access to the debating chamber for its major meetings, subject only to the requirements of other parliamentary business. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is keen to encourage the work of the SYP. SPCB staff have met with the SYP to discuss how this might be progressed. Hosting debates in the Chamber, whilst the Parliament is at the Mound, is an option that is still under discussion and it is hoped to stage a joint event later in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170469,"EventID":"S1W-34032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) #175 million for 79 projects from the Public Transport Fund and (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs will be allocated to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) #175 million for 79 projects from the Public Transport Fund and (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs will be allocated to (i) Argyll and Bute Council and (ii) West Dunbartonshire Council and what the money will be spent on.","AnswerText":"The information requested on Public Transport Fund projects can be found in the regional leaflets associated with the Scottish Executive transport delivery report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements, which was published in March 2002 and is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/transport/stdi-00.asp. Details of a further 23 projects which received awards from the Public Transport Fund were announced on 14 November 2002 in Scottish Executive News Release SE5394/2002. Details of the distribution to local authorities of £20 million for road and bridge repairs were announced on 25 February 2002 in Scottish Executive News Release SEET181/2002. Allocations of an additional £15 million to improve local roads were announced on 31 January 2003 in Scottish Executive News Release SEet255/2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170470,"EventID":"S1W-34033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any new road safety projects in the (a) West Dunbartonshire local authority, (b) Argyll and Bute local authority and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any new road safety projects in the (a) West Dunbartonshire local authority, (b) Argyll and Bute local authority and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency area in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Yes. The information is not available in the format requested, however the following road safety schemes have been implemented on trunk roads in these areas in the last four years. Year | Route | Location | Description of Measures | 1999-2000 | A82 | Garshake Road Junction | Right turn facility | 2000-01 | A82 | Crosslet | Anti-skid treatment | 2000-01 | A82 | Dumbuck Quarry | New signs, anti-skid treatment | 2000-01 | A82 | Milton and Dumbuck | New signs, anti-skid treatment | 2000-01 | A82 | Balloch to Tarbet Route Accident Reduction Plan | Signing, lining, anti-skid treatment, safety fence, chevrons and bollards | 2000-01 | A82 | Stoneymollan Roundabout | Anti-skid treatment, signing, chevrons, transverse yellow bar markings and carriageway markings. | 2000-01 | A828 | Connel to Ballachulish Route Accident Reduction Plan | Signing, lining, anti-skid treatment, chevrons and bollards | 2002-03 | A82 | Barloan Roundabout | Anti-skid treatment, signing, chevrons, refurbishment of yellow bar markings and carriageway markings. |
Information about projects undertaken by local authorities on the local road network in their areas is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170471,"EventID":"S1W-34034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to improve transport links between Dumbarton and Glasgow since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to improve transport links between Dumbarton and Glasgow since 1999.","AnswerText":"Through Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive we fund rail services between Glasgow and Dumbarton, which have recently benefited from the introduction of new electric trains. We awarded West Dunbartonshire Council over £1 million for improvements to public transport in Dumbarton town centre. We recently announced proposals to re-open the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line, which will create new transport links from Dumbarton via Glasgow to Livingston and Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170472,"EventID":"S1W-34035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area are eligible for free local off-peak bus travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area are eligible for free local off-peak bus travel.","AnswerText":"Two distinct groups are eligible for concessionary travel in Scotland - elderly people and disabled people. Data on the number of disabled people eligible for concessionary travel is not held centrally. All men and women aged 60 and over will be eligible for concessionary travel from 1 April 2003 when men aged 60 to 64 are added to those currently eligible. The 2001 census results show a total of 12,845 men and women aged 60 and over in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency and 19,353 in the West Dunbartonshire local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170473,"EventID":"S1W-34036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Strathclyde Passenger Transport has been allocated to enable free local off-peak bus travel in its area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Strathclyde Passenger Transport has been allocated to enable free local off-peak bus travel in its area.","AnswerText":"Funding for concessionary travel is allocated to local authorities as part of their unhypothecated general block grant allocation. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) has been delegated as the administrator of the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Joint Committee, and allocation of funds to SPT is a matter for the 12 unitary authorities within its area.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170474,"EventID":"S1W-34037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the annual (a) regeneration and (b) social inclusion partnership (SIP) budget was allocated to SIPs in (i) West Dunbartonshire and (ii) Argyll and Bute local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the annual (a) regeneration and (b) social inclusion partnership (SIP) budget was allocated to SIPs in (i) West Dunbartonshire and (ii) Argyll and Bute local authority area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is given in the following table. | 1997-98 (£000) | 1998-99 (£000) | 1999-2000 (£000) | 2000-01 (£000) | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | Argyll and Bute | SIP budget | - | - | 206 | 280 | 411 | 424 | 414 | Other Regeneration | - | - | - | - | 60 | 60 | 60 | West Dunbartonshire | SIP budget | - | - | 2,193 | 2,052 | 2,306 | 2,408 | 2,456 | Other Regeneration | 2,209 | 2,587 | - | - | 60 | 60 | 60" |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170475,"EventID":"S1W-34038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour through neighbourhood wardens, support schemes and other local initiatives, as referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour through neighbourhood wardens, support schemes and other local initiatives, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be allocated to the (a) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency, (b) Argyll and Bute Council and (c) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year and to what projects.","AnswerText":"The programmes to be supported under this package of funding are still being developed. Further announcements will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170476,"EventID":"S1W-34039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area in each year since 1997 and what action is being taken to reduce these figures.","AnswerText":"Information on households with children in temporary accommodation, having being placed there by the local authority under the homelessness legislation, has been collected centrally since June 2000. Information on the position (numbers and proportions) within each local authority area is available at the end of June, September, December and March each year since 2000. This information has been published in various Scottish Executive Statistical Bulletins/Statistics Releases, as shown in the table, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.Period | Table No. | Bulletin Ref. No. | Publication Date | Bib. Number | June 2000 to March 2001 | 22 | HSG/2001/4 | 27 Sep 2001 | 16396 | June 2001 | 28 | HSG/2001/6 | 18 Dec 2001 | 18220 | September 2001 | 23 | HSG/2002/1 | 26 March 2002 | 20348 | December 01 and March 02 | 13 | Stats Release | 24 Sep 2002 | 24382 | June 2002 | 4 | Stats Release | 17 Dec 2002 | 25719 | September 2002 | 4 | Stats Release | 11 Feb 2003 | 26454 |
These publications may also be found on the Published Data section of the Housing Statistics Branch Reference Website (www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/housing/hsbref). Homeless households with children may be placed in temporary accommodation for a variety of different reasons. In the main, this will be an interim short-term measure on the route to permanent accommodation. The Executive is concerned to ensure that the temporary accommodation provided for homeless households with children is of a satisfactory standard and is committed to ending the use of B&B for this purpose. To this end, funding has been provided to the authorities with most children in bed and breakfast (B&B) to provide alternative forms of temporary accommodation for homeless families, of which £289,000 was allocated to Argyll and Bute. All authorities have also received funding to increase the availability of suitable temporary accommodation more generally, following the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Guidance issued on the development of homelessness strategies also makes clear that these strategies should clearly identify which forms of non-permanent or intermediate accommodation are appropriate, and emphasises that the use of B&B provision for families should be eliminated. Strategies are due to be submitted by the end of March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170477,"EventID":"S1W-34040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rough sleepers initiative in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area since the inception of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rough sleepers initiative in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire local authority area since the inception of the initiative and how successful the initiative has been.","AnswerText":"West Dunbartonshire Council received a total of £190,357 in Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) grant in the years 1997-98 to 2001-02 to provide a range of support services for people who slept rough, or were at risk of doing so. Argyll and Bute Council received £397,360. A further £104,347 per annum has been transferred to West Dunbartonshire's Revenue Support Grant and a further £114,480 per annum to Argyll and Bute's Revenue Support Grant to ensure the continuation of these services. In May 2001 there were no people identified as sleeping rough in West Dunbartonshire in the two week period covered by the study; in the same two-week period in 2002 there were three people who identified themselves to RSI services as having slept rough. In May 2001 the total number of people identified as sleeping rough in Argyll and Bute in the two-week period covered by the study was eight. In the same two-week period in 2002 the number was four. Both councils are currently preparing Homelessness Strategies, and revising their RSI local outcome agreements. In doing so, both councils have taken into account the findings of earlier research to ensure the wider availability of services and accommodation across their areas and the fact that they now have a statutory duty to provide, at minimum, temporary accommodation, advice and assistance for anyone assessed as homeless.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170478,"EventID":"S1W-34041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure settlement has been for (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997 showing the percentage ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure settlement has been for (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997 showing the percentage change year on year.","AnswerText":"The general revenue grant settlement allocations, with percentage increases, for Argyll and Bute Council are: | | £ Million | % | 1997-98 | 108.035 | -1.83%* | 1998-99 | 107.728 | -0.28%* | 1999-2000 | 110.884 | 2.93% | 2000-01 | 113.524 | 2.38% | 2001-02 | 121.880 | 7.36% | 2002-03 | 136.675 | 12.14% | 2003-04 | 149.062 | 9.06% | 2004-05 | 158.074 | 6.05% | 2005-06 | 163.427 | 3.39% |
The general revenue grant settlement allocations, with percentage increases, for West Dunbartonshire Council are: | | £ Million | % | 1997-98 | 106.067 | -7.68%* | 1998-99 | 105.610 | -0.43%* | 1999-2000 | 110.152 | 4.30% | 2000-01 | 112.855 | 2.45% | 2001-02 | 123.778 | 9.68% | 2002-03 | 135.502 | 9.47% | 2003-04 | 146.596 | 8.19% | 2004-05 | 152.456 | 4.00% | 2005-06 | 158.714 | 4.10% |
Note: *The allocations for 1997-98 and 1998-99 reflect transfers of responsibility out of general grant (e.g. for funding the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority) and the phasing out of transitional arrangements following local government reorganisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170479,"EventID":"S1W-34042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital consent has been for (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital consent has been for (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"In each year since 1997, Argyll and Bute Council and West Dunbartonshire Council have been issued capital consents for non-housing capital expenditure from borrowing and grants as follows: Argyll and Bute | £ Million | 1997-98 | 14.962 | 1998-99 | 11.521 | 1999-2000 | 10.693 | 2000-01 | 10.936 | 2001-02 | 12.463 | 2002-03 | 16.564 |
West Dunbartonshire | £ Million | 1997-98 | 4.141 | 1998-99 | 5.773 | 1999-2000 | 6.650 | 2000-01 | 6.439 | 2001-02 | 6.213 | 2002-03 | 7.587 |
Outwith the local government settlement, Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire receive allocations of around £1.6 million and £5.7 million respectively each year for housing capital expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170480,"EventID":"S1W-34043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money additional to the grant aided expenditure settlement, for example through the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund and other such initiatives, it has awarded","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money additional to the grant aided expenditure settlement, for example through the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund and other such initiatives, it has awarded to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Council have benefited from additional resources for a range of specific initiatives. The following tables give details of some of the largest additional funds that have been allocated to the councils outwith the main revenue settlement since 1997. Argyll and Bute (£ million) | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | Housing Revenue Account Allocations | 1.582 | 1.607 | 1.607 | 1.607 | 1.607 | 1.607 | | Criminal Justice Social Work Services | 0.347 | 0.354 | 0.395 | 0.408 | 0.516 | 0.510 | | Pre-School Education Grant1 | 1.221 | 2.094 | 2.374 0.074 | 2.633 0.105 | 0.125 | | | Better Neighbourhood Services Fund | | | | | 0.600 | 0.900 | 1.200 | Strategic Waste Fund | | | | 0.080 | 1.100 | 1.810 | |
West Dunbartonshire (£ million) | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | Housing Revenue Account Allocations | 5.569 | 5.657 | 5.657 | 5.657 | 5.657 | 5.657 | | Criminal Justice Social Work Services | 0.668 | 0.714 | 0.779 | 0.884 | 0.992 | 1.037 | | Pre-School Education Grant1 | 1.074 | 2.248 | 2.341 0.044 | 1.682 0.123 | <","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170481,"EventID":"S1W-34044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP referrals to consultants there have been in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP referrals to consultants there have been in the Grampian NHS Board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested is not yet available centrally. However, an approximation for the number of referrals from GPs can be obtained from centrally held data relating to first out-patient appointments. Figures are shown in the following table for the number of consultant-led out-patient appointments for Grampian residents referred by a GP in years ending March 1998 to March 2002. These figures exclude appointments where patients did not attend. Many patients who did not attend will be offered and attend subsequent appointments and these subsequent appointments will be counted in the figures in the table. Patients who did not attend and were not offered subsequent appointments because, for example, their condition had improved and they no longer required treatment, are not counted in these figures. The number of such patients is not known so the figures in the table will undercount the total number of referrals.First Out-Patient Appointments: Grampian Residents Referred by a GP Year Ending 31 March | No. of Appointments1 | 1998 | 84,967 | 1999 | 84,591 | 2000 | 86,506 | 2001 | 82,128 | 2002 | 81,604 |
Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00. Note: 1. Referrals by GPs only. Excludes appointments where patients did not attend. Data from the GP practices themselves is being developed under the Electronic Clinical Communication Implementation Programme (ECCI). In future this will allow us to track the number of referrals as they are made by the GPs.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170482,"EventID":"S1W-34045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding the inquiry into the proposed EU regulations on official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding the inquiry into the proposed EU regulations on official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption (COM (2002)377 final).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33383 on 14 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170483,"EventID":"S1W-34046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether brown tourist signage indicating accommodation is sufficiently informative in relation to the type of accommodation available, given that such signs do not specif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether brown tourist signage indicating accommodation is sufficiently informative in relation to the type of accommodation available, given that such signs do not specify what type of accommodation is available and whether this practice is consistent with the Executive's position in respect of grading hostel accommodation from one to five stars.","AnswerText":"Commercial names on Thistle tourism signs are now being widely used to indicate the type of tourist accommodation or attraction being signposted. Only accommodation and other tourist facilities which are accredited under the VisitScotland Quality Assurance scheme can be signposted in this way; the VisitScotland Thistle logo is used to denote this.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170484,"EventID":"S1W-34047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial assistance will be provided for the promotion of the (a) Edinburgh Marathon 2003 and (b) Loch Ness Marathon 2003; whether financial assistance in me","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial assistance will be provided for the promotion of the (a) Edinburgh Marathon 2003 and (b) Loch Ness Marathon 2003; whether financial assistance in meeting part of the costs of advertising such events in journals such as Runners World may lead to a substantial return on investment for the tourism industry by spreading awareness of the events to a wider audience; whether VisitScotland provided any direct financial assistance for the Loch Ness Marathon 2002, and, if so, what the reasons are for the change in VisitScotland's position that no financial assistance was available, given in response to a letter from me urging it to provide such assistance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not been approached for financial assistance for the Edinburgh Marathon or the Loch Ness Marathon and, therefore, has no plans to support either event. It is for VisitScotland to consider the various approaches it receives for support against its objectives and priorities. I understand that VisitScotland decided against providing financial support for promotion of the Loch Ness event in both 2002 and 2003, but VisitScotland did promote the Loch Ness Marathon in its Active Scotland news release in 2002 and plans to do likewise this year. I suggest that any further questions on this particular issue be taken up directly with VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170485,"EventID":"S1W-34048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30425 by Mike Watson on 25 November 2002, how many people have visited Scotland on holiday to participate in outdoor pursuits in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30425 by Mike Watson on 25 November 2002, how many people have visited Scotland on holiday to participate in outdoor pursuits in each month of 2003 to date and what its estimate is of the total number of such visitors in 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available for each month. Complete statistical information on tourism in 2002 should be available early in April.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170486,"EventID":"S1W-34049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the procedures used by local authorities in relation to disciplining, removing or transferring head teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the procedures used by local authorities in relation to disciplining, removing or transferring head teachers.","AnswerText":"The discipline, removal or transfer of head teachers are matters for education authorities as employers. The Scottish Executive does not monitor the procedures involved.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170487,"EventID":"S1W-34050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the procedures for disciplining, removing or transferring head teachers are uniform throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the procedures for disciplining, removing or transferring head teachers are uniform throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers agreed a revised disciplinary framework for teachers on 27 November 2002. The precise details of disciplinary procedures are matters for education authorities within the context of that agreement.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170488,"EventID":"S1W-34051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of emissions of carbon dioxide were in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002, broken down by source.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of emissions of carbon dioxide were in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002, broken down by source.","AnswerText":"UK greenhouse gas emissions data, including carbon dioxide, has been disaggregated to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland annually since 2000, when data for 1990 and 1995 was first published. The most recently published data, for 1999, are available in the publication Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990-1999, available on the Executive's climate change website at www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechange. Emissions data in the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2000 are currently being disaggregated to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and Scottish emissions data by source for 2000 is expected to be available later this year. I expect data for 2001 to be available towards the end of this year and data for 2002 to be available towards the end of 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170489,"EventID":"S1W-34052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the air quality concentrations were at all monitoring sites for (a) lead, (b) particulate matter 10 emissions, (c) nitrogen dioxide, (d) carbon monoxide, (e) ground","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the air quality concentrations were at all monitoring sites for (a) lead, (b) particulate matter 10 emissions, (c) nitrogen dioxide, (d) carbon monoxide, (e) ground level o'one and (f) sulphur dioxide in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following tables. Figures are annual means for those sites in Scotland which form part of the UK monitoring network. Local authorities also undertake air quality monitoring as part of their responsibilities under the local air quality management regime, but the relevant data from their sites are not held centrally. Lead (Micro g/m3) | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Eskdalemuir | <0.007 | 0.003 | 0.002 | - | Glasgow | 0.020 | 0.017 | 0.025 | - | Motherwell | 0.016 | 0.009 | 0.016 | - |
PM 10 (Micro g/m3) | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Aberdeen | - | 19 | 15 | 18 | Edinburgh Centre | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | Glasgow Centre | 23 | 28 | 22 | 20 | Glasgow Kerbside1 | 28 | 27 | 31 | 30 | Grangemouth | - | - | - | 17 |
Nitrogen Dioxide (Micro g/m3) | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Aberdeen | - | 24 | 25 | 27 | Dumfries2 | - | - | 38 | 38 | Edinburgh Centre | 42 | 45 | 43 | 48 | Glasgow Centre | 39 | - | 34 | 33 | Glasgow City Chambers | 51 | The Statistics Publication Notice will be available on the Scottish Executive website and a hard copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170492,"EventID":"S1W-34055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an objective appraisal under the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance has been conducted for the Glasgow to Barra air link and, if so, whether it will place a c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an objective appraisal under the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance has been conducted for the Glasgow to Barra air link and, if so, whether it will place a copy in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170493,"EventID":"S1W-34056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"value for public money\" in respect of the Glasgow to Barra air link, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learnin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"value for public money\" in respect of the Glasgow to Barra air link, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the debate on the Glasgow to Barra air link on 15 January 2003 (Official Report, c 17011).","AnswerText":"Value for public money is defined by means of a financial appraisal which takes account of the benefits of the Glasgow to Barra air service compared to its associated costs. This must be placed in the context of overall transport provision to Barra and the wider constraints of public expenditure funding.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170494,"EventID":"S1W-34057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken a transport economic efficiency report looking specifically at the key benefits of the development of infrastructure such as airports and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken a transport economic efficiency report looking specifically at the key benefits of the development of infrastructure such as airports and, if so, whether it will place a copy in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The consultation document The Future Development of Air Transport in Scotland includes a detailed assessment of the impact of forecast passenger growth on airports throughout Scotland, including the impact on economic growth. The document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22825).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170495,"EventID":"S1W-34058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include children affected by bereavement as well as children affected by matrimonial proceedings in the guidelines under section 19 of the Children (Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include children affected by bereavement as well as children affected by matrimonial proceedings in the guidelines under section 19 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"Guidance on local authority plans for services for children (the subject matter of section 19 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995) issued in October 2001. It is intended to review this guidance in the light of experience with the plans drawn up in 2002 and the position of children affected by bereavement will be taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170496,"EventID":"S1W-34059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidelines under section 19 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 will state that basic training and professional development for teachers should cover bereave","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidelines under section 19 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 will state that basic training and professional development for teachers should cover bereavement.","AnswerText":"The 2nd Stage of the Review of Initial Teacher Education is due to be commissioned after the forthcoming parliamentary elections and to report around the end of 2003. A range of issues, including bereavement training, will be considered and the review will make recommendations on the skills which should be expected of teachers to achieve initial registration. We are, with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the teaching organisations, developing a National Framework for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which will be fully in place by August 2003. It is for local authorities to determine what range of continuing professional development it is appropriate to make available for their teachers within their own local frameworks.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170497,"EventID":"S1W-34060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will appoint a special NHS board to manage the National Golden Jubilee Hospital and who it will appoint to this board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will appoint a special NHS board to manage the National Golden Jubilee Hospital and who it will appoint to this board.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Centre Board (Scotland) Order 2000 (2002 Number 305), which came into force on 27 June 2002, established the hospital as a Special Health Board. Substantive appointments to the board will be made in accordance with the procedures agreed with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. That process is under way.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170498,"EventID":"S1W-34061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the patients ready for discharge, as specified by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency on 15 October 2002, were 65 and over. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the patients ready for discharge, as specified by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency on 15 October 2002, were 65 and over. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in Patients Ready for Discharge in NHSScotland - figures from 15 October 2002 census (Chart 5), published by ISD Scotland on 17 January 2003. This information is available at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Joint_futures/delayed_discharges/ready_for_discharges.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170499,"EventID":"S1W-34062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were affected by delayed discharge in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were affected by delayed discharge in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"Information on the total number of all patients who experienced a delayed discharge over a period of time (for example, a year) is not centrally available. Information is only available on the number of patients experiencing a delayed discharge at given points in time, i.e. the quarterly census points. This information is published by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency on a quarterly basis, and is available at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Joint_futures/delayed_discharges/ready_for_discharges.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170500,"EventID":"S1W-34063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much having patients ready for, but still awaiting, discharge from an NHS hospital cost the NHS (a) in total and (b) per person in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much having patients ready for, but still awaiting, discharge from an NHS hospital cost the NHS (a) in total and (b) per person in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally available. The available information on delayed discharges is published on a quarterly basis by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency and is available at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Joint_futures/delayed_discharges/ready_for_discharges.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170501,"EventID":"S1W-34065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase parental representation on its Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase parental representation on its Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum.","AnswerText":"The three-year remit for the current membership of the National Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum comes to an end in March 2003. We intend to review the work of the forum and its purpose, in the light of the proposals outlined in the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170502,"EventID":"S1W-34066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish plans for the distribution of funds from the new landfill tax credit scheme following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget report 2002 that s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish plans for the distribution of funds from the new landfill tax credit scheme following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-budget report 2002 that states that the Executive will be responsible for the funds from April 2003.","AnswerText":"I announced the Executive's plans to establish an interim fund to support sustainable waste management (category c and cc) projects currently funded by landfill tax credits on 3 February 2003. The Executive expects to receive a Barnett share of the £100 million public spending scheme announced by the Chancellor. This will be allocated to expenditure on National Waste Strategy objectives in Scotland. The mechanism for distributing these funds will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170503,"EventID":"S1W-34067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33365 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 February 2003, what the NHS board and profession is of each staff member called up in anticipation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33365 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 February 2003, what the NHS board and profession is of each staff member called up in anticipation of military action in Iraq, as requested in that question.","AnswerText":"Providing the information sought, at the level of specific NHS boards, might enable individual members of staff to be identified. I am, therefore, unable to provide the information in the form requested.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170504,"EventID":"S1W-34068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body agrees pay structures for Parliament employees and what action has been taken to determine whether the lowest rate of pay for","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body agrees pay structures for Parliament employees and what action has been taken to determine whether the lowest rate of pay for employees is adequate.","AnswerText":"Following a Grading, Structure, Efficiency and Pay Review and with the agreement of the Parliamentary Staff Trades Union Side, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) introduced a new pay and grading structure for parliamentary staff from 1 April 2002. The salary scales introduced under the new structure were determined by reference to various salary surveys covering both private and public sector organisations. The SPCB salary scales are in line with the surveyed market median, making the SPCB a median employer. The lowest rate of pay for an SPCB employee is £12,000 per annum. Compared to the minimum wage of £4.20 per hour our minimum salary is nearly 50% higher than the minimum wage. Since the SPCB offers salaries in line with the surveyed market median, the lowest salary offered compares favourably with those organisations whose salaries are aligned with the surveyed lower quartile.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170505,"EventID":"S1W-34069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are paid the national minimum wage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are paid the national minimum wage.","AnswerText":"All staff in the Scottish Executive core departments are paid above the national minimum wage.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170506,"EventID":"S1W-34070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the level of pay currently applicable to staff employed by contractors operating under contract to it and on how these levels of pay compare ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the level of pay currently applicable to staff employed by contractors operating under contract to it and on how these levels of pay compare to its employees in comparable posts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive normally buys goods and services from contractors at market prices, following open and competitive procurement. It does not hold information on its contractors' current levels of pay, nor does it monitor its contractors' rates of pay, since such matters are generally for the contractor and its employees. It is generally not possible to draw meaningful comparisons between contractors on the basis of rates of pay, or between contractors and the Scottish Executive. Details of average pay rates may be examined during the bidding process where these are considered to have a bearing on the quality of service. Where there are doubts about whether wage levels contained within a contractor's proposal could have an adverse impact on the quality of service required, the bid would not be accepted.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170507,"EventID":"S1W-34071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector workers would have benefited if the national minimum wage had been set at #5.00 an hour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector workers would have benefited if the national minimum wage had been set at #5.00 an hour.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34072 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170508,"EventID":"S1W-34072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector workers are still not in receipt of the national minimum wage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector workers are still not in receipt of the national minimum wage.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the national minimum wage is reserved to the UK Government. Such questions should be addressed to the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170509,"EventID":"S1W-34073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that an improved road gritting programme is implemented in the Highland Council area in order to ensure that pupils are able to access","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that an improved road gritting programme is implemented in the Highland Council area in order to ensure that pupils are able to access schools that remain open during snowy weather, in the light of recent experience in the area.","AnswerText":"Winter maintenance of local roads is a matter for Highland Council and it is their responsibility to put in place adequate planning and resources to ensure that a road gritting programme is implemented. Winter maintenance of trunk roads in the Highland Council area is defined in BEAR Scotland's Winter Maintenance Plan, and is monitored by the independent Performance Audit Group.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170510,"EventID":"S1W-34074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken and what additional resources are being provided to improve access to qualifications, training and support for residential childcare staff, in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken and what additional resources are being provided to improve access to qualifications, training and support for residential childcare staff, in the light of the findings of the article by G Heron and M Chakrabarti, \"Examining the perceptions and attitudes of staff working in community based children's homes: are their needs being met?\", in Qualitative Social Work, Volume 1, 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in partnership with employers, has made a significant investment in the training of the residential child care workforce. In 2001 the Executive established the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care to ensure residential child care staff across Scotland have access to the skills and knowledge they require. This has already made a significant impact. The Regulation of Care Act 2001 has created a regulatory framework for staff and residential child care staff will be amongst the first group to be registered. The act has introduced national care standards for care homes for young people. The standards are explicit about the need for employers to ensure staff are suitable and properly trained for this demanding area of practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170511,"EventID":"S1W-34075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of the role and value of children's homes in order to ensure that the most effective action is being taken to deliver a high quality s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of the role and value of children's homes in order to ensure that the most effective action is being taken to deliver a high quality service that best meets the needs of looked after children in residential care, in the light of the findings of the article by G Heron and M Chakrabarti, \"Examining the perceptions and attitudes of staff working in community based children's homes: are their needs being met?\", in Qualitative Social Work, Volume 1, 2002.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to carry out such a review. Residential care plays an important part in the range of care options available for looked after children. It can be the most appropriate placement for some young people. Residential units are being inspected by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care against National Care Standards published by Scottish ministers to ensure that they provide a high quality service. The research for the article by Harron and Chakrabarti was completed in 1999, before the establishment of the Commission and the National Care Standards. In addition the Executive continues to invest substantially in training and development in this field through funding the Scottish Institute of Residential Child Care. The Chief Social Work Inspector is preparing plans for a review of the quality of services for all looked after children.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170512,"EventID":"S1W-34076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is available to dental practices that seek the services of foreign-qualified dentists and need to support them through their pre-registration train","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is available to dental practices that seek the services of foreign-qualified dentists and need to support them through their pre-registration training prior to acceptance by the General Dental Council allowing them to practice; how many dental practices have (a) sought and (b) received such support in each of the last three years, and what sums were (i) sought and (ii) received.","AnswerText":"There are no schemes directly designed to facilitate foreign-qualified dentists entering dental practice in Scotland. Vocational training is available to both Scottish and EC graduates on a competitive basis for which appropriate funding and support is given to the dentist and their trainee.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170513,"EventID":"S1W-34077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is available to NHS boards to attract foreign dental practitioners to any dental vacancies and whether such support includes subsistence payments f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support is available to NHS boards to attract foreign dental practitioners to any dental vacancies and whether such support includes subsistence payments for such practitioners awaiting formal registration with the General Dental Council.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are able to use their normal financial allocations to advertise for and attract dentists to their region, including from overseas. As dentists working in the UK must be registered by the General Dental Council, it would not be appropriate to provide subsistence payments pending registration.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170514,"EventID":"S1W-34078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists will retire in each of the next five years; how many dental practices have given notice of closure, and whether it will provide information on dental pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists will retire in each of the next five years; how many dental practices have given notice of closure, and whether it will provide information on dental practitioner shortages, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The actual number of NHS general dental practitioners who intend to retire in the next five years is not available centrally. The following table shows the number of NHS general dental practitioners who will be aged 65 in this period. Number of NHS General Dental Practitioners Aged 65 on or Before Year to 31 March Health Board | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | Ayrshire and Arran | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Borders | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Argyll and Clyde | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Fife | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Greater Glasgow | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | Highland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Lanarkshire | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Grampian | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Lothian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Tayside | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | Forth Valley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Western Isles | 0 | 0 | 0 | Smart, Successful Scotland, Scottish Enterprise identified a need to stimulate the emergence of more high-growth technology companies in Scotland. This required the commissioning of research to develop intellectual property based upon industry-led assessment of future market opportunities. This would, in turn, be diffused into new and existing companies. Having looked at various international approaches to this problem, and with consultation within Scotland and around the world, Scottish Enterprise developed the Intermediary Technology Institute model based upon international best practice, tailored to suit the circumstances in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170516,"EventID":"S1W-34080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the applicants for the ScotRail franchise and Aberdeenshire Council regarding reopening Laurencekirk Station and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the applicants for the ScotRail franchise and Aberdeenshire Council regarding reopening Laurencekirk Station and, if so, what the outcomes of any such discussions were. ","AnswerText":"Proposals to re-open a particular station are a local transport matter and as such are the responsibility of the relevant local transport authority or transport partnership to take forward. Aberdeenshire Council, in conjunction with ScotRail and Network Rail, is currently examining the potential demand for a new passenger station at Laurencekirk. The pre-qualification process for the next franchise is currently under way, and no announcement has yet been made regarding the companies that will be invited to submit a bid. Accordingly, discussions about potential new services have not taken place.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170517,"EventID":"S1W-34081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to local authorities on the use of community consultations on school closures and mergers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to local authorities on the use of community consultations on school closures and mergers.","AnswerText":"In such cases, there is a statutory requirement on education authorities to consult parents of pupils and school boards of the schools affected, and relevant church or denominational bodies. The Scottish Office issued advice when the relevant regulations were made, drawing education authorities' attention to them.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170518,"EventID":"S1W-34082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has carried out, or is carrying out, on the recent closures of the A90 between Stonehaven and Aberdeen; what support it will give Aberdeenshire Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has carried out, or is carrying out, on the recent closures of the A90 between Stonehaven and Aberdeen; what support it will give Aberdeenshire Council in making good any resulting damage to verges, drains and the road surface on the B979 between Stonehaven and Maryculter caused by additional heavy traffic loads, and whether it will impose a weight restriction on the B979 except for strictly local access.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, before implementing the planned road closures on the A90 between Stonehaven and Aberdeen, investigated appropriate diversion routes which included discussions with the affected local road authority, Aberdeenshire Council. Appropriate diversion routes, to assist local traffic entering or leaving the affected section of A90, were identified and orders were promoted and published. The B979 is not part of the diversion routes. Local roads are the responsibility of local road authorities and it is for them to ensure that these roads are maintained and to identify any restrictions that require to be implemented in order to protect the road and its users.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170519,"EventID":"S1W-34083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) target times are between full inspections of (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) target times are between full inspections of (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graham Donaldson, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), to respond. His response is as follows: HMIE is working towards the generational cycle whereby a primary school will be inspected once every seven years and a secondary school will be inspected once every six years. We are aiming to complete the delivery of the first generational cycle by 2008 for secondary schools and 2009 for primary schools. To ensure delivery of this target, we are giving priority to schools which have yet to be inspected. For those primary schools which have been inspected twice, the average time between inspections has been 14 years. For those secondary schools which have been inspected at least twice, the average time between inspections has been nine and a half years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170520,"EventID":"S1W-34084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area have not had a full inspection in the last (i) 10, (ii) 15 and (iii) 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local authority area have not had a full inspection in the last (i) 10, (ii) 15 and (iii) 20 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graham Donaldson, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), to respond. His response is as follows: Over recent years, HMIE has increased the number of schools inspected each year. In 1996-97 152 school inspections were completed. This rose to 299 in 2002-03. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34083 on 3 March 2003, which explained that we are aiming to have inspected all primary schools by 2009 and all secondary schools by 2008. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Schools which have not yet been inspected are given priority when we plan the annual inspection programme. However, there are other factors to take in account. These include: ensuring the programme provides sufficient data about the performance of education authorities; ensuring the programme includes a broad range of schools: rural and urban; small medium and large; with a high, medium and low percentage of the roll receiving free meal entitlement, and are located across all 32 local authorities in Scotland, and ensuring the programme can provide a representative sample of data about education in Scotland. Details of the number of primary and secondary schools, by local authority area, not inspected in the last 10, 15 and 20 years is given in the following table: Local Authority | Number of Schools Not Inspected in the Last: | 10 Years | 15 Years | 20 years | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Primary | Secondary | Aberdeen City | 17 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Aberdeenshire | 52 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Angus | 14 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | Argyll and Bute | 31 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 3 | 0 | Clackmannanshire | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Dumfries and Galloway | 40 | 1 | 27 | 0 | 15 | 0 | Dundee City | The average cost of an inspection of a medium-sized primary, without a nursery class or any special units, is approximately £7,850. The average cost of an inspection of a medium-sized secondary, without any special unit, is approximately £19,925.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170522,"EventID":"S1W-34086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent by (a) it and (b) the New Opportunities Fund on creating out-of-school club places and how many places have been created since July 1999, broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent by (a) it and (b) the New Opportunities Fund on creating out-of-school club places and how many places have been created since July 1999, broken down by financial year.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive Childcare Strategy funding is provided to local authorities to meet local child care needs including out-of-school care. Funding has been allocated as follows: Financial year 1999-2000: £5.75 million 2000-01: £13.75 million 2001-02: £15.75 million Current year 2002-03: £16.75 million We do not hold centrally information on how much of this funding has been spent by local authorities on out-of-school care, or on how many places have been created. The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) provides funding for the creation and expansion of out-of-school clubs through the Out-of-School Hours Childcare Programme. Since 1999, the programme has to date allocated over £15 million and created over 32,000 child care places.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170523,"EventID":"S1W-34087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget (a) it and (b) the New Opportunities Fund has set for (i) creating and (ii) sustaining places in out-of-school clubs for each year from 2003-04 to 2005-06 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget (a) it and (b) the New Opportunities Fund has set for (i) creating and (ii) sustaining places in out-of-school clubs for each year from 2003-04 to 2005-06 and how many places will be created. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive Childcare Strategy funding is provided to local authorities to meet local child care needs, including out-of-school care. Allocations for the years 2003-06 are as follows: Financial year 2003-04: £19.25 million 2004-05: £29.75 million 2005-06: £40.65 million It is for the local authorities, with their Childcare Partnerships, to determine how these funds will be used to create and sustain child care provision, including out of school care. The New Opportunity Fund (NOF) Out-of-School Hours Childcare Programme has been extended until June 2003. £10.25 million is still available under the current programme for the creation of new child care places. Approximately £6 million is also available to provide extended two- or three-year funding to help sustain places. In addition, the NOF has made available a further £14.5 million under a new programme, New Opportunities for Quality Childcare, which could include out of school provision. The programme will run until June 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170524,"EventID":"S1W-34088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) Scots and (b) Gaelic language will be assisted by the events planned to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns.
The member has provi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) Scots and (b) Gaelic language will be assisted by the events planned to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns.
The member has provided the following translation:
A dh? fhaighneachd do Riaghaltas na h-Alba ciamar a bhios (a) Scots agus (b) Gaidhlig air an cuideachadh leis na tachartasan a thathar a? dealbhadh gus an 400mh ceann-bliadhna aig Aonadh nan Crun a chomharrachadh.","AnswerText":"A wide range of events is proposed across Scotland to commemorate the Union of the Crowns anniversary, which we believe will be of interest to all of Scotland's people. The Scottish Executive has provided the following translation: Thathar am beachd raon fharsaing de thachartasan a chur air adhart air feadh na h-Alba gus ceann bliadhna Aonadh nan Crùn a chomharrachadh agus tha sinn am beachd gum bi ùidh aig muinntir na h-Alba air fad ann an sin.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170525,"EventID":"S1W-34089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will commemorate the role that the Scots language played in literary and artistic activity in the Scottish Court at the time of the Union of the Crowns in the even","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will commemorate the role that the Scots language played in literary and artistic activity in the Scottish Court at the time of the Union of the Crowns in the events planned to mark the 400th anniversary of that union and what impact this commemoration will have on the use of Scots, particularly in literary terms.","AnswerText":"The advisory group is considering plans for a range of events, and an announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170526,"EventID":"S1W-34090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has set aside for commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns and where this budget is shown in published figures on its general expendi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has set aside for commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns and where this budget is shown in published figures on its general expenditure.","AnswerText":"The programme of events planned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns is not yet finalised, but we anticipate that the Scottish Executive will provide some funding from its Major Events budget.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170527,"EventID":"S1W-34091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns will assist in marketing Scotland as a clearly identifiable tourist destination. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns will assist in marketing Scotland as a clearly identifiable tourist destination. ","AnswerText":"Scotland's unique heritage is a proven attraction for visitors to this country, and the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns is a significant date in Scotland's rich cultural and political history. We expect that the wide range of events planned to commemorate the Union will attract more people to experience Scotland for themselves.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170528,"EventID":"S1W-34092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for the number of additional tourists that will be attracted to Scotland as a result of the events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target is for the number of additional tourists that will be attracted to Scotland as a result of the events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns.","AnswerText":"There is no target for the number of additional tourists that will be attracted to Scotland as a result of the events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170529,"EventID":"S1W-34093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the range of academic and popular views on the impact of the Union of the Crowns on the economy and culture is fully acknowledged b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the range of academic and popular views on the impact of the Union of the Crowns on the economy and culture is fully acknowledged by it and expressed through the events it is organising to commemorate the union's 400th anniversary.","AnswerText":"The advisory group is considering plans for a range of events, and an announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170530,"EventID":"S1W-34094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure effective marketing of the events that it is organising to mark the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns by emphasising the dist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure effective marketing of the events that it is organising to mark the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns by emphasising the distinctiveness of a location, rather than its similarity to other competing destinations.","AnswerText":"Events to commemorate the Union of the Crowns will be promoted by VisitScotland, area tourist boards and Historic Scotland as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170531,"EventID":"S1W-34095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fees are being paid to members of the advisory group that is assisting it in devising events and a strategy for commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Union of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fees are being paid to members of the advisory group that is assisting it in devising events and a strategy for commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns; what criteria were used to appoint the group; who appointed the members; to which minister the group will report and in what way, and whether these arrangements conform with the Nolan Committee's principles on public appointments.","AnswerText":"No fees are being paid to members of the advisory group, which consists of senior representatives of those organisations known to be involved in events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns. I invited the members of the group to participate, and they will report to the First Minister and me through the Executive. Because of the short-term nature of the group and its purely advisory role, the Union of the Crown's advisory group does not come within the scope of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170532,"EventID":"S1W-34096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33550 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 February 2003, what the expected timescale is for the implementation of changes made in the Housin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33550 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 February 2003, what the expected timescale is for the implementation of changes made in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 under which the installation of a main-door entry phone system in buildings of common ownership will be specifically identified as work eligible for financial assistance through housing improvement and repairs grants.","AnswerText":"It is expected that regulations to implement these changes will be laid before Parliament during the summer session and, if approved by Parliament, will come into force in the early autumn this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170533,"EventID":"S1W-34097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was consulted on its draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was consulted on its draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill was published for consultation on 17 January 2003. The consultation runs until 28 March 2003 and responses can be sent in writing or by e-mail. Over 7,000 copies of the draft bill have been distributed to education authorities, social work services, health officials, head teachers, parents, voluntary and other organisations. It is also available on the internet, including Parentzone, the website for parents of school age children. In addition, the Scottish Executive is running a programme of 14 seminars across Scotland, with 1,800 places, to further encourage responses to the consultation. Focus groups are being arranged with specific interests groups and children are also being consulted.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170534,"EventID":"S1W-34098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill were received and from whom they were received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill were received and from whom they were received.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34097 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170535,"EventID":"S1W-34099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long participants had to provide submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long participants had to provide submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34097 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170536,"EventID":"S1W-34100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill recommended that the Record of Needs be (a) replaced an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill recommended that the Record of Needs be (a) replaced and (b) reformed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34097 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170537,"EventID":"S1W-34101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address the increase in haemophilus influen'ae (Hib) infections over the last two and a half years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address the increase in haemophilus influen'ae (Hib) infections over the last two and a half years.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer has today written to NHSScotland providing advance notice of plans to introduce a one-off Hib vaccine booster campaign for children who will be aged between six months and four years at 1 April 2003. It also advises that additional information will be provided as soon as the start date of the campaign and other details have been finalised. Health professionals are asked to remain vigilant for the diseases caused by Hib infection, including meningitis, bacteraemia and epiglottitis. Copies of the letter have been passed to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170538,"EventID":"S1W-34102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, on what date the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" was withdrawn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, on what date the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" was withdrawn.","AnswerText":"Information about the survey was removed from the Scottish Executive website on 21 November 2002, pending an investigation into the information that had been provided by a member of the public. A statement explaining that there had been an error in the data used to draw the results for the survey, that we had been advised that the conclusions had not been materially affected by this error, and that we had decided to commission a new survey, was posted on the Scottish Executive website on 6 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170539,"EventID":"S1W-34103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grid references were used to identify the wind power sites at Hagshaw Hill, Bein Ghlass, Novar and Windy Standard for sampling purposes in the survey \"Public Attitud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grid references were used to identify the wind power sites at Hagshaw Hill, Bein Ghlass, Novar and Windy Standard for sampling purposes in the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" and how many people were interviewed at each of the four sites and in each of the 5 km, 10 km, and 20 km proximity 'ones.","AnswerText":"The grid references used to identify the four wind farms were: Hagshaw Hill | NS780300 | Bein Ghlass | NM970259 | Novar | NH610670 | Windy Standard | NS620010 |
An incorrect grid reference was used to identify Novar wind farm. The correct grid reference for Novar wind farm is NH570710. The following table shows the number of respondents interviewed, using the correct grid reference, within each of the proximity zones at each of the four wind farms. Wind Farm | 0-5 km | 5-10 km | 10-20 km | Total | Hagshaw Hill | 8 | 22 | 38 | 68 | Bein Ghlass | | 45 | 17 | 62 | Novar | | 207 | 24 | 231 | Windy Standard | | 27 | 3 | 30 | Total | 8 | 301 | 82 | 391 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170540,"EventID":"S1W-34104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to publicise the withdrawal of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to publicise the withdrawal of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\"","AnswerText":"A message explaining the action that the Executive had taken was placed on the Scottish Executive website. My officials also notified the industry representative bodies.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170541,"EventID":"S1W-34105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parties likely to become involved in applications to build wind farms have been advised that the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" has been","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parties likely to become involved in applications to build wind farms have been advised that the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" has been withdrawn and that references to this survey should be deleted from planning applications","AnswerText":"Industry representative bodies were informed about the error in the data used in undertaking the survey. The content of applications for planning consent is a matter for those submitting the application.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170542,"EventID":"S1W-34106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority planning departments have been advised that paragraph 32 in National Planning Policy Guideline NPPG6: Renewable Energy Developments and paragraph","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority planning departments have been advised that paragraph 32 in National Planning Policy Guideline NPPG6: Renewable Energy Developments and paragraph 70, including Case Study No 5, in Planning Advice Note 45: Renewable Energy Technologies should be disregarded as the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" has been withdrawn","AnswerText":"Public concern over residential and local amenity must be addressed on a case-by-case basis so the contents of these paragraphs are still very relevant. We will shortly write to planning authorities confirming that new research has now been commissioned to provide a more up to date picture even though it is not considered that the key conclusions of the previous survey are materially affected by the sampling error.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170543,"EventID":"S1W-34107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" were used as part of the decision-making process for the re-drafting of planning guid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" were used as part of the decision-making process for the re-drafting of planning guidelines in respect of the location of wind farms.","AnswerText":"The survey was not a significant consideration when National Planning Policy Guideline 6: Renewable Energy Developments was revised. Paragraph 32 of the guideline refers to the research in the context of highlighting the importance of ensuring that local residents are kept informed of individual proposals.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170544,"EventID":"S1W-34108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" have been used as part of the decision-making process in (a) local authority planning","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the survey \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" have been used as part of the decision-making process in (a) local authority planning committees and (b) public inquiries in respect of the location of wind farms","AnswerText":"Information on the considerations of local authority planning committees is not held centrally. Only one wind farm public inquiry has taken place since the survey was published. This case is currently with the Scottish ministers for decision.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170545,"EventID":"S1W-34109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, who is undertaking the new survey on public attitudes towards wind farms","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, who is undertaking the new survey on public attitudes towards wind farms","AnswerText":"Following a competitive tender process, a contract to undertake the new survey has been awarded to MORI.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170546,"EventID":"S1W-34110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its plans for the reform of civil legal aid. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its plans for the reform of civil legal aid. ","AnswerText":"I have today written to the Conveners of the Justice Committees outlining a wide-ranging package of proposed reforms, which have been agreed following intensive discussions between the Executive, the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The reforms involve three key elements: a new application and reporting regime; a new block fee structure for work in the sheriff court, and the introduction of a quality assurance scheme, based on registration and peer review, to be operated jointly by the society and the board. These reforms also respond to recommendations of the Justice 1 Committee in its report on legal aid. Taken as a whole, the package represents real modernisation of the legal aid system. Together with changes made last year to eligibility, urgency provision, and contributions, it will be the first major change in over a decade. The reforms I propose should deliver significant benefits to all of the key stakeholders. For clients, they will create a fee structure that rewards efficient and effective conduct of cases, and ensure quality of service. For solicitors, they will deliver improved remuneration in return for modernisation. For the wider public, they should ensure an adequate supply of legal practitioners across the country. For the board and the Executive - and the Scottish taxpayer - the reforms will provide better monitoring and control of cases; and simpler, more flexible and more transparent processes which will facilitate the introduction of e-business, creating more efficiencies. Overall, I believe that the package marks a significant step towards a civil legal aid system that is fit for purpose for the 21st century - a system that delivers efficient and effective access to justice for people who need it. I intend to lay regulations on the new fee structure before Parliament for approval as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170547,"EventID":"S1W-34111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the legislation governing burial and cremation that it announced on 19 July 2002 is expected.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the legislation governing burial and cremation that it announced on 19 July 2002 is expected.","AnswerText":"The review of legislation is being taken forward in a two-stage process. The first phase involves the early introduction of amended cremation regulations to address the specific issues identified by the Independent Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem. The second phase will involve establishing an external working group to prepare a more comprehensive consultation paper which identifies the issues and options for change, taking appropriate account of the relevant outcomes of the Shipman Inquiry. Details of the membership and remit of the working group will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170548,"EventID":"S1W-34112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual response times have been for ambulance services in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual response times have been for ambulance services in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years and how these figures compared with the national average.","AnswerText":"Information disaggregated below NHS board area is not readily available. The General Manager of the Service's West Central Division has advised me that he would be happy to meet with you to discuss ambulance response times in this area, together with the service's plans for future developments. I have asked him to contact you to offer such a meeting.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170549,"EventID":"S1W-34113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths there were from coronary heart disease in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years and how these figures compa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths there were from coronary heart disease in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years and how these figures compared with the national average.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease1, Clydesdale2, 1998-2001 | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Clydesdale | | | | | Number of deaths | 188 | 172 | 151 | 168 | Rate per 100,000 population3 | 319 | 291 | 255 | 283 | Scotland | | | | | Rate per 100,000 population3 | 262 | 261 | 245 | 235 |
Notes: 1. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 410-414 (1998 and 1999) and Tenth Revision codes I20-I25 (2000 and 2001), ischaemic heart disease. 2. Former Clydesdale local government district area. 3. The rates have been calculated using the latest available mid-year population estimates. Those for 1998 to 2000 are subject to revision to make them consistent with population results from the 2001 Census. The rates have not been age standardised.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170550,"EventID":"S1W-34114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call outs connected with coronary heart disease there were in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years; how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call outs connected with coronary heart disease there were in the Clydesdale area of the Lanarkshire NHS Board area in each of the last four years; how many of these call outs met the board's target response times, and how these figures compared with the national average.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34112 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170551,"EventID":"S1W-34115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a local public inquiry on consultation processes relating to the A96 Fochabers and Mosstodloch bypass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a local public inquiry on consultation processes relating to the A96 Fochabers and Mosstodloch bypass.","AnswerText":"Due to the unavailability of parties to the inquiry, it has not yet proved possible to set a date for the public local inquiry relating to the A96 Fochabers and Mosstodloch bypass. A further pre-inquiry procedure meeting is being arranged when programming of the inquiry and suitable dates will be discussed with the main parties. With statutory periods for advertising the inquiry and lodging of documents plus the intervening holiday season, it seems unlikely that the public local inquiry will be able to be arranged before September 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170552,"EventID":"S1W-34116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to implement the recommendations of the Expert Panel on School Meals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to implement the recommendations of the Expert Panel on School Meals.","AnswerText":"All of the recommendations of the panel have been accepted. £12.4 million, £21 million and £24.1 million in each of the three financial years 2003-04 to 2005-06 has been allocated to implement the recommendations. In addition, £2 million per annum will be provided to local authorities via the National Priorities Action Fund to provide fruit in schools to primary 1 and 2 children.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170553,"EventID":"S1W-34117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the annual report on its Equality Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the annual report on its Equality Strategy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive made available Making Progress: Equality Annual Report in the Parliament today (Bib. number 26548).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170554,"EventID":"S1W-34118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to recommendations of the Victoria Climbie Inquiry that are not addressed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to recommendations of the Victoria Climbie Inquiry that are not addressed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The recommendations in the Victoria Climbié Inquiry cover a wide range of child protection issues. We are carefully considering these recommendations to ensure that the lessons learned are taken into account in developing our child protection reform programme. The reform programme was announced in response to the national child protection review which reported last November. A Commissioner for Children and Young People could play an important role in this through raising the profile of children's rights and helping children to be heard.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170555,"EventID":"S1W-34119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the arrangements for private fostering.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the arrangements for private fostering.","AnswerText":"The legal framework for private fostering will be considered as part of phase II of the Adoption Policy Review, which will report next year. In addition we have surveyed all local authorities to establish the extent of private fostering.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170556,"EventID":"S1W-34120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds in former foot-and-mouth disease-infected areas have been re-stocked since the lifting of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions; how many herds have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds in former foot-and-mouth disease-infected areas have been re-stocked since the lifting of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions; how many herds have been tested for bovine tuberculosis; how many cattle have been confirmed positive, and in how many herds the source of infection was bought cattle.","AnswerText":"In the Scottish Borders area all 21 cattle herds depopulated as a result of foot-and-mouth disease have been restocked. All have been tested for bovine tuberculosis and none have tested positive. In Dumfries and Galloway, of the 523 cattle herds depopulated almost all have been restocked. All restocked herds have been tested for bovine tuberculosis. Only four cattle have tested positive and in none of these cases has infection been confirmed on the farms of origin of the bought in cattle.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170557,"EventID":"S1W-34121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed incidents of bovine tuberculosis have been identified in each local authority area in each quarter in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed incidents of bovine tuberculosis have been identified in each local authority area in each quarter in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. Confirmed Incidents of Bovine Tuberculosis 2000-02 (By Quarter) 2000 Local Authority Area | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Total | Aberdeenshire | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | | South Ayrshire | | 1 | | - | | Total | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | 4 |
2001 Local Authority Area | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Total | East Ayrshire | - | - | 1 | - | | East Lothian | 1 | - | - | - | | Total | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 |
2002 Local Authority Area | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Total | Aberdeenshire | - | - | - | 4 | | Argyll and Bute | 5 | 1 | - | 3 | | Dumfries and Galloway | | 5 | - | 1 | | East Lothian | - | 1 | - | - | | Fife | 1 | - | - | - | | Highla","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170558,"EventID":"S1W-34122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farms have restocked with cattle after the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and how many took its advice to isolate any bought cattle and to consider private bov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farms have restocked with cattle after the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and how many took its advice to isolate any bought cattle and to consider private bovine tuberculosis testing for such cattle.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of farms that have restocked with cattle is not held centrally. It is not known how many farms have taken the advice contained in the leaflet issued by my department to all Scottish cattle farmers in 2001 to isolate bought-in cattle and to consider private testing for bovine tuberculosis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170559,"EventID":"S1W-34123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what locations Scottish Water (a) holds, (b) treats and (c) otherwise disposes of sewage. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what locations Scottish Water (a) holds, (b) treats and (c) otherwise disposes of sewage. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: There are 825 wastewater treatment plants and 1,106 public septic tanks throughout Scotland in which sewage is collected, treated and disposed of. Information about the location of any of these facilities is available from Scottish Water.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170560,"EventID":"S1W-34124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water treats sewage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water treats sewage.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: There are a number of different ways sewage is treated and many factors considered in an area before treatment occurs, but in general raw sewage goes through a settlement process to separate and remove any solids. In many areas the remaining water is treated using a biological process in which naturally occurring bacteria and other organisms are used to digest any pollutant matter. Sewage then goes through a final settlement stage. An additional level of treatment, such as ultraviolet light, is also used in some cases. Scottish Water is able to discuss the process carried out at specific treatment plants in more detail with you.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170561,"EventID":"S1W-34125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) volume and (b) percentage of sewage produced has been used in land restoration sites in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) volume and (b) percentage of sewage produced has been used in land restoration sites in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: Scottish Water currently recycles sewage sludge cake to land reclamation sites. The sewage sludge cake, which is composed of 75% water and 25% of the solids removed during the treatment process, is integrated into the existing ground to produce soil conditions beneficial for forestry. Currently 20% of sludge cake from wastewater treatment plants in Scotland is recycled to land reclamation sites. The volume of sludge cake recycled in this way over the past three years is: 299,560m3 in 2002, 203,940m3 in 2001, and 29,700m3 in 2000.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170562,"EventID":"S1W-34126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what land restoration sites are currently using sewage and, in respect of each such site, where the sewage is sourced and what monitoring of the (a) local environment and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what land restoration sites are currently using sewage and, in respect of each such site, where the sewage is sourced and what monitoring of the (a) local environment and (b) health of the local population is carried out.","AnswerText":"Information on the location of sewage sludge spreading activities is not held centrally. The spreading of sewage sludge on non-agricultural land can be carried out subject to conditions set out in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. The activity is regulated by Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which will ensure that it is within the conditions. Responsibility for the protection of the health of local populations rests jointly with the local NHS board and the local authority. Action in respect of local health threats, including consideration of the need to extend the normal provision for monitoring and reporting the local incidence of disease, is a matter of decision for these bodies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170563,"EventID":"S1W-34127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures are in place to avoid (a) water and (b) aerosol contamination at land restoration sites using sewage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures are in place to avoid (a) water and (b) aerosol contamination at land restoration sites using sewage.","AnswerText":"The spreading of sewage sludge on non-agricultural land can be carried out subject to conditions set out in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, in order to ensure that the environment is protected. The activity is regulated by Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which will ensure that it is within the conditions.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170564,"EventID":"S1W-34128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures are in place to protect workers employed at land restoration sites using sewage and, in particular, what monitoring of the health of such work","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary measures are in place to protect workers employed at land restoration sites using sewage and, in particular, what monitoring of the health of such workers is carried out.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to health and safety at work. The UK Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for the regulation of risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170565,"EventID":"S1W-34129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27964 by Hugh Henry on 5 September 2002, whether each local authority listed has now (a) set up registers of interest for Social In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27964 by Hugh Henry on 5 September 2002, whether each local authority listed has now (a) set up registers of interest for Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) board members and (b) made all such registers available for public scrutiny.","AnswerText":"Eleven of the 17 authorities listed in the answer to question S1W-27964 have confirmed that registers of interest for SIP board members are in place and available for public scrutiny. Fife and Inverclyde councils are at an advanced stage in preparing registers of interest and plan to make these available for public scrutiny pending ratification by board members. The following six authorities have not yet set up registers of interest: Argyll and Bute East Renfrewshire Perth and Kinross Renfrewshire Scottish Borders Stirling It is expected that these authorities will have registers in place by 1 April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170566,"EventID":"S1W-34130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27648 by Hugh Henry on 22 August 2002, whether the review by Communities Scotland of financial procedures and practices in relation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27648 by Hugh Henry on 22 August 2002, whether the review by Communities Scotland of financial procedures and practices in relation to the Social Inclusion Partnership programme has been completed and, if it is not, when it will be completed.","AnswerText":"Communities Scotland assumed responsibility for the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund from 1 November 2001. An initial review of procedures to ensure that the programme was incorporated effectively into the agency systems has now been completed. General financial procedures and practices in relation to the Social Inclusion Partnership programme are kept under constant review.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170567,"EventID":"S1W-34131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administrative costs were of each social inclusion partnership in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administrative costs were of each social inclusion partnership in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Up to 2.5% of the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund allocation in any year may be used to meet administration costs incurred by the grant recipient. The amounts claimed in 2001-02 are shown in the following table: SIP | Administrative Costs | Great Northern | £21,250 | Argyle and Bute | 0 | Edinburgh North | £57,662 | Edinburgh South | £26,118 | Edinburgh Strategic Programme | £12,756 | Edinburgh Youth SIP | £13,956 | Edinburgh Craigmillar | £44,457 | Alloa South and East | £23,407 | Dundee Young Carers | £2,600 | Dundee SIP1 | £52,250 | Dundee SIP2 | £10,446 | Dundee Xplore | £14,806 | East Ayr Coalfields | £30,000 | Tranent | 0 | Levern Valley | 0 | Falkirk | 0 | Fife | 0 | Fife Frae | 0 | Glasgow Smaller Area | £32,292 | Glasgow Anti Racist | £14,499 | Glasgow Big Step | £11,183 | Glasgow Drumchapel | £49,154 | Glasgow East End | £53,661 | Glasgow Gorbals | £14,941 | Glasgow Greater Easterhouse | £64,550 | Glasgow Greater Govan | £17,315 | Glasgow Greater Pollock | £55,089 | Glasgow Milton | £18,262 | Glasgow North | £55,992 | Glasgow Routes Out | £6,629 | Glasgow Springburn | £16,152 | Highland Well-being | 0 | Inverclyde | ","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170568,"EventID":"S1W-34132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in 2001-02 and by how much in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in 2001-02 and by how much in each case.","AnswerText":"The Information requested is given in the following table: SIP | Total Allocation1 | Total Expenditure2 | Underspend | Aberdeen Great Northern | 1,001,500 | 1,001,500 | 0 | Argyll and Bute | 493,547 | 465,866 | 27,681 | Edinburgh North | 2,551,403 | 2,525,408 | 25,995 | Edinburgh South | 1,228,669 | 1,170,503 | 58,166 | Edinburgh Strategic Programme | 589,250 | 574,746 | 14,504 | Edinburgh Youth SIP | 634,000 | 632,215 | 1,785 | Edinburgh Craigmillar | 1,916,500 | 1,894,163 | 22,337 | Alloa South and East | 1,174,500 | 1,148,003 | 26,497 | Dundee Young Carers | 164,000 | 130,421 | 33,579 | Dundee SIP1 | 2,277,250 | 2,229,836 | 47,414 | Dundee SIP2 | 477,850 | 442,236 | 35,614 | Dundee Xplore | 652,250 | 628,892 | 23,358 | East Ayrshire Coalfields | 1,496,000 | 1,492,309 | 3,691 | Tranent | 216,000 | 216,000 | 0 | Levern Valley | 524,443 | 482,766 | 41,677 | Falkirk | 645,600 | 645,600 | 0 | Fife | 700,500 | 666,720 | 33,780 | Fife Frae | 191,000 | 189,092 | I cannot comment on whether individual cases, such as South Lanarkshire Volunteering Enterprise, will qualify for assistance under the hardship fund. This is a matter for Scottish Community Foundation who administer the fund on behalf of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170570,"EventID":"S1W-34134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of registered charities qualify under the Hardship Fund for assistance with water rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of registered charities qualify under the Hardship Fund for assistance with water rates.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34133 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. We do not hold information on the percentage of registered charities that might qualify for assistance from the Water Industry Hardship Fund.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170571,"EventID":"S1W-34135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the additional financial aid for dentistry, announced on 12 February 2003, will be deployed and how much of it will be used to ensure that dentistry services are ava","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the additional financial aid for dentistry, announced on 12 February 2003, will be deployed and how much of it will be used to ensure that dentistry services are available at locations within reasonable travelling distance for people in rural areas.","AnswerText":"I announced on 12 February, a £6 million package of measures aimed at improving dental practices and access to NHS dental treatment across Scotland. £3 million will be used for improvements to NHS dental practices of which NHS boards with rural areas will receive their share. A further £3 million is to provide for new and enhanced incentives to support the recruitment and retention of dentists and to encourage them to undertake more NHS work.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170572,"EventID":"S1W-34136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendations made by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee in paragraphs 213 and 214 of its 1st Report 2003, Report on the Futu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendations made by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee in paragraphs 213 and 214 of its 1st Report 2003, Report on the Future of Tourism in Scotland, regarding renegotiation of the private finance initiative contract for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and review of some of the airport regulatory requirements under the current Civil Aviation Authority review.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering the recommendations contained in the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee's Report on the Future of Tourism in Scotland, and will respond in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170573,"EventID":"S1W-34137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the current student support regulations on funding periods of overseas study undertaken as part of a degree course by Scottish universi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the current student support regulations on funding periods of overseas study undertaken as part of a degree course by Scottish university students.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to review these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170574,"EventID":"S1W-34138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people in the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute council area have received education maintenance allowances in each year since 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people in the (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) Argyll and Bute council area have received education maintenance allowances in each year since 2001.","AnswerText":"Education maintenance allowances (EMAs) were first piloted in West Dunbartonshire from the start of academic year 2001-02. Five hundred and twenty-six West Dunbartonshire young people received EMAs during 2001-02 and in year 2002-03 there are currently 680 being paid EMA. EMAs are not available to young people in Argyll and Bute unless they attend a secondary school in West Dunbartonshire. In 2001-02, five Argyll and Bute young people received EMAs and in 2002-03 there are 10.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170575,"EventID":"S1W-34139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487, S1W-32018 and S1W-33898 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 and 18 February 2003 r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487, S1W-32018 and S1W-33898 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 and 18 February 2003 respectively, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down for each heading and subsection in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock other than sections 2.1(i), 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(d) and 2.4(e) for the quarter October to December 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is shown in the following table. Performance Points - Year 4, Quarter 3 2.1 (a) | Absconds | 0 | 2.1 (b) | Temporary Release: Inadequate Risk Assessment | 0 | 2.1 (c) | Release of Prisoner in Error | 0 | 2.1 (d) | Failure to Provide Accurate Daily Report | 0 | 2.1 (e) | Failure to input basic Details into Prisoner Records | 0 | 2.1 (f) | Failure to Process Accurate Warrant Details | 10 | 2.1 (g) | Discovery within Prison of Smuggled-in-Items | 175 | 2.1 (h) | Key/Lock Compromise | 0 | 2.2 (c) | Incident of Concerted Indiscipline | 20 | 2.2 (d) | Incident of Hostage Taking | 0 | 2.2 (e) | Incident of Roof Climbing | 0 | 2.2 (f) | Incident of Self Harm | 15 | 2.2 (g) | Incident of Class 'A' Drugs | 400 | 2.2 (h) | Incident of Drugs Other than Class 'A' | 60 | 2.2 (i) | Contingency Planning Exercise (non-completion) | 0 | 2.2 (j) | Fire Evacuation Exercise (non-completion) | 0 | 2.2 (k) | Failure to Comply with Agreed Reporting Procedures | 10 | 2.2 (l) | Tool/Implement Loss (Recovered) | 4 | 2.2 (m) | Tool/Implement Loss (Not recovered) | 12 | 2.3 (a) | | | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Number of Patients1 | 22,180 | 21,174 | 21,090 |
Notes: 1. Chronic obstructive airways disease is defined using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), tenth revision J40-J44 (includes the following diagnoses: chronic bronchitis, emphysema and \"other chronic pulmonary disease\").","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170577,"EventID":"S1W-34141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 20 and 21 February 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 20 and 21 February 2003.","AnswerText":"I attended the one-day Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 20 February 2003, together with Lord Whitty and Mike German. There were no fisheries items on the agenda on this occasion. On agriculture, a 10-year extension of the feed additive avilamycin was agreed by qualified majority, the UK supporting the proposal. The Commission outlined its timetable and plans for GM seeds, co-existence between GM and non-GM agriculture and GM authorisations. On the last of these, the UK supported the Commission's preference for a case-by-case approach under existing GM legislation. On co-existence, the Commission plans to adopt a communication on 5 March 2003 to inform later debate. A Commission proposal for consolidating and updating the current EU rules on official food and animal feed controls was also presented. There was no substantive discussion and the Council remitted the dossier for technical discussion. The Commission reported on recent developments on agriculture in the World Trade Organization (WTO), in particular, on ministerial discussion in Tokyo which had focussed on the first draft of the \"modalities\" paper prepared by the Chairman of the WTO Agriculture Negotiating Group. Commissioner Fischler criticised the draft as unbalanced but stressed that the EU would continue to negotiate with trading partners on the basis of the EU proposal submitted in January 2003. The UK endorsed this line while noting that agreement on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reform would be the key to development of the EU position. The Presidency gave a brief report of official level work on the CAP Reform proposals published in January. There was no discussion. A full Council discussion is planned for the March meeting. Under other business, the Italians signalled their intention to seek approval of a state aid to farmers in serious financial difficulty following the bankruptcy of certain agricultural co-operatives, and Greece reported that extreme weather conditions had caused widespread damage to its farming industry in recent days.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170578,"EventID":"S1W-34142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to help any voluntary organisations, such as Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for the Blind, that have experienced a reduction in income from funders","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to help any voluntary organisations, such as Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for the Blind, that have experienced a reduction in income from funders due to the recent fall in the value of investment income.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to provide additional funding across the board to voluntary organisations disadvantaged by reductions in investment income. However, the current Strategic Funding Review aims to identify the current scale and pattern of public sector funding to the sector and will examine the scope for improving its availability, effectiveness and sustainability in the long term.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170579,"EventID":"S1W-34143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish Criminal Records Office arose from a technique employed by that office that can be, and has been, tested against national and international best practice; if so, what testing against such best practice has been undertaken in respect of such evidence and what the results of the tests were.","AnswerText":"The report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) Primary Inspection 2000 of SCRO's Fingerprint Bureau provides detailed information about, among other things, process, quality, standards and performance at the time of the inspection. The report can be found on the HMIC Website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/hmic/docs/fppi-00.asp. Further detailed information may also be found in the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland Presidential Review Report at this address http://www.scottish.police.uk/main/campaigns/interim/interim.htm. I have also asked the SCRO to write to the member about action taken to review Fingerprint Bureau practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170580,"EventID":"S1W-34144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish Criminal Records Office arises from a technique, as operated by that office, that has been subjected to peer review and publication and, if so, what peer review and publication.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34143 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170581,"EventID":"S1W-34145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish Cri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fingerprint evidence brought by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working for the Scottish Criminal Records Office has been scrutinised in the light of known or potential rates of error for the technique used in relation to this evidence and against the international standards controlling that technique's operation and, if so, what scrutiny has been undertaken and what the results of such scrutiny were. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34143 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170582,"EventID":"S1W-34146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Daubert judgement which currently governs the admissibility of expert testimony in courts in the United States of America and, in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Daubert judgement which currently governs the admissibility of expert testimony in courts in the United States of America and, in particular, the implications of the judgement with regard to the present means, technique and quality of similar evidence offered in Scottish courts, with particular reference to fingerprint evidence brought forward by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in criminal cases in the last five years from experts working in the Scottish Criminal Records Office.","AnswerText":"We have considered the recent developments in the law of expert evidence in the United States of America, including the judgements in the Daubert and Kumho Tire Co cases and the Federal Rule of Evidence No 702. The rules of evidence in Scotland in relation to skilled witnesses are comparable in many respects, but we do not consider that they have any implications for the use of expert evidence, including fingerprint evidence, in Scotland. We have, however, set out proposals for the greater use of expert evidence in some types of case. These are contained in Vital Voices, Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence: Policy Statement, paragraph 2.31, published by the Scottish Executive on 27 February 2003. Copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26600).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170583,"EventID":"S1W-34147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the judgement in the case considered in the Supreme Court of the United States of America, Kumho Tire Co v Carmichael (US 137 1999); wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the judgement in the case considered in the Supreme Court of the United States of America, Kumho Tire Co v Carmichael (US 137 1999); whether it agrees that a court's \"gatekeeping\" function in respect of the reliability of expert evidence applies to all expert evidence, whether or not it is given by scientists, and, if so, what steps it is taking to ensure that such a function is exercised in the same way in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34146 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170584,"EventID":"S1W-34148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the recent amendment to the Federal Rule of Evidence No 702 as adopted by the United States Congress which took effect on 1 December 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the recent amendment to the Federal Rule of Evidence No 702 as adopted by the United States Congress which took effect on 1 December 2000 for courts in the United States of America and, in particular, the provision in this rule that states \"if scientific, technical, or other specialised knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if (1) the testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data, (2) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case\"; whether it will assess the present rules of expert evidence in Scotland against these criteria; whether the Scottish rules fall short of this standard and, if so, in what ways, and whether it will bring forward proposals to improve rules of evidence based upon this standard.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34146 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170585,"EventID":"S1W-34150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide on the extent of football-related violence over the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can provide on the extent of football-related violence over the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not distinguish football-related incidents and the Scottish Executive has not commissioned research over the last 10 years on football-related violence. The Executive has, however, mounted research into violent crime in Scotland and that research may, in due course, be able to identify football-related incidents.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170586,"EventID":"S1W-34151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests have been made in or around football grounds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by football ground.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests have been made in or around football grounds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by football ground.","AnswerText":"Information on arrests by the police is not collected centrally. The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not identify the location of the crime.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170587,"EventID":"S1W-34152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged following arrest in or around football grounds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by football ground.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged following arrest in or around football grounds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by football ground.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170588,"EventID":"S1W-34153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that consumers of vitamin and mineral supplements are currently inadequately protected by food safety legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that consumers of vitamin and mineral supplements are currently inadequately protected by food safety legislation.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the independent expert group (the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals, EVM) was set up to examine the available evidence and advise on controls for ensuring the safety of vitamin and mineral supplements sold under food law. The EVM published a draft report for consultation on 29 August 2002 and expects to agree its final report by May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170589,"EventID":"S1W-34154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adverse reactions to vitamin and mineral supplements have been reported in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adverse reactions to vitamin and mineral supplements have been reported in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The MCA/Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) Yellow Card Scheme collates reports of suspected adverse reactions to medicines. The Yellow Card Scheme provides for voluntary reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions by general practitioners, hospital doctors, dentists, coroners, pharmacists and nurses. The MCA receives approximately 18,000 reports of suspected adverse reactions to medicines each year via the scheme. As the scheme is voluntary, not all adverse reactions are reported. The MCA also collates reports of suspected adverse reactions to vitamins and minerals. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of reports of suspected reactions received through the Yellow Card Scheme in association with vitamin and minerals over the last 10 complete years. Year | Number of Reports | 1993 | 86 | 1994 | 108 | 1995 | 147 | 1996 | 106 | 1997 | 106 | 1998 | 129 | 1999 | 159 | 2000 | 129 | 2001 | 90 | 2002 | 47 |
It is important to remember that a report of a suspected reaction does not necessarily mean that the vitamin or mineral caused it. Vitamin and mineral products are often supplied without prescription, and are often taken without advice from doctors or pharmacists. It is generally recognised that the reporting rate for medicines supplied over the counter (OTC) is lower than that of suspected adverse reactions associated with prescription medicines. To encourage reporting of suspected adverse reactions with OTC medicines, the Yellow Card Scheme was recently extended to include nurses as reporters, and will be extended to include patient reporting via NHS Direct in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170590,"EventID":"S1W-34155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has with regard to the EC directive on food supplements, given the impact on availability and choice for consumers and on the trading environment for bus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has with regard to the EC directive on food supplements, given the impact on availability and choice for consumers and on the trading environment for businesses.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the directive will not immediately outlaw any products already on the UK market. Its future impact on consumer choice and on businesses will depend on developments on additions to the permitted lists of vitamin and mineral sources and establishment of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals. The Executive intends to take full advantage of the provision in the directive which enables member states to allow, subject to certain criteria being met, the continued sale of products containing vitamin and mineral sources not yet on the permitted lists up until 31 December 2009. The Food Standards Agency continues to press the case for maximum limits to be set at levels which protect public health but do not necessarily restrict consumer choice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170591,"EventID":"S1W-34156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many free places are available in local authority-run nursery schools for three- and four-year-old children and what shortfall in places is estimated compared with pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many free places are available in local authority-run nursery schools for three- and four-year-old children and what shortfall in places is estimated compared with parental demand. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has delivered on its pledge to provide free pre-school education for every three- and four-year-old, whose parents want one. Local authorities are under a duty to secure sufficient pre-school education places to meet demand. Information supplied by local authorities shows that capacity exceeds demand. The maximum number of places available in local authority pre-school education centres is shown in Table 4 of the 2002 Pre-school and Daycare Census, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24310). In 2001-02 a total of 67,781 funded pre-school education places were available across Scotland. A further 35,689 funded pre-school education places are available in private and voluntary partner centres. As most centres cater for children on a part-time basis, it is possible for the minimum levels of pre-school education of 412.5 hours to be provided to more children than the total number of places available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170592,"EventID":"S1W-34157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities are implementing waiting lists for the provision of nursery places and, if so, how many children are on such lists, broken down by local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities are implementing waiting lists for the provision of nursery places and, if so, how many children are on such lists, broken down by local authority area. ","AnswerText":"Information received from local authorities indicates that none are implementing a waiting list for pre-school education.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170593,"EventID":"S1W-34158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of free nursery places for all three- and four-year-olds includes a guarantee of a minimum number of hours of free provision per child.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of free nursery places for all three- and four-year-olds includes a guarantee of a minimum number of hours of free provision per child.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty to secure pre-school education amounting to a minimum of 412.5 hours over the school year. Parents are free to ask for fewer hours but that does not relieve the authority from their duty to secure appropriate pre-school education provision.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170594,"EventID":"S1W-34159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum number of sessions of free nursery provision is available per child per week and how many children are receiving this level of free provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum number of sessions of free nursery provision is available per child per week and how many children are receiving this level of free provision.","AnswerText":"Each eligible child is entitled to up to 412.5 hours of free pre-school education per year. The following restrictions have been imposed on the provision of pre-school education in the interests of the child: no child should have more than three continuous hours of pre-school education without a clear rest period; education provision should not exceed five hours in any one day, and there should not be any more than five sessions of 2.5 hours of education in any one week. Many centres, of course, provide care to complement this education provision. The number of children undertaking pre-school education is shown in Table 1 of the 2002 Pre-school and Daycare Census, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24310). A total of 123,007 children were taking up their full entitlement to 412.5 hours of funded pre-school education in 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170595,"EventID":"S1W-34160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three- and four-year-old children have been in pre-school education and what proportion of these received provision in centres run by (a) local authorities, (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three- and four-year-old children have been in pre-school education and what proportion of these received provision in centres run by (a) local authorities, (b) the voluntary sector and (c) the private sector in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table. Year | Centre Type | Local Authority | Partnership | Independent | Other | Total | September 1995 | 100.0% | | | | 49,020 | September 1996 | 100.0% | | | | 50,117 | September 1997 | 100.0% | | | | 53,260 | February 1999 | 79.5% | 18.4% | 2.1% | | 79,361 | September 1999 | 75.1% | 23.0% | 1.8% | | 88,799 | January 2001 | 73.7% | 26.3% | | | 98,837 | January 2002 | 73.5% | 25.2% | | 1.3% | 98,769 |
Prior to 1998 data was only collected for children attending local authority nursery schools. In 2001-02, it was not possible to break down the data into those in the private and voluntary sectors, and those describing themselves as \"other\".","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170596,"EventID":"S1W-34161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum level of subsidy is available per child in private sector, voluntary sector or local authority pre-school centres to provide a free part-time place for ever","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum level of subsidy is available per child in private sector, voluntary sector or local authority pre-school centres to provide a free part-time place for every three- and four-year-old.","AnswerText":"Resources amounting to £137 million were transferred to the local government settlement from 2002-03. No maximum figure has been set for the provision of a pre-school education. However, an annual minimum payment per child has been set for 2002-03 and 2003-04 of £963 and £987 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170597,"EventID":"S1W-34162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated total cost of provision of free part-time places for every three- and four-year-old has been in each year since the scheme for such provision began.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated total cost of provision of free part-time places for every three- and four-year-old has been in each year since the scheme for such provision began.","AnswerText":"Prior to 2002-03, the Scottish Executive administered funding for pre-school education. It was made up of three elements, grant per place, rural and development. Grant per place was claimed by local authorities on the basis of the number of sessions undertaken by children. The rural element was allocated to 12 authorities in recognition of the difficulties and increased costs associated with operating in a rural setting. The development funding was allocated to expand the provision available for three-year-olds to meet the target of full participation. Funding for the provision of pre-school education for all three-year-olds came on stream from 1999-2000. The pre-school education grant issued to local authorities to administer since 1998-99 are shown in the following table. Year | Distributed Per Capita (£ million) | Rural Element (£ million) | Development (£ million) | Total (£ million) | 1998-99 | 42.7 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 52.1 | 1999-2000 | 85.6 | 5.8 | 20.8 | 112.3 | 2000-01 | 105.3 | 6 | 18 | 129.3 | 2001-02 | 118.2 | 6.3 | 11.6 | 136 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170598,"EventID":"S1W-34163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average ratio of qualified nursery teachers to children is in pre-school centres run by (a) local authorities and (b) the private sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average ratio of qualified nursery teachers to children is in pre-school centres run by (a) local authorities and (b) the private sector.","AnswerText":"The 2002 pre-school and daycare census was carried out in January 2002. The statistics relating to the number of teachers and children in pre-school education from the census was published in September last year. A copy of the 2002 Pre-school and Daycare Census, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24310).| | Local Authority Centres | Private/Voluntary/Other Centres | Number of Children | 79,793 | 47,246 | Number of Qualified Teachers | 1,719 | 471 | Child:Qualified Teachers Ratio | 46 | 100 |
The majority of children attend on a part-time basis. Therefore the ratio of children to staff in centres at any given time will be lower than shown in the table.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170599,"EventID":"S1W-34164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified nursery teachers have worked in pre-school education in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified nursery teachers have worked in pre-school education in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"In January 2002, there were 2,190 qualified teachers working in pre-school education centres (1,384 full-time and 806 part-time). This equalled 1,645 full-time equivalent teachers. The total number of qualified teachers working in pre-school centres is not available from the censuses carried out since 1995, but full time equivalent figures are provided in the following table. Year | Total FTE Teachers | September 1995 | 1,068 | September 1996 | 1,079 | September 1997 | 1,240 | February 1999 | 1,382 | September 1999 | 1,566 | January 2002 | 1,645 |
Full-time equivalents have been calculated on the basis of a 35-hour working week. In January 2001, the Census of Children's Daycare and Pre-School Education Centres was carried out for the first time, replacing the Census of Pre-School Education Centres. Reliable data on teacher numbers are not available from the 2001 census.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170600,"EventID":"S1W-34165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average weekly cost to parents is of full-time nursery provision in pre-school centres run by (a) the private sector, (b) the voluntary sector and (c) local aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average weekly cost to parents is of full-time nursery provision in pre-school centres run by (a) the private sector, (b) the voluntary sector and (c) local authorities.","AnswerText":"Information on the costs of full-time pre-school education and child care is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170601,"EventID":"S1W-34167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of producing and distributing the consultation document for the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of producing and distributing the consultation document for the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The total cost of printing the consultation document on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill and distributing it with the accompanying framework document, Moving Forward! Additional Support for Learning, was £24,379.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170602,"EventID":"S1W-34168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of the consultation seminars on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of the consultation seminars on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The total cost of the consultation seminars on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill will be, approximately, £15,500.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170603,"EventID":"S1W-34169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unsolved rapes there are in each police force area in respect of which samples are available that could be re-tested using new technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unsolved rapes there are in each police force area in respect of which samples are available that could be re-tested using new technology.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170604,"EventID":"S1W-34170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any discussions regarding setting up third-party reporting sites in respect of (a) racist offences, (b) sexual assaults and (c) domestic violence","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any discussions regarding setting up third-party reporting sites in respect of (a) racist offences, (b) sexual assaults and (c) domestic violence.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for third party reporting are a matter for the police in consultation with local authorities, community organisations and other relevant agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170605,"EventID":"S1W-34171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in rolling out the Zero Tolerance \"Respect\" pilot project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in rolling out the Zero Tolerance \"Respect\" pilot project.","AnswerText":"The Executive is funding the Zero Tolerance Trust to amend the "Respect" materials in the light of the pilot evaluation, print 100 copies of the packs and arrange seminars for education specialists to promote the "Respect" materials. This work is to be carried out by the end of March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170606,"EventID":"S1W-34172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what DNA decontamination protocol is followed after forensic examinations in forensic examination suites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what DNA decontamination protocol is followed after forensic examinations in forensic examination suites.","AnswerText":"Control measures within forensic examination suites are matters for individual police surgeons, the body of police surgeons within each force, the force itself and the police authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170607,"EventID":"S1W-34173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what case tracking procedures are in place in (a) police forces and (b) the Scottish Courts Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what case tracking procedures are in place in (a) police forces and (b) the Scottish Courts Service.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces use unique references to track incidents. These then form part of standard ISCJIS (Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems) tracking numbers which can be used throughout the Scottish Criminal Justice System. All solemn and summary sheriff court cases and civil cases in the Court of Session and sheriff courts are allocated a unique reference number when the case is first lodged. The progress of a case can be tracked using the unique reference number.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170608,"EventID":"S1W-34174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to raise awareness about rape and sexual assault among adolescents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to raise awareness about rape and sexual assault among adolescents.","AnswerText":"The Executive is funding a National Office for the Rape Crisis Network. Its objectives include raising public awareness about the reality of sexual violence for women and girls. The \"Respect\" package, which should be available to schools shortly, aims to challenge attitudes which condone violence against women and promote relationships based on equality and mutual respect.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170609,"EventID":"S1W-34175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24729 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 April 2002, what progress has been made with the independent research project into the impact of fixe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24729 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 April 2002, what progress has been made with the independent research project into the impact of fixed payments.","AnswerText":"The research specification is almost complete and will shortly be issued to the research community for tendering.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170610,"EventID":"S1W-34176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 18 February 2003 regarding changes to civil legal aid, at what key stages solici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the announcement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 18 February 2003 regarding changes to civil legal aid, at what key stages solicitors will receive payment for work.","AnswerText":"The proposals will require a solicitor in a defended action in the sheriff court to report to the Scottish Legal Aid Board when a particular procedural stage passes (for example, options hearing and closing the record); whenever a significant development occurs (such as when an opponent makes a tender), and in any event, where a case runs for a long time, to submit a report every 12 months. At the different stages, solicitors may be entitled to a payment to account, if appropriate, for fees for work done to the date of the relevant report. Any such payments would, of course, be deducted from the final account submitted at the conclusion of the case or where the civil legal aid certificate was terminated.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170611,"EventID":"S1W-34177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how non-court work will be valued under a block fee system for civil legal aid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how non-court work will be valued under a block fee system for civil legal aid.","AnswerText":"The proposed new block fee system - which will replace one that is already in existence - will provide for a fee in respect of each major stage in a case. The relevant fees have been designed to cover both work in court and other work undertaken to progress the case.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170612,"EventID":"S1W-34178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how value for money will be assured if payment for civil legal aid changes to a block fee system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how value for money will be assured if payment for civil legal aid changes to a block fee system.","AnswerText":"The new system will reward the efficient processing of business from the client's and taxpayer's point of view by paying for measurable blocks of work completed, rather than time spent or letters written. The current system does not do that effectively. In addition, the introduction of a binding quality assurance system will ensure that clients get the high quality service they are entitled to expect. The Executive will monitor the new system very closely and propose to carry out a thorough review after two years; this will provide an opportunity to assess the impact on clients, solicitors, and the wider justice system.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170613,"EventID":"S1W-34179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was involved in drawing up the proposals to introduce a block fee structure for civil legal aid; what consultation was carried out regarding the proposals, and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was involved in drawing up the proposals to introduce a block fee structure for civil legal aid; what consultation was carried out regarding the proposals, and what other fee structures were examined.","AnswerText":"The Law Society of Scotland drew up the initial proposals, following wide consultation with the legal profession and with the assistance of an outside academic. The Scottish Legal Aid Board provided technical assistance in evaluating the detailed structure and effect of the proposals and in costing them. These proposals were then the subject of detailed negotiation with the Executive, during which significant changes were made. A more detailed fee structure was considered at an early stage in the discussions, and was rejected on the basis that it would be both unacceptably costly and that it would not create the improvement in efficiency of the system that the Scottish Executive sought.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170614,"EventID":"S1W-34180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the implementation of Agenda for Change in Scotland; to which staff groups it will apply, and what its implications are for qualified maintenan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the implementation of Agenda for Change in Scotland; to which staff groups it will apply, and what its implications are for qualified maintenance craftspersons and maintenance technicians employed in the National Health Service.","AnswerText":"Currently NHS professional organisations and trade unions are consulting their members on the Agenda for Change proposals. If agreed, Agenda for Change will be implemented in Scotland in October 2004. Agenda for Change will apply to all directly employed NHS staff within the NHS with the exception of doctors and dentists and the most senior managers. The new pay system will offer all staff, including qualified maintenance craftspersons and maintenance technicians, employed in the NHS, fairer pay, harmonised conditions of service and better links between career and pay progression.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170615,"EventID":"S1W-34181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much has been spent on providing free food and refreshments to MSPs and parliamentary staff in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much has been spent on providing free food and refreshments to MSPs and parliamentary staff in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Details of annual spend by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and a brief explanation of the costs are outlined below. Costs for the supply of tea, coffee, bottled water and fresh fruit during plenary sessions, and sandwiches occasionally provided for late business are as follows: Year | Spend (£000) | 1999-2000 | 4.3 | 2000-01 | 4.8 | 2001-02 | 6.9 | 2002-03 | 6.6 (to end Jan 2003) |
In addition, members, parliamentary staff and other invited groups of people attend committees and other parliamentary business including functions. The total cost for these, including invited guests, has been: Year | Spend (£000) | 1999-2000 | 7.5 | 2000-01 | 18.4 | 2001-02 | 42.4 | 2002-03 | 29.4 (to end Jan 2003) |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170616,"EventID":"S1W-34182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases where rapes have been reported no further action was taken in each year since 1997, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases where rapes have been reported no further action was taken in each year since 1997, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170617,"EventID":"S1W-34183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would give full indemnity to Scottish Water against any legal actions arising from fluoridation of the water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would give full indemnity to Scottish Water against any legal actions arising from fluoridation of the water supply.","AnswerText":"Under section 172 of the Water Act 1989, the Scottish ministers' may grant indemnities to Scottish Water in respect of:liabilities incurred by Scottish Water in connection with anything done by them to increase fluoride in water supplied; costs or expenses incurred by Scottish Water (or for which Scottish Water is liable) in connection with proceedings brought with respect to things done for the purpose of increasing the fluoride content of any water, or a proposal to do so, and expenditure incurred by Scottish Water in complying with an order made in any such proceedings. As with any other discretionary power, it would be for the Scottish ministers to determine, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case, whether to exercise the power and, if so, to what extent.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170618,"EventID":"S1W-34184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, what research training fellowships it is funding and where each such fellowship is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, what research training fellowships it is funding and where each such fellowship is.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office, within the Scottish Executive Health Department, is funding 15 Research Training Fellowships, two of which are jointly funded by the Medical Research Council. The fellowships are based in the following locations: Aberdeen University (3), Edinburgh University (2), Dundee University (3), Glasgow University (2), Western General Hospital, Edinburgh (2), Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh (1), Napier University, Edinburgh (1) and Abertay University, Dundee (1).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170619,"EventID":"S1W-34185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, what research units it is funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, what research units it is funding.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office within the Scottish Executive Health Department is currently funding seven research units, two of which are jointly funded with the Medical Research Council, namely: Dental Health Services Research Unit, University of Dundee Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen MRC Institute of Hearing Research, Glasgow Royal Infirmary Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian and Stirling Universities Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change, University of Edinburgh MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170620,"EventID":"S1W-34186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, how much core funding it has given to the research initiatives funded jointly by it a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33345 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2003, how much core funding it has given to the research initiatives funded jointly by it and the Medical Research Council.","AnswerText":"In 2002-03, the Chief Scientist Office, within the Scottish Executive Health Department, will contribute £255,764 towards the core funding of the Scottish Section of the Institute of Hearing Research and £326,222 towards the core funding of the Scottish Section of the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170621,"EventID":"S1W-34187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers of foreign-registered cars caught speeding by police speed cameras have not paid the appropriate fine in each of the last three years and what its estima","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers of foreign-registered cars caught speeding by police speed cameras have not paid the appropriate fine in each of the last three years and what its estimate is of revenue lost as a result.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170622,"EventID":"S1W-34188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, how the error in the sample data for the study \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32809 by Ross Finnie on 13 January 2003, how the error in the sample data for the study \"Public Attitudes Towards Wind Farms in Scotland\" occurred and to what extent the study contributed to the expansion of wind farms in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The error arose from the inadvertent use of an inaccurate grid reference to map the population samples at one of the four sites surveyed. The data error covered one particular conclusion drawn from the survey. It did not, however, undermine the central conclusion.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170623,"EventID":"S1W-34189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to provide GP care for the island of Coll if the present GP locum contract ends in April 2003, given the absence of a GP on the island from 15 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to provide GP care for the island of Coll if the present GP locum contract ends in April 2003, given the absence of a GP on the island from 15 to 22 February 2003 and the recent retirement of one of the locum GPs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department has put in place a package of measures to support the recruitment and retention of GPs in remote and rural areas. The provision of NHS services on the island of Coll is a matter for NHS Argyll and Clyde.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170624,"EventID":"S1W-34190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to provide a permanent GP on the island of Coll, given the length of time that the post has been vacant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to provide a permanent GP on the island of Coll, given the length of time that the post has been vacant.","AnswerText":"NHS Argyll and Clyde has responsibility for the provision of NHS services on the island of Coll. The Scottish Executive Health Department has provided a package of measures to support the recruitment and retention of GPs in remote and rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170625,"EventID":"S1W-34191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development has led the United Kingdom delegation to an EU Council meeting since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development has led the United Kingdom delegation to an EU Council meeting since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Environment and Rural Development has been part of the UK delegation at EU Council meetings on 16 occasions since 1999. At these Councils, the leader of the UK delegation has been a United Kingdom Government Minister.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170626,"EventID":"S1W-34192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that crime against people with learning disabilities is explicitly recognised and not described by other terms such as bullying, hara","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that crime against people with learning disabilities is explicitly recognised and not described by other terms such as bullying, harassment and abuse.","AnswerText":"I announced in Parliament on 20 February during the debate on Stage 3 of the Criminal Justice Bill that the Scottish Executive would set up a working group to look at how the justice system deals with people within groups defined by gender, age, disability and sexual orientation. We made this decision following consultation with Robin Harper MSP, and taking into account representations from equality groups. Final decisions on remit and membership must wait until after the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections. In addition, the Executive has recently commissioned a team from Edinburgh University to take forward a research project to examine the functioning of the Appropriate Adult Schemes in Scotland. Appropriate Adult Schemes are designed to assist people with learning disabilities or mental illness in their communications with the police. The findings of the research are expected in December 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170627,"EventID":"S1W-34193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether policies and procedures have been set up to prevent and respond to hate crime against people with learning difficulties such as third-party reporting, positive ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether policies and procedures have been set up to prevent and respond to hate crime against people with learning difficulties such as third-party reporting, positive arrest policies, recording and monitoring and social target-hardening procedures and, if not, whether such measures are being considered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-33987 on 21 February 2003 and S1W-34192 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170628,"EventID":"S1W-34194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that people with learning disabilities are involved in community safety partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that people with learning disabilities are involved in community safety partnerships.","AnswerText":"It is for the individual partnership to determine the level of involvement of people with learning disabilities or other special interest groups. In July 1999 we produced comprehensive guidance Safer Communities in Scotland to assist Community Safety Partnerships to create the framework necessary to develop strategies and action plans. The guidance recommends that as a minimum partnerships should involve at a senior level, the local authority, police, health board and/or trust and the fire service. It also stresses that partnerships should consider the role of the private and voluntary sectors, housing associations and racial equality/community relations councils either as members of the core partnership group, or by being involved in specific working groups etc. In preparing a community safety strategy, partnerships are encouraged to undertake a community safety audit and to consult the community to enable them to be actively involved in setting priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170629,"EventID":"S1W-34195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a performance indicator to measure police success in tackling all hate crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a performance indicator to measure police success in tackling all hate crime.","AnswerText":"The statutory performance indicators for the police, prepared by Audit Scotland on behalf of the Accounts Commission for Scotland, include the numbers and percentages of racially motivated crimes cleared up, as well as equivalent information on serious violent crime, housebreaking and car crime. The list of indicators is kept under review but there are no current plans to extend it to include a new indicator for all hate crimes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170630,"EventID":"S1W-34196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33523 by Mr Andy Kerr on 14 February 2003, how many specialists were recruited into the civil service in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33523 by Mr Andy Kerr on 14 February 2003, how many specialists were recruited into the civil service in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The following table details the number of specialists who joined the Scottish Executive Core in each financial year since April 1999. Data pre-1999 is unavailable. Scottish Executive Core Departments Permanent Specialist Staff Who Joined in Each Financial Year 1999-2000 to 2002-03 (Year to Date) Financial Year | Headcount | April 1999 to March 2000 | 156 | April 2000 to March 2001 | 110 | April 2001 to March 2002 | 116 | April 2002 to January 2003 | 95 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170631,"EventID":"S1W-34197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the availability of affordable, good quality housing for those on low incomes in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the availability of affordable, good quality housing for those on low incomes in the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:Communities Scotland is investing £11.405 million in new social rented housing provision within the Dumbarton constituency over the three-year period 2002-03 to 2004-05. This investment will provide 268 new houses within the constituency over this period. Communities Scotland's funding is channelled through four housing associations, and a detailed breakdown of units/spend by association is as follows: Completed/Approved Units and Spend | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | | Units | Spend (£ Million) | Units | Spend (£ Million) | Units | Spend (£ Million) | Bellsmyre HA | - | - | 30 | 0.075 | - | 0.945 | Cordale HA | - | 2.092 | 40 | 0.580 | - | 0.817 | Cube HA | - | 0.060 | 30 | 0.870 | 2 | 0.030 | Dunbritton HA | 66 | 1.183 | 70 | 0.530 | 30 | 2.045 | Sub-Total | 66 | 3.335 | 170 | 2.055 | 32 | 3.837 | Additional Spend* | | 1.103 | | 0.775 | | 0.300 | Total | | 4.438 | | 2.830 | | 4.137 |
Note: *Includes environmental projects, adaptations and wider role funding supporting/relating to housing developments.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170632,"EventID":"S1W-34198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested in local authority housing stock in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire council area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested in local authority housing stock in the (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) West Dunbartonshire council area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Audited returns from local authorities show the amounts invested by Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire Councils in their housing stock. The following table shows this investment, which is made up of usable capital receipts, capital funded from current revenue and Housing Revenue Account borrowing consent. Investment in Local Authority Housing Stock Local Authority | 1999-2000 (£ Million) | 2000-01 (£ Million) | 2001-02 (£ Million) | 2002-03 (Estimate) (£ Million) | Argyll and Bute | 4.270 | 3.175 | 3.248 | 3.351 | West Dunbartonshire | 8.405 | 8.234 | 7.995 | 7.207 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170633,"EventID":"S1W-34199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested by Communities Scotland and its predecessor in housing association stock in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Counc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested by Communities Scotland and its predecessor in housing association stock in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:Out-turn expenditure, new and improved units and completed units for the years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 for the West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute local authority areas and also for the Dumbarton parliamentary constituency are detailed in the following tables. Dumbarton Constituency | | 1999-2000 (£ Million) | 2000-01 (£ Million) | 2001-02 (£ Million) | Expenditure | 2.828 | 4.336 | 3.920 | New/Improved Unit Approvals | 139 | 99 | 55 | Completions | 49 | 139 | 108 |
West Dunbartonshire Council | | 1999-2000 (£ Million) | 2000-01 (£ Million) | 2001-02 (£ Million) | Expenditure | 6.035 | 9.048 | 10.486 | New/Improved Unit Approvals | 284 | 252 | 55 | Completions | 87 | 214 | 236 |
Argyll and Bute Council | | 1999-2000 (£ Million) | 2000-01 (£ Million) | 2001-02 (£ Million) | Expenditure | 5.653 | 4.435 | 4.126 | New/Improved Unit Approvals | 127 | 77 | 70 | Completions | 53 | 151 | 96" |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170634,"EventID":"S1W-34200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for Fife NHS Board to refer patients with severe dependency on alcohol and with complex needs to appropriate residential establishments, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for Fife NHS Board to refer patients with severe dependency on alcohol and with complex needs to appropriate residential establishments, where care in the community and out-patient treatment are deemed inappropriate.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Fife. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170635,"EventID":"S1W-34201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will give to the Association of Scottish Community Councils in each of the next three financial years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will give to the Association of Scottish Community Councils in each of the next three financial years. ","AnswerText":"A request for further grant funding has been received from the ASCC and is being considered.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170636,"EventID":"S1W-34202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths of children under five have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths of children under five have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.Deaths Under Five Years of Age, by NHS Board Area, 1998-2001 NHS Board Area | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 20021 | Argyll and Clyde | 35 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 32 | Ayrshire and Arran | 26 | 26 | 36 | 38 | 24 | Borders | 9 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 9 | Dumfries and Galloway | 9 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 11 | Fife | 22 | 20 | 14 | 17 | 34 | Forth Valley | 26 | 18 | 14 | 23 | 14 | Grampian | 34 | 33 | 29 | 35 | 22 | Greater Glasgow | 81 | 63 | 87 | 58 | 76 | Highland | 16 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 10 | Lanarkshire | 36 | 31 | 51 | 31 | 30 | Lothian | 62 | 61 | 56 | 40 | 48 | Orkney | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | Shetland | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | Tayside | 24 | 26 | 17 | 29 | 26 | Western Is","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170637,"EventID":"S1W-34203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS board areas offer first aid as part of the antenatal programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS board areas offer first aid as part of the antenatal programme.","AnswerText":"The content of antenatal programmes in Scotland varies across NHS boards and the Executive does not hold information on whether first aid is a part of these. The Health Education Board for Scotland is undertaking a mapping exercise of current antenatal activity.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170638,"EventID":"S1W-34204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any potential harm to breast-fed babies if their mothers drink large quantities of fluoridated water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any potential harm to breast-fed babies if their mothers drink large quantities of fluoridated water.","AnswerText":"There is no evidence of any potential harm to mothers who breast-feed babies after consuming fluoridated water.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170639,"EventID":"S1W-34205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any studies have been concluded into the harmful effects of fluoride accumulation in the body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any studies have been concluded into the harmful effects of fluoride accumulation in the body.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30193 on 16 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170640,"EventID":"S1W-34206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any underspend in 2002-03 in respect of the aggregates levy community environmental renewal grants will be rolled forward and added to the 2003-04 budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any underspend in 2002-03 in respect of the aggregates levy community environmental renewal grants will be rolled forward and added to the 2003-04 budget.","AnswerText":"The Grants Panel allocated £922,000 for community environmental renewal grants to 38 projects. We believe that there is demand for the grant scheme and that there are good projects which can come forward. Were there to be any carry forward, then its use would be a matter for the incoming administration after the election.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170641,"EventID":"S1W-34207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision not to allocate aggregates levy proceeds on a geographical basis or in proportion to the amount raised by the levy in a particular","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision not to allocate aggregates levy proceeds on a geographical basis or in proportion to the amount raised by the levy in a particular area.","AnswerText":"Part of the proceeds of the aggregates levy is available to support communities affected by aggregates extraction through community environmental renewal grants. Grants are available to projects which address the environmental effects of past or present aggregates extraction involve the local community and have demonstrable social and/or economic benefit to the local community. It is open to any community affected by aggregates extraction to devise a project in accordance with the criteria. Grants were allocated according to merit by a Grants Panel, rather than on a geographical basis or in proportion to the amount raised by the levy in a particular area. The panel included representatives from COSLA, community councils, the aggregates industry, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Any geographical or pro rata allocation of the proceeds of the levy would to some extent be arbitrary. For example, basing allocations on the current proceeds of the levy would disadvantage those areas that are affected by former extraction sites no longer in production. For that reason, we believe that a single national scheme to which all communities have equal access is the best approach. Further grants will be available in 2003-04. I will be looking to Forward Scotland, who will administer the 2003-04 scheme, to promote the scheme to communities which have not benefited from grants this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170642,"EventID":"S1W-34208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental monitoring has been carried out subsequent to the recent test firings of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental monitoring has been carried out subsequent to the recent test firings of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 93) provides the legal basis for environmental monitoring and, in Scotland, this is the responsibility of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has Crown exemption from RSA 93, and so monitoring is a matter for, and is undertaken by, MoD and its contractors, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). I understand that details of the environmental monitoring programme are available from DSTL. In response to these recent test firings, the Scottish Executive has asked SEPA to satisfy itself that an appropriate level of environmental monitoring is in place, and to continue its normal liaison with MoD on this matter. We have also written to the Secretary of State for Defence asking that SEPA be provided with all the relevant information it needs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170643,"EventID":"S1W-34209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitoring of the environmental effect of test firings of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire should be carried out by an organisation not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monitoring of the environmental effect of test firings of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan in Kirkcudbrightshire should be carried out by an organisation not contracted by the Ministry of Defence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34208 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170644,"EventID":"S1W-34210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels were of climate change gases emitted in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels were of climate change gases emitted in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","AnswerText":"Data on emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK and its constituent countries are available in a publication entitled Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The latest available data are for 1999 and can be found through a link on the Executive's climate change website at www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechange. Also, on behalf of the UK Government, the National Environmental Technology Centre maintains a database of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. The most recent UK-wide data available are for 2000, which can be accessed directly at www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/statbase/emissions/ghouse1.html. With regard to 2000-02 emissions data for Scotland, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34051 on 25 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170645,"EventID":"S1W-34211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further reduce climate change gases to meet the EU's overall Kyoto target of 8% below 1990 levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further reduce climate change gases to meet the EU's overall Kyoto target of 8% below 1990 levels.","AnswerText":"The UK share of the EU Kyoto target is a 12.5% reduction in 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-12. The Executive is working in partnership with the UK Government to meet this commitment and latest projections suggest that the UK is well on course to achieve, and is likely to exceed, the required emissions reductions. Through the European Climate Change Programme, Community-wide measures such as the proposed Community greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme, are being introduced to assist the EU as a whole to meet its Kyoto obligations.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170646,"EventID":"S1W-34212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of pupils to teachers in the pre-school sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of pupils to teachers in the pre-school sector.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34163 on 5 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170647,"EventID":"S1W-34213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurseries have qualified nursery teachers on their staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurseries have qualified nursery teachers on their staff.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table. Pre-School Education and Daycare Centres with Qualified Teachers1 January 2002 | | Pre-School Education Centres | Daycare Centres | All Centres | No. Centres | 2,597 | 1,520 | 4,117 | No. Centres With Qualified Teachers2 | 1,600 | 191 | 1,791 |
Notes: 1. In addition to qualified teachers, centres may have qualified early education and child care leaders/co-ordinators, and qualified early education and child care playworkers/assistants, as well as staff without formal qualifications in teaching or child care. 2. Centres may have more than one qualified teacher. There were 2,435 qualified teachers working in pre-school education and daycare centres in January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170648,"EventID":"S1W-34214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on the Midlothian Community Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on the Midlothian Community Hospital.","AnswerText":"Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust expects work to begin on site in July 2004, with construction over a 19-month period.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170649,"EventID":"S1W-34215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are deployed in the Midlothian Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are deployed in the Midlothian Council area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and is a matter for Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170650,"EventID":"S1W-34216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) have been granted, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) have been granted, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information is provided in the following table on those local authorities which had an ASBO granted in the period 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2001. This is the latest information held centrally. Local Authority | ASBOs granted | Aberdeen City | 18 | Aberdeenshire | 1 | City of Edinburgh | 20 | Dundee City | 15 | Fife | 21 | Glasgow | 8 | Highland | 1 | Moray | 3 | North Lanarkshire | 6 | Perth and Kinross | 4 | Renfrewshire | 2 | Scottish Borders | 5 | South Lanarkshire | 5 | West Dunbartonshire | 9 | West Lothian | 1 | Total | 119 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170651,"EventID":"S1W-34217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour legislation on anti-social neighbours is being monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour legislation on anti-social neighbours is being monitored.","AnswerText":"The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has been commissioned by the Scottish Executive to undertake an annual exercise to determine the effectiveness of the new eviction grounds for anti-social behaviour and the use being made of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) brought in under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The outcome of the 2001 survey was published on 13 December 2002. Copies of the survey were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25791).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170652,"EventID":"S1W-34218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that resources allocated to support carers are tracked and result in changes for the better in carers' lives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that resources allocated to support carers are tracked and result in changes for the better in carers' lives.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34221 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170653,"EventID":"S1W-34219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is directing all NHS departments to audit service provision in order to ensure that it is accessible to carers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is directing all NHS departments to audit service provision in order to ensure that it is accessible to carers. ","AnswerText":"The generic clinical standards of NHS Quality Improvement (previously the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland) require all NHS services to identify the needs of carers in line with the National Strategy for Carers. All NHS services should meet clinical standards, and the report of the board's second review of the implementation of these standards will be published in May.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170654,"EventID":"S1W-34220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all service planning and provision incorporates access to respite and transport services for carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all service planning and provision incorporates access to respite and transport services for carers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34226 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170655,"EventID":"S1W-34221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to increase resources for services that support carers and to ensure that such resources are effectively used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to increase resources for services that support carers and to ensure that such resources are effectively used.","AnswerText":"The resources allocated by the Executive to local authorities to support carers, including resources to develop respite services, will have risen from £5 million in 1999-2000 to £21 million in the period 2003-04. The local government allocations for the next three years maintain these resources at the 2003-04 levels, augmented by the general uplift for pay and inflation. We have made it clear to authorities that we expect these resources to be used to benefit carers. We are currently working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, NHS representatives and carers' organisations to develop outcome measures that will monitor the benefits to carers from these resources, our Carers Strategy in general and our recent introduction of new legislation to support carers. We are also monitoring through local agreements the outcomes achieved by individual councils for the significant resources we are providing specifically to develop additional respite services.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170656,"EventID":"S1W-34223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the full implementation of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 and, in particular, of the national care standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the full implementation of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 and, in particular, of the national care standards.","AnswerText":"We are phasing in regulation by the Care Commission of the wide range of services defined in the act. The implementation of the new registration and inspection framework set in place by the act, including application of the national care standards, is an operational matter for the Care Commission. Implementation of the Scottish Social Services Council's requirements under the act will also be phased. They have already published codes of practice and conduct and phased registration of the workforce will begin in April 2003. Ministers and their officials meet regularly with the commission and the council to discuss their progress with the performance targets set out in their respective corporate plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170657,"EventID":"S1W-34224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is consulting with carers and carers' organisations at (a) local and (b) national level to develop new ways of informing carers of their rights and support servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is consulting with carers and carers' organisations at (a) local and (b) national level to develop new ways of informing carers of their rights and support services.","AnswerText":"Since the introduction of our Carers Strategy we have worked closely with carers' organisations at a national level to ensure that carers of all ages have access to appropriate information on their rights and about support, including financial support. From April 2000, the NHS Helpline has contained such information and this is now being made available through NHS 24. We have worked with carers' organisations on national publicity campaigns to help raise carer awareness and to alert carers to sources of support and advice. Carers' organisations have also been involved in helping us to make young carer information packs available in schools throughout Scotland. Provision of appropriate information and services at a local level is the responsibility of local authorities and NHS trusts. The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 sets out requirements on local authorities and the NHS in relation to information strategies and informing carers of their rights. We will be working with the statutory sector and carers' organisations in developing these strategies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170658,"EventID":"S1W-34226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that service planners are consulting effectively and meaningfully with carers to increase the range, quality, flexibility and level of provision of re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that service planners are consulting effectively and meaningfully with carers to increase the range, quality, flexibility and level of provision of respite services.","AnswerText":"Service planners and providers are required under section 5A of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to consult effectively with service users and carers on the provision of local community care services, including respite care, to ensure that services are appropriate and accessible to carers. Our Carers Strategy specifically requires local authorities to consult carers on the use of resources allocated to them to provide services to support carers, including the provision of respite. Local authorities and NHS bodies are also encouraged to involve users and carers directly in implementing the Joint Future agenda to help deliver more integrated support services across health and social care.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170659,"EventID":"S1W-34227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to give better consideration to the accessibility to carers of employment initiatives and strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to give better consideration to the accessibility to carers of employment initiatives and strategies.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government through the Department for Work and Pensions, and Jobcentre Plus.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170660,"EventID":"S1W-34228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting carer- and family-friendly policies (a) in its own practices and (b) amongst employers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting carer- and family-friendly policies (a) in its own practices and (b) amongst employers.","AnswerText":"In line with its Diversity Strategy, the Scottish Executive has a range of policies to allow its staff to meet their caring responsibilities and to achieve a satisfactory work life balance. These include career breaks, alternative working patterns, work place nurseries, subsidised holiday play schemes and special leave. The Executive also has in place staff networks for those with caring responsibilities or who work an alternative pattern. Work life balance policy is reserved to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The Scottish Executive is working with the DTI to promote family-friendly policies in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170661,"EventID":"S1W-34229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting the recognition of carers' issues in national and local transport strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting the recognition of carers' issues in national and local transport strategies.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements: Transport Indicators for Scotland stated the Executive's commitment to delivering an efficient, safe transport system which meets the needs of all and is accessible to all. Guidance issued by the Scottish Executive in 2000 underlined the importance of ensuring accessible travel in Local Transport Strategies (LTS). The guidance emphasised that everyone should have the opportunity for independent mobility. The LTS guidance is about to be reviewed and updated by the Executive and the consultation process will include all local authorities and the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS). MACS was established in May 2002 to allow disabled people to give their views on transport issues and suggest early practical improvements to transport for disabled people to the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170662,"EventID":"S1W-34230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend concessionary fares, including access to subsidised taxi services, to carers and, if so, how it will do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend concessionary fares, including access to subsidised taxi services, to carers and, if so, how it will do so.","AnswerText":"Transport authorities are responsible for making and administering concessionary travel schemes under section 94(4) of the Transport Act 1985. The powers within the act are discretionary and it is for individual authorities to determine what eligible categories will qualify under their concessionary travel scheme, and what level of concession should be given to groups, such as carers/companions.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170663,"EventID":"S1W-34231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the development of physically accessible public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the development of physically accessible public transport.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to an accessible public transport system and we will work with public transport providers and others to improve access to services and facilities across Scotland. We have established the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland to advise ministers on a wide range of accessible transport issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170664,"EventID":"S1W-34233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to allocate resources to income maximisation services targeted at carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to allocate resources to income maximisation services targeted at carers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34224 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170665,"EventID":"S1W-34234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 is sufficiently resourced and implemented to ensure that (a) young carers receive an as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 is sufficiently resourced and implemented to ensure that (a) young carers receive an assessment and (b) there are sustained services providing appropriate support, including specific respite services for such carers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34221 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170666,"EventID":"S1W-34235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to oversee the development of appropriate, accessible and age-appropriate information and support activities for children and young people with c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to oversee the development of appropriate, accessible and age-appropriate information and support activities for children and young people with caring responsibilities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34224 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170667,"EventID":"S1W-34236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the new duties on the NHS and local authorities to inform carers of their rights under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the new duties on the NHS and local authorities to inform carers of their rights under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 are implemented effectively.","AnswerText":"We are issuing comprehensive guidance to local authorities and the NHS on the new duties introduced by the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to inform carers of their right to an assessment. We have consulted widely with local authorities, the NHS and carers about this guidance. In addition, we are working closely with local authorities, the NHS and carers' representatives to develop more effective ways of monitoring the effective implementation of our policies to support carers.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170668,"EventID":"S1W-34237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to guarantee that its commitment to additional levels of respite provision is met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to guarantee that its commitment to additional levels of respite provision is met.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34221 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170669,"EventID":"S1W-34238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that carers' health is central to all strategic health planning at both a national and local level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that carers' health is central to all strategic health planning at both a national and local level.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34219 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170670,"EventID":"S1W-34239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to increase carers' access to all preventative screening services, such as dental services and eye tests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to increase carers' access to all preventative screening services, such as dental services and eye tests.","AnswerText":"Carers have access to preventative screening services on the same basis as other users of NHS services.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170671,"EventID":"S1W-34240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to prioritise carers' health in public health promotion strategies over the next parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to prioritise carers' health in public health promotion strategies over the next parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"National and local health promotion activities and initiatives aim to improve the health of everyone in the community. Programmes cover a wide range of topics including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, oral health, mental health and well-being. Services provided by NHS Board Health Promotion Units may benefit carers themselves directly or indirectly through provision of services for the cared for person. Health promotion is the responsibility of NHS boards who should be approached directly for information about their plans and strategies for carers' health.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170672,"EventID":"S1W-34241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to fully implement and monitor best practice on patient discharge from hospitals to carers at home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to fully implement and monitor best practice on patient discharge from hospitals to carers at home.","AnswerText":"Our Delayed Discharge Action Plan committed us to developing a model national framework for joint hospital discharge policies and protocols. Consultation has taken place on a draft and guidance will be issued. We intend to publish Local Authority and NHS Board Partnerships' Protocols on our Delayed Discharge Website and audit these annually. Good practice in relation to the needs of carers will be incorporated in the framework protocol.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170673,"EventID":"S1W-34242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to integrate carers' needs into education and lifelong learning strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to integrate carers' needs into education and lifelong learning strategies.","AnswerText":"The Executive's recently published strategy Life Through Learning; Learning Through Life has a key goal of ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn, irrespective of their personal circumstances. Our policy on widening access to further education aims to break down barriers faced by all groups including carers. Our aim is to ensure that social prejudice plays no part in who gets to benefit from further education. We have delegated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) the duty to secure adequate and efficient provision of further education in Scotland. We expect SFEFC to allocate budgets to individual colleges, and offer other support and guidance, in a way that takes account of that duty. Community Learning and Development Partnerships, including of course voluntary sector organisations, also play a crucial role in widening access into learning.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170674,"EventID":"S1W-34243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers policing the Edinburgh area receive any additional payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers policing the Edinburgh area receive any additional payments.","AnswerText":"Pay and conditions of service for police officers serving with Lothian and Borders Police are the same as for officers in other Scottish forces. From 1 April a minority of posts in each force will be designated for special priority payments. Designation of these posts, which will be a matter for police authorities and chief constables, will be on the basis of their particular levels of responsibility, demanding conditions or retention problems, but not directly on their location.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170675,"EventID":"S1W-34244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers assigned to East Lothian and Midlothian division of Lothian and Borders Police have been deployed in the City of Edinburgh division area in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers assigned to East Lothian and Midlothian division of Lothian and Borders Police have been deployed in the City of Edinburgh division area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is a matter for Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170676,"EventID":"S1W-34245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have been granted anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have been granted anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).","AnswerText":"In the period 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2001, 15 local authorities have been granted ASBOs. This is the latest information held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170677,"EventID":"S1W-34246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied to the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) and which such authorities were successful in respect of what projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied to the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) and which such authorities were successful in respect of what projects.","AnswerText":"Twelve local authorities have been awarded funding under the BNSF. These are Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, and Western Isles. BNSF first year annual reports, detailing individual pathfinder projects, are held by the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170678,"EventID":"S1W-34247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have applied to the Better Neighbourhhod Services Fund (BNSF) for funding for schemes to combat anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have applied to the Better Neighbourhhod Services Fund (BNSF) for funding for schemes to combat anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"Six local authorities are running pathfinders that address anti-social behaviour as part of their wider BNSF programmes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170679,"EventID":"S1W-34248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on sports is monitored in line with equalities policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on sports is monitored in line with equalities policies.","AnswerText":"One of the conditions attached to funding by sportscotland is that lottery or development grant applicants must operate an equal opportunities policy. Sportscotland monitors grant recipients' compliance with terms and conditions of funding.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170680,"EventID":"S1W-34249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) higher education institutions, (b) further education institutions, (c) secondary schools and (d) primary schools spend on sports-related activities, broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) higher education institutions, (b) further education institutions, (c) secondary schools and (d) primary schools spend on sports-related activities, broken down by gender in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170681,"EventID":"S1W-34250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any current plans to host major sporting events include women-only events and events for both men and women","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any current plans to host major sporting events include women-only events and events for both men and women","AnswerText":"Not at this time, but EventScotland, once it is established, will consider whether to support or bid for any women only major sporting events or events in which both men and women participate.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170682,"EventID":"S1W-34251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for the provision of sports facilities for people with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for the provision of sports facilities for people with disabilities.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of sports facilities for all the inhabitants of their area.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170683,"EventID":"S1W-34252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on sports facilities and activities for students (a) with and (b) without disabilities in higher and further education institutions in each of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on sports facilities and activities for students (a) with and (b) without disabilities in higher and further education institutions in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Further and higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are themselves responsible for the provision of facilities for students.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170684,"EventID":"S1W-34253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Midlothian Council area are estimated to be eligible for free central heating under its Central Heating Installat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in the Midlothian Council area are estimated to be eligible for free central heating under its Central Heating Installation Programme.","AnswerText":"Midlothian Council currently estimate that, by 8 March 2003, only eight dwellings in their stock will remain without central heating. All of those dwellings should have central heating by 31 March 2004. There is insufficient data from which to estimate the number of owner-occupiers and private renters in the Midlothian Council area who are eligible for the Central Heating Installation Programme. However, every effort will be made to ensure that the programme is widely publicised and that all eligible households are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 31 March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170685,"EventID":"S1W-34254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in each postcode area that covers the Midlothian Council area (i) benefited in 2001-02 and (ii) are expected to benefit ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) pensioners' homes in each postcode area that covers the Midlothian Council area (i) benefited in 2001-02 and (ii) are expected to benefit in (1) 2002-03, (2) 2003-04 and (3) 2004-05 under its Central Heating Installation Programme.","AnswerText":"Midlothian Council installed 21 heating systems in 2001-02; they expect to install 37 systems in 2002-03 and eight systems in 2003-04. All council tenants should then have central heating, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is to be demolished. Eaga administer the Central Heating Installation Programme for owner-occupiers and private renters. They collect statistics by main postcode area. They say that they installed 650 systems in the EH postcode area in 2001-02 and have installed 725 systems so far in 2002-03. There is insufficient data on which to estimate the number of eligible private sector households in the Midlothian area who have yet to benefit from the programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170686,"EventID":"S1W-34255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners or households in the postcode areas that cover the Midlothian Council area have benefited from the (a) Warm Deal Scheme and (b) Central Heating Instal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners or households in the postcode areas that cover the Midlothian Council area have benefited from the (a) Warm Deal Scheme and (b) Central Heating Installation Programme in each of the last five years and how many are expected to benefit in future years.","AnswerText":"The Warm Deal as currently constituted was introduced in July 1999. Under the programme, Midlothian Council insulated 322 dwellings in 1999-2000, 225 dwellings in 2000-01 and 520 dwellings in 2001-02, the last year for which figures are currently available. We do not know how many of those dwellings are occupied by pensioners. The part of the Warm Deal administered by Eaga covers all sectors of the housing stock. Eaga say that in the EH postcode area 3,106 dwellings were insulated in 1999-2000 and 4,869 in 2000-01. The main postcode area for the Midlothian Council area is EH. We do not know how many of these dwellings are occupied by pensioners. The council installed 21 heating systems in 2001-02, the first year of the Central Heating Installation Programme and expect to install 37 heating systems in 2002-03. They further expect to install eight heating systems in 2003-04 and at the end of that year all council stock should have central heating, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is due to be demolished. We do not know how many of these dwellings are occupied by pensioners. Eaga run the Central Heating Installation Programme for owner-occupiers and private renters. They collect statistics on a cumulative basis, by main postcode area. The main postcode area for the Midlothian Council area is EH. Eaga say that they have installed 1,375 heating systems in that postcode area between autumn 2000 and 28 February 2003. In each case the applicant will have been aged 60 or over, but we do not know how many are pensioners. There is no estimate of how many people in the Midlothian Council area will benefit from the Warm Deal or Central Heating Installation Programme in future years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170687,"EventID":"S1W-34256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there are in the Midlothian area and when each such partnership was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there are in the Midlothian area and when each such partnership was established.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-31642 on 9 December 2002 and S1W-33833 on 18 February 2003, which explained that there is a community safety partnership for each local authority area, therefore there is one partnership in the Midlothian area. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Community Safety Partnerships are led by the local authority. I understand that the Midlothian Community Safety Partnership was established at the end of 1996.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170688,"EventID":"S1W-34257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #4 billion additional spending on public services up to 2005-06 as a result of the UK spending review has been, or will be, allocated and how much has been, or w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #4 billion additional spending on public services up to 2005-06 as a result of the UK spending review has been, or will be, allocated and how much has been, or will be, allocated to the Midlothian Council area.","AnswerText":"Full details of our proposed spending plans for the years to 2005-06 are set out in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/government/babs-00.asp) and the Draft Budget document (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/dbd03-00.asp), published in September and October last year respectively. Midlothian Council's general revenue grant allocation will increase over the next three years by £10.6, £17.1 and £21.8 million above the current year to £121 million by 2005-06. The council will benefit from a range of other funding allocations outwith the main settlement, including, for example, for integrated children's services and improving its school estate.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170689,"EventID":"S1W-34258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 350 NHS one-stop clinics are located in the Midlothian Council area; where such clinics are located, and what services they offer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 350 NHS one-stop clinics are located in the Midlothian Council area; where such clinics are located, and what services they offer.","AnswerText":"Information on one-stop clinics operated by NHSScotland is not available in the form requested. There are 40 one-stop clinics in Lothian where patients receive consultation, diagnostic tests, results and, if appropriate, treatment, all in a single visit. Details of these are given in the following table. One-Stop Clinics* Operated by NHS Lothian Service | NHS Trust | Dental Clinic | Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust | Medical Gynaecology Clinic | Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust | Menopause Clinic | Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust | Needle Exchange Clinic | Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust | Breast Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Cardiology (x2) | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Cataract Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Centre for Liver and Digestive Disorders | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Child Abuse Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Childrens' Services - Electroencephalography Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Colposcopy Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Diabetes | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Emergency Out-patient Clinic - Acute Medicine | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Endocrine (Investigation of Thyroid Disease) | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Endoscopy/Gastroenterology | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Eyelid Cysts Treatment Centre | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | Gynaecology Assessment | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | HIV (Children) | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | HIV Testing - Genito-Urinary Medicine | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | HIV/HGPB/HGPC Testing | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | ID Travel Clinic | Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust | | A national mapping exercise published in May 2002 found that Sure Start Scotland has offered support to over 15,000 additional children in 2000-01 and 6,000 parents. However, it is not possible to break this down to local authority level as raw data would not be of sufficient quality and completeness to support analysis or to allow conclusions to be drawn or comparisons with other data to be made. The figures cover a wide range of provision which vary in intensity from one-off interventions to sustained support over a long period.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170691,"EventID":"S1W-34260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) #175 million for 79 projects under the Scottish Public Transport Fund and (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs will be allocated a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) #175 million for 79 projects under the Scottish Public Transport Fund and (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs will be allocated and how much has been, or will be, allocated to the Midlothian Council area.","AnswerText":"The information requested on Public Transport Fund projects can be found in the regional leaflets associated with the Scottish Executive transport delivery report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements, which was published in March 2002 and is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/transport/stdi-00.asp. Details of a further 23 projects which received awards from the Public Transport Fund were announced on 14 November 2002 in Scottish Executive News Release SE5394/2002. Details of the distribution to local authorities of £20 million for road and bridge repairs were announced on 25 February 2002 in Scottish Executive News Release SEET181/2002. Allocations of an additional £15 million to improve local roads were announced on 31 January 2003 in Scottish Executive News Release SEet255/2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170692,"EventID":"S1W-34261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal and nursing care was allocated to Midlothian Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal and nursing care was allocated to Midlothian Council area.","AnswerText":"Midlothian Council was allocated £1.326 million for 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003 and £1.785 million for 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170693,"EventID":"S1W-34262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of students in higher education (HE) that are from under-represented and disadvantaged groups and areas in the Midl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of students in higher education (HE) that are from under-represented and disadvantaged groups and areas in the Midlothian Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"This information is not available in the form requested. My guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) makes it clear that widening access to higher education for under-represented and disadvantaged groups is a priority of the Scottish Executive. A range of activities have been undertaken to support this, benefiting individuals from disadvantaged and under-represented groups across Scotland. These include the provision of additional places, incentives and rewards provided by SHEFC through institutional core funding, the promotion and support by SHEFC of collaboration, networking and the sharing of good practice and the facilitation of self help and institutionally led activities, such as the work of the Wider Access Regional Forums in managing and supporting specific projects addressing locally identified priorities. An example of such a project is the Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS), a partnership between the main Lothian higher education institutions and schools in the area to raise awareness of HE and aspirations towards attainment levels required for university entry. In addition to these activities, the Principals of Scotland's higher education institutions, which are autonomous bodies, have committed to a social inclusion pledge undertaking, among other things, to promote inclusion through fair admission and the valuing of all achievement. Contributions to tuition fees have been abolished for all eligible students undertaking full-time HE courses at Scottish institutions since 2000. Since 2001-02, young students from less affluent backgrounds have been able to receive up to £2,050 (2002-03 rate) of their annual support entitlement in the form of a non-repayable Young Students Bursary. In addition, lone parents with at least one dependant child can receive £1,025 towards their child care costs. Mature students may now also be able to receive a discretionary non-repayable Mature Students Bursary, in addition to their loan entitlement, from their institutions.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170694,"EventID":"S1W-34263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to change its policy on whole-stock local authority housing transfers and allow local authorities pursuing partial stock transfers to bid for support t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to change its policy on whole-stock local authority housing transfers and allow local authorities pursuing partial stock transfers to bid for support to deal with overhanging debt in line with the policy recently announced for England by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"I have now announced that, working in partnership with our colleagues in the Treasury, we have agreed that the same financial arrangements for debt write-off which apply to whole-stock transfers should also apply to partial stock transfers in Scotland. This means that partial transfers are now on the table as another option available to local authorities in addition to whole-stock transfer and retention using the new financial flexibility that the Prudential Regime will offer. The onus is now on local authorities to use these funding options to deliver for their tenants the new Scottish Standard for Social Housing. Rules will govern how partial transfers to community ownership will in practice operate: primarily we will need to see that any partial transfer proposal is part of a wider strategy to ensure that all of an authority's housing stock is brought up to the new Scottish Social Housing Standard","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170695,"EventID":"S1W-34264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that children and young people with special needs benefit from the investment in school sport announced as part of the Scottish budget for 2003-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that children and young people with special needs benefit from the investment in school sport announced as part of the Scottish budget for 2003-06.","AnswerText":"From additional resources identified in 2002-03, the Scottish Executive has allocated £600,000 to sportscotland to establish a dowry for Scottish Disability Sport. This fund will allow Scottish Disability Sport to provide specialist support to ensure that the needs of children and young people with special needs are addressed as the Active Primary Schools and School Sports Development Officer Programmes are rolled out.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170696,"EventID":"S1W-34265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be funded by the (a) #6.0, (b) #8.3 and (c) #6.8 million for related waste initiatives announced in its spending proposals for 2003-06, with particular regard t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will be funded by the (a) #6.0, (b) #8.3 and (c) #6.8 million for related waste initiatives announced in its spending proposals for 2003-06, with particular regard to its Do a Little, Change a Lot campaign.","AnswerText":"Several waste-related initiatives will be funded by these resources. £2 million, £1.5 million and £1.5 million was allocated for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to carry forward implementation of the National Waste Strategy and improved waste regulation. However, this allocation forms only part of the increased resources provided for SEPA and this funding is not ring-fenced. £0, £1 million and £1 million has been allocated for a capital grant scheme to support businesses investing in recycling and reprocessing. Details of the scheme have still to be finalised. £0, £1.8 million and £1.8 million has been allocated for waste minimisation, recycling and market development initiatives, details of which are still to be finalised. £4 million, £4 million and £2.5 million has been allocated to local authorities to cover new burdens relating to the handling and disposal of fridges and hazardous wastes as part of the overall local government funding package. However, this funding is not ring-fenced for these purposes. The funding for the Executive's Do a Little, Change a Lot campaign is not included in these totals. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32870 on 7 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170697,"EventID":"S1W-34266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5727 by Iain Gray on 10 October 2002, what action it is taking to retain quality, high-skill call centre enterprises, in the light ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5727 by Iain Gray on 10 October 2002, what action it is taking to retain quality, high-skill call centre enterprises, in the light of any growing pressure within such enterprises to outsource jobs abroad.","AnswerText":"Alongside the work of Scottish Development International in promoting Scotland as a location for such activity, and the support provided directly to such enterprises through the Regional Selective Assistance scheme, the Executive is contributing to a study by Philip Taylor, University of Stirling, and Peter Bain, University of Strathclyde into outsourcing competition from India, which should help inform our consideration of this issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170698,"EventID":"S1W-34267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards achieving its target that no-one need sleep rough.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards achieving its target that no-one need sleep rough.","AnswerText":"Current monitoring of the Rough Sleepers Initiative target involves a three-stage assessment, which is repeated annually. Full details of the methodology being employed are contained in the reply given to question on 11 September 2001. The report of the full three-stage assessment of the incidence of rough sleeping in Scotland in 2002-03 is now available. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26601). In summary the report indicates that during the October 2002 study period of 14 days, 404 people reported sleeping rough at least once. This compares to 500 people in the May 2001 study period. An assessment of available accommodation showed that on a targeted night during the October study period, when 80 people reported they had slept rough, 164 bed spaces were available across Scotland. But tackling rough sleeping is about more than providing access to accommodation. The Rough Sleepers Initiative has recognised the very complex needs of many people who find themselves sleeping rough, by funding targeted health care, social support, drug and alcohol services, one-stop assessment centres, day centres, outreach services and supported accommodation. It will never be possible to stop people sleeping rough. What the Executive has done is to ensure the provision of a network of services and support so that those who find themselves on the streets can quickly connect with the help and support they need. The information contained in the report will be used to assist local authorities in the development and delivery of their homelessness strategies, and in particular in achieving a more effective match between services and people sleeping rough.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170699,"EventID":"S1W-34268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will urge Her Majesty's Government to arrange to meet members of the Parliament in order to discuss the situation of members of the Scottish Bus Group pension","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will urge Her Majesty's Government to arrange to meet members of the Parliament in order to discuss the situation of members of the Scottish Bus Group pension schemes and, in particular, the issue of whether Scottish Bus Group Pensioners should have to pay tax on their ex-gratia payments, given that members of the National Bus Company pension scheme did not.","AnswerText":"The decision on whether to agree to such a meeting is entirely a matter for UK ministers. Tax and equity issues formed part of the case made by Scottish ministers to the Treasury which secured additional funds of £26 million for distribution to beneficiaries.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170700,"EventID":"S1W-34269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed overhaul of GP services will impact on patient care in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed overhaul of GP services will impact on patient care in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The new General Medical Services contract is currently with GPs for consideration and will only go ahead if GPs vote yes in a ballot arranged for late March/early April. If the result of the ballot is favourable, then all patients, regardless of their location, will have access to the benefits of the new arrangements. They will receive as a bare minimum the full range of services they currently receive. Specifically the contract will allow for an assessment of the patient's experience of the services received from their GP practice, with the results contributing to the income received by the practice, thus creating incentives for improvements in responding to patients' needs. The contract will also deliver expanded choice for patients in accessing GP services; improved quality of outcomes; improved access; greater investment in GP practice premises and practices' IT infrastructure, and resourcing based on a fair assessment of the health needs of each practice population. This will take into account the additional costs of delivering care in remote and rural areas. Additional support will also be available to practices in remote and rural areas through a range of salaried and non-salaried options for GP practices, with more flexible working and employment arrangements to help practices respond to the specific needs of patients in such areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170701,"EventID":"S1W-34270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning criteria local authorities take into account when considering applications for wind farms and, in particular, what weight is given to proximity to housing, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning criteria local authorities take into account when considering applications for wind farms and, in particular, what weight is given to proximity to housing, views of residents, views of non-residents, long-distance visibility and bio-diversity issues.","AnswerText":"The considerations that should be taken into account are set out in National Planning Policy Guideline 6: Renewable Energy Developments which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18113). Planning authorities will need to address amenity and bio-diversity issues on a case-by-case basis including deciding what weight should be attached to these and other material planning considerations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170702,"EventID":"S1W-34271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group.","AnswerText":"The costs of printing, publishing, including conversion for web publication, and distributing Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group amounted to £4,843.86.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170703,"EventID":"S1W-34272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scottish Economic Report: February 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Scottish Economic Report: February 2003.","AnswerText":"The total costs of printing, publishing and distributing the February 2003 edition of the Scottish Economic Report are estimated at £9,684 including VAT.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170704,"EventID":"S1W-34273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden deaths were reported to each procurator fiscal in each of the last three years where alcoholism or alcohol intoxication was given as a contributory cause ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden deaths were reported to each procurator fiscal in each of the last three years where alcoholism or alcohol intoxication was given as a contributory cause of death","AnswerText":"The procurator fiscal has a duty to enquire into all sudden, suspicious, accidental, unexpected and unexplained deaths but there is no requirement to report or investigate every death where alcoholism or alcohol intoxication is a contributory cause. It is likely that many such deaths are not reported to the procurator fiscal. In relation to the deaths that are reported to the procurator fiscal, current Crown Office information systems do not record cause of death in a way that allows statistical information of the kind sought to be extracted.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170705,"EventID":"S1W-34274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are estimated to have parents that misuse drugs in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are estimated to have parents that misuse drugs in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"These figures are not held centrally. Research from the Centre for Drug Misuse Research at the University of Glasgow estimates that between 40,000 and 60,000 children in Scotland are affected by parental drug misuse. These figures are contained in Getting Our Priorities Right - Good Practice Guidance for working with Children And Families affected by Substance Misuse, published by the Executive on 26 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170706,"EventID":"S1W-34275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) diagnosed with and (b) estimated to have hepatitis C in each of the last five years, showing any percentage increase or decrease in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) diagnosed with and (b) estimated to have hepatitis C in each of the last five years, showing any percentage increase or decrease in each year, broken down by NHS board area, expressed per capita and, where possible, differentiating between drug users and others.","AnswerText":"Figures detailing the number of hepatitis C diagnoses, by year across Scotland from 1991, are published on the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health website - www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scieh/. The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme Report, published in August 2000, estimated that 35,000 people in Scotland could be infected with the hepatitis C virus.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170707,"EventID":"S1W-34276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to projects relating to hepatitis C in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area and expressed per (a) patient and (b) capit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to projects relating to hepatitis C in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area and expressed per (a) patient and (b) capita.","AnswerText":"The care and treatment of persons with hepatitis C is primarily a matter for NHS boards, based on their assessment of local needs. The Executive has, however, set in train a range of measures to help address the implications of hepatitis C, including: making available some £8.1 million each year to boards in Scotland to assist their activities to prevent bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C; providing funding of up to £70,000 in each of the next three years to the British Liver Trust and Mainliners to set up a Scottish Hepatitis C Resource Centre, which will act as a central source of information and advice for those affected by hepatitis C, and facilitating the development of regional Managed Clinical Networks for the treatment of persons with hepatitis C.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170708,"EventID":"S1W-34277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend NHS policy whereby adult patients that have not visited their dentist for a period of more than 15 months can be removed from the dental register wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend NHS policy whereby adult patients that have not visited their dentist for a period of more than 15 months can be removed from the dental register without prior notification so that such patients can remain NHS patients.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans to amend the NHS (General Dental Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 to provide that a dentist must provide patients with notification that their continuing care arrangement is due to lapse where the patient has not attended the dentist within the 15-month registration period.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170709,"EventID":"S1W-34278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2506 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 November 1999, how much of the Scottish block is administered by non-departmental public bodies in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2506 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 November 1999, how much of the Scottish block is administered by non-departmental public bodies in the current financial year and what the comparable figures were for 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Spending plans for non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) as a share of total managed expenditure is as shown in the following table: | | 2000-01 (£ Million) | 2001-02 (£ Million) | 2002-03 (£ Million) | NDPBs | 2,109 | 2,138 | 2,120 | Total Managed Expenditure | 17,997 | 19,893 | 21,098 | % | 12 | 11 | 10 |
In order to provide comparable information, the information given is drawn from stage 1 of the Budget Process for each of the relevant years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170710,"EventID":"S1W-34279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to comments by Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Hall Green, referring to free personal care as \"the failed 'free' care policy pursued in Scotland\"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to comments by Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Hall Green, referring to free personal care as \"the failed 'free' care policy pursued in Scotland\"","AnswerText":"Free personal care has been in place since 1 July 2002. The evidence is that implementation is progressing well and the Executive would regard the policy as a success.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170711,"EventID":"S1W-34280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of implementing the working time directive for (a) each non-departmental public body and executive agency, (b) local authorities and (c) the NHS in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of implementing the working time directive for (a) each non-departmental public body and executive agency, (b) local authorities and (c) the NHS in each year since the directive came into force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170712,"EventID":"S1W-34281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been agreed in respect of target 1 for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006; What","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been agreed in respect of target 1 for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006; What the money buys; whether there has been any announcement on this matter, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is committed to agreeing targets covering the progress of cases through the criminal justice system as set out in target 1 for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006; What the money buys. We are actively engaged in discussions with the police and the Scottish Court Service to agree such targets for the next financial year and, as the first stage of that process, have agreed to work in partnership with them in fulfilment of the Scottish Court Service's new target to dispose of all summary criminal cases within 20 weeks from first calling in court to sentence.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170713,"EventID":"S1W-34282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the proposed single body for distributing lottery funding, whether it will make representations to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport abo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the proposed single body for distributing lottery funding, whether it will make representations to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport about establishing a single distributing body for lottery funding specifically for Scotland, in the context of devolved policy areas such as social justice, health, education, environment, heritage, arts and sports.","AnswerText":"I met the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language of the National Assembly for Wales on 27 February to discuss a range of issues on the National Lottery, including the proposed merger of the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund. While Scottish ministers are seeking a direct relationship with the new merged body, we have no plans to seek a single lottery distributing body for all lottery funding streams in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170714,"EventID":"S1W-34283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been issued in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) Dumbarton parliamenta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been issued in the (a) Argyll and Bute Council area, (b) West Dunbartonshire Council area and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"In the period 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2001, no ASBOs were granted in Argyll and Bute and nine were granted in West Dunbartonshire. The information cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency area. This is the latest information held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170715,"EventID":"S1W-34284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's housing rent levels have been in each year since 1997, showing any year on year percentage increases and the overall increase between 1997 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's housing rent levels have been in each year since 1997, showing any year on year percentage increases and the overall increase between 1997 and 2003.","AnswerText":"Local authority rent levels between 1997-98 and 2002-03 are shown in the table. Information regarding percentage increases were provided in the answer to question S1W-30547 on 8 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. | | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Aberdeen City Council | 27.71 | 33.09 | 33.06 | 34.77 | 36.48 | 38.27 | Aberdeenshire Council | 29.65 | 30.73 | 31.80 | 32.62 | 34.45 | 36.43 | Angus Council | 25.12 | 27.22 | 28.70 | 30.58 | 33.60 | 35.07 | Argyll and Bute Council | 35.60 | 36.41 | 36.45 | 37.70 | 39.39 | 40.96 | Clackmannanshire Council | 29.54 | 30.74 | 31.56 | 32.16 | 34.71 | 37.36 | Dumfries and Galloway Council | 32.86 | 32.96 | 34.38 | 35.30 | 37.14 | 38.92 | Dundee City Council | 36.31 | 37.68 | 38.65 | 39.52 | 40.41 | 42.16 | East Ayrshire Council | 26.62 | 28.34 | 30.46 | 34.24 | 35.48 | 36.89 | East Dunbartonshire Council | 31.98 | 32.78 | 34.30 | 36.65 | 38.09 | 40.00 | East Lothian Council | 28.75 | 29.97 | 31.74 | 32.73 | 34.19 | 35","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170716,"EventID":"S1W-34285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's council tax levels have been in each year since 1997, showing any year-on-year percentage increases and the overall increase between 1997 and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what each local authority's council tax levels have been in each year since 1997, showing any year-on-year percentage increases and the overall increase between 1997 and 2003.","AnswerText":"The council tax levels of each local authority since 1997, showing year-on-year percentage increases to 2003 are shown in the following tables: Band D Council Tax, Scotland Average and by Local Authority | | Actual (£) | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | Scotland | 783 | 827 | 849 | 886 | 929 | 971 | 1,009 | Aberdeen City | 712 | 794 | 824 | 873 | 934 | 981 | 1,020 | Aberdeenshire | 643 | 695 | 719 | 777 | 855 | 919 | 966 | Angus | 679 | 709 | 734 | 771 | 821 | 881 | 933 | Argyll and Bute | 801 | 881 | 881 | 938 | 984 | 1,009 | 1,034 | Clackmannanshire | 753 | 831 | 872 | 913 | 951 | 978 | 995 | Dumfries and Galloway | 714 | 731 | 766 | 817 | 857 | 899 | 931 | Dundee City | 920 | 990 | 1,034 | 1,056 | 1,046 | 1,079 | 1,089 | East Ayrshire | 779 | 819 | 849 | 878 | 922 | 967 | 1,014 | East Dunbartonshire | 771 | 790 | 830 | 8","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170717,"EventID":"S1W-34286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the introduction of any further relaxation of the 20-day standstill rules for livestock and what the timetable is for any future decisions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the introduction of any further relaxation of the 20-day standstill rules for livestock and what the timetable is for any future decisions on this matter being taken.","AnswerText":"I announced on 28 February that the current 20-day standstill will be reduced to 13 days as soon as the necessary legislative change can be effected.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170718,"EventID":"S1W-34287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to increase access to community services for economically disadvantaged people in rural and semi-rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to increase access to community services for economically disadvantaged people in rural and semi-rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to promoting improvements to service delivery in our rural areas. Through our mainstream policies and programmes, for example in transport, health and modernising government, we are working to improve the access of rural communities to a wide range of services. We are also targeting the challenges facing our rural communities in accessing services, through specific programmes such as the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund and the Rural Transport Fund. This is in addition to the action we are taking to implement many of the recommendations of the report, Services in Rural Scotland, published by the Scottish National Rural Partnership in January 2001, aimed at encouraging more innovative approaches to service provision in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170719,"EventID":"S1W-34288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 35 were appointed to the boards of public bodies in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under 35 were appointed to the boards of public bodies in 2002.","AnswerText":"Of the 209 people appointed during 2002 to the boards of those Scottish public bodies that fall within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, a total of nine were under 35 years of age.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170720,"EventID":"S1W-34289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the views of children and young people are sought as a matter of course during the formulation of its policies on education, children and young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the views of children and young people are sought as a matter of course during the formulation of its policies on education, children and young people.","AnswerText":"The Child Strategy Statement issued by the Scottish Executive sets out the importance to all Scottish Executive Departments of taking account of the views and interests of children in developing policy that may affect them. The Executive commissioned Save the Children to develop the \"re:action\" Consultation Toolkit to facilitate consultation with children. Children's views are being taken into account in a range of specific contexts: for example through the Scottish Youth Parliament, the Young Scot website and the Children's Charter being drawn up in the light of the Child Protection Review It's everyone's job to make sure I'm alright. Children and young people participated in a wide range of events during the National Debate on Education. The views of young people leaving care have formed an important part of our work on throughcare and aftercare services, and Who Cares? Scotland have been commissioned to survey looked after children about their education attainments and improvements they would like to see.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170721,"EventID":"S1W-34290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage uptake is for concessionary travel entitlements within the eligible pensioner population nationally and in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage uptake is for concessionary travel entitlements within the eligible pensioner population nationally and in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170722,"EventID":"S1W-34291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a local authority road can become part of the trunk road network and thereby be maintained by the Executive and, if so, what the process is for achieving this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a local authority road can become part of the trunk road network and thereby be maintained by the Executive and, if so, what the process is for achieving this.","AnswerText":"Trunking of local roads, or detrunking of parts of the existing network, is effected by means of an order made under section 5(2) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. Significant changes were last made in 1996 following a major review and extensive consultation, associated with local government reorganisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170723,"EventID":"S1W-34292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the operation of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the operation of Social Inclusion Partnerships.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-7258 on 8 June 2000 and S1W-21333 on 17 January 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170724,"EventID":"S1W-34293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the operation of Social Inclusion Partnerships is regulated","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the operation of Social Inclusion Partnerships is regulated","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-7252 on 8 June 2000. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170725,"EventID":"S1W-34294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who currently serves on the boards of Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who currently serves on the boards of Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows. The following list shows the names of all those who currently serve on the boards of Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow as well as the partners they represent. Drumchapel SIP | Elsie Job | Community Representative | Ina Brodie | Community Representative | Cheryl Coleman | Community Representative | Maurice Fieldman | Community Representative | Sonia Little | Youth Representative | Wilson Blakey | Drumchapel High School | Bill Butler | MSP | Sylvia Cowan | Scottish Enterprise Glasgow | Suzanne Glennie | Greater Glasgow NHS Board | Calum Graham | Drumchapel Opportunities | Bailie Martin Lee | Glasgow City Council | Supt Gregor MacLeod | Strathclyde Police | Cllr Marjorie O'Neill | Glasgow City Council | East End SIP | Cllr David Stevenson | Glasgow City Council | Isabel Campbell | Community Representative | Carol Connelly | Community Representative | John Ferguson | Community Representative | Alan Kennedy | Community Representative | Cecilia O'Lone | Community Representative | Cllr Susan Baird | Glasgow City Council | Bill Cook | Scottish Enterprise Glasgow | Ian Graham | John Wheatley College | John Jenkins | Communities Scotland | Brian McAleenan | East End Partnership Ltd | William Murray | Voluntary Sector Representative | Janice Scouller | Greater Glasgow NHS Board | Cllr Elaine Smith | Glasgow City Council | Chief Supt Kevin Smith | Strathclyde Police | Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance | Kofi Tordzro | Positive Action in Housing | | For information, in the context of this question the phrase "recipients of social inclusion partnership funding" is taken to refer not just to the grant recipients themselves (i.e. the relevant local authority) but also to the projects funded through them.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170727,"EventID":"S1W-34296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social inclusion partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social inclusion partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Two Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow have closed down in the last four years: one in 2001-02 and one in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170728,"EventID":"S1W-34297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been awarded to each Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) in Glasgow in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been awarded to each Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) in Glasgow in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is given in the following table. SIP | Total Allocation (£) | Total Allocation (£) | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Glasgow Smaller Areas | 1,460,000 | 1,921,470 | Big Step | 527,000 | 550,642 | East End | 3,120,850 | 3,286,609 | GARA | 817,000 | 855,323 | North Glasgow | 3,242,850 | 3,427,360 | Routes Out | 323,000 | 336,314 | Gorbals | 869,000 | 919,798 | Greater Easterhouse | 3,754,850 | 3,934,691 | Greater Govan | 979,000 | 1,412,457 | Greater Pollock | 2,840,000 | 3,326,838 | Milton | 869,000 | 919,883 | Springburn | 915,000 | 968,012 | Drumchapel | 2,690,000 | 2,845,661 | Total | 22,407,550 | 24,705,058 |
Notes: 1. Includes allocations for Core SIP, Support Costs, Drugs Misuse and Empowering Communities. 2. Excludes carry forward of unspent allocations from previous year (EYF).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170729,"EventID":"S1W-34298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to standardising terms and conditions for grants awarded under Social Inclusion Partnership projects","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to standardising terms and conditions for grants awarded under Social Inclusion Partnership projects","AnswerText":"The standard conditions that attach to grants awarded from the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund adhere to the principles of \"Following the Public Pound\". These cover matters such as financial probity and the application of public funds. Specific conditions applying to individual grant awards, for example, if the grant is conditional on co-financing being secured are a local matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170730,"EventID":"S1W-34299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations are currently on-going into irregularities in the operation of social inclusion partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations are currently on-going into irregularities in the operation of social inclusion partnerships.","AnswerText":"Six investigations are currently on-going into irregularities in the operation of Social Inclusion Partnerships. I am unable to comment further on any of these cases on the basis that such disclosure might compromise any on-going investigation or related legal action. For information, in the context of this question the phrase "operation of social inclusion partnerships" is taken to refer not just to the partnerships themselves but also to projects funded or partially funded by them.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170731,"EventID":"S1W-34300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administration costs for Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow were in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the administration costs for Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow were in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: Up to 2.5% of the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund allocation in any year may be used to meet administration costs incurred by the grant recipient. £446,859 was claimed in 2001-02 for administering the Social Inclusion Partnerships in Glasgow (including Castlemilk). Figures for 2002-03 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170732,"EventID":"S1W-34301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) rapes and (b) assaults with intent to rape were prosecuted in each year since 1997, broken down by police force and procurator fiscal area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) rapes and (b) assaults with intent to rape were prosecuted in each year since 1997, broken down by police force and procurator fiscal area.","AnswerText":"The available information on persons proceeded against where rape or assault with intent to rape was the main offence is given in the table, which is extracted from the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database. Information by procurator fiscal area is not available. Persons Proceeded Against Where the Main Charge Was Rape or Assault With Intent to Rape by Police Force Area, 1997-2001 Main Offence | Police Force Area | Year of Sentence | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Rape | Scotland | 65 | 66 | 56 | 50 | 61 | Central | 2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 1 | Dumfries and Galloway | 2 | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | Fife | 3 | 16 | 6 | - | 9 | Grampian | 3 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 3 | Lothian and Borders | 15 | 13 | 18 | 14 | 10 | Northern | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Strathclyde | 30 | 19 | 12 | 21 | 23 | Tayside | 8 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 10 | Assault With Intent to Rape | Scotland1 | 33 | 37 | 26 | 22 | 28 | Central | 2 | - | 3 | - | 3 | Dumfries and Galloway | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | Fife | http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/library/road-2-15-uk.pdf. There are no proposals to increase the number of routes in Scotland at this time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170737,"EventID":"S1W-34306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what negotiations it has had with landowners and the Moray Council to ensure that improvements to the A95 are not delayed and who the landowners are along this route that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what negotiations it has had with landowners and the Moray Council to ensure that improvements to the A95 are not delayed and who the landowners are along this route that are involved in any such negotiations","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate to provide details of negotiations with landowners for reasons of confidentiality. There are no negotiations with landowners or Moray Council that are currently delaying improvements to the A95.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170738,"EventID":"S1W-34307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance is given to the views of Scottish Natural Heritage when improvements to the trunk road network are proposed by BEAR Scotland Ltd and the relevant local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance is given to the views of Scottish Natural Heritage when improvements to the trunk road network are proposed by BEAR Scotland Ltd and the relevant local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has procedures that require Scottish Natural Heritage to be consulted where proposed trunk road improvements may affect environmentally sensitive areas. Their views are always carefully considered.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170739,"EventID":"S1W-34308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenders have been received by BEAR Scotland Ltd for the work to re-open the A95 between Boharm and Craigellachie; what criteria have been set for these tenders t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenders have been received by BEAR Scotland Ltd for the work to re-open the A95 between Boharm and Craigellachie; what criteria have been set for these tenders to meet, and whether the criteria are satisfactory.","AnswerText":"Tenders were received from six contractors who were asked to price the work to replace the failed section of road and bridge. All prospective contractors need to satisfy the Scottish Executive of their financial security and competence to undertake specific types of work before being placed on an approved list. Thereafter contractors price the work, which has to be undertaken to national standards. The use of tried and tested tendering procedures and national specifications will ensure that the work is carried out satisfactorily.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170740,"EventID":"S1W-34310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish proposals following the consultation paper Vital Voices: Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence for changes to the law of evidence and court proc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish proposals following the consultation paper Vital Voices: Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence for changes to the law of evidence and court procedures to benefit vulnerable witnesses.","AnswerText":"A Policy Statement will be published today and will be available on the Scottish Executive website. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26600).","AnswerDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170741,"EventID":"S1W-34311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations were undertaken by The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in regard to the establishment of the complaints procedure under section 6(3) of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations were undertaken by The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in regard to the establishment of the complaints procedure under section 6(3) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Care Project Team in the Scottish Executive prepared draft Care Commission complaints procedures under sections 6 and 64 of the act on the commission's behalf. They consulted widely on them between 4 September and 20 November 2001. All responses were passed to the commission with a report on the consultation. The Care Commission then considered the outcome of the consultation and submitted revised proposals for ministers' approval. The approved complaints procedures were implemented from 1 April 2002, when the Care Commission became operational.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170742,"EventID":"S1W-34312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the complaints procedure established under section 6 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 has been reviewed and what actions have been taken, or amend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the complaints procedure established under section 6 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 has been reviewed and what actions have been taken, or amendments to the procedure made, as a result of any such review","AnswerText":"The review of the complaints procedure established by the Care Commission under sections 6 and 64 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 1995 is an operational matter for the commission itself. Ministers must consent to any variation of the procedures, however. There have not yet been any such reviews.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170743,"EventID":"S1W-34313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations there were before establishing the procedure on complaints or representations about the functions or actions of The Scottish Commission for the Regula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations there were before establishing the procedure on complaints or representations about the functions or actions of The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care under section 64(2) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34311 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170744,"EventID":"S1W-34314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the complaints procedure established under Part 5, section 64 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 has been reviewed under section 64(3) and what acti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the complaints procedure established under Part 5, section 64 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 has been reviewed under section 64(3) and what actions have been taken, or amendments to the procedure made, as a result of any such review process","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34312. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170745,"EventID":"S1W-34315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of concern would trigger an inquiry under section 65(1)(a) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 into the operation of the Scottish Commission for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of concern would trigger an inquiry under section 65(1)(a) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 into the operation of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and its complaints procedure.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive would only consider setting up an inquiry once all other avenues had been exhausted.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170746,"EventID":"S1W-34316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often meetings are held between it and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care; what directions or guidance it gives to the commissi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often meetings are held between it and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care; what directions or guidance it gives to the commission, and how many complaints to the former Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman in respect of the commission it has been made aware of by the Chief Executive of the commission","AnswerText":"I meet with the Care Commission's Convener and Chief Executive on a six-monthly basis. Together with the Education Minister, I also meet jointly with the Care Commission and the Scottish Social Services Council twice-yearly. My officials meet formally with the Care Commission's Chief Executive and Senior Management Team every two months. The Management Statement and Financial Memorandum agreed between ministers and the Care Commission sets out the broad framework within which the Care Commission must operate. The emphasis is on accountability and financial propriety. The Care Commission is also required to report on the performance targets set in its Corporate Plan. The Chief Executive has not made us aware of any complaints to the former Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration or the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170747,"EventID":"S1W-34317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 parties to a complaint under investigation by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care have to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 parties to a complaint under investigation by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care have to the contents of the written report of the investigation","AnswerText":"Compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 is a matter for the Care Commission itself. The Care Commission's complaints procedure, which is published on their website at: www.carecommission.com, aims to encourage openness and transparency. It confirms that the final decision will be communicated to the complainant and to the party complained against. The final written report itself must, of course, remain confidential in terms of the Data Protection Act as it inevitably contains references to third parties.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170748,"EventID":"S1W-34318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in appointments to committees of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care; what advice it seeks from support service providers to ensure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in appointments to committees of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care; what advice it seeks from support service providers to ensure a balanced composition of committees, and what powers it has to remove appointees from committees of the commission","AnswerText":"The appointment of members to committees of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care is an operational matter for the Commission itself, having regard to the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Appointments and Procedure) Regulations 2002 and other Scottish Executive guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170749,"EventID":"S1W-34319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislative provisions it has introduced to tackle anti-social neighbours since May 1999 and what the impact of each such provision has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislative provisions it has introduced to tackle anti-social neighbours since May 1999 and what the impact of each such provision has been.","AnswerText":"New measures have been introduced in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, which was approved by the Scottish Parliament on 20 February 2003, to tackle anti-social behaviour more effectively. We have introduced interim Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), extended the power to apply for ASBOs to registered social landlords and created a new duty on police and local authorities to jointly prepare and publish anti-social behaviour strategies. In addition, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 gives social landlords the power to give a "probationary" style short Scottish secure tenancy to persons who have been evicted for anti-social behaviour (in any part of the UK and from any tenure). This can also be offered to tenants where they are subject to an ASBO. This new power came into force on 30 September 2002. It is too early to assess the impact of these measures.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170750,"EventID":"S1W-34320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has provided to Reid Kerr College in each year since 1996-97 and how many students have attended the college in each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has provided to Reid Kerr College in each year since 1996-97 and how many students have attended the college in each year.","AnswerText":"With regard to support to Reid Kerr College, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31837 on 3 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Student enrolments at Reid Kerr were as follows. 1996-97 | 10,840 | 1997-98 | 12,536 | 1998-99 | 13,036 | 1999-2000 | 15,953 | 2000-01 | 17,367 | 2001-02 | 18,548 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170751,"EventID":"S1W-34321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of competition rules relating to possible passenger rail franchises and, in particular, whether there have been any developments relating to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of competition rules relating to possible passenger rail franchises and, in particular, whether there have been any developments relating to FirstGroup and, if so, what these developments have been.","AnswerText":"Competition is reserved, and the assessment of competition rules as they may apply to potential franchisees is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. The Strategic Rail Authority will address how competition issues are handled within the franchise re-letting process. The short list of bidders to be invited to tender for the franchise has not yet been announced.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170752,"EventID":"S1W-34322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated administrative and related costs are of re-letting the passenger rail franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated administrative and related costs are of re-letting the passenger rail franchise.","AnswerText":"In the period running from the beginning of the process until the date that the reletting is completed in 2004, costs are likely to have been incurred directly and indirectly by a range of parties, including the Scottish Executive, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive and Authority, the Strategic Rail Authority, each bidding company, and UK bodies. Commercial costs are not available and an estimate of the total administrative and related costs likely to be accrued by other parties could only be made at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170753,"EventID":"S1W-34323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets and timescales it has set for reducing the number of pensioners on low incomes and for the elimination of pensioner poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets and timescales it has set for reducing the number of pensioners on low incomes and for the elimination of pensioner poverty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a long-term target to make sure that older people are financially secure. Underpinning that, there is a social justice milestone to reduce the proportion of older people living in low income households. The Executive has also set a target to eradicate fuel poverty, as far as is practicable, by 2016. Whilst this target covers all households, older householders are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fuel poverty. The Central Heating Installation Programme, which is available to pensioners without any central heating or with irreparable systems and covers all tenure types, is saving an average of £290 on bills. According to the managing agent, over 8,300 pensioner households have benefited from the programme so far.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170754,"EventID":"S1W-34324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners live in areas classified as suffering from multiple deprivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners live in areas classified as suffering from multiple deprivation.","AnswerText":"In June 2000, it is estimated that more than 120,000 people over retirement age (65 and over for men and 60 and over for women) were resident in the worst 10% of wards, defined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2003. More robust population counts for wards will be published as part of the next release of results from the 2001 Census on 25 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170755,"EventID":"S1W-34325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners lived below the poverty line as defined by 60% of median household income in (a) 1979, (b) 1987 and (c) each year since 1992. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners lived below the poverty line as defined by 60% of median household income in (a) 1979, (b) 1987 and (c) each year since 1992. ","AnswerText":"Estimates of the number of pensioners living in income poverty are available for Scotland on an annual basis since 1994-95. Figures for each year since 1994-95 to 2000-01 are given in tables 19d and 19f of the technical Annex (Indicators of Progress) of the Scottish Executive's 2002 Social Justice Annual Report. The tables show the estimated number (and proportion) of pensioners living in households with income below 60% of the GB median income, when income is taken both before and after housing costs. Table 19d presents figures based on the relative measure - households with income below 60% of the GB median in that year; table 19f presents figures based on the absolute measure - households with income below 60% of the GB median income in 1996-97. A copy of the report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25289).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170756,"EventID":"S1W-34326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about why the United Kingdom entry in the listing of national websites in the European Culture Portal in the European Commission's area o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about why the United Kingdom entry in the listing of national websites in the European Culture Portal in the European Commission's area of the Europa website gives links only to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Arts Council for England and what role each of these bodies plays in promoting Scottish culture in Europe.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is investigating further the possibilities for establishment of a direct weblink to its site from the national website section within the European Culture Portal. Sport and art are devolved matters. Whilst the Executive takes responsibility for promoting Scottish culture both at home and abroad, in practice there are a number of bilateral links, at both ministerial and official level, with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Arts Council for England.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170757,"EventID":"S1W-34327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland is represented in the European Commission's Culture 2000 programme and what projects have (a) been supported by and (b) received funds from the programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland is represented in the European Commission's Culture 2000 programme and what projects have (a) been supported by and (b) received funds from the programme.","AnswerText":"The Culture 2000 programme has EUCLID as its official Technical Information Office in the UK, providing support and assistance for potential applicants to the programme. The next Scottish workshop takes place in Glasgow on Wednesday, 4 June 2003. A range of projects in Scotland have been supported through this programme and full details of these can be found on EUCLID's website www.culture2000.info.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170758,"EventID":"S1W-34328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister or official attended the meeting of sports ministers in Brussels on 24 and 25 February 2003 to discuss education, youth and culture policies and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister or official attended the meeting of sports ministers in Brussels on 24 and 25 February 2003 to discuss education, youth and culture policies and, if so, whether it will report back on the matters raised.","AnswerText":"No minister or official from the Executive attended the meeting at which discussion focussed on the draft World Anti Doping Agency Code.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170759,"EventID":"S1W-34329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34021 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, how many claims for monies owed under the individual learning account scheme have now been ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34021 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, how many claims for monies owed under the individual learning account scheme have now been satisfactorily validated; on what dates payments were made in respect of such claims, and how much was involved in each case.","AnswerText":"Details of claims that have been validated and paid are set out in the following table. The validation of claims and authorisation of payments were conducted separately by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in respect of Individual Learning Account learners in their respective areas. The details given are split accordingly. Date | Number of Providers Paid | Amount Paid | Number of Providers Paid | Amount Paid | Scottish Enterprise | Highlands and Islands Enterprise | 25 Oct 01 | 195 | £486,057.33 | | | 01 Nov 01 | 182 | £388,088.69 | | | 08 Nov 01 | 211 | £312,771.02 | 61 | £33,315.99 | 15 Nov 01 | 209 | £289,002.45 | 56 | £40,716.09 | 22 Nov 01 | 217 | £264,894.87 | 61 | £27,255.53 | 14 Feb 02 | 347 | £1,384,942.57 | 125 | £187,462.51 | 28 Feb 02 | 34 | £56,214.78 | 4 | £18,285.00 | 11 Apr 02 | 33 | £431,602.08 | 9 | £52,495.50 | 06 Jun 02 | 44 | £115,547.99 | 26 | £23,916.41 | 17 Jul 02 | 19 | £16,110.83 | 10 | £7,665.00 | 12 Sep 02 | 20 | £12,771.60 | 7 | £958.00 | 09 Jan 03 | 8 | £6,257.35 | 5 | £1,115.55 | Total | | £3,764,261.56 | | £393,185.58 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170760,"EventID":"S1W-34330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34021 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, how many claims for monies owed under the individual learning account scheme are still bein","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34021 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, how many claims for monies owed under the individual learning account scheme are still being investigated; how many learning providers are involved, and how much is outstanding in each case whilst the validation process continues.","AnswerText":"A number of learning providers either remain under investigation by the Scottish authorities or, in respect of certain learning providers based in England, have been referred to the Department for Education and Skills' Special Investigations Unit. Search warrants have been executed in relation to 10 learning providers in Scotland and investigations are continuing. Some 9,500 claims, the total value of which is £1.9 million, are being withheld in these cases.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170761,"EventID":"S1W-34331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34019 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, whether the estimate that individual learning account fraud occurred in around 3% of traini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34019 by Iain Gray on 24 February 2003, whether the estimate that individual learning account fraud occurred in around 3% of training providers, given by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee on 17 April 2002 (Official Report, c 2546), remains the most accurate estimate; what the reasons were for that estimate, and what the current position is.","AnswerText":"The 3% estimate given by my predecessor in April 2002 was based on the results of validation fieldwork carried out between January and March 2002. The further validation work carried out since March 2002 indicates that the 3% quoted last April remains a reasonably accurate estimate of the incidence of possible fraud.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170762,"EventID":"S1W-34332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be of cancelling all (a) current and (b) projected expenditure on public private partnership construction projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be of cancelling all (a) current and (b) projected expenditure on public private partnership construction projects.","AnswerText":"(a) Public private partnership (PPP) projects are for the long-term, typically 25 to 30 years. Nearly 80 contracts have already been signed delivering a capital investment value of £2 billion. If the public sector requested early termination of these projects, claims for compensation would arise from the private sector contractors involved in order to cover the repayment of any outstanding debt for the project and other associated termination costs such as redundancy payments for employees of the contractor. In addition, to avoid risk of service interruption, arrangements would have to be made for services provided under these contracts to be delivered by other means with associated administrative costs. As in each case the PPP option was selected as offering best value for money, it is likely that the alternative arrangements would be more expensive. There would also be widespread damage to working relations between the public and private sectors.(b) There are 12 projects in negotiation. If the public sector cancelled those, compensation may be due to the bidders for aborted bid costs, either in full or in part. In addition, a further 28 projects in health, schools and waste management would not proceed. Alternative arrangements would have to be made, and as PPP has been shown to offer best value for money, these would likely be more expensive. Without the opportunity to lever in private finance, it is likely that the provision of new infrastructure would be delayed.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170763,"EventID":"S1W-34333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public private partnership (PPP) projects currently under negotiation, including those in the education sector, could be cancelled before commencement (a) with and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public private partnership (PPP) projects currently under negotiation, including those in the education sector, could be cancelled before commencement (a) with and (b) without incurring a penalty.","AnswerText":"There are currently 12 PPP projects at the negotiation stage. If these projects were cancelled compensation may be due to the bidders for aborted bid costs, either in full or in part. The circumstances of each individual project would need to be considered.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170764,"EventID":"S1W-34334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what education public private partnership projects it currently supports; what each such project will deliver, and what stage each project has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what education public private partnership projects it currently supports; what each such project will deliver, and what stage each project has reached.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. Project Name | Project Status | Project Detail | Aberdeenshire Schools | Operational | 1 new secondary school, 1 refurbished and extended primary school and 1 refurbished primary school | East Renfrewshire: Mearns Primary and St Ninian's High School | Operational | 1 new primary school and 1 extension of secondary school | Falkirk Schools | Operational | 4 new secondary schools and 1 special needs school | Project 2002 (Glasgow Schools Project) | Operational | 12 new schools and 17 refurbished - 28 Secondary Schools and 1 Primary School | Highland Schools | Operational | 2 new primary schools and 2 new secondary schools | Balfron School | Operational | 1 new secondary school | East Lothian Schools | Signed | 6 refurbished secondary schools, 1 new community learning centre | Fife Schools | Signed | 1 replacement secondary school, 1 replacement primary school and 1 refurbished and extended secondary school | Midlothian Schools | Signed | 2 new secondary schools and special educational needs facilities | Edinburgh Schools | Signed | refurbishment, replacement and rationalisation of 27 schools to 18 | West Lothian Schools | Signed | 2 refurbished and extended secondary schools, 1 refurbished and adapted primary school and consolidation of primary schools | Aberdeenshire Schools | Tenders Invited/Negotiated | 6 new build primary schools and 1 refurbishment and extension of 1 secondary school. | Renfrewshire Schools | Tenders Invited/Negotiated | refurbishment of all 12 secondary and 8 priority primary schools. also 2 new, 1 replacement and 1 extended primary school, and 2 new and 4 extended secondary schools | Dumfries and Galloway Schools | Advertised | regeneration of whole schools estate of 114 primary, 16 secondary schools and two special schools. | Fife Schools | Advertised | the new build of 3 primary schools of which one to have special educational needs facilities. also, 6 new primary schools to replace schools which are to be amalgamated. | Highland Schools | Advertised | The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) has placed on its website - www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scieh/ - its review of evidence relating to toxicity of ethyl mercury relating to vaccination. Latest advice from both the UK Committee on Safety of Medicines and the World Health Organisation's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety makes clear that there is no evidence of toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thiomersal (containing ethyl mercury) in vaccines. The committees advise that there is no reason on grounds of safety to change current immunisation practices with thiomersal-containing vaccines. The risk of death and complications from vaccine-preventable diseases is real, compared with the theoretical risk from side effects of thiomersal. The vaccine protects against three life-threatening diseases. Benefits of protection far outweigh any risks due to known side-effects and hypersensitivity.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170766,"EventID":"S1W-34336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffer from Wegener's Granulomatosis; what the prescribed medication is for the illness; how many sufferers have to pay for their medication, and why some","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffer from Wegener's Granulomatosis; what the prescribed medication is for the illness; how many sufferers have to pay for their medication, and why some sufferers are receiving the necessary medication free.","AnswerText":"We are currently aware of about 20 people in Scotland who suffer from Wegener's Granulomatosis. Treatment is usually by steroids and cyclophosphamide but the drugs used are not specific treatments for Wegener's Granulomatosis. Details of the number of sufferers who have to pay for their medication are not held centrally. People with chronic illnesses who are not exempt from prescription charges often qualify for free prescriptions on other grounds, and priority is given to helping people who have difficulty in paying for their prescription charges.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170767,"EventID":"S1W-34337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 10970 by Angus Mackay on 25 January 2001, how many of its publications have been produced since 18 January 2001 and how much each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 10970 by Angus Mackay on 25 January 2001, how many of its publications have been produced since 18 January 2001 and how much each such document cost to produce, broken down by year of publication.","AnswerText":"The details of Scottish Executive publications produced in the period from 18 January 2001 to 31 January 2003 are as follows: 2001 - 02 | Care Development Group Report | £6,082.00 | Regulating the Private Security Industry | £647.75 | Healthcare Needs for Children in Education | £14,413.50 | Science Strategy Book | £14,021.35 | Positive About You - Diversity leaflet | £1,952.00 | Cultural Strategy Annual Report | £2,952.00 | Agricultural and Biological Research Group | £3,916.08 | Return to Learn Booklet | £199.00 | Citizens Multilingual World Response | £4,601.75 | Action Plan for Children's Services | £27,452.55 | SCRO Disclosure Scotland Brochure | £13,434.00 | Criminal Justice White Paper | £7,749.75 | Further Education Annual Report | £10,765.25 | School Education Amendment Bill Consultation | £1,945.00 | Managing the Risk of Healthcare Infections | £2,847.00 | Community Ownership summary Questions | £1,284.75 | New National Qualifications | £6,124.00 | School Board Election Leaflet | £7,650.50 | Safety First With Needles - Summary | £4,068.39 | Safety First With Needles | £13,495.06 | Communities Against Drugs Address Book | £8,350.92 | Voluntary Issues Information Leaflet | £1,369.50 | Future for Care Homes Consultation | £3,062.75 | Agricultural Strategy | £16,096.30 | Memorandum on Teaching | £1,622.00 | Draft Budget 2002 - 2003 | Scottish Abstract of Statistics was published annually up to 1996 and then in 1998. Following consultation with users, there are no plans to publish future volumes. Updated versions of information which appeared in the 1998 Abstract have already been published in a variety of ways, for example, on the Scottish Executive website. The Social Focus and Scottish Economic Statistics publications have replaced the Scottish Abstract of Statistics. Social Focus is an annual compendium that concentrates on a particular topic each year. The first edition of Social Focus concentrated on gender issues including health, education and the labour market. The 2003 edition will compare a range of statistics across urban and rural Scotland. Scottish Economic Statistics provides a range of data on the Scottish economy, as well as outlining the programme for economic statistics work in the Scottish Executive. In addition, it contains articles discussing current issues in economic statistics.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170770,"EventID":"S1W-34340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to ensure that funds specifically exempt from arrestment such as social security benefits and working families' tax cre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to ensure that funds specifically exempt from arrestment such as social security benefits and working families' tax credits cannot be arrested by sheriff officers if these funds are contained within a bank account.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to continuing the existing principle of protecting subsistence levels of income from arrestment. It recognises that there can be practical difficulties in achieving this when benefits are paid direct into a bank account, and it consulted on possible ways to tackle this issue in the consultation document Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland in April 2002. An independent analysis of the responses was published in November 2002. Both these documents are available on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/justice/CivOb-00.asp. and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch. Views were divided on the question, and the Executive is now working to find a practical solution. It is intended to come forward with proposals in due course: but decisions on the way forward will be for the future administration following the elections in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170771,"EventID":"S1W-34341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the key performance indicator shown on page nine of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02 in respect of the average annual cost per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the key performance indicator shown on page nine of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02 in respect of the average annual cost per prisoner place is for uncrowded prisoner places and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Key Performance Indicator (KPI) on cost per prisoner place, set out in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02, is based on \"design capacity\" and not on the actual number of prisoners. The KPI measure is computed in this way to avoid the problems that fluctuations in population numbers would create and to provide a consistent base to measure performance over time. This indicator has been used since the SPS was established as an executive agency in 1993.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170772,"EventID":"S1W-34342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to promote the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to promote the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170773,"EventID":"S1W-34343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special promotional rail fares are available for the service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special promotional rail fares are available for the service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","AnswerText":"Special promotional rail fares are a commercial issue for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170774,"EventID":"S1W-34344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any signs displayed in Glasgow Queen Street Station advertising the rail service from that station to stations in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any signs displayed in Glasgow Queen Street Station advertising the rail service from that station to stations in Fife.","AnswerText":"This is an operational issue for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170775,"EventID":"S1W-34345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tickets may be purchased on the platform at Glasgow Queen Street Station for passengers wishing to travel on the rail service to stations in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tickets may be purchased on the platform at Glasgow Queen Street Station for passengers wishing to travel on the rail service to stations in Fife.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170776,"EventID":"S1W-34346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether books of advance tickets may be purchased for the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether books of advance tickets may be purchased for the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to stations in Fife.","AnswerText":"The sale of advance tickets is a commercial matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170777,"EventID":"S1W-34347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether passengers travelling on the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street to stations in Fife may purchase tickets on the train and what the reasons are for the positi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether passengers travelling on the rail service from Glasgow Queen Street to stations in Fife may purchase tickets on the train and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The sale of tickets on trains is an operational matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170778,"EventID":"S1W-34348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, at times of congestion at the ticket office in Glasgow Queen Street Station, passengers may buy tickets for the rail service to stations in Fife on the train an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, at times of congestion at the ticket office in Glasgow Queen Street Station, passengers may buy tickets for the rail service to stations in Fife on the train and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170779,"EventID":"S1W-34352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken on future changes to the rate of return since making the Damages (Personal Injury) (Scotland) Order 2002 (SSI 2002/46).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken on future changes to the rate of return since making the Damages (Personal Injury) (Scotland) Order 2002 (SSI 2002/46).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31777 on 2 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170780,"EventID":"S1W-34353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the needs of people in deprived communities following the report by the Social Exclusion Unit, Making the Connections: Final Repor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the needs of people in deprived communities following the report by the Social Exclusion Unit, Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion.","AnswerText":"The Social Exclusion Unit's remit covers only England but we will be drawing the report to the attention of local authorities in Scotland as they may find it useful when developing transport policies in their areas. A number of the actions listed in the report mirror policies that are already in place in Scotland, for example: Free local bus travel for pensioners and disabled people (outwith the morning peak) was introduced in September 2002; The Executive is investing £23 million through the Rural Transport Fund over three years from 2003-04 for the delivery of new and existing services, and The Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance ensures that the issue of social exclusion is considered in the appraisal of all transport proposals for which the Executive provides funding in whole or in part. We will be reviewing guidance to local authorities on Local Transport Strategies during 2003 and this report will help to inform that process as we update the sections on social inclusion and accessibility.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170781,"EventID":"S1W-34354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the project control methodology used for the overall management of the Holyrood project is Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE), PRINCE2, another governmen","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the project control methodology used for the overall management of the Holyrood project is Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE), PRINCE2, another government-approved methodology or a non-government approved methodology.","AnswerText":"I understand that Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd, (BLL)) the Construction Managers for the Holyrood Project use Primavera and Power Project as their project management software. Based on the output from this software, BLL prepare fortnightly reports on programme for both the Holyrood Project Team and the Holyrood Progress Group.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170782,"EventID":"S1W-34355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood project is operating under ISO 9001, equivalent EU standards for quality management systems or any other recognised standards and, if the project is n","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood project is operating under ISO 9001, equivalent EU standards for quality management systems or any other recognised standards and, if the project is not operating under any of these standards, what other quality management systems standards are being used.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament does not operate under any specific quality assurance accreditation but rather follows corporate quality assurance guarantees. The Holyrood project works within the criteria set by corporate quality standards.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170783,"EventID":"S1W-34356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what project management software is used to record planned tasks, milestones, achievements, resources and costs for the Holyrood project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what project management software is used to record planned tasks, milestones, achievements, resources and costs for the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"I understand that Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd, (BLL)) the Construction Managers for the Holyrood Project use Primavera and Power Project as their project management software. Based on the output from this software, BLL prepare fortnightly reports on programme for both the Holyrood Project Team and the Holyrood Progress Group.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170784,"EventID":"S1W-34357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which reports generated by the Holyrood project's management software are (a) used by the Holyrood Progress Group (HPG) in exercising its oversight role, (b) used by the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which reports generated by the Holyrood project's management software are (a) used by the Holyrood Progress Group (HPG) in exercising its oversight role, (b) used by the project managers in the preparation of reports to the HPG and (c) used by the project managers.","AnswerText":"I understand that Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd, (BLL)) the Construction Managers for the Holyrood Project use Primavera and Power Project as their project management software. Based on the output from this software, BLL prepare fortnightly reports on programme for both the Holyrood Project Team and the Holyrood Progress Group.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170785,"EventID":"S1W-34358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many milestones remain to be achieved in the Holyrood project plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many milestones remain to be achieved in the Holyrood project plan.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170786,"EventID":"S1W-34359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many milestones in the Holyrood project plan are not yet met and, of these, how many are overdue, expressed also as a proportion of unmet milestones.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many milestones in the Holyrood project plan are not yet met and, of these, how many are overdue, expressed also as a proportion of unmet milestones.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170787,"EventID":"S1W-34360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what classes of resources there are within the Holyrood project plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what classes of resources there are within the Holyrood project plan.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170788,"EventID":"S1W-34361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of resources have been allocated to complete (a) scheduled and (b) unscheduled tasks for each class of resource within the Holyrood project plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of resources have been allocated to complete (a) scheduled and (b) unscheduled tasks for each class of resource within the Holyrood project plan.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170789,"EventID":"S1W-34362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of resources have been allocated to (a) overdue, (b) behind schedule and (c) on-schedule tasks for each class of resource within the Holyrood project plan","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of resources have been allocated to (a) overdue, (b) behind schedule and (c) on-schedule tasks for each class of resource within the Holyrood project plan.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170790,"EventID":"S1W-34363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the members of the Holyrood Progress Group have had any briefing or training in how to manage project managers or on any aspect of project management.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the members of the Holyrood Progress Group have had any briefing or training in how to manage project managers or on any aspect of project management.","AnswerText":"It is not the responsibility of the Holyrood Progress Group (HPG) to manage project managers. The \"construction management\" method of procurement adopted for the new Parliament building project is a relatively new adaptation of more traditional procurement methods used in the UK construction industry. The method requires the Construction Manager, appointed on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, to put a framework in place for managing the construction process. The HPG, however, does include among its members two independent professional advisers, both of whom bring extensive experience of delivering major building projects.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170791,"EventID":"S1W-34364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many of the members of the Holyrood project management team are trained in project management and what training they received.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many of the members of the Holyrood project management team are trained in project management and what training they received.","AnswerText":"The Holyrood Project Team employs eight professionals from a range of project management backgrounds, all with relevant qualifications, experience and a variety of individual specialist and necessary skills to assist in the completion of the project. In addition two non-professional administrative team members have formal training in project management.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170792,"EventID":"S1W-34365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what matrix of authority is used to determine the relationship between the seniority of personnel working on the Holyrood project and their authority to make commitments o","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what matrix of authority is used to determine the relationship between the seniority of personnel working on the Holyrood project and their authority to make commitments of money and other resources and to define the reporting of the exercise of that authority.","AnswerText":"A full scheme of delegated authorities, both functional and financial, is in place for the Holyrood project. This covers, inter alia, the levels at which resources can be committed and expenditure incurred. The exercise of these authorities is monitored as part of day-to-day management and by both internal and external audit.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170793,"EventID":"S1W-34366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how often actual progress on the Holyrood project is measured against the project plan by the (a) project managers and (b) Holyrood Progress Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how often actual progress on the Holyrood project is measured against the project plan by the (a) project managers and (b) Holyrood Progress Group.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for programme management and reporting within the Construction Management procurement route rest with the Construction Manager (Bovis Lend Lease). The Construction Manager provides fortnightly programme updates at a strategic level to the Holyrood Progress Group. These reports incorporate the programme implications of onsite progress and delays for all trade packages together with their respective tasks within the detailed construction programmes. This amounts to many thousands of individual tasks and associated milestones with resource management techniques being applied by the trade contractor and the Construction Manager on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170794,"EventID":"S1W-34367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer under what conditions, and on whose authority, the project plan for the Holyrood project is revised and on what three most recent dates amendments to the plan were made.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer under what conditions, and on whose authority, the project plan for the Holyrood project is revised and on what three most recent dates amendments to the plan were made.","AnswerText":"The project plan provides the general basis for managing the project and sets out the various roles and responsibilities of the parties involved. The plan also incorporates change control procedures, which are rigorously adhered to. Following reviews of the project plan, there has been little need to introduce amendments mainly due to the fixed requirements of contracts with the consultants involved. The most recent amendments have incorporated changes to internal Project Team personnel and have been authorised by the Project Director.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170795,"EventID":"S1W-34368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team undertook any additional research to provide responses to any enquiries regarding project management aspects of the Holyrood project or w","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Holyrood Project Team undertook any additional research to provide responses to any enquiries regarding project management aspects of the Holyrood project or whether such responses were provided by utilising existing reporting and management systems.","AnswerText":"The Holyrood Project Team regularly responds to a considerable number of enquiries regarding the Holyrood project. Some of these enquiries can readily be answered by drawing on material in existing reports and others can only be dealt with by carrying out additional research.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170796,"EventID":"S1W-34369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many cost accountants are employed on the Holyrood project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many cost accountants are employed on the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body employs Davis Langdon & Everest, (DLE) as its independent cost consultant on the Holyrood project.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170797,"EventID":"S1W-34370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what (a) independent and (b) external review processes there are for the Holyrood project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what (a) independent and (b) external review processes there are for the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"The Auditor General for Scotland provides the only fully independent and external review process for the Holyrood project. However, management actions are also subject to review by the Holyrood Progress Group which includes two independent and external professional members.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170798,"EventID":"S1W-34371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what internal peer review processes there are for the Holyrood project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what internal peer review processes there are for the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"There are no arrangements for peer review within the Parliament, outwith the usual management responsibilities. The project has been audited on a regular basis, both internally and externally and the Spencely review in spring 2000 provided a thorough and helpful external peer review of the project.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170799,"EventID":"S1W-34372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the equine industry makes to the rural economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the equine industry makes to the rural economy.","AnswerText":"Information on the contribution of the equine industry to the rural economy is not currently available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170800,"EventID":"S1W-34373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase awareness of age discrimination legislation to be in place by 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase awareness of age discrimination legislation to be in place by 2006.","AnswerText":"Equal opportunities and employment legislation are reserved areas. The Scottish Executive, working with the Department for Work and Pensions, has produced a booklet \"Are you over 50?\" which provides a practical guide to advice, support and services across government. The booklet, which is being widely distributed, includes a section on current and future action to tackle age discrimination in employment. The Scottish Executive also endorses the Department of Work and Pensions' Age Positive campaign and its voluntary Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment, of which an updated version was launched in Scotland by Iain Gray in December 2002. The Executive, the Scotland Office and the Department of Trade and Industry jointly held a consultation seminar in Edinburgh on 30 January 2003 to discuss the way forward in planning for legislation coming into force in 2006. Age equality organisations were present at this seminar.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170801,"EventID":"S1W-34374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many in-patient and day case discharges from waiting lists there were in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03, as shown for previous years on table M6.1 of the ISD Scotland n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many in-patient and day case discharges from waiting lists there were in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03, as shown for previous years on table M6.1 of the ISD Scotland national statistics release on waiting times.","AnswerText":"Table M6.1 is no longer published. Information on in-patient and day case activity in each of the last five years for which information is available is given in the table. Information for 2001-02 is provisional. Year | Number of Elective In-patient/Day Case Discharges | Of Which Admissions from In-Patient/Day Case Waiting List | Emergency In-Patients | Total Emergency In-patients and Elective Discharges | 1997-98 | 622,198 | 487,627 | 459,303 | 1,081,501 | 1998-99 | 649,188 | 495,219 | 463,720 | 1,112,908 | 1999-2000 | 629,832 | 461,550 | 468,458 | 1,098,290 | 2000-01 | 633,009 | 454,646 | 471,756 | 1,104,765 | 2001-02P | 600,206 | 426,881 | 480,006 | 1,080,212 |
P Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170802,"EventID":"S1W-34375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage local authorities to introduce a code of conduct for council officers to complement the Councillor's Code of Conduct, following the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage local authorities to introduce a code of conduct for council officers to complement the Councillor's Code of Conduct, following the recommendation for such a code in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits.","AnswerText":"I understand that all local authorities already have a code of conduct for council officers in place.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170803,"EventID":"S1W-34376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address the continuing weaknesses in the fundamental financial controls of local authority audits referred to in the Accounts Commission's Ove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address the continuing weaknesses in the fundamental financial controls of local authority audits referred to in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the local authorities concerned to respond to weaknesses revealed by the auditors. From 1 April the new duty of Best Value provided in the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 will be accompanied by a broadening of the grounds on which the Accounts Commission can formally hold local authorities to account for poor performance caused by such weaknesses.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170804,"EventID":"S1W-34377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any action in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that some local authority joint boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take any action in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that some local authority joint boards have yet to establish audit committees or equivalent scrutiny mechanisms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34376 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170805,"EventID":"S1W-34378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that \"if Scotland's recycling record is to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that \"if Scotland's recycling record is to improve councils need to give recycling greater priority\".","AnswerText":"The Executive launched the National Waste Plan on 24 February 2003, which establishes the direction of our policies for sustainable waste management to 2020. This plan provides an integrated summary of the 11 Area Waste Plans, which were prepared by groups including local authority representatives. Implementing this plan will achieve 25% recycling and composting of municipal waste by 2006, and 55% by 2020. The Executive has allocated over £230 million over the next three years alone for local authorities to implement the Area Waste Plans. I announced funding of almost £110 million to eight local authorities over 17 years on 3 February. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33419 on 3 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Further bids from local authorities to the Strategic Waste Fund are currently being assessed. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003 places a new duty on local authorities to prepare integrated waste management plans for ministers' approval. The Executive will use this provision to direct authorities to establish mandatory recycling targets which will be based on the Area Waste Plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170806,"EventID":"S1W-34379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to assist local authorities in addressing the quality of performance of direct labour organisations (DLOs) and direct service organisations (DSOs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to assist local authorities in addressing the quality of performance of direct labour organisations (DLOs) and direct service organisations (DSOs), following the finding of the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that the percentage of DLOs and DSOs breaking even has fallen since 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials met formally with representatives of those local authorities with significant deficits earlier this year. These discussions established the causes of the deficits, and that recovery plans were being developed for the DSOs and DLOs in question. Progress against the recovery plans will be monitored and kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170807,"EventID":"S1W-34380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that \"scope exists for improvement in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the finding in the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits that \"scope exists for improvement in the arrangements for monitoring the proper and effective use of funds\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34376 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170808,"EventID":"S1W-34381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendation made by the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits and Taking the initiative - Using PFI contra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement the recommendation made by the Accounts Commission's Overview of the 2001/02 local authority audits and Taking the initiative - Using PFI contracts to renew council schools that the Executive should consider developing a leadership role in order to ensure that the special experience and skills learned from current private finance initiative schools projects are transferred to future projects.","AnswerText":"The Financial Partnerships Unit within the Scottish Executive has already developed a leadership role with regard to local authority schools public private partnership(PPP) projects in order that the experience and skills learned from current PPP projects are transferred to future schools projects. This role is continuing to evolve and takes several forms. To date, five seminars covering the PPP process and related skills have been held by the Scottish Executive. Three two-day training workshops will be held shortly. In addition, the Executive has encouraged and supported several seminars arranged by other organisations such as the Scottish Leadership Foundation and private companies. The Executive has commissioned Partnerships UK to undertake a Key Stage Review of each of the schools PPP projects. This will occur at two stages within the project, pre-Invitation to Negotiate stage and pre-Preferred Bidder appointment, and is intended to assure both the education authority and the Executive that the project is sufficiently well prepared to proceed to the next stage of the procurement. In support of the Staffing Protocol, a Technical Guidance Note "Scoping of Facilities Management Services and In-house Bids" was published for consultation in February. Members of Financial Partnerships Unit attend project board meetings. This acts as a useful check on how the authority is progressing with their project and can highlight any different approaches between projects. The Financial Partnerships Unit also provides advisory support to the Scottish Schools PPP Group.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170809,"EventID":"S1W-34383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25070 by Allan Wilson on 29 April 2002, how many cases were referred to the procurator fiscal service by the Scottish Environment P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25070 by Allan Wilson on 29 April 2002, how many cases were referred to the procurator fiscal service by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03 to date and (i) how many and (ii) what percentage of such cases that were taken to court resulted in a conviction.","AnswerText":"The numbers of cases involving alleged contravention of environmental protection legislation referred to the Procurators Fiscal Service by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are set out in the table. | | 2001-02 | 2002-03 (to date) | Cases Referred to Procurator Fiscal Service | 70* | 43 | Cases that Proceeded to Court | 44 | 7 | Still On-Going | 6 | 22 | (i) Number Led to Convictions | 37 | 7 | (ii) Percentage Led to Convictions | 84% | 100% |
Note: *A reassessment of 2001-02 statistics has resulted in a slight alteration to the figures quoted in response to question S1W-25070.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170810,"EventID":"S1W-34384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29870 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 October 2002, what sentences for drug-dealing offences were given by the courts in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29870 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 October 2002, what sentences for drug-dealing offences were given by the courts in 2001.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. Persons with a Charge Proved for Drug-Dealing Offences1, by Type of Sentence, 2001 Sentence | 2001 | Number | Total | 1,314 | Custody | up to 6 months | 230 | >6 months to 2 years | 243 | >2 years up to 4 years | 93 | 4 years and over | 131 | Total | 697 | Probation2 | 162 | Community service | 214 | Monetary penalty | 195 | Other sentence | 46 | Percentage: | Custody | up to 6 months | 18 | >6 months to 2 years | 18 | >2 years up to 4 years | 7 | 4 years and over | 10 | Total | 53 | Probation2 | 12 | Community service | 16 | Monetary penalty | 15 | Other sentence | 4 |
Notes: 1. Where main offence includes illegal importation, production and supply of drugs, and money laundering and other related offences. 2. Includes restriction of liberty orders and drug treatment and testing orders.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170811,"EventID":"S1W-34385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20339 by Mr Andy Kerr on 17 December 2001, what its budget out-turn was for press and communications in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20339 by Mr Andy Kerr on 17 December 2001, what its budget out-turn was for press and communications in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03 to date and what the expected total expenditure is for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Media and Communications Group's out-turn spend in 2001-02 was £3,052,479. The current spend for 2002-03, (as at 31 January 2003), is £2,964,876. We anticipate the total spend in 2002-03 to be in the region of £3.6 million. The effectiveness and efficiency of the group is currently being examined in a Best Value Review.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170812,"EventID":"S1W-34386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) surgical and (b) medical beds the Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH) had available in each of the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) surgical and (b) medical beds the Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH) had available in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"The following table covers the most up to date information held centrally: Average Available Staffed Beds; Inverclyde Royal Hospital; Acute Surgical and Medical Specialties1: Months Ending August 2002 to January 20032 | | August | September | October | November | December | January | Acute Surgical | 144 | 140 | 137 | 139 | 151 | 133 | General Surgery | 70 | 69 | 69 | 68 | 68 | 63 | Gynaecology | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 10 | Ophthalmology | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 9 | Orthopaedics | 46 | 43 | 41 | 45 | 48 | 43 | Urology | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | Acute Medical | 164 | 167 | 172 | 169 | 169 | 186 | Dermatology | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | General Medicine | 121 | 124 | 130 | 127 | 123 | 136 | Haematology | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Med. Paediatrics | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | Rehab. Medicine | 19 | 19 | 18 | Our commitment ensures that funding for at least the first tram-line will be available as soon as the council produces a robust final business case. That support is not conditional on the introduction of congestion charging, which the council is considering in order to reduce traffic levels in and around the city.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170815,"EventID":"S1W-34389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the types of drugs prescribed in nursing and residential homes in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the types of drugs prescribed in nursing and residential homes in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Prescription data collected centrally is not patient-specific.The decision on whether or not to prescribe a drug for a patient is always a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient's doctor, informed by advice and guidance about the drug. The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 removed the distinction between residential care homes and nursing homes and all such services are now known as care homes. The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) in regulating services against the legislative requirements and the relevant national care standards requires providers of care homes to keep accurate up-to-date records of all medicines for the use of service users. These records are kept on the premises from which the care service is provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170816,"EventID":"S1W-34390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors staff training in nursing and residential homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors staff training in nursing and residential homes.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 removed the distinction between residential care homes and nursing homes and all such services are now known as care homes. Under the act, regulation of these services is the responsibility of the Care Commission, taking account of the appropriate national care standards for care homes, which are developed and published by Scottish ministers, and the associated legislation. The standards for care homes all include a standard on staffing, which states that staff will have the knowledge and skills needed to provide care. The standards also detail the level of training which care staff need to have and the date by which this must be achieved.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170817,"EventID":"S1W-34391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which institutes involved in aquaculture research, other than the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit of the Sea Fish Industry Authority, the Minister for Environment and Rura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which institutes involved in aquaculture research, other than the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit of the Sea Fish Industry Authority, the Minister for Environment and Rural Development was referring at the meeting of the Rural Development Committee on 18 February 2003 (Official Report, c 4352); what research these institutes are conducting, and how this research is more \"sophisticated\" than that conducted by the authority.","AnswerText":"Other Scottish institutes involved in aquaculture research include Fisheries Research Services, the North Atlantic Fisheries College, the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, Aberdeen University and a number of other university departments. The research relevant to current and emerging aquaculture species is broad-based, e.g. immunology, epidemiology, growth and nutrition and the environmental impacts of aquaculture. The research is more \"sophisticated\" than the largely applied, industry-led, developmental work undertaken by the authority in that the science is more fundamental in nature.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170818,"EventID":"S1W-34392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the Sea Fish Industry Authority preliminary study carried out by Dr M.A. James, Dr B.R. Howe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the Sea Fish Industry Authority preliminary study carried out by Dr M.A. James, Dr B.R. Howell and Professor J.A. Young of Fisheries Resources Management Ltd; whether the authority has made the employees at the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit aware of the full text of the report and, if not, whether it will make representations to the authority to do so in view of the possible redundancies at the unit.","AnswerText":"No. The report on the study commissioned by the Sea Fish Industry Authority is commercial-in-confidence. The publication or otherwise is very much a matter for the authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170819,"EventID":"S1W-34393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to prevent the closure of the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit by the Sea Fish Industry Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to prevent the closure of the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit by the Sea Fish Industry Authority.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Enterprise stand ready to support prospective operators in accordance with their established remit and have been proactive in recent weeks in terms of attempting to broker a deal.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170820,"EventID":"S1W-34394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate and safe for botox injections to be administered by a non-medical person in a non-medical setting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate and safe for botox injections to be administered by a non-medical person in a non-medical setting.","AnswerText":"Prescription Only Medicines (POMs), like Botox, are on the whole prescribed for individuals by a medical practitioner to be administered by the individual or to that individual by a third party who might be a nurse, carer, relative or other \"lay\" person. In the latter case, the doctor must be content that the third party is competent to fulfil this role. Botox is licensed for use in the UK for certain purposes, although not for cosmetic purposes. It is, however, not uncommon for drugs licensed in the UK, to be used outwith their market authorisation i.e. licensed uses. In such instances, however, the doctor providing or prescribing the medicine bears a greater degree of medico-legal responsibility for such action.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170821,"EventID":"S1W-34395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether exam passes by school pupils taught in college-school partnerships will, in published statistical tables, be credited to the school involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether exam passes by school pupils taught in college-school partnerships will, in published statistical tables, be credited to the school involved.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently credit a school with the attainment of pupils presented by another establishment. A working group, involving the Scottish Executive and the SQA, has recently been set up to look into improving ways of recording the attainment of pupils taught in partnership arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170822,"EventID":"S1W-34396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any potentially harmful effects arising from the cumulative effect of botox injections and, if so, what the evidence is for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any potentially harmful effects arising from the cumulative effect of botox injections and, if so, what the evidence is for this position.","AnswerText":"Information about the medicinal use of botox is contained in the Botox Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). The Botox SPC includes a report of peripheral neuropathy in a patient after receiving four sets of botox injections over an 11-week period.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170823,"EventID":"S1W-34397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister or official will attend the Working Party on Cooperation in Criminal Matters in Brussels on 4 March 2003 which is discussing implementation of the Fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister or official will attend the Working Party on Cooperation in Criminal Matters in Brussels on 4 March 2003 which is discussing implementation of the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant under each member state's law and, if so, what issues will be raised.","AnswerText":"No minister or official attended the meeting. Scottish Executive ministers and officials do attend working group and European Council meetings as necessary as part of our regular engagement with the European Union. However, on this occasion, as explained in the answer given to question S1W-32291 on 16 December 2002, the subject matter of the framework decision is reserved and its implementation is a matter entirely for the UK Government. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa Any issues of concern arising from the implementation in Scotland of the framework decision would be raised by the Executive with the UK Government. It would be for the UK Government to decide whether or not any such issue merited discussion at the working party meeting. No such issues were, however, brought to the attention of the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170824,"EventID":"S1W-34398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any further meetings with Angus Council to discuss the funding of the replacement for the Montrose Bridge over the River South Esk and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any further meetings with Angus Council to discuss the funding of the replacement for the Montrose Bridge over the River South Esk and, if so, what the outcomes of the meetings were.","AnswerText":"I last met with Angus Council representatives in October 2002. Angus Council has received additional capital consent of £2.8 million in 2001-02 and £1.4 million this year towards the cost of replacing the Montrose Bridge.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170825,"EventID":"S1W-34399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been (a) created and (b) lost in the Highlands and Islands in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been (a) created and (b) lost in the Highlands and Islands in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of jobs created or lost is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170826,"EventID":"S1W-34400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been (a) created and (b) lost in each local enterprise company area in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been (a) created and (b) lost in each local enterprise company area in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of jobs created or lost is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170827,"EventID":"S1W-34401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are for the number of people that have migrated (a) into and (b) out of each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are for the number of people that have migrated (a) into and (b) out of each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Reliable information for in and out migration at local authority level is not readily available from the current data sources used to estimate annual migration. However, a new methodology which aims to provide this information has been developed, for use with the Registrar General's 2002 mid-year population estimates due to be published in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170828,"EventID":"S1W-34402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effects of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease will be with regard to job and economic losses in (a) the Scottish Borders, (b) Dumfries and Galloway and (c) S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effects of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease will be with regard to job and economic losses in (a) the Scottish Borders, (b) Dumfries and Galloway and (c) Scotland over the next five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not yet available. The Economic Impact Assessment Group has commissioned external consultants to provide an assessment of the outbreak and that work is in its final stages. In addition to a Scotland total, the assessment will quantify the economic impact of the outbreak on sectors and regions of Scotland. In line with the definitions used during the outbreak, Scotland will be divided geographically into three categories: South of Scotland, central belt and north of the central belt. As such, separate information on Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders will not be available. Estimates of long-term impacts will be included.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170829,"EventID":"S1W-34403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its aim of 'ero growth in the amount of municipal waste produced by 2010, contained in the National Waste Plan 2003, is achievable without an increase in the leve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its aim of 'ero growth in the amount of municipal waste produced by 2010, contained in the National Waste Plan 2003, is achievable without an increase in the level of public and local authority participation in waste minimisation, given the projected increases in waste produced.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Plan 2003 makes it clear that local authority and public participation in waste minimisation will need to be developed and sustained to achieve the target of zero growth in municipal waste by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170830,"EventID":"S1W-34404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage the procurement of new infrastructure for municipal waste processing through the private sector. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage the procurement of new infrastructure for municipal waste processing through the private sector. ","AnswerText":"The Strategic Waste Fund has been established by the Executive to support the procurement of the new infrastructure and services by local authorities. It can provide support for capital or revenue expenditure including public private partnership projects. It is for local authorities, in bidding to the fund, to demonstrate that their proposed procurement routes provide best value.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170831,"EventID":"S1W-34405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the 35% increase by 2010 in the operating costs for collecting, treating and disposing of municipal waste, and further 5% increase by 2020, as referred to in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the 35% increase by 2010 in the operating costs for collecting, treating and disposing of municipal waste, and further 5% increase by 2020, as referred to in the executive summary of the National Waste Plan 2003, is reflected in its spending proposals to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Plan 2003 provides a broad estimate of the overall operating costs of the proposed best practicable environmental option for municipal waste in 2010 and 2020 (£340 to £370 million and £360 to £420 million respectively). Following the spending review in 2002, the Executive allocated, for the next three years alone, over £230 million additional funding for local authorities via the Strategic Waste Fund. Detailed reassessment of future resources will be undertaken as part of future spending reviews.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170832,"EventID":"S1W-34406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the target of (a) recycling and (b) composting 25% of municipal waste by 2006","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the target of (a) recycling and (b) composting 25% of municipal waste by 2006","AnswerText":"The expected contributions of recycling and composting to the achievement of the target are set out in table 4.1 on page 40 of the National Waste Plan 2003, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26101).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170833,"EventID":"S1W-34407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when local authorities can begin bidding for funding under the Strategic Waste Fund, as referred to in the executive summary of the National Waste Plan 2003, and when th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when local authorities can begin bidding for funding under the Strategic Waste Fund, as referred to in the executive summary of the National Waste Plan 2003, and when the first round of funding will be awarded.","AnswerText":"The fund has been in existence since 2001. For details of awards made to date, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33419 on 3 February 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170834,"EventID":"S1W-34408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members will be of the Stakeholder Advisory Group which will facilitate the forward management and direction of the national waste plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members will be of the Stakeholder Advisory Group which will facilitate the forward management and direction of the national waste plan.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given on page 82 of the National Waste Plan 2003, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib number 26101).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170835,"EventID":"S1W-34409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has about the impact on businesses of increases in public and product liability insurance costs and what representations it has made to the insurance ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has about the impact on businesses of increases in public and product liability insurance costs and what representations it has made to the insurance industry and HM Treasury on this matter.","AnswerText":"Statutory requirements affecting liability insurance costs are a reserved matter and therefore responsibility rests with the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including this.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170836,"EventID":"S1W-34410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how incidents of fighting as a breach of prison discipline are recorded for the performance indicators contained in paragraphs 2.2(a) and 2.2(b) of Schedule F to the Minu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how incidents of fighting as a breach of prison discipline are recorded for the performance indicators contained in paragraphs 2.2(a) and 2.2(b) of Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Fights are regarded, for performance points purposes, as "assaults" with points being awarded according to the number of individuals found guilty of being participants and according to the severity of any injuries sustained. If it is proven that an individual's actions have been limited to self defence, no points are awarded.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170837,"EventID":"S1W-34411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, why it is unable to provide a record of offences of violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, why it is unable to provide a record of offences of violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock reported to the procurator fiscal.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Because it is a matter for the police.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170838,"EventID":"S1W-34412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, how many incidents of alleged (a) assault and (b) fighting have been dealt with in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, how many incidents of alleged (a) assault and (b) fighting have been dealt with in the orderly room at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each quarter since the prison opened.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Quarterly figures are not available. The numbers of charges laid in each year alleging such breaches of prison discipline are listed in the following table. | | Assault | Fighting | Year One | 74 | 45 | Year Two | 34 | 40 | Year Three | 34 | 54 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170839,"EventID":"S1W-34413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how incidents of fighting as a breach of prison discipline are recorded in respect of the accrual of performance points under Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement betwee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how incidents of fighting as a breach of prison discipline are recorded in respect of the accrual of performance points under Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34410 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170840,"EventID":"S1W-34414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, why it is unable to provide a record of convictions in relation to offences of violenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, why it is unable to provide a record of convictions in relation to offences of violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: There is no requirement for the police or courts to advise the prison on progress or outcomes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170841,"EventID":"S1W-34415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, how it is able to monitor performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock under Schedule F of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33537 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 February 2003, how it is able to monitor performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock under Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock for performance indicators 2.2(a) and 2.2(b), which require that for performance points to be accrued an assault must be proven on adjudication or by criminal conviction, if it is unable to state the number of incidents of violence at the prison in relation to which convictions or adjudications have been obtained. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Figures are available for assaults. Where these have been proven through adjudication in the Orderly Room or where the SPS has been made aware of convictions in court, then performance points have accrued. The answer given to question S1W-34414 today, refers to provision of records of criminal convictions. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170842,"EventID":"S1W-34416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a 96-year-old resident in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency, whose home has two 40-year-old storage heaters, in the living room and hallway, that were describe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a 96-year-old resident in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency, whose home has two 40-year-old storage heaters, in the living room and hallway, that were described in representations by North Lanarkshire Social Work Department as leaving the hallway \"like a fridge\", has been refused a new central heating system under its Central Heating Installation Programme, following representations from the local councillor, friends and the social work department.","AnswerText":"Eligibility for the Central Heating Installation Programme is dependent on a number of factors, including whether there is any form of heating in the house already. In September 2002 the Scottish Executive announced that the programme would be extended from April 2004 to elderly people over 80 living in homes with partial or poorly functioning systems. However, the case raised in the question does concern me and I will investigate further and write to you.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170843,"EventID":"S1W-34417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been (a) refused and (b) provided with heating systems under its Central Heating Installation Program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been (a) refused and (b) provided with heating systems under its Central Heating Installation Programme in each year since the programme became operational.","AnswerText":"Eaga do not collect statistics on the number of applications refused. They collect cumulative statistics on the number of installations by main postcode area, not constituency area. The main postcode area covering Cumbernauld and Kilsyth is G. Eaga tell us that they have installed 2,877 central heating systems in the G postcode area between the autumn of 2000 and 28 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170844,"EventID":"S1W-34418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency have been (a) refused and (b) provided with heating systems under its Central Heating Installation Programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency have been (a) refused and (b) provided with heating systems under its Central Heating Installation Programme in each year since the programme became operational.","AnswerText":"Eaga do not collect statistics on the number of applications refused. They collect cumulative statistics on the number of installations by main postcode area, not constituency area. The main postcode area covering Motherwell and Wishaw is ML. Eaga tell us that they have installed 216 central heating systems in the ML postcode area between the autumn of 2000 and 28 February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170845,"EventID":"S1W-34419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #600,000 recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport for improved opportunities to participate in sports for children and young people with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #600,000 recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport for improved opportunities to participate in sports for children and young people with special needs will be allocated.","AnswerText":"The £600,000 will be paid into the Scottish Physical Recreation Fund and managed by it specifically for Scottish Disability Sport (SDS). This will enable SDS to provide the specialist support needed to ensure that children and young people with special needs can participate fully in the Active Primary Schools and Schools Sports Development Officer Programmes, which will attract significant additional resources over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170846,"EventID":"S1W-34420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of any existing funding, or of the #600,000 recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, for improved opportunities to participate i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of any existing funding, or of the #600,000 recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, for improved opportunities to participate in sports for children and young people with special needs will be allocated to local authority and independent specialist schools run by charitable organisations.","AnswerText":"None. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34419 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170847,"EventID":"S1W-34421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Enterprise's criteria are for awarding external consultancy contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Enterprise's criteria are for awarding external consultancy contracts.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170848,"EventID":"S1W-34422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on internal public relations staff in each year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on internal public relations staff in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170849,"EventID":"S1W-34423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22410 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how much Scottish Enterprise has paid to contracted consultants in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22410 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how much Scottish Enterprise has paid to contracted consultants in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170850,"EventID":"S1W-34424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22408 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how many permanent members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 Janu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22408 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how many permanent members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 January 2003.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170851,"EventID":"S1W-34425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22412 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on contracted public relations services in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22412 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 11 February 2002, how much Scottish Enterprise has spent on contracted public relations services in each year since 1999-2000. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170852,"EventID":"S1W-34426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many weapons were taken out of circulation in each of the last two amnesties on illegal firearms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many weapons were taken out of circulation in each of the last two amnesties on illegal firearms.","AnswerText":"Information for Scotland in respect of the last two national amnesties is given in the table. Year | Firearms | Ammunition | Other Weapons | 1988 | 5,177 | 221,703 | 881 | 1996 | 3,428 | 104,161 | 466 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170853,"EventID":"S1W-34428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made to and (b) proceedings have been taken by procurators fiscal for offences under section 27(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made to and (b) proceedings have been taken by procurators fiscal for offences under section 27(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and how many convictions were obtained in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170854,"EventID":"S1W-34429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made to and (b) proceedings have been taken by procurators fiscal for alleged breach of bail conditions by committing a further offence und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made to and (b) proceedings have been taken by procurators fiscal for alleged breach of bail conditions by committing a further offence under section 27(3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and how many convictions were obtained that took account of such further offences in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170855,"EventID":"S1W-34430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions were obtained in 2001 under sections (a) 47, (b) 48(2), (c) 49, (d) 49A and (e) 50(4) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions were obtained in 2001 under sections (a) 47, (b) 48(2), (c) 49, (d) 49A and (e) 50(4) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"In 2001, there were two, zero and four persons respectively with a charge proved where the main offence was under section 48(2), section 49A and section 50(4) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation)(Scotland) Act 1995. The numbers of persons with a charge proved under sections 47 and 49 of the 1995 act are given in the following table.Persons with a Charge Proved Under Sections 47 and 49 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 19951, 2001 Court | Section 47 | Section 49 | All courts2 | 1,425 | 1,270 | Sheriff Courts | Aberdeen | 39 | 23 | Airdrie | 34 | 25 | Alloa | 4 | 5 | Arbroath | 11 | 5 | Ayr | 29 | 21 | Banff | 2 | 1 | Campbeltown | 0 | 3 | Cupar | 12 | 2 | Dingwall | 0 | 1 | Dumbarton | 33 | 38 | Dumfries | 14 | 9 | Dundee | 48 | 38 | Dunfermline | 6 | 6 | Dunoon | 1 | 5 | Duns | 2 | 1 | Edinburgh | 88 | 88 | Elgin | 10 | 7 | Falkirk | 23 | 17 | Forfar | 3 | 5 | Fort William | 2 | 3 | Glasgow | The available information is as follows: The answer given to question S1W-33537 on 27 February 2003 lists the number of adjudications at HM Prison Kilmarnock since it opened. The following findings of guilt, following allegations of assault, have been recorded for the same period. | | On a Member of Staff | On Another Prisoner (Including Fights) | Year One | 37 | 27 | Year Two | 31 | 45 | Year Three | 31 | 81 | Year Four (to date) | 17 | 56 |
The answer given to question S1W-34414 today refers to provision of records of criminal convictions. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170858,"EventID":"S1W-34433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the cost of tram systems for west, north and south-east Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the cost of tram systems for west, north and south-east Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"An estimate of costs as at 30 September 2002 is contained in page 50 of the report A Vision for Edinburgh, by Transport Initiatives Edinburgh. A copy of the document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26840).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170859,"EventID":"S1W-34434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided to schools to deal with drug and alcohol problems of pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided to schools to deal with drug and alcohol problems of pupils.","AnswerText":"All of the recommendations from the Final Report of the School Drug Safety Team, published in January 2001 are being implemented. £3 million over the three years from 2001-02 is being provided to support this. The recommendations cover all aspects of drug education in schools impacting on the curriculum, management and co-ordination within schools, quality assurance, teacher education and multi-agency training. Guidelines for the Management of Incidents of Drugs Misuse was issued to all schools in June 2000. These guidelines contain clear advice on the procedures which should be in place within school, not only to deal with any incidents but also for protecting the welfare of the young person after an incident. All schools are expected to have policies and procedures in place in line with this national advice by the end of academic year 2002-03. The funding of £3 million includes £900,000 over 2002-03 and 2003-04 on drug-related training for teachers being provided by Scotland Against Drugs and the Scottish Training Agency for Drug and Alcohol.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170860,"EventID":"S1W-34435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget for HM Inspectorate of Education is for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget for HM Inspectorate of Education is for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Budget (Scotland) (No. 4) Bill includes a cash budget for HM Inspectorate of Education for 2003-04 of £8.2 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170861,"EventID":"S1W-34436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the aim of HM Inspectorate of Education of a \"generational cycle\" of school inspections, whereby every parent can expect both a primar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the aim of HM Inspectorate of Education of a \"generational cycle\" of school inspections, whereby every parent can expect both a primary and a secondary school report as their child moves through school education.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graham Donaldson, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education, to respond. His response is as follows: We are aiming to complete the delivery of the first generational cycle by 2008 for secondary schools and 2009 for primary schools. In 2002, we inspected 370 primary schools (223 initial inspections and 147 follow-up inspections) and 97 secondary schools (36 initial inspections and 61 follow-up inspections).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170862,"EventID":"S1W-34437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in each local authority area have not been inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education within the last (a) seven and (b) 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in each local authority area have not been inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education within the last (a) seven and (b) 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graham Donaldson, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education, to respond. His response is as follows: Details of the number of schools in each local authority area not inspected in the last seven years are given in the following table. For the number of schools not inspected in the last 10 years, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34084 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Local Authority | Number of Schools not Inspected in the Last 7 Years | Aberdeen City | 16 | Aberdeenshire | 66 | Angus | 18 | Argyll and Bute | 32 | Clackmannanshire | 5 | Dumfries and Galloway | 56 | Dundee City | 11 | East Ayrshire | 11 | East Dunbartonshire | 16 | East Lothian | 18 | East Renfrewshire | 19 | City of Edinburgh | 55 | Falkirk | 20 | Fife | 77 | Glasgow City | 142 | Highlands | 95 | Inverclyde | 25 | Midlothian | 14 | Moray | 22 | North Ayrshire | 24 | North Lanarkshire | 111 | Orkney Islands | 14 | Perth and Kinross | 21 | Renfrewshire | 39 | Scottish Borders | 28 | Shetland Islands | 14 | South Ayrshire | 28 | South Lanarkshire | 85 | Stirling | 18 | West Dunbartonshire | 23 | West Lothian | 33 | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | 23 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170863,"EventID":"S1W-34438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding studies being carried out into the care and maintenance of the Forth Bridge and who commissioned, and is paying, for any such studies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding studies being carried out into the care and maintenance of the Forth Bridge and who commissioned, and is paying, for any such studies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6078 on 12 December 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170864,"EventID":"S1W-34439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for funding any remedial works on the Forth Bridge in addition to normal care and maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for funding any remedial works on the Forth Bridge in addition to normal care and maintenance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6078 on 12 December 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170865,"EventID":"S1W-34440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what uses it is considering for the site of the young offenders facility at HM Prison Glenochil once the facility has closed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what uses it is considering for the site of the young offenders facility at HM Prison Glenochil once the facility has closed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: It is intended to develop the site in accordance with the HM Prison Glenochil Development Plan, which includes construction of replacement prisoner accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170866,"EventID":"S1W-34441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is contractually obliged to hand over land currently occupied by the young offenders facility at HM Prison Glenochil to any contractor once the facility has cl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is contractually obliged to hand over land currently occupied by the young offenders facility at HM Prison Glenochil to any contractor once the facility has closed and, if so, to whom.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: No.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170867,"EventID":"S1W-34442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training in preparation for freedom is available for inmates at HM Prison Polmont.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training in preparation for freedom is available for inmates at HM Prison Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Long-term young adults receive training in preparation for freedom through the Beechwood Unit (Open Facility within Polmont YOI). The training includes preparation for work through community-based placements and throughcare supports such as budgeting for their own food and belongings, assistance with job applications, and cooking their own meals in advance of independent living.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170868,"EventID":"S1W-34443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it makes to secure employment for persons leaving HM Prison Polmont.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it makes to secure employment for persons leaving HM Prison Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Depending on sentence length and assessed needs, young adults are offered a range of employment supports including job interviews, CV preparation, literacies assistance, and building self-esteem. Links are also made with Apex Scotland, Job Centre Plus and individual employers to maximise chances of securing and retaining full, part-time and voluntary employment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170869,"EventID":"S1W-34444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34139 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 February 2003, what the nature was of the incident of failure to comply with agreed reporting procedu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34139 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 February 2003, what the nature was of the incident of failure to comply with agreed reporting procedures at HM Prison Kilmarnock in quarter three of performance year four of the prison's operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: During a routine cell search a home made weapon was found. This was reported but not in accordance with the timescale laid down in SPS reporting procedures.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170870,"EventID":"S1W-34445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels have been decommissioned in each year since decommissioning began and what the total tonnage and power is of these vessels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessels have been decommissioned in each year since decommissioning began and what the total tonnage and power is of these vessels.","AnswerText":"The required information is set out in the table. Information is not available for any decommissioning schemes run prior to 1993. Scheme Year | Total No. UK Vessels Decommissioned | No. Scottish Vessels Decommissioned | Gross Tonnage Removed | Engine Power (kW) Removed | 1993 | 135 | 45 | 4755.35 GRT | 22446 | 1994 | 162 | 50 | 5269.83 GRT | 27786 | 1995 | 139 | 37 | 4206.24 GRT | 23142 | 1996 | 142 | 45 | 3380.95 GRT | 19129.9 | 1997 | 104 | 19 | 4215.09 GRT | 23249 | 2001 | 157 | 98 | 17453.10 GT* | 45495.67** |
Notes: *Tonnages removed by the 1993-97 and the 2001 schemes are not necessarily directly comparable. The method of measuring the tonnage of fishing vessels changed during the late 1990s following the phased introduction of tonnage measurements to standards agreed under the International Tonnage Convention of 1969 and implemented under EU Regulations. **Figure does not include vessels decommissioned under the Northern Irish scheme for which engine power data is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170871,"EventID":"S1W-34446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25983 and S1W-32815 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002 and Hugh Henry on 13 January 2003 respectively, whether any performance poin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25983 and S1W-32815 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002 and Hugh Henry on 13 January 2003 respectively, whether any performance points have yet been accrued by the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock as a result of the stabbing of a prison custody officer on 15 May 2002 and, if so, for what quarter such points were accrued.","AnswerText":"No. The incident is still subject to police procedures.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170872,"EventID":"S1W-34447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","AnswerText":"Under the Childcare Strategy, the Scottish Executive allocated £16.5 million to local authorities in the financial year 2002-03 to allow them to expand, develop and sustain accessible, affordable, quality child care, including outdoor play provision in child care settings. Over the period of the Scottish Budget 2003-06, funding for the Childcare Strategy will increase and will reach £40.65 million for the year 2005-06. Local allocations of these resources are the responsibility of local authorities. As part of the Local Government Settlement, £180 million of Quality of Life funding has been allocated to local authorities over the next three years. The broad policy theme of Increasing Opportunities for Children & Young People allows scope for a wide range of local initiatives that will respond to local needs and priorities, including the development of outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities. This is in addition to the extra £95 million allocated to local authorities this year to encourage children and young people to make healthy lifestyle choices and to improve the local environment. As part of this initiative, £7.75 million was allocated to the improvement of organised play and play areas and to the promotion of outdoor recreation. Councils' budgeted spend on Special Education this year from Scottish Executive grant and council tax is £260 million, an increase of 5.5% over last year. Local authorities have discretion to allocate money to support outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities. The Executive has also allocated £600,000 to sportscotland to set up a dowry for Scottish Disability Sport. This dowry will allow Scottish Disability Sport to provide specialist support to ensure that the needs of children and young people with special needs are addressed as the Active Primary Schools Programme is rolled out. One of the four areas covered by the programme is children's play (as well as active travel, PE and sport).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170873,"EventID":"S1W-34448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to develop outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to develop outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34447 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170874,"EventID":"S1W-34449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the Physical Activity Task Force has given to outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the Physical Activity Task Force has given to outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Physical Activity Task Force (PATF) recommended that all children, including those with disabilities, should have the opportunity to be physically active in their home, educational establishments and community. The task force formulated their recommendations having reviewed research and identified good practice on a worldwide basis. The PATF recognised play as an important element of physical activity, accounting for the greatest proportion of children and young people's physical activity pursuits. Membership of the PATF reflected a wide range of expertise and among those represented were play organisations, disabled groups, child health specialists and local authorities. The PATF proposed the development of policies and resources to support four broad strategic objectives, one of which involves providing supportive physical environments to enable inactive people to become active. All of these objectives will be taken into account in the development of the four implementation plans, Active Homes, Active Schools, Active Communities and Active Workplaces.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170875,"EventID":"S1W-34450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Active Communities Initiative implementation plan will consider the need for outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Active Communities Initiative implementation plan will consider the need for outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities. ","AnswerText":"The Active Communities Initiative is our strategy for supporting voluntary and community action within local communities across Scotland. It has four key objectives: to bring about positive attitudes to volunteering; to locate volunteering at the heart of policy and practice; to broaden the range of people involved, and to increase the number of people involved. Any voluntary organisation with proposals that advance and support these overall objectives can seek financial assistance from the Scottish Executive. The provision of outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities is a matter for local agencies, for example, local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170876,"EventID":"S1W-34451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further action it intends to take to promote science in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further action it intends to take to promote science in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continuing to implement a range of measures as part of its commitment to school science within A Science Strategy for Scotland and supporting delivery of the National Priorities in Education. Over the next three years, £10 million is being distributed to education authorities in support of these initiatives. The first tranche of £5 million will be issued in April 2003. Further allocations of £3 million and £2 million will be made in 2004-05 and 2005-06. The funding will support teacher professional development and offer further resources to schools to update scientific equipment. This is in addition to the £8 million already announced during Science Year 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170877,"EventID":"S1W-34452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of available prisoner places has been in HM Prison Kilmarnock in each quarter since the opening of the prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of available prisoner places has been in HM Prison Kilmarnock in each quarter since the opening of the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: Since the phase-in of prisoners in 1999, the number of Available Prisoner Places, as defined in the contract between SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited, has remained at 500. The number of Additional Prisoner Places, as defined in the contract, was 48 from July 2000 until January 2003. Since 1 February 2003, the number of such places has been 96.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170878,"EventID":"S1W-34453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the quarterly baseline total, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the quarterly baseline total, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, has been in each quarter since the opening of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the following table. Performance Year | Performance Quarter | Baseline | Year 1 | 1 | 408 | 2 | 685 | 3 | 685 | 4 | 685 | Year 2 | 1 | 651 | 2 | 675 | 3 | 697 | 4 | 690 | Year 3 | 1 | 664 | 2 | 656 | 3 | 659 | 4 | 700 | Year 4 | 1 | 636 | 2 | 629 | 3 | 629 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170879,"EventID":"S1W-34454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many category D prisoners have been unlawfully at large in each of the last five years, broken down by prison from which they became unlawfully at large.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many category D prisoners have been unlawfully at large in each of the last five years, broken down by prison from which they became unlawfully at large.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Information about prisoners unlawfully at large by security category is not available. The SPS annual reports give details of numbers of prisoners escaping/absconding from custody.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170880,"EventID":"S1W-34456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have submitted members' codes of conduct under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have submitted members' codes of conduct under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"At 11 March 2003 a total of 104 devolved public bodies had submitted codes of conduct under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. Consideration of the codes of conduct for members of devolved public bodies will be finalised shortly and the bodies will then be notified of ministers' decisions. This will be completed well in advance of the 1 May commencement of the ethical standards framework. Thirty-five codes have yet to be submitted from bodies which will come within the ethical standards framework on 1 May 2003. These relate to boards of management of further education colleges whose sectoral code has only recently been agreed with the Association of Scottish Colleges. The codes for The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and The Cairngorms National Park are not required to be submitted until 1 September and 1 December 2003 respectively. This was specified in the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Stipulated Time Limit) Order 2003 (SSI/2003/122).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170881,"EventID":"S1W-34457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have had members' codes of conduct approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have had members' codes of conduct approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34456 today. All answers to written parliamentary questionss are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170882,"EventID":"S1W-34458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have not submitted members' codes of conduct under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public bodies have not submitted members' codes of conduct under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34456. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170883,"EventID":"S1W-34459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have had their members' codes of conduct approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have had their members' codes of conduct approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34456. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170884,"EventID":"S1W-34460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have submitted members' codes of conduct that have not been approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have submitted members' codes of conduct that have not been approved under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34456. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170885,"EventID":"S1W-34461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have members' registers of interest under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and whether, and how, each such register is ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies have members' registers of interest under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and whether, and how, each such register is made available to the public.","AnswerText":"Devolved public bodies which come within the ambit of the 2000 act will not need to have their register of interest in place until May 2003. The Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Regulations 2003 (SSI/2003/135), made on 5 March 2003, stipulates that the register should be open to public inspection at an office of the applicable council or devolved public body at all reasonable hours and without charge.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170886,"EventID":"S1W-34462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies do not have members' registers of interest under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and what action has been taken to ensur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies do not have members' registers of interest under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and what action has been taken to ensure compliance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34461 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170887,"EventID":"S1W-34463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of public bodies are required to register pecuniary interests under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of public bodies are required to register pecuniary interests under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"Members will be required to register financial and non-financial interests. Full details of the requirements are set out in the Model Code of Conduct, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170888,"EventID":"S1W-34464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of public bodies are required to register non-pecuniary interests under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and, if so, whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of public bodies are required to register non-pecuniary interests under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and, if so, whether such interests include membership of clubs, organisations and political parties.","AnswerText":"Members of devolved public bodies listed in schedule 3 of the 2000 act will be required to register non-financial interests which may be of significance, relevance or bear upon the work or operation of the devolved public body. This includes membership of other public bodies; clubs, societies and organisations; trade unions, and voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170889,"EventID":"S1W-34465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of a public body has, since the introduction of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, refused to register an interest and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of a public body has, since the introduction of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000, refused to register an interest and, if so, what action was taken in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34461 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170890,"EventID":"S1W-34466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its annual report, Appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its annual report, Appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive's annual report on Appointments to Scottish Public Bodies is published in accordance with the recommendations of the First Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The total cost of printing, publishing and distributing the report was £2623.48 (incl. VAT).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170891,"EventID":"S1W-34467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal care has been allocated to each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal care has been allocated to each local authority.","AnswerText":"The overall allocation was £107 million for 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003 and £143 million for 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004. The table shows the breakdown for individual authorities. Free Personal Care Allocations Local Authority | Starting 1 July 2002 (£000) | Starting 1 April 2003 (£000) | Aberdeen City | 4,243 | 5,669 | Aberdeenshire | 4,950 | 6,684 | Angus | 3,466 | 4,667 | Argyll and Bute | 2,655 | 3,547 | Clackmananshire | 661 | 871 | Dumfries and Galloway | 3,744 | 5,037 | Dundee City | 3,018 | 3,997 | East Ayrshire | 2,649 | 3,548 | East Dunbartonshire | 2,255 | 3,060 | East Lothian | 1,868 | 2,500 | East Renfrewshire | 2,210 | 2,990 | Edinburgh City | 12,170 | 16,310 | Eilean Siar | 454 | 589 | Falkirk | 2,195 | 2,921 | Fife | 7,504 | 10,067 | Glasgow City | 10,763 | 14,019 | Highland | 4,106 | 5,513 | Inverclyde | 1,941 | 2,577 | Midlothian | 1,326 | 1,785 | Moray | 1,869 | 2,516 | North Ayrshire | 3,226 | 4,327 | North Lanarkshire | 4,232 | 5,617 | Orkney | 255 | 340 | Perth and Kinross | 4,517 | 6,098 | Renfrewshire | 3,082 | 4,126 | ","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170892,"EventID":"S1W-34468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been set aside to implement the \"Fair for All\" strategy, as referred to in chapter 3 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been set aside to implement the \"Fair for All\" strategy, as referred to in chapter 3 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"A key principle of the "Fair for All" approach is that the distinctive health needs of individuals and family groups from ethnic minority communities should be met and funded by culturally competent mainstream services. The Scottish Executive provided funding of £1.1 million over three years to establish an ethnic minority resource centre to support and monitor the local delivery of the "Fair for All" approach.In this European Year of Disabled People, the health white paper, Partnership for Care acknowledged the success of the "Fair for All" approach by extending to other potentially excluded groups the principle that mainstream services should recognise and respond sensitively to the distinctive individual needs, background and circumstances of people's lives. We have already agreed a strategic partnership with the Disability Rights Commission and will shortly begin a stocktake exercise to establish what additional support local services require to deliver this commitment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170893,"EventID":"S1W-34469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be provided to develop carer information strategies, as referred to in chapter 3 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be provided to develop carer information strategies, as referred to in chapter 3 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committing record levels of investment in the NHS, ensuring that NHS boards have sufficient funds to meet local health care needs in line with the priorities set out in out in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change and our recently introduced white paper, Partnership for Care. This substantial investment will continue to rise by over 5% a year in real terms over the next three years. Generic clinical standards already require NHS boards to have information strategies in place which meet the needs of patients, relatives and carers. The introduction of Carer Information Strategies will seek to enhance that existing work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170894,"EventID":"S1W-34470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which nursing agencies received a share of the #24,530,733 spent by the NHS on agency nurses in 2001-02, as shown in table E21 of the NHS workforce statistics produced by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which nursing agencies received a share of the #24,530,733 spent by the NHS on agency nurses in 2001-02, as shown in table E21 of the NHS workforce statistics produced by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170895,"EventID":"S1W-34471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, emergency in-patients treated in the NHS in each of the last three years were over the age of 65.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, emergency in-patients treated in the NHS in each of the last three years were over the age of 65.","AnswerText":"The number and percentage of emergency in-patients treated in NHSScotland over the age of 65 for the last three years are contained in the following table. | | Number | Percentage of Total1 | Year Ending March 2000 | 179,456 | 38.3 % | Year Ending March 2001 | 179,306 | 38.0 % | Year Ending March 2002P | 182,570 | 38.3 % |
Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.P Provisional. Note: Percentage based on all emergency in-patients.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170896,"EventID":"S1W-34472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how additional costs of teaching funding is divided between each NHS acute hospital where teaching takes place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how additional costs of teaching funding is divided between each NHS acute hospital where teaching takes place.","AnswerText":"A total of £86.071 million was allocated in 2002-03 to the four Scottish teaching boards to meet the additional costs to the NHS of teaching being carried out in hospitals. It is for the four teaching boards to arrange for distribution of this funding to those hospitals carrying out teaching.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170897,"EventID":"S1W-34473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of teaching are carried out by each NHS acute hospital where teaching takes place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of teaching are carried out by each NHS acute hospital where teaching takes place.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170898,"EventID":"S1W-34474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact providing treatment in other NHS board areas to patients waiting the longest will have on local budgets for cross-boundary flow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact providing treatment in other NHS board areas to patients waiting the longest will have on local budgets for cross-boundary flow.","AnswerText":"A large number of NHS patients in Scotland already receive treatment in hospitals outside their NHS board areas of residence. Arrangements are already in place for the planning and funding of these out of area treatments. The number of out of area treatments undertaken as a result of NHS boards ensuring that waiting guarantees are met is expected to represent a relatively small addition to existing patient flows. Individual NHS boards receive funding to enable them to meet their responsibility for forecasting and meeting the health care needs of their residents, including arranging and paying for treatment in neighbouring NHS board areas. The key objective is that the longest waiting times experienced by NHS patients in Scotland are reduced to meet the Executive's targets, as made clear in Partnership for Care published on 27 February.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170899,"EventID":"S1W-34475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients were treated in non-NHS institutions in each of the four most recent quarters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients were treated in non-NHS institutions in each of the four most recent quarters.","AnswerText":"Reliable information on the number of NHS patients treated in non-NHS institutions is not available centrally. However, the Information and Statistics Division, part of the Common Services Agency in NHSScotland, are currently working with the Scottish Executive, NHS boards, trusts and the independent sector to improve data coverage and data quality.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170900,"EventID":"S1W-34476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received diagnostic tests performed in one-stop clinics as a percentage of all patients receiving diagnostic tests in the NHS in each of the last three","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received diagnostic tests performed in one-stop clinics as a percentage of all patients receiving diagnostic tests in the NHS in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170901,"EventID":"S1W-34477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been set aside to encourage skilled professionals to return to the NHS, as referred to in chapter 6 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Pape","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been set aside to encourage skilled professionals to return to the NHS, as referred to in chapter 6 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper, and how much it will set aside in each of the next three years to encourage skilled professionals to return to the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking action to build capacity in NHSScotland. Return to Practice schemes are an important part of that and some examples are given: £2 million has been allocated to NHS boards, spread over 2002-03 and 2003-04 to fund Return to Practice for nurses and midwives who have taken a break from their careers. This should allow between 400 and 600 nurses and midwives to return to NHSScotland. £100,000 has been allocated for Return to Practice for the Allied Health Professions in the next financial year. Programmes to support this will need to be developed and funding will be reviewed thereafter. The on-going recruitment and retention package announced for dentistry includes the introduction of an enhanced \"return to work\" scheme under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative to encourage dentists who have taken career breaks to return to general dental practice and provide NHS dental services on a sessional basis. Under the previous scheme, a returning dentist could earn up to £2,000 for working up to 200 NHS sessions in the year following return, with an equivalent payment for the practice owner. The revised scheme will enable the returner and practice owner to earn up to £6,750 each where the returner works up to 450 sessions. The revised scheme is also open to dentists returning to NHS orthodontic practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170902,"EventID":"S1W-34478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of funding is for the (a) Partnership Support Unit, (b) Scottish Partnership Forum and (c) Human Resources Forum, as referred to in chapter 6 of Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of funding is for the (a) Partnership Support Unit, (b) Scottish Partnership Forum and (c) Human Resources Forum, as referred to in chapter 6 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper, and what funding it will make available in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The work of the Scottish Partnership Forum (SPF) is supportive of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Executive and the STUC. This provides a framework for the development of genuine partnership working between the two organisations and includes a joint commitment to make the best use of resources. The Partnership Support Unit and Human Resources Forum (HRF) have recently been announced and have no allocated funding for 2002-03. They will not be fully operative until after April. The SPF and the associated Partnership Information Network (PIN) were not allocated specific funding in 2002-03, however it is estimated that funding for work associated with these groups amounted to £108,000. Combined funding of £395,000 has been set aside for 2003-04 for the Partnership Support Unit, SPF,HRF and work of the PIN. The two forums and the PIN board will shortly be developing their programme of work for the coming years which may influence future funding arrangements. The new SPF will be able to influence future strategy on a range of health service policy spending issues. The HRF will have the capacity to influence spending on human resources issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170903,"EventID":"S1W-34479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment has been made in personal computers, network connections and training for NHS staff to use information and communication systems, as referred to in chapte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment has been made in personal computers, network connections and training for NHS staff to use information and communication systems, as referred to in chapter 6 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper, and what investment it will make available in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"Investment plans for the provision of personal computers, network connections and training for NHS staff are agreed between NHS boards and NHS trusts in support of their local IM&T Strategy. Central records are not kept of this investment. Central funds are provided on a recurring basis for national telecommunications network services, GP email/messaging services, to facilitate provision of local IM&T training for staff and to provide European Computer Driving licences for staff. These funds totalled £4.592 million in 2002-03. Central funds have been provided on a non-recurring basis this year to assist NHS boards and NHS trusts improve their IM&T infrastructure and to assist in advancing their strategic plans for IM&T. These funds totalled £13.39 million. Central funds to be made available for eHealth investment are to nearly double over the coming three years to more than £48 million per annum.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170904,"EventID":"S1W-34480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the abolition of NHS trusts will (a) cost and (b) save, as referred to in chapter 7 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the abolition of NHS trusts will (a) cost and (b) save, as referred to in chapter 7 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"When we set out our proposals in Partnership for Care to dissolve the remaining NHS trusts, our primary objective was not to achieve financial savings, and nor have we identified any direct cost implications. Rather, changes to the governance of local NHS systems should be seen as part of our drive to develop integrated, decentralised health care services that devolve management authority to the front line of patient care. Nevertheless, by consolidating around 15 NHS boards with minimal structural change and disruption, unnecessary bureaucracy will be reduced, and resources will be freed up and redirected towards improved patient care. Specifically, the removal of the remaining trusts will support a whole-system approach to financial management, accountability and planning which maximises the return on additional investment, simplifying the way money flows in the local NHS system and allowing greater flexibility for financial planning over the longer term.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170905,"EventID":"S1W-34481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effective interventions it will use to ensure that standards are met and enforced within the NHS, as referred to in chapter 1 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effective interventions it will use to ensure that standards are met and enforced within the NHS, as referred to in chapter 1 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"Our recent White Paper Partnership for Care focuses on listening to patients and involving the public and communities, and on improving the quality of health care. Our proposals involve a range of interventions that may be necessary to ensure that adequate standards and performance are maintained by the NHS in Scotland. These are set out in Chapter 4 of the health white paper Partnership for Care. These include actions by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland to investigate serious service failures and make clear recommendations for remedial action, and action by the Executive to require NHS boards to make immediate changes to remedy serious concerns about patient safety and service quality. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is a body independent of government and the NHS. It was established on 1 January 2003. The purpose of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is to improve the quality of health care in Scotland by setting standards and monitoring performance. Standards are reviewed by teams including patients and professionals and NHS organisations are expected to meet the standards laid down by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. The white paper makes clear that the Executive has arrangements for escalating intervention to address service failures within the NHS. The Executive will also review its powers of intervention and bring forward legislation, if necessary, to ensure that effective mechanisms are in place for the delivery of national standards and priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170906,"EventID":"S1W-34482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial and other support exists for small and medium-si'ed enterprises in dealing with drug and alcohol problems of employees and what support it plans to provide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial and other support exists for small and medium-si'ed enterprises in dealing with drug and alcohol problems of employees and what support it plans to provide, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Executive issued a resource pack with information on occupational health to approximately 77,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in December 2001. This includes guidance on the development of workplace drug and alcohol policies. Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) provides free policy advice and guidance to help and support organisations to develop health promoting workplaces. SHAW will receive funding of £750,000 in 2003-04 and is targeted with doubling the participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises within its scheme.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170907,"EventID":"S1W-34483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects are funded under the Health Improvement Fund and what funding has been provided to each project, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects are funded under the Health Improvement Fund and what funding has been provided to each project, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"Full details about projects funded by the Health Improvement Fund across Scotland, between 2000-01 and 2003-04, is given in the Investment Report Putting the Pieces in Place. This is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19606) or from the Scottish Executive website www.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170908,"EventID":"S1W-34484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its health improvement challenge, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its health improvement challenge, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"Improving Health in Scotland - the Challenge was launched today at the third Healthy Scotland Convention held in Edinburgh. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34705 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170909,"EventID":"S1W-34485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the amalgamation of the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Public Health Institute for Scotland will cost and what the projected savings are in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the amalgamation of the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Public Health Institute for Scotland will cost and what the projected savings are in each year, as referred to in chapter 2 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The overall financial effect of the integration of the Health Education Board for Scotland and the Public Health Institute of Scotland will be cost neutral.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170910,"EventID":"S1W-34486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information that is not currently available to NHS patients will be provided to patients in future through the Patient Information Initiative and what funding the in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information that is not currently available to NHS patients will be provided to patients in future through the Patient Information Initiative and what funding the initiative will receive, as referred to in chapter 3 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The white paper Partnership for Care notes that patient information is currently available from a variety of sources. However, this information may vary in quality, or may not be in a format which is readily accessible to those who use NHS services in Scotland. The Patient Information Initiative will develop national quality assurance guidance for the development, review and management of patient information. An important part of this is the involvement of patients in the development of information. It will also support equal access across Scotland to a patient focussed resource of generic health information. Funding for this initiative will be £1 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170911,"EventID":"S1W-34487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Quality Improvement Scotland's budget is for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what NHS Quality Improvement Scotland's budget is for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The budget of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland for 2003-04 is £10.231 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170912,"EventID":"S1W-34488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Centre for Change and Innovation's budget is for 2003-04, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Centre for Change and Innovation's budget is for 2003-04, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Centre for Change and Innovation's budget for 2003-04 is £12.8 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170913,"EventID":"S1W-34489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Centre for Change and Innovation funding will be distributed to NHS boards, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Centre for Change and Innovation funding will be distributed to NHS boards, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Centre for Change and Innovation's budget of £12.8 million will be used to fund national programmes which will be rolled out across NHSScotland. Where there is clear evidence of innovation within a board area, this may receive pump priming to pilot and evaluate change in service redesign before a programme is driven forward nationally by the Centre for Change and Innovation. All programmes are formally approved and monitored by the Scottish Health Change Panel reflecting the service's demands for modernisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170914,"EventID":"S1W-34490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many out-patient clinics are held in local health centres, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many out-patient clinics are held in local health centres, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170915,"EventID":"S1W-34491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives will be introduced as part of the Performance Incentive Framework, as referred to in chapter 4 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives will be introduced as part of the Performance Incentive Framework, as referred to in chapter 4 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Performance Incentive Framework (PIF) will be developed over the coming months with involvement from the key stakeholders in NHS Scotland. The framework will balance the current escalating intervention protocol with a range of incentives designed to encourage and enhance good performance in the NHS, while the protocol will remain in place to help address poor or declining performance. Given that we wish to engage fully with the NHS and other stakeholders in the development of the PIF, it would not be appropriate to outline the likely content of a PIF until we have sought their views.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170916,"EventID":"S1W-34492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to each NHS board to introduce and develop new hospital appointment systems in each year since 1999-2000 and what future funding will be pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to each NHS board to introduce and develop new hospital appointment systems in each year since 1999-2000 and what future funding will be provided, as referred to in chapter 4 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"Information, Management and Technology Strategies are agreed at NHS health board level together with associated local investment plans, which will include provision for systems such as hospital appointments systems. The Health Department intends to investigate with the service new ways of making appointments which will bring a closer involvement for the patient in the appointment process and may involve the use of contact centres for hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170917,"EventID":"S1W-34493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for the new research strategy, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for the new research strategy, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) will receive £47.5 million in 2003-04 to support research into health and health care needs in Scotland. The strategic direction of that research over the next five years, will be determined by CSO's new research strategy, which is currently the subject of public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170918,"EventID":"S1W-34494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Health Council will work with local health councils in each NHS board area to achieve greater public involvement in the NHS, as referred to in chapter 5 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Health Council will work with local health councils in each NHS board area to achieve greater public involvement in the NHS, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper on A new public involvement structure for NHSScotland was launched on 4 March and includes proposals for how the Scottish Health Council might operate nationally and locally. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26830).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170919,"EventID":"S1W-34495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget for the new Scottish Health Council will be, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget for the new Scottish Health Council will be, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"The budget for the new Scottish Health Council has not yet been determined. However, local health councils received core funding of £1,979,000 from the Scottish Executive in financial year 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170920,"EventID":"S1W-34496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role of the new Scottish Health Council will differ from that of the Scottish Association of Health Councils, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care:","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the role of the new Scottish Health Council will differ from that of the Scottish Association of Health Councils, as referred to in chapter 5 of Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper.","AnswerText":"Local health councils have formed a national association, the Scottish Association of Health Councils, as a membership organisation entirely funded by its members' subscriptions. Currently, 14 out of the 15 Scottish health councils have chosen to be members. The consultation paper on A new public involvement structure for NHSScotland, launched on 4 March, proposes that the Scottish Health Council should be established within NHS Quality Improvement Scotland as a national body with a local presence in each NHS board area. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26830).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170921,"EventID":"S1W-34497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under the firearms legislation in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000, (d) 2000-01 and (e) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under the firearms legislation in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000, (d) 2000-01 and (e) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. Persons With a Charge Proved Under Firearms Legislation1 in Scottish Courts, 1997-2001 Year | Persons With a Charge Proved | 1997 | 310 | 1998 | 223 | 1999 | 180 | 2000 | 152 | 2001 | 153 |
Note: 1. Where the main offence was an offence under the Firearms Act 1968 or the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170922,"EventID":"S1W-34498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6514 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 February 2003, whether it will now ask the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to institut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6514 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 February 2003, whether it will now ask the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to institute an inquiry into the operations of Eurocare Environmental Services Ltd, in the light of the company's recent prosecution and conviction in England for breaches of environmental legislation relating to waste disposal","AnswerText":"No. Operational decisions on monitoring and enforcement action are for SEPA.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170923,"EventID":"S1W-34499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed within the construction industry and, of them, how many are self-employed and have Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) 4.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed within the construction industry and, of them, how many are self-employed and have Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) 4.","AnswerText":"There were 115,000 people employed in the Scottish construction industry at September 2002. The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the numbers of those who are self-employed and have CIS 4 cards.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170924,"EventID":"S1W-34500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with the Department of Trade and Industry the impact of increased public liability insurance costs on employment levels in the construction indus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed with the Department of Trade and Industry the impact of increased public liability insurance costs on employment levels in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the impact of increased public liability insurance costs on construction industry employment levels.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170925,"EventID":"S1W-34501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on detection, conviction, awareness and education programmes and rehabilitation and treatment projects with regard to illegal drug abuse and its as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on detection, conviction, awareness and education programmes and rehabilitation and treatment projects with regard to illegal drug abuse and its associated problems (a) in Scotland and (b) broken down by NHS board area in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Policy Unit undertook a "snapshot" study in 1999 to estimate public sector expenditure on drug-related activities. The study estimated that around £56 million per annum is spent in Scotland on targeted programmes and interventions specifically aimed at the drugs problem, and a further £85 million per annum is spent on tackling drugs through generic expenditure programmes. A broad breakdown of these figures is as follows: | £ Million | Enforcement Activities | 74 | Prevention and Education | 18 | Treatment and Rehabilitation | 29 | Supporting Communities | 17 | Other (Research, Support for Drug Action Teams etc) | 3 | Total | 141 |
From the 2000 spending review, we allocated an additional £100 million, over three years, to support delivery of our drugs strategy. A breakdown of this expenditure is as follows: Area of Spend | 2001-02 (£ Million) | 2002-03 (£ Million) | 2003-04 (£ Million) | Treatment | 2 | 4 | 4 | Rehabilitation | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.8 | Training | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | Prisons | 2 | 4 | 4 | Training and Employment Bridges | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | Community Disposals | 2 | 3.5 | 4 | Young People and Families | 4 | 6 | 8 | Schools Education | 1 | 1 | 1 | Youth Crime | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | Public Awareness Initiatives | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | Scotland Against Drugs | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | Social Inclusion Partnerships | - | | Councils | 1996-97 (£ Million) | 1997-98 (£ Million) | Change (%) | 1998-99 (£ Million) | Change (%) | 1999-2000 (£ Million) | Change (%) | Aberdeen City | 196.10 | 190.33 | -2.9 | 185.89 | -2.3 | 192.48 | 3.5 | Aberdeenshire | 200.21 | 202.76 | 1.3 | 205.39 | 1.3 | 213.11 | 3.8 | Angus | 99.68 | 101.92 | 2.2 | 104.52 | 2.5 | 108.76 | 4.1 | Argyll and Bute | 110.05 | 108.04 | -1.8 | 107.73 | -0.3 | 110.88 | 2.9 | Clackmannanshire | 46.93 | 46.51 | -0.9 | 46.66 | 0.3 | 48.43 | 3.8 | Dumfries and Galloway | 151.82 | 151.51 | -0.2 | 152.47 | 0.6 | 159.72 | 4.8 | Dundee City | 169.96 | 168.56 | -0.8 | 167.50 | -0.6 | 174.02 | 3.9 | East Ayrshire | 123.76 | 118.54 | -4.2 | 122.86 | 3.6 | 126.16 | 2.7 | East Dunbartonshire | 93.19 | 88.14 | -5.4 | 90.69 | 2.9 | 97.12 | 7.1 | East Lothian | 78.76 | 79.66 | Local Government Capital Allocations (Housing and Non-Housing)Note: Caution should be applied in comparing capital allocations between years. For example, the allocations for 1996-97 include adjustments for liabilities inherited from the former regional councils; the figures exclude capital allocations transferred by councils for revenue purposes; the figures will include one-off additional allocations for specific projects; and for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 the allocations were calculated on a different basis, taking account of projected capital receipts raised by individual authorities. | Net Capital Allocation 1996-97 | Net Capital Allocation 1997-98 | % Change | Net Capital Allocation 1998-99 | % Change | Net Capital Allocation 1999-2000 | % Change | Scotland | 590,624 | 540,997 | -8.4% | 568,310 | 5.0 | 533,870 | -6.1 | Aberdeen City | 11,142 | 15,194 | 36.4% | 17,482 | 15.1 | 19,021 | 8.8 | Aberdeenshire | 16,135 | 14,214 | -11.9% | 16,314 | 14.8 | 15,839 | -2.9 | Angus | 7,573 | 10,787 | 42.4% | 9,990 | -7.4 | 8,677 | -13.1 | Argyll and Bute | 14,670 | 16,861 | 14.9% | 12,681 | -24.8 | 11,329 | -10.7 | Clackmannanshire | 3,559 | 4,904 | 37.8% | 4,982 | 1.6 | 5,204 | 4.5 | Dumfries and Galloway | 20,229 | 13,890 | -31.3% | 13,575 | -2.3 | 14,251 | 5.0 | Dundee City | 22,553 | 19,916 | Capital Allocations 1997-98 to 2002-03Local Authority | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | % Change | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Aberdeen City | 5.210 | 5.293 | 1.6 | 5.293 | 5.293 | 5.293 | 5.293 | Aberdeenshire | 4.424 | 4.495 | 1.6 | 4.495 | 4.495 | 4.495 | 4.495 | Angus | 1.513 | 1.536 | 1.5 | 1.536 | 1.536 | 1.536 | 1.536 | Argyll and Bute | 1.582 | 1.607 | 1.6 | 1.607 | 1.607 | 1.607 | 1.607 | Clackmannanshire | 1.573 | 1.597 | 1.5 | 1.597 | 1.597 | 1.597 | 1.597 | Dumfries and Galloway | 4.186 | 4.251 | 1.6 | 4.251 | 4.251 | 4.251 | 4.250 | Dundee City | 8.305 | 8.436 | 1.6 | 8.436 | 8.436 | 8.436 | 8.436 | East Ayrshire | 3.435 | 3.489 | 1.6 | 3.489 | 3.489 | 3.489 | 3.489 | East Dunbartonshire | 2.351 | 2.388 | 1.6 | 2.388 | 2.388 | 2.388 | 2.388 | East Lothian | 2.472 | 2.510 | 1.5 | 2.510 | 2.510 | 2.510 | 2.510 | Taking up PRHO posts in: | Aberdeen | Dundee | Edinburgh | Glasgow | All | Scotland | 147 | 117 | 219 | 265 | 748 | England and Wales | 10 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 32 | Northern Ireland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | HM Forces | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Abroad | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Not Known | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 12 | Total | 160 | 129 | 237 | 275 | 801 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170931,"EventID":"S1W-34507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33188 by Lewis Macdonald on 22 January 2003, whether any public money has been directly or indirectly provided to Journeyplan Ltd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33188 by Lewis Macdonald on 22 January 2003, whether any public money has been directly or indirectly provided to Journeyplan Ltd","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive pays grant to Traveline Scotland Ltd to allow the company to meet its contractual obligations with Journeyplan Ltd. Journeyplan Ltd are currently contracted to Traveline Scotland to maintain the Traveline Scotland data management centre and to carry out a number of enhancements to the journey planning system.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170932,"EventID":"S1W-34508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in (a) West Dunbartonshire, (b) Argyll and Bute and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency are now centrally heated as a result of its central heating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in (a) West Dunbartonshire, (b) Argyll and Bute and (c) Dumbarton parliamentary constituency are now centrally heated as a result of its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"The Central Heating Installation Programme for local authorities began in April 2000. Under the programme, West Dunbartonshire Council installed central heating in 72 dwellings in 2001-02 and in 36 dwellings in 2002-03. Argyll and Bute installed central heating in 28 dwellings in 2001-02 and in 31 dwellings in 2002-03. All council houses in the areas concerned will have central heating by 31 March 2004, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is to be demolished.Eaga administer the Central Heating Installation Programme for owner-occupiers and private renters. They collect statistics by postcode area. The main postcode area for Dunbartonshire is G and Eaga report that they installed free central heating in that area in 1,188 dwellings in 2001-02 and have installed it in 1,689 dwellings in 2002-03 to date. The main postcode area for Argyll and Bute is PA. Eaga installed free central heating in that area in 292 dwellings in 2001-02 and have installed it in 395 dwellings in 2002-03 to date. All owner-occupiers and private renters in the areas concerned who apply for free central heating will have it by 31 March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170933,"EventID":"S1W-34509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by (a) West Dunbartonshire Council and (b) Argyll and Bute Council had no central heating in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by (a) West Dunbartonshire Council and (b) Argyll and Bute Council had no central heating in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"No such estimate has been made centrally. The answer given to question S1W-34508 today sets out the number of council dwellings in which central heating has been installed in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute under the Central Heating Installation Programme in 2001-02 and 2002-03. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Both councils will be given sufficient resources for 2003-04 to ensure that all council dwellings have central heating by 31 March 2004, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is to be demolished.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170934,"EventID":"S1W-34510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund NHS boards in a way that encourages them to employ more in-house nurses and fewer agency nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund NHS boards in a way that encourages them to employ more in-house nurses and fewer agency nurses.","AnswerText":"We have committed record investment in health spending, rising from £4.9 billion in 1999-2000 to £8.6 billion in 2005-06. This is sufficient to allow the employment of more in-house nurses and fewer agency nurses.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170935,"EventID":"S1W-34511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine ways of funding nursing students that will enable them to train or retrain without needing to take on a second job.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine ways of funding nursing students that will enable them to train or retrain without needing to take on a second job.","AnswerText":"Up until 1992, student nurses received a salary. Following a major review of nurse training in 1992, it was agreed that student nurses and midwives should no longer be regarded as employees but that they should have full student status like all other health profession students. Nursing and midwifery students receive funding for training through the Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary (NMSB) scheme. A non-repayable bursary of £5,430 (for students under 26 at the start of the course) or £6,115 (for students over 26) is awarded to cover day-to-day living costs. The bursary has increased by 21% since 1998 and is supplemented by other allowances including single parents allowance (currently £1,100); an income assessed allowance for dependant children; excess costs of travel to placement, and Disabled Students Allowance. In addition, for courses commencing academic year 2003-04, students will be able to claim up to £1,025 child care allowance. We are providing £1 million over the next two years to encourage up to 600 nurses, midwives and health visitors to return to NHS practice. Funding for each individual for a Return to Practice (RTP) programme is linked to an offer of employment in NHSScotland, either in a permanent post or on the nursing bank with regular hours of work required. The funding available is £1,500 per returner, which includes course fees, travel expenses, child care and payment for the period of supervised practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170936,"EventID":"S1W-34512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide increased and ring-fenced funding to schools for their technical departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide increased and ring-fenced funding to schools for their technical departments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170937,"EventID":"S1W-34513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the package of teachers' pay and conditions based on the McCrone Committee recommendations will enable schools to provide the necessary manage","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the package of teachers' pay and conditions based on the McCrone Committee recommendations will enable schools to provide the necessary management for their work experience schemes.","AnswerText":"All the functions and duties required of the teaching profession are encompassed in the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century. The agreement does not affect the existing arrangements for the management of work experience for pupils.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170938,"EventID":"S1W-34514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will assist small- and medium-si'ed businesses to meet the costs of providing modern apprenticeships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will assist small- and medium-si'ed businesses to meet the costs of providing modern apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive already does so through the block grant-in-aid allocation to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170939,"EventID":"S1W-34515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend regulations in order to enable schools to negotiate with employers for appropriate school students to have part of their education learning a trade","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend regulations in order to enable schools to negotiate with employers for appropriate school students to have part of their education learning a trade at the employers' premises.","AnswerText":"Many pupils in Scottish schools already take part in vocational training at employers' premises. It is our intention to greatly increase the number of such placements, through the major expansion of our Enterprise in Education programme. Indeed, the Executive will commit at least £40 million over the first three years of Enterprise in Education to ensure all pupils in Scotland can derive benefit from its opportunities. One of our key objectives will be the delivery of an expanded programme of work-based vocational learning. Additionally, the Executive will commission from Learning and Teaching Scotland work on improving existing guidance and support materials for work experience.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170940,"EventID":"S1W-34516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with the Health and Safety Executive whether any regulations governing school students learning technical skills in school or during work experie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with the Health and Safety Executive whether any regulations governing school students learning technical skills in school or during work experience should be revised.","AnswerText":"In its response last week to Determined to Succeed - a Review of Enterprise in Education, the Scottish Executive agreed to commission from Learning and Teaching Scotland, improved guidance and support materials for work experience. Among the issues addressed in such guidance will be health and safety for pupils on work experience. Health and safety at work is a reserved matter and falls within the remit of the Health and Safety Executive. The Scottish Executive will therefore discuss with the Health and Safety Executive and the UK Government any proposed changes to the existing guidance or regulations emerging from any review.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170941,"EventID":"S1W-34517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research has been completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of the Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research has been completed.","AnswerText":"The review of the Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research (SCILT) is now complete and copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26574) and will be distributed widely within the education system. The Scottish Executive Education Department will work closely with Scottish CILT to take forward the recommendations made in the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170942,"EventID":"S1W-34518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues has reported its findings and whether it has any plans to improve current arrangements to deal with flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues has reported its findings and whether it has any plans to improve current arrangements to deal with flooding.","AnswerText":"Recognising the misery and distress that flooding can cause and having resolved to improve current arrangements to address flooding concerns, ministers have agreed to implement the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Flooding Issues in full. These decisions build on our existing strategic framework for addressing flooding based on awareness, avoidance and alleviation. We will improve awareness of the risks of flooding through the provision of better flood risk information and additional flood warning systems. We will publish revised national planning policy to strengthen the ability of planning authorities to prevent unsuitable further development where there is significant flood risk. In addition to investing £40 million over the next three years to reduce flood risk for 1,850 properties, we will reduce the risk of sewer flooding by continuing to encourage the use of sustainable urban drainage systems and working with Scottish Water to ensure that such systems are properly maintained. We will manage flood risk better by improving national guidance and administrative procedures for promoting new flood alleviation schemes. We will ensure joint working between local authorities, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water to improve flood risk management and will establish a national technical advisory group. We are helping those who might be affected by flooding by encouraging the take up of insurance by householders, in particular those in the social rented sector. We will ensure better support to those affected by flooding. Implementation of these measures will strengthen the existing arrangements to address flooding and thereby reduce the risks and the impacts of flooding on those individuals and communities in vulnerable areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170943,"EventID":"S1W-34519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the private developer that installed traffic lights on the A96 trunk road at Bath Terrace, Nairn, fulfils the undertaking given i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that the private developer that installed traffic lights on the A96 trunk road at Bath Terrace, Nairn, fulfils the undertaking given in the letter of 20 May 2002 from the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to David Stewart MP to contact my constituents Roddy and Janice McLeod.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have arranged for a director of the private development company to meet with Mr and Mrs McLeod on 13 March 2003. A representative of BEAR Scotland Ltd will also attend the meeting.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170944,"EventID":"S1W-34520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on levels of internet usage arising from internet access in public libraries in East Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on levels of internet usage arising from internet access in public libraries in East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"In a recent survey for the three-month period July to September 2002, 10,750 hours of Internet use were recorded at libraries in East Dunbartonshire. However, the provision of public internet access in libraries has increased significantly in East Dunbartonshire over the last few months. By 31 March 2003 the Peoples Network will have completed roll-out in East Dunbartonshire. Free broadband internet access and computer use will be available in all eight libraries, from a total of 63 computers. Bishopbriggs Library is currently undergoing refurbishment and will re-open in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170945,"EventID":"S1W-34521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop IT skills among older workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop IT skills among older workers.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for IT skills rests with e-skills UK, the employer-led, UK-wide Sector Skills Council. In Scotland they have a number of initiatives which target older workers, such as delivering adult Modern Apprenticeships to large firms, and small and medium enterprises, as well as offering advice on re-training the older workforce. Also learndirect scotland promotes IT learning as part of its work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170946,"EventID":"S1W-34522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to widen access to training among older workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to widen access to training among older workers.","AnswerText":"A range of actions is under way. Since lifting the age barrier on the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) scheme, there are now over 5,000 adult employees aged 25 and over taking part in training. Furthermore, learndirect scotland is working in partnership to assist employers in small- and medium-sized enterprises identify the training needs of employees of all ages and link them with suitable training packages. Older workers are also being targeted by specific projects being funded through the Scottish Union Learning Fund and the Scottish Skills Fund. Careers Scotland, launched in April 2002, offers a free information, advice and guidance service to people of all ages looking to access education, employment and training opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170947,"EventID":"S1W-34523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote age diversity across the workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote age diversity across the workforce.","AnswerText":"Equal opportunities and employment legislation are reserved areas. The Scottish Executive endorses the Department of Work and Pensions' Age Positive campaign and its voluntary Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment, of which an updated version was launched in Scotland by Iain Gray in December 2002. Also, the Scottish Executive has produced a booklet \"Are you over 50?\" which provides a practical guide to advice, support and services across government. The booklet, which is being widely distributed, includes a section on current and future action to tackle age discrimination in employment. Learndirect Scotland, in partnership with Age Concern, are delivering skill enhancing courses for older people at various venues across Scotland. The Scottish Executive actively encourages people from all ages and backgrounds to volunteer and either become or remain active in their communities. This year we have allocated more than £2 million to the Active Communities Initiative to support a range of volunteering projects, most of which involve volunteering by older people.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170948,"EventID":"S1W-34524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise business start-ups amongst older entrepreneurs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to maximise business start-ups amongst older entrepreneurs.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working directly with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the quality and consistency of support for business start-ups and small business throughout Scotland. Within the Scottish Enterprise area, individuals wishing to start a business have access to support through the Small Business Gateway. The support services available aim to maximise the number of start-ups from all groups - although some targeted support services are available. Specifically, under New Deal 50+ people wishing to become self employed will have access to a range of help, including the payment of an employment credit. Clients on New Deal 50+ who are considering becoming self employed are informed by their personal advisor of the help and advice open to them from a wide range of organisations, including business start-up training through Training for Work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170949,"EventID":"S1W-34525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote awareness of costs to the economy of age discrimination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote awareness of costs to the economy of age discrimination.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise has placed information on the costs of age discrimination to the economy on its website: http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/publications/fsip1_getting_old.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170950,"EventID":"S1W-34526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage people with skills and qualifications to return to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage people with skills and qualifications to return to Scotland.","AnswerText":"There is a strong economic case for seeking to encourage more people to come and live in Scotland, whether they are wishing to return to Scotland or indeed live in Scotland for the first time. In a speech on 25 February, the First Minister announced that he wished to see progress made in areas such as the better promotion of Scotland as a place to live and work, working with the UK government to better promote the work permit system in Scotland and encouraging overseas students to stay in Scotland after they complete their studies. An implementation team has already been set up within the Executive to drive progress forward on this issue, which will also take external advice as required. This will build upon work already undertaken, such as the TalentScotland initiative developed by Scottish Enterprise, which is creating awareness of the job opportunities in Scotland amongst electronic engineers from all over the world.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170951,"EventID":"S1W-34527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned into the issues involved in promoting the employment of older workers throughout the workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned into the issues involved in promoting the employment of older workers throughout the workforce.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to equal opportunities and employment are reserved to the UK Government. The Executive supports the Department for Work and Pension's \"Age Positive\" campaign, which includes increasing awareness about the benefits of employing older people. The Executive has a number of initiatives on-going to realise the objectives of the Department for Work and Pension's Age Diversity and Over 50s Employment Strategy and is involved in planning for future initiatives with other agencies and the UK Government. Research on this issue including information and guidance for employers, is available on the website http://www.agepositive.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170952,"EventID":"S1W-34528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33583 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, how many prisoners were detained in each prison in each year given in that answer; how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33583 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, how many prisoners were detained in each prison in each year given in that answer; how many of these were detained in connection with illegal drugs offences, and how many were detained solely or mainly relating to the possession and/or the supply of cannabis.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The data on receptions are held in such a way that it is not possible to provide an answer to each element of the question. However, the following two tables show the number of people detained on 30 June of 2000 and 2001 and the number detained in connection with illegal drugs offences. As the warrants only record the fact that illegal drugs were involved, it is not possible to identify where these offences related to the possession or supply of cannabis. Table 1 Total Prison Population by Establishment on 30 June Establishment | 2000 | 2001 | HM Prison Aberdeen | 155 | 215 | HM Prison Barlinnie | 975 | 1,061 | HM Prison Castle Huntly | 141 | 128 | HM Prison and YOI Cornton Vale | 187 | 234 | HM Prison and YOI Dumfries | 160 | 127 | HM Prison Edinburgh | 660 | 731 | HM Prison and YOI Glenochil | 603 | 575 | HM Prison Greenock | 293 | 328 | HM Prison Inverness | 112 | 138 | HM Prison Kilmarnock | 497 | 548 | HM Prison Low Moss | 313 | 362 | HM Prison Noranside | 128 | 96 | HM Prison Perth | 426 | 481 | HM Prison Peterhead | 289 | 288 | HM YOI Polmont | 389 | 439 | HM Prison Shotts | 514 | 509 | HM Prison Zeist | 2 | 1 | All | 5,844 | 6,261 |
Table 2 Prison Population by Establishment on 30 June Where \"Drugs\" was the Main Crime/Offence Establishment | 2000 | 2001 | HM Prison Aberdeen | 25 | 42 | HM Prison Barlinnie | 141 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170954,"EventID":"S1W-34531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it interprets to be extradition, as referred to in the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it interprets to be extradition, as referred to in the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32291 on 16 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170955,"EventID":"S1W-34532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of return air trips has been made per head of population in each year since 1991. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of return air trips has been made per head of population in each year since 1991. ","AnswerText":"The information requested for year 2000 is given in The Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study (RASCO), in Table 3.13.1, page 3-44, which was published by the Department for Transport in July 2002. A copy of the RASCO report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26018). The information requested for the remaining years from 1991 is not held centrally nor with the Civil Aviation Authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170956,"EventID":"S1W-34533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average growth has been in total air passenger traffic for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports in each year since 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average growth has been in total air passenger traffic for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports in each year since 1991.","AnswerText":"The information for Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports is given in The Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study (RASCO), in Table 3.2.1, page 3-3, which was published by the Department for Transport in July 2002. A copy of the RASCO report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26018). Information is also available in the 2001 CAA-UK Airports - Annual Statements of Movements Passengers and Cargo, Table 10.3, which was published by the Civil Aviation Authority. The website address is as follows: www.caa.co.uk/docs/80/airport_data/2001annual/10_3_Terminal_pax_1991_2001.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170957,"EventID":"S1W-34534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates for international scheduled air services for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports have been in each year since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates for international scheduled air services for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports have been in each year since 1991 and what trends have been identified as a result.","AnswerText":"The information from 1997-2001 is given in each of the annual documents CAA-UK Airports - Annual Statements of Movements Passengers and Cargo, Table 5, which were published by the Civil Aviation Authority, the search facility for which can be found as follows: 1997-2000: www.caa.co.uk/erg/erg_stats/sgl.asp?sglid=3 2001: www.caa.co.uk/docs/80/airport_data/2001annual/05_Air_Transport_Movements_2001.pdf. The information requested from 1991-96 is not held centrally. Over the past decade, Scottish airports as a whole have grown at 7% per annum. Passenger traffic has doubled; international scheduled services have grown faster than domestic; international charter traffic has grown less quickly, and, after London, Scotland has the next highest propensity to fly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170958,"EventID":"S1W-34536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates in total international passenger numbers for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports have been in each year since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates in total international passenger numbers for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports have been in each year since 1991 and what trends have been identified as a result.","AnswerText":"The information for Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports is given in The Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study (RASCO) in Table 3.2.5, page 3-8, which was published by the Department for Transport in July 2002. A copy of the RASCO report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26018). Information is also available for 1997-2001 in the CAA-UK Airports - Annual Statements of Movements Passengers and Cargo, Table 10.1, which was published by the Civil Aviation Authority, the search facility for which can be found at: www.caa.co.uk/erg/erg_stats/sgl.asp?sglid=3 Over the past decade, Scottish airports as a whole have grown at 7% per annum. Edinburgh and Prestwick Airports have grown above the UK average with Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness Airports below average. Passenger traffic has doubled; international scheduled services have grown faster than domestic; international charter traffic has grown less quickly, and, after London, Scotland has the next highest propensity to fly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170959,"EventID":"S1W-34537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates in total international passenger numbers for Scotland shown as a percentage of all United Kingdom regional airports have been in each year si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual growth rates in total international passenger numbers for Scotland shown as a percentage of all United Kingdom regional airports have been in each year since 1991 and what trends have been identified as a result.","AnswerText":"The information from 1997 is given in the CAA-UK Airports - Annual Statements of Movements Passengers and Cargo, Table 10.1, which was published by the Civil Aviation Authority, the search facility for which can be found at: www.caa.co.uk/erg/erg_stats/sgl.asp?sglid=3 The information requested from 1991-96 is not held centrally. Over the past decade, Scottish airports as a whole have grown at 7% per annum. Passenger traffic has doubled; international scheduled services have grown faster than domestic; international charter traffic has grown less quickly, and, after London, Scotland has the next highest propensity to fly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170960,"EventID":"S1W-34538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the passenger forecasts for airport services are for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports for 2030.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the passenger forecasts for airport services are for Scotland and (a) Aberdeen, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Glasgow airports for 2030.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the consultation document The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Scotland, page 79, which was published jointly by the Scottish Executive and the Department for Transport in July 2002. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22825).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170961,"EventID":"S1W-34539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1904 by Mr Jack McConnell on 28 February 2000, what progress has been made towards the hosting of a promotional event for fair trad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1904 by Mr Jack McConnell on 28 February 2000, what progress has been made towards the hosting of a promotional event for fair trade suppliers.","AnswerText":"This year, from 10 to 14 March (during the second week of Fairtrade fortnight) each Executive staff restaurant will have a promotional stall allowing staff to sample Fairtrade Mark products. Also, posters promoting fair trade products are being prominently displayed in staff restaurants. The Executive has also taken other steps to help support Fairtrade labelled products. For example, by the end of April 2003 each staff restaurant will offer staff a choice of fairtrade tea and coffee. We are also working with our catering contractor to ensure that, in future, tea and coffee served at official meetings will carry a recognised fairtrade label.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170962,"EventID":"S1W-34540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what commitments the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has given to ensure that fair trade products are provided at the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what commitments the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has given to ensure that fair trade products are provided at the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"The SPCB's contract specification for catering services at Holyrood include the following requirements in relation to fair trade products. Fairly traded tea and coffee shall be served in all restaurants and for hospitality. The contractor shall actively research other fairly traded items for sale in the restaurants and consider options for beverage vending. A number of fair trade items will be included within proposed menus. A commitment to work with the SPCB to try to develop the product list and to encourage uptake of fair trade goods. The SPCB will ensure that consideration is given to the provision of fair trade products during the ongoing contract negotiations and subsequent monitoring of the Holyrood catering service.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170963,"EventID":"S1W-34541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to including the promotion of fair trade products within its healthy eating campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to including the promotion of fair trade products within its healthy eating campaign.","AnswerText":"The healthy eating campaign, Healthy Living, does not aim to promote particular branded products. Therefore, we do not plan to promote fairtrade products as part of the campaign.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170964,"EventID":"S1W-34542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Scottish Society for Autism, the National Autistic Society and other autism groups regarding the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Scottish Society for Autism, the National Autistic Society and other autism groups regarding the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","AnswerText":"Representatives from the disability sector have been fully involved in developing proposals to mark the European Year of Disabled People in Scotland. A steering group of disability organisations and others with an interest was established during 2002 and has agreed aims and objectives and a programme of activity for the year. The steering group's programme seeks to cover all types of disability, including autism, and seeks to ensure engagement across all sectors. The steering group has no plans specifically to consult with the Scottish Society for Autism, the National Autistic Society and other autism groups regarding the European Year of Disabled People.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170965,"EventID":"S1W-34543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what autism groups have been allocated funds as part of the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what autism groups have been allocated funds as part of the European Year of Disabled People 2003.","AnswerText":"The funding programme for the European Year of Disabled People 2003 is a UK programme run by the Department for Work and Pensions and funded by the European Commission and the UK Government. There were no autism groups among the 22 organisations in Scotland which were successful in their applications for funding under this programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170966,"EventID":"S1W-34544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to communicate information on the European Year of Disabled People 2003 to disability groups that were not represented on the Scottish Steering","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to communicate information on the European Year of Disabled People 2003 to disability groups that were not represented on the Scottish Steering Group for the European Year of Disabled People.","AnswerText":"A national newspaper supplement about the European Year of Disabled People was published on 23 January. Information about the year is also available on the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/eydp. Steering group members have also disseminated information about the year across their own memberships and networks.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170967,"EventID":"S1W-34545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated cost is of implementing the McCrone settlement and whether this estimate is lower than COSLA's estimate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated cost is of implementing the McCrone settlement and whether this estimate is lower than COSLA's estimate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive remain committed to delivery in full of all recommendations of the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century. Following Spending Review 2000, the funding agreed for implementation of the agreement was £174 million in 2001-02, £285 million in 2002-03 and £405 million in 2003-04. The Scottish Budget in September 2002 identified an additional £282 million for implementation in 2003-06 (£11 million /£108 million /£163 million over the three financial years). The Scottish Executive and COSLA have now agreed funding in addition to that already identified of £80 million over the three years 2003-06 (£25 million /£20 million /£35 million). This will ensure that all the elements within the agreement are delivered on time and reinforces the commitment of all parties to full implementation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170968,"EventID":"S1W-34546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met with COSLA to discuss the implementation and funding of the McCrone settlement; what action the Executive will take following that meeting; whether The ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met with COSLA to discuss the implementation and funding of the McCrone settlement; what action the Executive will take following that meeting; whether The Highland Council has a shortfall in funding of around #6.6 million over the period 2001-02 to 2003-04; whether the formula used for distributing funds to local authorities was correct, and what account the formula took of the needs of local authorities with sparsely populated areas and with very small schools and of the costs of providing Gaelic-medium education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meet regularly with COSLA on all aspects of implementation of the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century. The Scottish Executive and COSLA agreed funding arrangements for the three years from 2001-02 to 2003-04 when the agreement was signed early in 2001. Additional resources were announced in the Scottish Budget in September 2002 to cover costs up to 2005-06. The Scottish Executive have recently agreed with COSLA the provision of additional resources of £80 million over the three years 2003 to 2006, a considerable element of which is designed to help those authorities, including Highland Council, who have carried higher teachers' salary costs than assumed in funding calculations.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170969,"EventID":"S1W-34547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants it has allocated under its Youth Crime Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants it has allocated under its Youth Crime Initiative.","AnswerText":"We are making available £11.9 million over four years through the Youth Crime Prevention Fund. Thirty-four voluntary sector projects will be funded, widening the range of crime prevention activities tackling youth crime increasing the support available to victims and families. The Intensive Support Fund will invest £9.2 million in 21 projects to enable local authorities and voluntary organisations to increase community-based supervision of young offenders and improve the transition back to the community from secure accommodation. £580,000 over three years has been allocated to Young Scot for a project which will strengthen links between young people and the police. The police themselves will receive £1 million to provide for a Scottish-wide application of restorative cautions and for the establishment of a central database of vulnerable children in Strathclyde. Significant additional resources have also been provided to local authorities to help them strengthen and expand local youth justice activity.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170970,"EventID":"S1W-34548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to Glasgow Housing Association Ltd regarding applying for charitable status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to Glasgow Housing Association Ltd regarding applying for charitable status.","AnswerText":"The decision by any registered social landlord to apply for charitable status is one for them alone. The change to charitable status requires the agreement of both the Inland Revenue and Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170971,"EventID":"S1W-34549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in (a) further and (b) higher education (HE) have been eligible for and have received grants; how many received full grants, and how much the full grant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students in (a) further and (b) higher education (HE) have been eligible for and have received grants; how many received full grants, and how much the full grant was in each year since 1996-97.","AnswerText":"While information on the number of full-time further education students who have been eligible for and have received grants can be provided, the value of those grants and, therefore, the number of students who received full grants, is not held centrally. The number of students who received a further education bursary is detailed in the following table. | | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Total Number of Bursaries Paid | 26,440 | 26,873 | 28,049 | 32,562 | 31,587 | 34,846 |
Young Scottish students studying full-time HE courses in Scotland from 2001-02 are entitled to have up to £2,050 of their annual loan support replaced by a Young Students' Bursary (YSB). Young Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK for the first time from 2002-03 onwards are entitled to an annual Young Students' Outside Scotland Bursary (YSO) of up to £510, which is provided in addition to their student loan entitlement. Both bursaries are provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income and eligibility is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support. In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of YSB of whom 4,978 received the maximum award (£2,000 in 2001-02). In the current academic year to date, 21,384 YSB awards and 317 YSO awards have been made with 8,917 and 250 students, respectively, receiving the maximum award. Non-repayable supplementary grants are also available for those students who have additional financial needs, such as students who have dependants or who have a disability. Additional discretionary grants are also available from individual colleges and universities for new mature students with child care costs and for any student who faces particular financial difficulties, which might prevent them from accessing or continuing their course.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170972,"EventID":"S1W-34550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students, their parents or one of their parents need to earn less than #10,000 per year for the student to qualify for a full grant under the current qualificatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students, their parents or one of their parents need to earn less than #10,000 per year for the student to qualify for a full grant under the current qualification criteria.","AnswerText":"Young Scottish students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland from 2001-02 are entitled to have up to £2,050 of their annual loan support replaced by a bursary. The maximum bursary is available to those students whose parental income is under £10,240 per year, and tapers to £1,263 per year at an income of £15,000 and zero when the parental income is more than £26,300. Young Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK for the first time from 2002-03 onwards are entitled to an annual Young Students' Outside Scotland Bursary of up to £510. The maximum bursary is available to those students whose parental income is under £15,360 per year, and tapers to zero when the parental income is more than £18,400. This bursary is provided in addition to their student loan entitlement. Both bursaries are provided as an entitlement based on the level of income of the parent or parents with whom the student would normally reside. The student's own earned income is not taken account for the assessment of student support.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170973,"EventID":"S1W-34551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the amount of money a student in receipt of a full grant may have to live on may be less than #3.88 a day once reasonable housing costs have been paid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the amount of money a student in receipt of a full grant may have to live on may be less than #3.88 a day once reasonable housing costs have been paid.","AnswerText":"We are currently in the process of commissioning a Student Income and Expenditure Survey to cover Scottish domiciled students in further and higher education. This will provide us with information on a wide range of costs incurred by Scottish domiciled students including housing costs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170974,"EventID":"S1W-34552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent, in real terms, on the NHS in each year since 1996-97, showing percentage change year on year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent, in real terms, on the NHS in each year since 1996-97, showing percentage change year on year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table: Year | Expenditure at 2003-04 Prices (£ Million) | Real Terms Percentage Increase | 1996-97 | 5,454 | | 1997-98 | 5,483 | 0.5% | 1998-99 | 5,607 | 2.3% | 1999-2000 | 5,700 | 1.7% | 2000-01 | 6,015 | 5.5% | 2001-02 | 6,566 | 9.1% | 2002-03 Plans | 7,139 | 8.7% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170975,"EventID":"S1W-34553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered secondary school supply teachers there were in each local authority area in each year since 1995, broken down by subject.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered secondary school supply teachers there were in each local authority area in each year since 1995, broken down by subject.","AnswerText":"Information is available from 1995 to 1999 for most local authorities from local authority returns to a survey of teachers employed centrally or mainly outwith schools. The survey stopped in 1999. A summary of results has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26841).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170976,"EventID":"S1W-34554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classroom assistants were working in state schools in each academic year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classroom assistants were working in state schools in each academic year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of classroom assistants employed in state schools in each academic year from 1999 is not held centrally. However, information on the number of classroom assistants employed through the Excellence Fund for each financial year since 1999 has previously been provided in answer to questions S1W-14460 on 15 May 2001 and S1W-32263 on 9 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170977,"EventID":"S1W-34555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local groups can access funding for the provision of skateparks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local groups can access funding for the provision of skateparks.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the provision of recreational and leisure facilities is primarily a matter for local authorities. In December 2002, local authorities were notified of their Quality of Life funding over the next three financial years. This funding is expected to be used to reflect the shared central and local government priorities for improving the local environment and increasing opportunities for children and young people. This funding follows the success of the reallocation of £95 million of Executive funds in June 2002, which some local authorities chose to spend on skateparks.In addition to this, applications for the provision of such facilities can be made to sportscotland under the Lottery Sports Fund's Sport Facilities Programme. Another possible funding route is the Awards for All Programme, though the maximum level of award is £5,000.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170978,"EventID":"S1W-34556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the tenders for the preliminary design of the A77 southern section improvements will be issued; what the closing date for receipt of such tenders will be, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the tenders for the preliminary design of the A77 southern section improvements will be issued; what the closing date for receipt of such tenders will be, and how long it will take to scrutinise the tenders and decide upon the successful contractor. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intend to procure the preliminary design of the improvements on the A77 southern section through a framework contract and have already initiated the tender process. Service providers wishing to bid for the work have until 28 March to intimate an interest. Tender invitations will be issued to prequalified contractors in April and the bids should be returned at the end of May with a view to the contract being awarded in July.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170979,"EventID":"S1W-34557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, how long the public consultation process will take after receipt of the successful preliminary d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, how long the public consultation process will take after receipt of the successful preliminary design proposals for the A77 southern section improvements.","AnswerText":"The duration of the public consultation period prior to the finalisation of the necessary statutory processes will depend on public reaction to proposals once they have been published.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170980,"EventID":"S1W-34558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target dates are currently under consideration for the issuing of contracts for the construction work necessary to carry out the improvements on the southern sectio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target dates are currently under consideration for the issuing of contracts for the construction work necessary to carry out the improvements on the southern section of the A77 and what timescale it has set for completion of the improvements.","AnswerText":"The dates of issue of contracts will be dependent on the time taken in the pre-contract stages, referred to in the answer given to question S1W-34557 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170981,"EventID":"S1W-34559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, why it could not proceed on a design and construct fixed-cost tender basis for the improvements ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, why it could not proceed on a design and construct fixed-cost tender basis for the improvements on the southern section of the A77.","AnswerText":"It would not be possible at this stage to define the scope of a potential fixed-cost, fixed-time contract. Contracts of this type involve higher tendering costs and longer tendering periods, and the decision as to which type of contract to employ on any scheme must balance this against the scale of costs and potential savings.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170982,"EventID":"S1W-34560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S10-06561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, why it could not proceed on a design and construct fixed-cost, fixed-time, tender basis for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S10-06561 by Iain Gray on 6 March 2003, why it could not proceed on a design and construct fixed-cost, fixed-time, tender basis for the improvements on the southern section of the A77 and what experience it has of using such an approach.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34559 today. The majority of major trunk road projects are procured through design and construct contracts. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170983,"EventID":"S1W-34561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34196 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 March 2003, from which specialities the specialists referred to in the answer were recruited.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34196 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 March 2003, from which specialities the specialists referred to in the answer were recruited.","AnswerText":"The Information requested is provided in the following table. Scottish Executive Core Departments Specialist Staff Recruited, by Financial Year and Specialism 1999-2000 to 2002-03 (Year to Date) | | April 1999 to March 2000 | April 2000 to March 2001 | April 2001 to March 2002 | April 2002 to January 2003 | Architect | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Economist | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | Engineer | 21 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Information | 12 | 2 | 17 | 15 | Legal | 42 | 17 | 21 | 15 | Library | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Medical | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Planner | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | Research | 4 | 9 | 12 | 16 | Scientific-Agriculture | 28 | 41 | 23 | 22 | Scientific-Other | 3 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Statistician | 9 | 7 | 17 | 8 | Surveyor | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Other* | 11 | 10 | 7 | 2 | Total | 156 | 110 | 116 | 95 |
Note: *The Other category includes specialists not categorised elsewhere.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170984,"EventID":"S1W-34562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34196 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 March 2003, why information on the number of specialists recruited into the civil service before 1999 is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34196 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 March 2003, why information on the number of specialists recruited into the civil service before 1999 is unavailable and whether such information was collected by the Scottish Office and, if so, what happened to the information.","AnswerText":"Data relating to the specialism of staff recruited before 1999 was not collected systematically and is therefore not sufficiently reliable to provide an accurate comparison with more recent figures.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170985,"EventID":"S1W-34563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been, or will be, made available to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Scotland for the maintenance of a database of wildlife crime; whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been, or will be, made available to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Scotland for the maintenance of a database of wildlife crime; whether the information held on such a database will be verified and, if so, by whom; whether such a database would contravene the human rights of an individual, and whether the information will not be used in the compilation of reports to the procurator fiscal.","AnswerText":"In the financial years, 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) received a grant of £20,000 per year from the Scottish Executive. This was a contribution given towards the continuing costs of species protection measures under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is a matter for the RSPB how these funds were allocated within these areas. This funding ended in March 2002 and it is not anticipated that further funding will be made available to the RSPB from the Scottish Executive for species protection measures. Processing by the RSPB of personal data relating to individuals is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. Any query on this issue is a matter for the Office of the Information Commissioner, the body responsible for enforcing the law in this area.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170986,"EventID":"S1W-34564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements are now in place in respect of the M77 extension between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial arrangements are now in place in respect of the M77 extension between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","AnswerText":"It is proposed to take forward the M77 extension as a joint PPP contract with the Glasgow Southern Orbital project. Scottish ministers, East Renfrewshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council, will each pay the charges due under the contract in predetermined proportions.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170987,"EventID":"S1W-34565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracts have been placed for the M77 extension between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contracts have been placed for the M77 extension between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6539 on 27 February 2003, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm. It is anticipated that a contract for the construction and operation of the new motorway and Glasgow Southern Orbital road will be signed once the contractor satisfactorily completes his preparations to secure private sector funding to service the cash needs of the contracts.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170988,"EventID":"S1W-34566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any measures have been introduced in order to avoid displacement of fishing effort from the white fish sector to nephrops fisheries; if so, what measures have bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any measures have been introduced in order to avoid displacement of fishing effort from the white fish sector to nephrops fisheries; if so, what measures have been introduced; if not what the reasons are for this position and what measures will be introduced, and when it first received representations on this matter.","AnswerText":"In the short-term, it is our intention to target forthcoming transitional support of up to £10 million through a variety of selection criteria and conditions of award. One such condition will require white fish vessels restricted to 15 days per month (or the equivalent) to tie up rather than pursue additional fishing opportunities (for example on nephrops). In the long term, we plan to consult on other options such as restrictive licences.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170989,"EventID":"S1W-34567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the amendments to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, including amendments regarding landspreading of blood and gut contents, will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the amendments to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, including amendments regarding landspreading of blood and gut contents, will come into force.","AnswerText":"The amending regulations have been laid before Parliament and will come into force on 1 April. The Executive has been concerned for some time about reported abuses of the landspreading exemptions contained in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, particularly malodours caused by spreading untreated blood and gut contents. The new regulations fulfil the Executive's commitment to deal with this problem. The amending regulations will require blood and gut contents to be treated before spreading, so nullifying malodours. The amendments will also provide tighter controls on the operations of landspreading operators. In particular, operators will have to demonstrate that waste spread on land used for agriculture will actually result in benefit to agriculture or improvement of animal and plant communities. Operators will also need to carry out appropriate risk assessments, pre-notify the Waste Regulator(the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)) of their intention to spread, and keep records of the types and quantities of wastes spread. SEPA will be able to, under certain circumstances, refuse registration of an exemption application or remove an exemption from the register. SEPA will monitor spreading activities closely to ensure genuine recovery and protection of human health and the environment. The amendments also update Certificates of Technical Competence, which demonstrate managers' competence to manage a waste management facility. The update is in line with industry and legislative requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170990,"EventID":"S1W-34568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its draft Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its draft Nature Conservation (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The draft bill, together with an accompanying policy statement on wildlife crime, will be launched on Tuesday 11 March. Consultation on the bill will run until Friday 6 June 2003. Introduction of the bill to Parliament, following consultation, will of course be a matter for a future administration. The draft bill builds upon a raft of successful recent Executive initiatives in the fields of natural heritage and the environment, including the delivery of high-priority wildlife crime measures in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, the current consultation on a new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the recent passage of the Water Environment and Water Services Bill. Publication of the draft bill not only fulfils an undertaking by the First Minister in his speech to Parliament of 30 May last year, but also delivers on our long-standing Programme for Government commitments to improving the system of nature conservation and to working with local communities to achieve effective protection for Scotland's natural heritage. The draft bill will focus on three key policy strands - the conservation of biodiversity; improved protection for sites of special scientific interest and further measures to tackle wildlife crime. It will do so by updating the existing Wildlife and Countryside Act and by recognising the central role which land managers and local communities must play in achieving conservation goals. Our overarching objective in this draft bill is to establish a new system of nature conservation which is tailored to the nature of Scotland, but which also sets the protection and enhancement of our natural heritage firmly within the wider, global context of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170991,"EventID":"S1W-34569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it played in the appointment of Joan Aitken as Scottish Traffic Commissioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it played in the appointment of Joan Aitken as Scottish Traffic Commissioner.","AnswerText":"A senior Scottish Executive official was a member of the selection panel which interviewed candidates for the post.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170992,"EventID":"S1W-34570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public positions Joan Aitken has held since 1 May 1999 and on what dates she started and completed her periods of service for each position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public positions Joan Aitken has held since 1 May 1999 and on what dates she started and completed her periods of service for each position.","AnswerText":"Miss Aitken has been employed by the Scottish Executive as the Scottish Prison Complaints Commissioner since 1 November 1999 and will leave this post on 19 March 2003. During the period in question, Miss Aitken has not been a board member of any public body for which the Scottish Executive is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170993,"EventID":"S1W-34571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the second stage of the review of initial teacher education and who will be commissioned to carry it out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the second stage of the review of initial teacher education and who will be commissioned to carry it out.","AnswerText":"An appropriate remit, which addresses all the key issues, is currently being developed for the review. This development work includes a scoping review conducted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, which was announced by the Minister for Education and Young People in October 2002. This scoping review work will be completed and presented to ministers following 1 May 2003. Thereafter, the 2nd stage of the review is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2003. The process by which the review will be conducted, including by whom, is yet to be decided and will depend on the outcome of the scoping work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170994,"EventID":"S1W-34572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on how many complaints have been made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or its predecessor by individuals about their treatment by local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on how many complaints have been made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or its predecessor by individuals about their treatment by local authorities in each of the last five years for which figures are available, what percentage of such complaints in that period resulted in the conduct of a formal investigation; in what percentage of formal investigations a finding of maladministration by a local authority was made; how many of the ombudsman's staff engaged in the investigation of complaints of maladministration by local authorities in each of those years, and what funds were made available in each of those years for the investigation of complaints of maladministration by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Details of complaints made against local authorities to the former Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland during the years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 are contained in the office-holder's relevant annual reports, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 16263, 21048 and 26250). Information requested that is not contained in those reports may be available from the office of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170995,"EventID":"S1W-34573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in Dundee are now centrally heated as a result of its central heating installation programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in Dundee are now centrally heated as a result of its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"Since the Central Heating Installation Programme for owner-occupiers and private renters began, in September 2000, Eaga have installed central heating in 892 dwellings in the DD postcode area. Dundee Council have installed central heating in 1,251 dwellings since April 2000. All council houses in Dundee will have central heating by 31 March 2004, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is to be demolished. All owner-occupiers and private renters in Dundee who apply for free central heating will have it by 31 March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170996,"EventID":"S1W-34574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by Dundee City Council had no central heating in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by Dundee City Council had no central heating in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"No such estimate has been made centrally. The answer given to question S1W-34573 today, sets out the number of council dwellings in which central heating has been installed under the Central Heating Instalation Programme in 2001-02 and 2002-03. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Dundee Council will be given sufficient resources for 2003-04 to ensure that all council dwellings have central heating by 31 March 2004, except where the tenant has refused the offer or the building is to be demolished.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170997,"EventID":"S1W-34576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what free eye tests are available on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what free eye tests are available on the NHS.","AnswerText":"NHS sight tests are available to eligible groups of patients. All NHS sight tests are free of charge. Where an optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner tests the sight of a patient, he or she must perform, for the purpose of detecting signs of injury, disease or abnormality in the eye or elsewhere: an examination of the external surface of the eye and its immediate vicinity; an intra-ocular examination, either by means of an ophthalmoscope or by such other means as he or she considers appropriate, and such additional examinations as appear to the optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner to be clinically necessary. The following categories of patient are currently eligible for NHS sight tests: under 16s, those aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, those aged 60 and over, the registered blind or partially sighted, people prescribed complex lenses, diagnosed diabetics, diagnosed glaucoma sufferers, people aged 40 who are close blood relatives of glaucoma sufferers, those advised by an ophthalmologist that the risk of developing glaucoma is such that regular sight tests are advisable, people and their partner with an HC 2 certificate for full help under the NHS Low Income Scheme, people and their partner on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Working Families'/Disabled Person's Tax Credit where the recipient is in possession of a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170998,"EventID":"S1W-34577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been informed when the Department for Education and Skills will commence the next quinquennial reviews of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been informed when the Department for Education and Skills will commence the next quinquennial reviews of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). ","AnswerText":"The next quinquennial reviews of the CITB and ECITB will commence on 11 March 2003 and be completed by late September 2003. The Scottish Executive will be fully involved with the review process, as required by section 88 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":170999,"EventID":"S1W-34578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals from Falkirk Council in respect of utilising a not-for-profit trust approach to a scheme for school rebuilding and refurbishment an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals from Falkirk Council in respect of utilising a not-for-profit trust approach to a scheme for school rebuilding and refurbishment and, if so, on what date.","AnswerText":"We received from Falkirk Council, on 24 December 2002, an Outline Business Case for a public private partnership described as a not-for-profit trust approach to work on school buildings. The proposal does not involve the establishment of a trust.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171000,"EventID":"S1W-34579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the successful bidders in the latest round of applications for school rebuilding and refurbishment under the public private partnership scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the successful bidders in the latest round of applications for school rebuilding and refurbishment under the public private partnership scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer to Cathy Jamieson's letter of 18 March 2003 to the Convener of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, which was copied to you. Copies are also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27153).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171001,"EventID":"S1W-34580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its special advisers or civil servants, acting officially or in any other capacity, has supplied any information to any organisation or individual o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its special advisers or civil servants, acting officially or in any other capacity, has supplied any information to any organisation or individual outwith the Executive about proposals from Falkirk Council in respect of utilising a not-for-profit trust approach to a scheme for school rebuilding and refurbishment and, if so, to whom any such information was provided and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The main aspects of the proposal had already been publicised by Falkirk Council. Falkirk Council proposed a novel and untried delivery vehicle in its schools public private partnership bid. To assist in assessing its viability, discussions were held on the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed delivery model with Partnerships UK and other experts. The Outline Business Case itself was not used in these consultations.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171002,"EventID":"S1W-34581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals it has received from local authorities in respect of the new round of approvals for schemes for school rebuilding and refurbishment and how many such p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals it has received from local authorities in respect of the new round of approvals for schemes for school rebuilding and refurbishment and how many such proposals seek to utilise not-for-profit trusts as the vehicle for the development.","AnswerText":"We have received proposals from 14 authorities, one of which proposes a public private partnership described as a not-for-profit trust approach.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171003,"EventID":"S1W-34582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the consultation on the Public Charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of the consultation on the Public Charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Definitive costs attributed to the consultation on the Public Charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland relate to document production. The total costs of document production relating to the two phases of the consultation are £1,367.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171004,"EventID":"S1W-34583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not proceed with the proposed public charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland in the light of the level of response and content of re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not proceed with the proposed public charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland in the light of the level of response and content of responses received in respect of its consultation on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that enforcement procedures are fair and transparent through the provision of a public charter for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland. This charter will therefore seek to comply with the Executive's charter policy and the principles of the Cabinet Office Enforcement Concordat. The Executive's commitment started with the publication of the consultation document and will conclude with the publication of the charter itself.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171005,"EventID":"S1W-34584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting a job specification for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland that ensures that all requirements of a public service regulato","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting a job specification for the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland that ensures that all requirements of a public service regulatory appointment are met.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland was appointed by Scottish ministers on 1 April 2002 under powers conferred by subsection 7(1) of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002. The regulator has a job specification in that the terms of his appointment state that the purpose of the appointment is to exercise the functions conferred on him by Part 2 and Schedule 2 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171006,"EventID":"S1W-34585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Supporting People Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Supporting People Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Supporting People Initiative, which is a new funding and policy framework for the provision of housing support services, is on target for implementation on 1 April 2003. We have today written to local authorities with provisional grant allocations to enable them to undertake these functions. Under the initiative, local authorities will have responsibility for planning and funding housing support services in their area and the financial information has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26753).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171007,"EventID":"S1W-34586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address concerns of women's organisations about any increase in the licensing of lap dancing clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address concerns of women's organisations about any increase in the licensing of lap dancing clubs.","AnswerText":"The task group currently reviewing the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 has been asked to include in its deliberations the arrangements for licensing lap dancing. Any groups wishing to express views on the subject should therefore communicate such views to the task group secretariat as soon as possible at Scottish Executive, Local Government Constitution and Governance Division, Area 3H, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171008,"EventID":"S1W-34587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place in respect of licensing, and complaints about, lap dancing clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place in respect of licensing, and complaints about, lap dancing clubs.","AnswerText":"There is no such monitoring by the Scottish Executive. Such licensing is the responsibility of local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171009,"EventID":"S1W-34588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place to compare local authorities' policies on licensing of lap dancing clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place to compare local authorities' policies on licensing of lap dancing clubs.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not monitor centrally the policies of local authorities on licensing of lap dancing clubs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171010,"EventID":"S1W-34589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage and fund colleges to offer business management courses to people with a skill who wish to set up their own business.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage and fund colleges to offer business management courses to people with a skill who wish to set up their own business.","AnswerText":"As the largest provider of lifelong learning in Scotland, the further education sector has a vital role in helping to deliver many of the Executive's policy priorities, including those to re-establish Scotland's entrepreneurial drive and to increase the number of new businesses and growing businesses. In considering matters of demand and supply, including the provision of skills to people wanting to set up their own business, the Scottish Executive encourages colleges to be vibrant and responsive. The Scottish Executive does not fund further education colleges directly. That is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC). Under the terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, colleges of further education are independent bodies responsible for determining, among other things, their own curriculum. Whether a course of a specific type is available at a particular college is therefore a matter for the board of management of the college concerned. In addition, general support is available to individuals wishing to start a business from the enterprise networks.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171011,"EventID":"S1W-34590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the on-going review of the national lottery to ensure that the distribution of lottery money in Scotland meets Scottish needs and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the on-going review of the national lottery to ensure that the distribution of lottery money in Scotland meets Scottish needs and priorities.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper on lottery distribution policy, "Review of Lottery Funding", was published jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly on 29 July 2002 for consultation until 30 October 2002. The consultation paper set out a range of issues for consideration including two major themes of making the lottery more responsive to the needs and priorities of communities, and ensuring that funding is fairly distributed to all areas and communities across the UK. I have written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport conveying Scottish ministers' views in the light of the Scottish consultation responses. Copies of the letter have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26471). As part of our on-going consideration of the review, I met the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Minister for Culture, Sport and the Welsh Language of the National Assembly for Wales on 27 February to discuss a range of issues on the National Lottery, including Scottish aspects. The outcome of the lottery review is expected to be announced in summer 2003. The Lottery Distributing Bodies (Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Screen, sportscotland, Community Fund, New Opportunities Fund, and Heritage Lottery Fund) are meantime engaged in a wide range of activities to ensure that the distribution of lottery money in Scotland meets Scottish needs and priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171012,"EventID":"S1W-34591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Performance Audit Group carries out inspections of the M876 and M9 and how many inspections the group has carried out on each road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Performance Audit Group carries out inspections of the M876 and M9 and how many inspections the group has carried out on each road.","AnswerText":"The Performance Audit Group (PAG) carries out inspections on the M876 and M9 every two weeks. These inspections examine the overall condition of the route and any Operating Company on-going operations or works contracts. In addition, PAG carries out detailed monthly monitoring of cyclical activities, including litter clearance, at a pre-selected sample of sites across the trunk road network. These sites include one on the M876 and M9.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171013,"EventID":"S1W-34592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any default notices have been issued to Amey Highways Ltd in respect of the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges and slip roads of the M876 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any default notices have been issued to Amey Highways Ltd in respect of the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges and slip roads of the M876 and M9; if so, how many such notices have been issued, when they were issued and whether any payments have been withheld arising from such notices.","AnswerText":"No default notices have been issued to Amey Highways Ltd in respect of litter clearance on the M876 and M9.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171014,"EventID":"S1W-34593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard of work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges and slip roads of the M876 and M9 is satis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard of work carried out by Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the central reservations, verges and slip roads of the M876 and M9 is satisfactory.","AnswerText":"The performance of Amey Highways Ltd on the clearance of litter from the M876 and M9 is monitored by the Scottish Executive and the independent Performance Audit Group (PAG). The Scottish Executive and PAG are generally satisfied that the standard of work carried out by Amey meets the requirements of the Trunk Road Maintenance Contract and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. However, specific problem areas, identified by PAG, have been brought to Amey's attention for action.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171015,"EventID":"S1W-34594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have received a daily dose in excess of (a) 500 mls, (b) 300 mls, (c) 200 mls and (d) 110 mls of methadone in each of the last five years, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have received a daily dose in excess of (a) 500 mls, (b) 300 mls, (c) 200 mls and (d) 110 mls of methadone in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital, and what the clinical rationale and research base are for each level of dosage.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. There is a great deal of international and national research to support the use of methadone as an effective treatment for opiate misuse. Dosages of methadone and the duration of treatment are matters for individual patients and their health professionals.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171016,"EventID":"S1W-34595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduate nurses have entered the one-year guarantee scheme and how many have subsequently gained full-time employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduate nurses have entered the one-year guarantee scheme and how many have subsequently gained full-time employment.","AnswerText":"The one-year guarantee scheme administered by NHS Education for Scotland was set up to find a place in the NHS for newly qualified nurses and midwives who had failed to find a post through the normal recruitment process. Twenty-two nurses and midwives entered the scheme and were referred to NHS trusts with appropriate vacancies. Had the newly qualified nurses and midwives failed to find employment they would have re-entered the scheme but none have done so.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171017,"EventID":"S1W-34596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards offer career pathway packages to qualified nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards offer career pathway packages to qualified nurses.","AnswerText":"The development of career packages is a matter for NHS boards and trusts to consider as part of their local recruitment and retention strategies. All trusts have continuing professional development funding (CPD) for nurses and midwives which they use for a variety of purposes. An additional £1.75 million CPD funding was given to NHS trusts in 2002, to be used for priorities decided in conjunction with front-line nursing and midwifery staff. In terms of career development, most NHS trusts also have discrete development programmes for newly qualified nurses and midwives, again designed around local requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171018,"EventID":"S1W-34597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for (a) nurses and (b) NHS boards to ensure a consistent approach to clinical placement for nursing students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for (a) nurses and (b) NHS boards to ensure a consistent approach to clinical placement for nursing students.","AnswerText":"The Nursing and Midwifery Council have set advisory standards for the preparation of mentors who support, educate and assess student nurses and midwives in practice placements. All higher education institutions run in-house mentorship preparation programmes to meet these advisory standards and the demands of their own pre-registration programme. All mentors are required to complete one of these programmes prior to becoming a mentor of students. This ensures a degree of consistency for both nurses and students. The placement of students within NHS board areas is organised by higher education institutions in close partnership with their local trusts. Decisions about number of students in each placement are therefore made locally and subject to negotiation. All these partnerships are trying to ensure maximum use of placements, including in remote and rural areas. A report to be published by NHS Education on 20 March will describe a national approach to the identification and allocation of practice placements in conjunction with ISD. This will reduce the consistency of usage of practice placements, although still taking into account local needs and demands.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171019,"EventID":"S1W-34598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action people can take when care provided by local authorities is less than that outlined in their care plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action people can take when care provided by local authorities is less than that outlined in their care plans.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a duty under the Social Work (Scotland) 1968 Act to assess the needs of and provide appropriate services to people who appear to need them. Any decision taken about care needs by social work departments should be based on a detailed assessment of the individual's needs and wishes. This year we are providing £1.38 billion to help local authorities deliver social work services. It is up to local authorities to decide how these resources should be deployed to best meet local needs and priorities. Should an individual feel that a local authority is neglecting its statutory obligation to provide appropriate community care services they may pursue the matter further through the relevant local authority's complaints procedure.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171020,"EventID":"S1W-34599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal requests for information were made in 2002 under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information and how many such requests were rejected","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal requests for information were made in 2002 under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information and how many such requests were rejected and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"Details of formal requests for information received under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information in 2002 are currently being collated and will be published in the normal way as soon as practicable.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171021,"EventID":"S1W-34600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to how many written parliamentary questions in each year since May 1999 it has given an answer that states that the information sought in the question cannot be provided","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to how many written parliamentary questions in each year since May 1999 it has given an answer that states that the information sought in the question cannot be provided, either in part or in whole, for reasons of commercial confidentiality.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, all answers to written parliamentary questions are published on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171022,"EventID":"S1W-34601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32801 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 December 2002, what outcome there has been from discussions with the five organisations listed on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32801 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 December 2002, what outcome there has been from discussions with the five organisations listed on the provision of secure accommodation places. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34950 on 24 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171023,"EventID":"S1W-34602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32801 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 December 2002, when the 25 additional secure accommodation places will become available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32801 by Cathy Jamieson on 20 December 2002, when the 25 additional secure accommodation places will become available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34950 on 24 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171024,"EventID":"S1W-34603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has finalised plans for accreditation of youth justice programmes and, if so, what these plans are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has finalised plans for accreditation of youth justice programmes and, if so, what these plans are.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the Criminal Justice Social Work Accreditation Panel is to be held on 22 and 23 April. The development of criteria for the accreditation of youth justice programmes will be discussed at this meeting.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171025,"EventID":"S1W-34604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is consistent with the Sewel Convention for the Parliament to be asked to agree that the Sexual Offences Bill be considered by the UK Parliament after the prin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is consistent with the Sewel Convention for the Parliament to be asked to agree that the Sexual Offences Bill be considered by the UK Parliament after the principles of that bill, including that the bill apply to Scotland, have been agreed in the UK Parliament.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Sewel Convention, which provides that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament, has always been observed. The convention does not prescribe the precise stage at which consent should be sought, though the Scottish Executive has undertaken normally to seek the Scottish Parliament's consent before the UK Bill is given its Second Reading in the House of the UK Parliament in which it is introduced. It is recognised, however, that adherence to this timetable is not always feasible and can, in any event, put considerable demands on the Scottish Parliament. It is anticipated that improvements will be effected through the introduction of the revised process proposed by the Scottish Executive to the Scottish Parliament's Procedures Committee.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171026,"EventID":"S1W-34605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rates relief scheme for the white fish industry announced on 11 March 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rates relief scheme for the white fish industry announced on 11 March 2003.","AnswerText":"The maximum cost to the Executive is estimated at £1.8 million. The actual costs will depend on decisions made by local authorities on the applications for hardship relief.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171027,"EventID":"S1W-34606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what road locations road fatalities have occurred in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what road locations road fatalities have occurred in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.","AnswerText":"The Central Statistical Database contains information about the grid reference of road accident locations. It does not provide a plain language description of those locations. Information on fatal road accidents by road type for 1999 to 2001 is given in table 5 of Road Accidents Scotland 2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25584). Information for 2002 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171028,"EventID":"S1W-34607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6183 by Lewis Macdonald on 9 January 2003, what information it has received about whether the interim analysis of the consultation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-6183 by Lewis Macdonald on 9 January 2003, what information it has received about whether the interim analysis of the consultation responses to The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom has now been completed and, if it has been completed, what action it will take within its responsibilities in the short term.","AnswerText":"The consultation for the white paper The Future Development of Air Transport in the UK has been extended to 30 June 2003. Many key stakeholders have yet to formally respond. Officials of the Executive and Department for Transport are currently following up issues raised in the responses that have been received by conducting a series of bilateral meetings. Due to the undertaking given to respondents in the consultation documents, no responses or analysis can be made public before the end of the consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171029,"EventID":"S1W-34608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33691 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 February 2003, what body will be responsible for carrying out the performance impact studies and iss","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33691 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 February 2003, what body will be responsible for carrying out the performance impact studies and issuing of regulatory dispensations for each rail project and what impact a negative study or non-issue of such dispensation would have on each project.","AnswerText":"Network Rail in partnership with the promoter are responsible for assessing the impact on operational performance of rail projects. Together, they agree bilaterally on the impact of projects and submit their calculations to The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) to evaluate. The ORR in consultation with the Strategic Rail Authority has the power to adjust/reset benchmarks accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171030,"EventID":"S1W-34609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports full implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Commission including recommendations to modernise charity law and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports full implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Commission including recommendations to modernise charity law and create a new definition of \"public benefit\", an independent regulator, a transparent register of charities and a single point for advice on charity law compliance.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the Scottish Executive's response to the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission published on 16 December 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25562).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171031,"EventID":"S1W-34610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of (a) under-age drinking, (b) drinking by young adults and (c) drinking by children and what resources it has allocated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of (a) under-age drinking, (b) drinking by young adults and (c) drinking by children and what resources it has allocated for this purpose.","AnswerText":"Reducing harmful drinking by children and young people is one of the key priorities of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems, published on 18 January 2002. The plan sets out a range of action in relation to school and community-based education. There is also action to ensure children affected by alcohol problems have access to appropriate services and new resources for parents to help them to discuss alcohol issues with their children. We are also continuing to provide support to Health Education Board for Scotland and Alcohol Focus Scotland to provide information and advice on the dangers of under-age and excessive drinking and undertake preventative activities with schools and youth and community groups. The Executive has made £3.3 million available through central budgets in this financial year to support local and national action to tackle alcohol problems. A breakdown of funding to tackle harmful drinking by children and young people is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171032,"EventID":"S1W-34611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the pilot proof-of-age schemes to reduce under-age drinking are expected and what action it will take if the schemes prove effective.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the pilot proof-of-age schemes to reduce under-age drinking are expected and what action it will take if the schemes prove effective.","AnswerText":"Voluntary proof of age was an integral part of the Scottish Executive funded Dialogue Youth and Young Scot smart card pilot project. Under the pilot, cards containing a digital photograph and verified date of birth were offered to all secondary school pupils in Angus, Glasgow, Argyll and Bute and Edinburgh. Take-up of the card was between 80 and 90% and the young people themselves requested that the proof of age element be maintained and accredited. A full roll-out of the card to all 32 local authority areas is now planned, resulting in some 375,000 cards being issued by the end of 2004. Accreditation for the card is being sought under the British Retail Consortium's Proof of Age Standard Scheme, the outcome of which is expected in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171033,"EventID":"S1W-34612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of a new \"alcopop\" called ROXXOF which is being marketed to young people as an aphrodisiac and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of a new \"alcopop\" called ROXXOF which is being marketed to young people as an aphrodisiac and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding ROXXOF, its marketing and any contravention of the Portman Code of Practice and Advertising Standards Agency requirements.","AnswerText":"We are aware of this product and understand that Alcohol Focus Scotland have lodged an official complaint about it under the Portman Group's Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks. The complaint will be looked at by an independent panel and we await the outcome of these considerations with interest.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171034,"EventID":"S1W-34613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a charities bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a charities bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6565 on 6 March 2003, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171035,"EventID":"S1W-34614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will update the definition of charity as recommended in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will update the definition of charity as recommended in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34609 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171036,"EventID":"S1W-34615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make progress on the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission report in advance of United Kingdom legislation on charit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make progress on the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission report in advance of United Kingdom legislation on charities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6565 on 6 March 2003, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171037,"EventID":"S1W-34616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change the charitable status of non-departmental public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change the charitable status of non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34609 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171038,"EventID":"S1W-34617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the proposed promoted posts structure for teachers in the Argyll and Bute Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the proposed promoted posts structure for teachers in the Argyll and Bute Council area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not received any representations about the proposed promoted posts structure for teachers in the Argyll and Bute Council area.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171039,"EventID":"S1W-34618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposal of Argyll and Bute Council to reduce the number of promoted posts for teachers is in keeping with the McCrone agreement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposal of Argyll and Bute Council to reduce the number of promoted posts for teachers is in keeping with the McCrone agreement.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for local authorities to determine local staffing requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171040,"EventID":"S1W-34619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can and will take to ensure that local authorities comply with the McCrone agreement in relation to promoted posts for teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can and will take to ensure that local authorities comply with the McCrone agreement in relation to promoted posts for teachers.","AnswerText":"The new promoted post structure is detailed in the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers - a tripartite body with representatives from local authorities, teacher organisations and the Scottish Executive is responsible for the implementation of the agreement. The agreement also provides for local bargaining and the responsibility for staffing structures is devolved to the local level. Within the framework provided by the agreement, it is for local authorities to decide what staffing structures best suit their local needs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171041,"EventID":"S1W-34620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify the position in the McCrone agreement in relation to promoted posts for teachers and the advice that it gave to local authorities on the implement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify the position in the McCrone agreement in relation to promoted posts for teachers and the advice that it gave to local authorities on the implementation of the agreement.","AnswerText":"The agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century sets out an improved and simplified career structure for all teachers which is being implemented through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers. This committee includes representatives from COSLA, the teacher organisations and the Scottish Executive. It meets regularly to ensure effective implementation of the agreement.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171042,"EventID":"S1W-34621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in carrying out the second stage of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in carrying out the second stage of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"The second, and final, stage of the Policy and Financial Management Review of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has now been completed and I have placed copies of the steering group's report in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26920). I have also written to the Convenors of the Education Culture and Sport Committee and the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee with copies of the report. The report has been posted on the Scottish Executive and SQA's websites. The report includes recommendations, some of which have already been implemented and many of which are currently in the process of implementation, and my officials will monitor progress to ensure that target dates are met.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171043,"EventID":"S1W-34622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the policy and financial management review (PFMR) of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the policy and financial management review (PFMR) of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).","AnswerText":"The review has been completed and I am publishing its report today. Copies of the report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26789). I am delighted that the PFMR has concluded that, on the whole, SEPA is performing its duties well. But I want SEPA to do better still and I welcome the recommendations set out in this report as a means of helping it to do so. The First Minister outlined his commitment to environmental justice last year. The recommendations in the report will contribute towards delivering that objective in two ways. They will enable SEPA to improve the quality of environment protection that it provides to communities across Scotland and to respond more effectively to major environment protection challenges, such as tackling diffuse pollution and improving Scotland's performance in waste management. Just as importantly, they will ensure that SEPA becomes more responsive to the communities that it serves, by equipping it to engage more effectively with those who live and work in those communities. I have asked SEPA and my officials to complete by the end of July a plan for implementing the recommendations in the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171044,"EventID":"S1W-34623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34294 by Margaret Curran on 9 March 2003, which members of the boards of Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) in Glasgow are member","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34294 by Margaret Curran on 9 March 2003, which members of the boards of Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) in Glasgow are members of the Labour Party.","AnswerText":"Information on membership of political parties for members of SIP boards in Glasgow is not available, with the exception of serving councillors, MPs and MSPs who sit on these boards. The following Labour councillors, MPs and MSPs are on SIP boards in Glasgow: Drumchapel SIP | Bill Butler | MSP | Bailie Martin Lee | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Marjorie O'Neill | Glasgow City Council |
East End SIP | Cllr David Stevenson | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Susan Baird | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Elaine Smith | Glasgow City Council |
Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance | Cllr Hanzala Malik | Glasgow City Council |
Glasgow Smaller Areas SIP | Cllr Gordon Macdiarmid | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Jean McFadden | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Craig Roberton | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Allan Watson | Glasgow City Council |
Gorbals SIP | Cllr James Mutter | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Allan Watson | Glasgow City Council |
Greater Easterhouse SIP | Cllr Jim Coleman | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Gaille McCann | Glasgow City Council | Bailie Catherine McMaster | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Ronnie Quinn | Glasgow City Council |
Greater Govan SIP | Cllr Stephen Dornan | Glasgow City Council | Cllr Shaukat Butt | Glasgow City Council | Gordon Jackson | MSP | Mohammad Sarwar | MP |
Greater Pollok SIP | Ian Davidson | MP | Cllr Alexander Glass | Glasgow City Council | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171048,"EventID":"S1W-34627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether businesses in Arbroath that are dependent on the white fish sector will benefit from the temporary rates relief measures announced on 11 March 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether businesses in Arbroath that are dependent on the white fish sector will benefit from the temporary rates relief measures announced on 11 March 2003.","AnswerText":"The measures announced on 11 March will apply to any business which can demonstrate reliance on a port where more than 20% of the value of the landings is represented by whitefish. Ports which have vessels eligible for the transitional support available to the whitefish catching sector will also qualify.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171049,"EventID":"S1W-34628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts do not make any allowances in their staffing establishments for sickness and absence levels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts do not make any allowances in their staffing establishments for sickness and absence levels.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171050,"EventID":"S1W-34629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts have a shortfall between the number of employees and the actual full-time establishment in both nursing and ancillary areas and what any such shortfal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts have a shortfall between the number of employees and the actual full-time establishment in both nursing and ancillary areas and what any such shortfalls are, broken down by trust.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of employees and the full-time establishment for nursing in each NHS trust is available in table E17 on the ISD website:http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm The information requested on the full-time establishment for ancillary staff is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171051,"EventID":"S1W-34630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital-acquired infections there have been in each hospital in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital-acquired infections there have been in each hospital in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171052,"EventID":"S1W-34631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have (a) received and (b) been refused fertility treatment in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have (a) received and (b) been refused fertility treatment in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Only the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) holds information, UK-wide, to minimise the possibility of patient identification.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171053,"EventID":"S1W-34632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates, and with whom, it has held discussions regarding the payment of compensation to homeowners of properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates, and with whom, it has held discussions regarding the payment of compensation to homeowners of properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerText":"On 4 March 2002 the then Minister for Social Justice, Iain Gray, met with Cathie Craigie who is the constituency MSP, North Lanarkshire Council and the local owners' association, AMAG, on the problems associated with the flats at Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road and possible ways forward. There have since been a number of follow-up discussions between those parties and the Scottish Executive which have included meetings that I have had with Ms Craigie on 3 September 2002, 13 January 2003 and 26 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171054,"EventID":"S1W-34633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been asked by any party to provide financial assistance towards any compensation scheme for the homeowners of properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been asked by any party to provide financial assistance towards any compensation scheme for the homeowners of properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency and, if so, which parties made such requests, when and what its response was to each request.","AnswerText":"The North Lanarkshire Council has asked the Scottish Executive to assist with the costs that would be involved should they proceed with a scheme to acquire and demolish the flats at Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road and rehouse the residents or provide assistance to acquire other accommodation. The council wrote to me in September 2002 to request assistance and I replied in October 2002 agreeing in principle to assist. The final decision will depend on the details of the council's proposals when they are received.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171055,"EventID":"S1W-34634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33682 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, whether it will detail each stakeholder that North Lanarkshire Council is consulting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33682 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, whether it will detail each stakeholder that North Lanarkshire Council is consulting.","AnswerText":"It is for North Lanarkshire Council to decide which bodies and persons it may wish to consult, taking account of any statutory requirements.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171056,"EventID":"S1W-34635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33682 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, whether there is any section of legislation that would prevent North Lanarkshire Coun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33682 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, whether there is any section of legislation that would prevent North Lanarkshire Council, either itself or with other bodies, paying compensation at the level that property values would now be had the defects in properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road areas of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency not been discovered.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in the answer given to question S1W-33682, any compensation paid by North Lanarkshire Council will need to be in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions. If it decides to use the compulsory powers available under Part IV of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, it will require to pay compensation as defined by Part XV of that act. This has the effect that compensation may not exceed the actual market value of the property at the date the relevant notice is served on the owner. The payment of compensation would not prevent the council from providing additional assistance to help those affected secure suitable alternative accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171057,"EventID":"S1W-34636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33681 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, when the affected properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33681 by Margaret Curran on 21 February 2003, when the affected properties in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency were constructed; what each of the identified defects in construction was, detailing the effect each defect had on the property concerned, and on what date the legislation that prohibited the practices that formerly allowed each process now considered as defective was introduced.","AnswerText":"Our understanding is that the properties in question were built in the 1960s. Details of the defects and their impact on the relevant properties are set out in reports by A.J. Balfour & Associates, dated October 2000 and the Structural Partnership, dated August 2001. Copies of each are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 27050 and 27052). Advice and guidance on building practice, relating to the use of calcium chloride as an additive to accelerate the hardening of concrete, is contained in the British Standards Institution Codes of Practice. The 1977 amendment to Code of Practice 110 strongly recommended that calcium chloride should never be added to pre-stressed, reinforced concrete or concrete containing embedded metal. Code of Practice 110 was revised in 1985 and re-issued as Code of Practice 8110, which reiterated the previous advice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171058,"EventID":"S1W-34637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33679 by Margaret Curran on 18 February 2003, what the latest date is by which the discussions concerning compensation to homeowner","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33679 by Margaret Curran on 18 February 2003, what the latest date is by which the discussions concerning compensation to homeowners in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency will be completed","AnswerText":"The timetable for discussions concerning any compensation to homeowners in the Ainslie Road and Maclehose Road area of Cumbernauld is a matter for North Lanarkshire Council to determine.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171059,"EventID":"S1W-34638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeals processes will be available to homeowners in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency should they consider that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeals processes will be available to homeowners in the Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency should they consider that any proposed or offered level of compensation is inadequate and how an appropriate level of independence will be assured in any such processes.","AnswerText":"Should North Lanarkshire Council purchase the flats at Ainslie Road and Macclehose Road under Part IV of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 the compensation will, in each case, be determined by the District Valuer and any dispute as to the amount of compensation will be determined by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171060,"EventID":"S1W-34639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the charges levied by some airports for the provision of wheelchairs for disabled or infirm passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the charges levied by some airports for the provision of wheelchairs for disabled or infirm passengers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any charges being levied by airports in Scotland for the provision of wheelchairs. The responsibility for handling all passengers, including those with special needs, rests with airlines or their appointed handling agents.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171061,"EventID":"S1W-34640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its subsidy to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd makes any provision for free access to assistance for disabled or infirm passengers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its subsidy to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd makes any provision for free access to assistance for disabled or infirm passengers.","AnswerText":"No. Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd makes no charge for the provision of assistance to passengers with special needs at its airports. The responsibility for handling all passengers, including those with special needs, rests with airlines or their appointed handling agents.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171062,"EventID":"S1W-34641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34065 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 February 2003, whether it will detail the members of the National Special Educational Needs Advisory ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34065 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 February 2003, whether it will detail the members of the National Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum and their designations.","AnswerText":"Membership details are listed in the Scottish Executive National Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum website at www.scotland.gov.uk/senaf.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171063,"EventID":"S1W-34642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing peripatetic dentistry services in remote and rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing peripatetic dentistry services in remote and rural areas.","AnswerText":"Currently, NHS boards or trusts may purchase and operate mobile dental units for the use of salaried general dental service dentists and/or community dentists. These units are used to bring NHS dental services to various target groups, including people in remote, rural and island areas. Mobile dental units are in use in Argyll and Clyde, Ayrshire and Arran, Highland, Lothian, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Forth Valley, Grampian, Lanarkshire, Orkney, Tayside and Western Isles. In addition, salaried and community dentists travel between dental clinics situated in various locations in remote and rural areas to make NHS dental services more accessible. NHS boards or trusts may seek the approval of Scottish ministers to establish further salaried dentist posts in remote or rural areas where there is a gap in provision. NHS boards or trusts may make special arrangements with independent general dental practitioners for dental services to patients in rural or remote areas. They may pay a fee for loss of remunerative time spent on travel to these areas and the practitioners are compensated for visits cancelled at short notice.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171064,"EventID":"S1W-34643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the details of reported health and safety incidents affecting the public in each of the last four years in each NHS trust, broken down by cat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the details of reported health and safety incidents affecting the public in each of the last four years in each NHS trust, broken down by category of reported incident.","AnswerText":"Details on health and safety incidents affecting the public in each of the last four years in each NHS trust, broken down by category of reported incident are not centrally available.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171065,"EventID":"S1W-34644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of (a) rape and (b) assault with intent to rape were made to procurators fiscal in each year since 1997, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of (a) rape and (b) assault with intent to rape were made to procurators fiscal in each year since 1997, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171066,"EventID":"S1W-34645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all NHS managers are aware of the guidelines on domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all NHS managers are aware of the guidelines on domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"Responding to Domestic Abuse - Guidelines for Health Care Workers in NHS Scotland has been widely distributed to all chief executives of boards and trusts, directors of nursing and midwifery, medical directors, directors of public health and other senior members of NHS staff in Local Health Care Co-operatives and Royal Colleges. Copies have also been issued to child health commissioners in NHS boards and to relevant non-NHS organisations. An electronic copy of the guidelines is available on both the Scottish Executive website and the SHOW (Scottish Health on the Web) website and the guidelines were publicised through the Health Department Bulletin, which is issued to senior staff in the NHS and partner organisations. The Scottish Executive will organise a national workshop in summer 2003 for NHS professionals and key partners, including NHS managers, to raise the profile of the guidelines further and enable stakeholders to consider how to achieve effective implementation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171067,"EventID":"S1W-34646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the implementation of the NHS guidelines on domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the implementation of the NHS guidelines on domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"For monitoring purposes the Scottish Executive Health Department will include NHS boards' progress in responding effectively to domestic abuse in the NHS Performance Assessment Framework in 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171068,"EventID":"S1W-34647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any further event is planned to ensure that the NHS guidelines on domestic abuse are properly disseminated following the announcement by the Minister for Health a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any further event is planned to ensure that the NHS guidelines on domestic abuse are properly disseminated following the announcement by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 10 March 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34645 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171069,"EventID":"S1W-34648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation is carried out on the reports on sexual assaults passed to procurators fiscal by the police and, if so, how it is undertaken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation is carried out on the reports on sexual assaults passed to procurators fiscal by the police and, if so, how it is undertaken.","AnswerText":"Procurators fiscal subject each report submitted by the police to careful scrutiny and consideration to assess the sufficiency and quality of evidence before a decision is reached about taking proceedings. The police will be instructed to carry out any necessary further investigations. police/procurator fiscal liaison arrangements provide an opportunity to raise any issues arising from reporting. Once a decision has been taken to continue proceedings, material witnesses will be precognosced (interviewed) by a member of the procurator fiscal's team and the evidence subjected to further evaluation. Every police report prepared for submission to procurators fiscal is subject to internal quality control by the police.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171070,"EventID":"S1W-34649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a full list of the projects that are to be supported through the Intensive Support Fund and the Youth Crime Prevention Fund. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a full list of the projects that are to be supported through the Intensive Support Fund and the Youth Crime Prevention Fund. ","AnswerText":"I have today published a list of the projects that are to be supported through the Intensive Support Fund (Bib. number 26831) and Youth Crime Prevention (Bib. number 26832) in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Intensive Support projects will increase the number and range of places providing intensive supervision for young people who offend. The Intensive Support Fund will also improve programmes in secure accommodation, and after care for young people leaving secure accommodation. The Youth Crime Prevention projects will provide additional constructive activities to divert young people from offending behaviour, assist families in preventing offending behaviour and increase the number of restorative justice projects, including those which support the victims of youth crime.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171071,"EventID":"S1W-34650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #16 million funding for accelerating land renewal in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire, detailed in Building Better Cities - Delivering Growth and Opportuniti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #16 million funding for accelerating land renewal in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire, detailed in Building Better Cities - Delivering Growth and Opportunities, is intended for use at the Ravenscraig site in North Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The resources announced for 2004-06 to tackle vacant and derelict land in Glasgow and North Lanarkshire will be allocated following discussions between the Scottish Executive and the two local authorities, Communities Scotland and the Scottish Enterprise network to determine where the resources can deliver maximum economic, social and environmental benefit.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171072,"EventID":"S1W-34651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures sportscotland have in place to ensure that Netball Scotland will not suffer financially from having been misgraded to level 3, before being reinstated to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures sportscotland have in place to ensure that Netball Scotland will not suffer financially from having been misgraded to level 3, before being reinstated to level 2 on appeal.","AnswerText":"Netball Scotland has been treated the same as every other Scottish Governing Body of Sport (SGB) when levels of funding have been determined. Sportscotland's prioritisation of sports is only one of many criteria used when funding is decided.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171073,"EventID":"S1W-34652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) basic and (b) additional grant-aided expenditure for education has been awarded to South Lanarkshire Council in each year since its formation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) basic and (b) additional grant-aided expenditure for education has been awarded to South Lanarkshire Council in each year since its formation.","AnswerText":"The figures in the table show the South Lanarkshire Council's Grant Aided Expenditure formula allocation for education from 1996-97 onwards. These figures include any in year adjustments. | £ Million | 1996-97 | 148.060 | 1997-98 | 144.344 | 1998-99 | 148.697 | 1999-2000 | 159.254 | 2000-01 | 165.193 | 2001-02 | 180.547 | 2002-03 | 198.772 | 2003-04 | 212.954 | 2004-05 | 224.636 | 2005-06 | 234.493 |
Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) allocations are not spending targets or limits; they form one part of the distribution formula that calculates each councils block general grant allocations. The following table gives details of the main additional allocations that have been made to South Lanarkshire Council for Education since 1996-97. | Pre-School Grant (£ Million) | Additional Financial Resources for Schools (£ Million) | Support for Science (£ Million) | Modern Languages in Primary Schools (£ Million) | 1996-97 | | | | 0.057 | 1997-98 | | | | 0.140 | 1998-99 | 2.974 | | | 0.149 | 1999-2000 | 6.529 | | | 0.110 | 2000-01 | 7.405 | 2.873 | | 0.134 | 2001-02 | 7.791 | 1.806 | 0.301 | 0.187 | 2002-03 | 0.213** | | 0.185 | 0.242 | 2003-04 | 0.213 | | The increase in the number of waiting time guarantee exception codes on 31 December 2002, is in part due to NHS trusts moving patients from the deferred waiting list to the in-patient and day case waiting list in preparation for the abolition of the former on 1 April 2003. NHSScotland: Number of Patients on the In-Patient and Day Case Waiting List with an Exception to the National Waiting Time Guarantee on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December 2002. Date | Number of Guarantee Exception Codes | 31 March 2002 | 4,752 | 30 June 2002 | 4,402 | 30 September 2002 | 4,325 | 31 December 2002 | 6,244 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171075,"EventID":"S1W-34654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34058 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 February 2003, when the review of the guidance on local authority plans for services for children und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34058 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 February 2003, when the review of the guidance on local authority plans for services for children under section 19 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, issued in October 2001, will take place; which department will carry out the review, and what the proposed timetable is.","AnswerText":"The review of guidance on children's services plans will commence in April 2003 and be concluded later in 2003. The Scottish Executive Education Department will lead on the review but a range of other departments will also have an interest.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171076,"EventID":"S1W-34655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the Scottish Agricultural College regarding any proposed closure of the Auchincruive site and, if it is to close, what measures wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the Scottish Agricultural College regarding any proposed closure of the Auchincruive site and, if it is to close, what measures will be put in place to safeguard the local community and economic stability of the area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural College's (SAC) proposal to withdraw campus-based education and research services from its Auchincruive Campus is part of an option for rationalisation that SAC has sought ministers' agreement to, on the basis of a report of an options appraisal conducted by consultants Deloitte & Touche.I have asked SAC to invite comments on the report from staff and other stakeholders and this has been done. I have also asked SAC for further work on the options appraisal. Ministers will take account of comments and representations that SAC receives and the additional information I have asked for before completing their consideration of the options appraisal report and SAC's recommendation. This process is likely to take a number of weeks. Without prejudice to the outcome of the option appraisal process I understand that SAC has been working with Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council to find alternative uses for parts of the Auchincruive campus which has exceeded the College's requirements for some time.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171077,"EventID":"S1W-34656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34332 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 March 2003, whether it will give details of each of the 12 projects in negotiation and the 28 further p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34332 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 March 2003, whether it will give details of each of the 12 projects in negotiation and the 28 further projects in health, schools and waste management.","AnswerText":"Details of Public Private Partnership projects in Scotland can be found in the Project List on the Financial Partnerships Unit's website (www.scotland.gov.uk/fpu then select \"Project List\" from the menu down the left-hand side of the home page). Since question S1W-34332 was answered, the Project List has been updated, primarily for health projects, and the total number of projects included up to the negotiation stage has risen from 40 to 42 (13 at the tenders stage and 29 at the stage of being advertised or potential).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171078,"EventID":"S1W-34657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34201 by Peter Peacock on 5 March 2003, when it will make its decision on the request for grant funding from the Association of Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34201 by Peter Peacock on 5 March 2003, when it will make its decision on the request for grant funding from the Association of Scottish Community Councils.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34201 on 5 March 2003. We are waiting for further information from the Association of Scottish Community Councils in relation to its request for further funding. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171079,"EventID":"S1W-34658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that carers' assessments for accessing services are adequately funded and implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that carers' assessments for accessing services are adequately funded and implemented.","AnswerText":"The resources allocated by the Executive to local authorities to support carers will have risen from £5 million in 1999-2000 to £21 million in 2003-04. This level of investment will be sustained over the next three years and increased in line with pay and inflation. In addition to this, local government finance settlements for the next three years include substantial extra sums for social care. We are working closely with local authorities, the NHS and carer representatives to develop policy guidance for health and social care practitioners around the new rights for carers contained in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002, as well as comprehensive new best practice guidance in supporting carers. Both sets of guidance will address the importance of delivering effective outcomes for carers through assessment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171080,"EventID":"S1W-34659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that resources are made available so that carers have access to respite from caring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that resources are made available so that carers have access to respite from caring.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34221 on 5 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171081,"EventID":"S1W-34660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instigate an income maximisation campaign for carers to increase benefit take-up and, if so, what steps it plans to take to do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instigate an income maximisation campaign for carers to increase benefit take-up and, if so, what steps it plans to take to do so.","AnswerText":"The UK Government, through the Department for Work and Pensions, is responsible for social security benefits and campaigns to maximise uptake of benefits. Under our Carers Strategy, the Scottish Executive is committed to improving the information available to carers both at national and local level. Later this month we will be launching publicity material to raise carer awareness and to ensure carers can access sources of information and support, including information on financial assistance. At local level, council social work departments and the NHS will be involved in implementing Carer Information Strategies. These strategies will be introduced over the coming months under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 and will seek to ensure that carers are made aware of the wide range of support available to them.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171082,"EventID":"S1W-34661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to fill nursing vacancies in Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to fill nursing vacancies in Tayside.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for recruitment lies with NHS trusts as employers. The Facing the Future group, established in 2001 and chaired by me, supports trusts in this role and has introduced a range of initiatives to aid recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives in NHSScotland. NHS trusts in Tayside have benefited from these initiatives in the same way as other trusts across Scotland have. Tayside have been particularly successful, with the most recent figures showing no vacancies in either trust remaining unfilled for longer than three months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171083,"EventID":"S1W-34662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to appoint an official to promote equine matters within the rural economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to appoint an official to promote equine matters within the rural economy.","AnswerText":"The equine industry can play an important role in improving the rural economy. The Scottish Executive is working with VisitScotland and the Enterprise Networks to support the development of the rural economy. These activities cannot realistically be the responsibility of one official. It is important that all departments and public bodies understand the potential role of the equine industry.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171084,"EventID":"S1W-34663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to appoint a dedicated team within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to promote equine matters within the rural economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to appoint a dedicated team within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to promote equine matters within the rural economy.","AnswerText":"Equine matters are diverse including animal health, tourism and rural enterprise. These issues are dealt with by a number of Scottish Executive departments and we are not convinced that a dedicated team in a single department would improve the consideration of equine matters in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171085,"EventID":"S1W-34664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its decision on whether to extend its proposed review of Barra air transport provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its decision on whether to extend its proposed review of Barra air transport provision.","AnswerText":"I have listened to the representations of the Barra community and its elected representatives. I fully appreciate their concerns that a review completed by 30 September 2003 will not be able to assess fully, and in depth, all issues relating to air transport provision, including its impact on other transport modes. I have decided, therefore, that the contract for the Barra to Glasgow air service should be brought into line with the Scottish Executive's other supported air services and that the service will be secured until 31 March 2006. The review will be undertaken in conjunction with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. There will be a new contract from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2006 and this will be the subject of a further tendering exercise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171086,"EventID":"S1W-34665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Ambulance Service will end completely the use of on-call working arrangements for staff in part-time stations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Ambulance Service will end completely the use of on-call working arrangements for staff in part-time stations.","AnswerText":"The conversion of ambulance stations from part-time to full-time working is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. Factors which will inform the service's decision include information about-patient care benefits, expected performance improvements, legal requirements, competing priorities and availability of resources.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171087,"EventID":"S1W-34666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist paediatric services are available for sufferers of Sever's disease in (a) Scotland and (b) the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency, detailing the level o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist paediatric services are available for sufferers of Sever's disease in (a) Scotland and (b) the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency, detailing the level of service each individual unit can provide.","AnswerText":"This information is available from NHS boards and trusts whose responsibility it is to ensure that there is a range of services in place that best meets the needs of their local population.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171088,"EventID":"S1W-34667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for a wheelchair not being provided to a 12-year-old resident of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency suffering severe debilitation from Sever's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for a wheelchair not being provided to a 12-year-old resident of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency suffering severe debilitation from Sever's disease in both feet and receiving treatment at Monklands Hospital.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Lanarkshire NHS Board. The board has undertaken to investigate this matter on receipt of written details from the member, with your constituent's consent.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171089,"EventID":"S1W-34668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund managing agents on an equal basis in respect of all students entering modern apprenticeships, regardless of their age.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund managing agents on an equal basis in respect of all students entering modern apprenticeships, regardless of their age.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171090,"EventID":"S1W-34669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund modern apprenticeships to the same level that they are funded in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to fund modern apprenticeships to the same level that they are funded in England.","AnswerText":"The level of funding contributions for modern apprenticeships is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Scottish Executive recently allocated an additional £25 million over three years to the enterprise networks for modern apprenticeships and other work-based learning.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171091,"EventID":"S1W-34670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to expand illness prevention initiatives, such as flu vaccination schemes, in order to include care providers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to expand illness prevention initiatives, such as flu vaccination schemes, in order to include care providers.","AnswerText":"The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises all UK health departments on issues relating to vaccination and immunisation, based on currently available scientific evidence. Last year, the committee considered whether carers should be offered immunisation against influenza routinely each year. However, it concluded that there was insufficient medical evidence to incorporate this group into those currently targeted as at risk against the complications of influenza in this year's policy. Ultimately, however, the final decision as to who should be offered immunisation is a matter for the patient's medical practitioner who should take into account the risk of influenza infection exacerbating the underlying disease as well as the risk of serious illness from influenza.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171092,"EventID":"S1W-34671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22918 by Nicol Stephen on 22 February 2002, whether needing to realise a financial gain from the sale of a school site in order to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22918 by Nicol Stephen on 22 February 2002, whether needing to realise a financial gain from the sale of a school site in order to fund a public private partnership proposal is a relevant financial consideration in respect of school closure proposals.","AnswerText":"The particular financial considerations taken into account in any school closure proposal, whether or not related to a public private partnership, are matters for the local authority making the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171093,"EventID":"S1W-34672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22918 by Nicol Stephen on 22 February 2002, what balance should be struck by education authorities between educational, financial a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22918 by Nicol Stephen on 22 February 2002, what balance should be struck by education authorities between educational, financial and community issues when considering the closure of a school.","AnswerText":"The particular balance is a matter for the education authorities, taking account of the issues they have identified and the issues raised during consultation on particular proposals.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171094,"EventID":"S1W-34673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education authorities should take into account the level of funding allocated under its schools estate funding package when formulating Public Private Partnership","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education authorities should take into account the level of funding allocated under its schools estate funding package when formulating Public Private Partnership proposals and whether any education authorities that had formulated, but not agreed, Public Private Partnership (PPP) proposals before the schools estate funding package became available should now revise their proposals in order to take account of it.","AnswerText":"Authorities are free to take account of all the resources available to them in their consideration of funding Public Private Partnership proposals. Preparation of an Outline Business Case is an early stage of the PPP process and there are opportunities as the process progresses for authorities to review the funding sources available to them in reaching decisions about the affordability of their projects. Authorities should also consider the need to ensure that all their schools are maintained to a good standard and to allocate adequate funding for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171095,"EventID":"S1W-34674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33067 on 21 January 2003, what it estimates the likely percentage change will be in school rolls by 2011 in (a) the South Lanarkshi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33067 on 21 January 2003, what it estimates the likely percentage change will be in school rolls by 2011 in (a) the South Lanarkshire Council area, (b) East Kilbride and (c) Hamilton.","AnswerText":"Projections of pupil rolls cannot be disaggregated below education authority level. Overall, mainstream school rolls in South Lanarkshire are projected to fall by 16% by 2011.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171096,"EventID":"S1W-34675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from (a) community representatives, (b) school boards, (c) church or denominational bodies and (d) parents of pupils in the Ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from (a) community representatives, (b) school boards, (c) church or denominational bodies and (d) parents of pupils in the East Kilbride area of the South Lanarkshire Council area in relation to the council's proposed public private partnership for schools.","AnswerText":"We have recently received some representations concerning school reorganisation proposals in the East Kilbride area which are related to South Lanarkshire Council's proposed public private partnership for schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171097,"EventID":"S1W-34676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from (a) community representatives, (b) school boards, (c) church or denominational bodies and (d) parents of pupils in the Ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from (a) community representatives, (b) school boards, (c) church or denominational bodies and (d) parents of pupils in the Hamilton area of the South Lanarkshire Council area in relation to the council's proposed public private partnership for schools. ","AnswerText":"We have recently received some representations concerning school reorganisation proposals in the Hamilton area which are related to South Lanarkshire Council's proposed public private partnership for schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171098,"EventID":"S1W-34677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been referred to the Children's Reporter on offence grounds in each of the last four years broken down in respect of (a) one, (b) two to three offe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been referred to the Children's Reporter on offence grounds in each of the last four years broken down in respect of (a) one, (b) two to three offences, (c) four to six offences, (d) seven to nine offences and (e) 10 or more offences, broken down by reporter area.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. I have asked the Principal Reporter to write to you with this data.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171099,"EventID":"S1W-34678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings ministers plan to hold with UK ministers in April 2003; how many such meetings will take place in Scotland; when each meeting will take place, and which Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings ministers plan to hold with UK ministers in April 2003; how many such meetings will take place in Scotland; when each meeting will take place, and which Scottish and UK ministers will attend each meeting.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers will continue to be in contact with UK ministers as appropriate during April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171100,"EventID":"S1W-34679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings between Scottish and UK ministers have been held in each month since July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings between Scottish and UK ministers have been held in each month since July 1999.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers have held a wide range of meetings, both formal and informal, with UK ministers since July 1999. It is not our practice to disclose details of such meetings, which are numerous and not all recorded in detail, and which may often be in the context of sensitive and confidential negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171101,"EventID":"S1W-34680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ministerial announcements are planned for April 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ministerial announcements are planned for April 2003.","AnswerText":"No ministerial announcements on policy or spending issues are planned for April, but there may be a need for ministers to respond to external events or issues of immediate importance, for example relating to any EU business which might take place during the month. Routine factual news releases, such as statistical figures published on a monthly or regular basis, will be issued during April, as stated in The Scottish Parliament Election Guidance 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171102,"EventID":"S1W-34681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on any proposal by the Home Secretary to withdraw from individual tenants the automatic right to be granted housing benefit and the impact o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on any proposal by the Home Secretary to withdraw from individual tenants the automatic right to be granted housing benefit and the impact of such a policy on its social justice policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to liaise with UK Government on any proposals to make changes to the housing benefit and to advise on the implications for its devolved responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171103,"EventID":"S1W-34682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possible withdrawal of housing benefit for anti-social behaviour and the impact of such a policy on its social justice policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the possible withdrawal of housing benefit for anti-social behaviour and the impact of such a policy on its social justice policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is interested in exploring any proposals which might help to tackle anti-social behaviour and will continue to liaise with the UK Government on the details and implications of any specific measures relating to housing benefit.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171104,"EventID":"S1W-34683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33813 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2003, what changes the investigation by the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded need","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33813 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2003, what changes the investigation by the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded need to be made to improve procedures for suicide prevention at the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The director has indicated that some further work is being undertaken which will not be completed until the end of March, at which point he will consider whether any procedural changes are required.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171105,"EventID":"S1W-34684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33813 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2003, whether the investigation by the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded that ther","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33813 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2003, whether the investigation by the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded that there were any shortcomings in the procedures for suicide prevention at the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The director has indicated that some further work is being undertaken which will not be completed until the end of March. It is therefore too early to say what conclusions he will reach.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171106,"EventID":"S1W-34685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34108 by Des McNulty on 26 February 2003, when a decision will be made on the wind farm public inquiry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34108 by Des McNulty on 26 February 2003, when a decision will be made on the wind farm public inquiry.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to say, at this stage, when a decision will be made on the An Suidhe proposal. Every effort will, however, be made to reach an early decision.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171107,"EventID":"S1W-34686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question 34109 by Ross Finnie on 24 February 2003, when the new survey on public attitudes towards wind farms will be completed and when the res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question 34109 by Ross Finnie on 24 February 2003, when the new survey on public attitudes towards wind farms will be completed and when the results will be published.","AnswerText":"The fieldwork is due to be completed before the end of March. Substantial work will then be undertaken to collate the findings and to ensure that the data is free from errors. The results will be published before the end of June 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171108,"EventID":"S1W-34687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34102 by Ross Finnie on 24 February 2003, what steps are being taken to ensure that the new survey on public attitudes towards wind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34102 by Ross Finnie on 24 February 2003, what steps are being taken to ensure that the new survey on public attitudes towards wind farms does not include any errors.","AnswerText":"A number of checks are being carried out at key stages of the research to ensure that the new survey does not contain any errors. The precise location of each of the wind farms involved has also been carefully calculated and mapped.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171109,"EventID":"S1W-34688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33598 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 February 2003, whether the announcement on neighbourhood wardens will be made before dissolution ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33598 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 February 2003, whether the announcement on neighbourhood wardens will be made before dissolution of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The announcement on community wardens was made on 11 March 2003. Copies of the consultation document Building Strong, Safe and Attractive Communities have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27011).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171110,"EventID":"S1W-34689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33593 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, who its representation in the UK delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33593 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, who its representation in the UK delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe is composed of.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive representative on the UK delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE) is Peter Peacock MSP, Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services. Mr Peacock's substitute on CLRAE is Ben Wallace MSP.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171111,"EventID":"S1W-34690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8569 by Nicol Stephen on 14 August 2000, what recent assessments it has made of the impact on its responsibilities of the World Tra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8569 by Nicol Stephen on 14 August 2000, what recent assessments it has made of the impact on its responsibilities of the World Trade Organisation.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter and as such the UK Government take the lead on this issue. However, the Scottish Executive maintains close contact with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other UK Government Departments on trade issues including assessing the potential impact of the WTO on its responsibilities. The Executive is currently working with DTI on the current WTO negotiations on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the UK position on the initial EC offer to ensure that Scottish interests are considered.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171112,"EventID":"S1W-34691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) pensioners it has lifted out of poverty since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) pensioners it has lifted out of poverty since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Social Justice Annual Report, A Scotland where everyone matters sets out the Scottish Executive's strategy for tackling all aspects of poverty and social exclusion. Low income is one aspect of poverty. Tables 1 and 2 of the document Households Below Average Income: Figures for Scotland Using the Range of Low Income Thresholds, include the numbers (and proportions) of children and pensioners that were living in low income households in each year from 1994-95 to 2001-02. Table 1 presents numbers of those in absolute low income (compared to the baseline year of 1996-97); table 2 presents numbers of those in relative low income. A copy of the report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27023) and is also available on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library4/FCSD/OCEA/00016688.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171113,"EventID":"S1W-34692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the ownership history and current tenure of former right-to-buy homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the ownership history and current tenure of former right-to-buy homes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive study Evolving the right to buy: evidence for Scotland included a review of existing research on the resale of former right to buy properties. It was published in 2000 and is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 7129). Subsequently, Communities Scotland commissioned research which was published in the report Assessing and Predicting the Long-run Impact of the Right to Buy, and which included information on resales. This was published in June 2002 and is available from the Communities Scotland website. The Scottish Executive Development Department's research programme for 2003-04 includes provision for a project entitled \"Right to buy sales and resales\" which is planned to examine further the impact of right to buy sales and resales on affordable housing, community stability, stock condition and local housing markets.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171114,"EventID":"S1W-34693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34130 by Ms Margaret Curran on 4 March 2003, whether it will publish the results of the review by Communities Scotland of financial","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34130 by Ms Margaret Curran on 4 March 2003, whether it will publish the results of the review by Communities Scotland of financial procedures and practices in relation to the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund.","AnswerText":"The review is part of the routine business of Communities Scotland. There are no plans to publish the results.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171115,"EventID":"S1W-34694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for any reductions in crew levels of front line appliances attending fire call-outs in the Strathclyde Fire Brigade area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for any reductions in crew levels of front line appliances attending fire call-outs in the Strathclyde Fire Brigade area.","AnswerText":"This is primarily an operational matter for the Firemaster in consultation with his Fire Authority. The nationally recommended standard is five crew on the first pumping appliance and four crew on any subsequent pumping appliance. There are agreed risk assessments to allow four crew on a pump to operate safely. Furthermore, national guidance for operational deployment requires a dynamic risk assessment for all incidents before work commences. The crucial test, therefore, is not the number of crew deployed but the action taken at the incident to ensure their safety. Strathclyde Fire Brigade, which generally has five crew on the second pumping appliance, is therefore operating above the current nationally recommended crewing criteria.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171116,"EventID":"S1W-34695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Fire Brigades Union in Strathclyde's statement in its letter of 12 March 2003 to all MSPs that a reduction in crew levels would be a danger to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the Fire Brigades Union in Strathclyde's statement in its letter of 12 March 2003 to all MSPs that a reduction in crew levels would be a danger to the public and front-line firefighters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34694 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171117,"EventID":"S1W-34696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fire service staff have (a) been recruited and (b) retired in each of the last four years, broken down by fire brigade, and how many full-time equivalent vacanci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fire service staff have (a) been recruited and (b) retired in each of the last four years, broken down by fire brigade, and how many full-time equivalent vacancies there are in each brigade.","AnswerText":"Statistics are obtained on an annual basis and have yet to be collated for 2002-03. The following table relates to full-time firefighters over the period 1998-2002. Brigade | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | R'crts | Retire | Vac's1 | R'crts | Retire | Vac's | R'crts | Retire | Vac's | R'crts | Retire | Vac's | Central | 5 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 21 | 10 | 1 | 12 | 8 | 6 | Dumfries and Galloway | 7 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | +2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 8 | +5 | Fife | 16 | 19 | 3 | 30 | 19 | +2 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 53 | 21 | 3 | Grampian | 11 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 10 | 17 | 46 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 17 | 12 | Highland and Islands | 8 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | Lothian and Borders | 43 | 16 | 28 | 26 | 12 | 19 | 30 | 5 | 4 | 21 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171120,"EventID":"S1W-34699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about whether the current days-at-sea restrictions and quota allocations will remain in place until the end of 2003 or whether they will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about whether the current days-at-sea restrictions and quota allocations will remain in place until the end of 2003 or whether they will be replaced by a different regime on 1 July 2003, as originally agreed by Her Majesty's Government and the European Union.","AnswerText":"The provisions made under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2341/2002 will remain in force until 31 December 2003 unless amended or replaced by other measures. We await proposals from the Commission both on amendments to Annex XVII of the Regulation (days at sea controls) and on a longer term plan for cod recovery.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171121,"EventID":"S1W-34700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any representatives from the fish processing sector on the Seafish Industry Authority and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any representatives from the fish processing sector on the Seafish Industry Authority and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The processing sector is currently represented on the board of the Sea Fish Industry Authority by Mr Iain MacSween and Mr Jeff Evans. The eight industry members of the board are appointed to represent interests across the sea fish industry, striking a careful balance of geographical and sectoral representation. Mr Danny Couper of the Scottish Fish Merchants Federation was appointed for a three-year term on 1 April 2000, but resigned on 21 May 2001. Fisheries ministers appointed Mr MacSween as his replacement.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171122,"EventID":"S1W-34701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign-owned fishing vessels were on the Scottish register (a) in 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available and whether it will give ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign-owned fishing vessels were on the Scottish register (a) in 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available and whether it will give the figures for tonnage and power of such vessels if they can be calculated.","AnswerText":"At 31 December 1997, 38 fishing vessels regarded as being wholly or partly owned or controlled by foreign interests were based in Scotland. The combined tonnage of these vessels was 10,526 Gross Tonnes (GT) and engine power totalled 33,709 kWs. As at 31 December 2002, 33 such vessels were based in Scotland, with a total tonnage of 11,120 GT and engine power of 33,056 kWs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171123,"EventID":"S1W-34702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5772 by Donald Dewar on 4 September 2000, what the total cost has been of each Scottish Executive Minister's private office since J","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5772 by Donald Dewar on 4 September 2000, what the total cost has been of each Scottish Executive Minister's private office since July 2000, broken down by year and, where possible, category of expenditure.","AnswerText":"I regret that it is notpossible to provide a reply prior to dissolution but I will write to the memberas soon as possible. The following is afurther answer (published on 7 May 2003); see below. Mr Andy Kerr: Further to my letter to youof 11 June 2003, I am writing to provide you with the information you requestedin written Parliamentary Question (S1W-34702). As I indicated in my previousletter, there were a number of inaccuracies in some of the budget accounts as aconsequence of changes in Ministerial portfolios and consequently, personnel,which occurred mid-financial year. These inaccuracies have now been corrected. A further complexity is thatMinisterial salaries were, until 2001, paid from Private Office cost centres.Consequently figures for the year 2000/01 include Ministerial costs and are notcomparable with subsequent years. The figures also includestaff costs for Fast Stream staff. Fast Stream staff are paid from a centralbudget for the first two years of employment. However, Fast Stream staff costshave been included in the figures below to give a fairer picture of therelative costs of each Private Office. There remain a number ofspecific points, highlighted as footnotes to the tables below, which mean thatcosts for offices are not simply comparable from one year to the next. Administration costs coveroffice costs and travel costs. Apologies for the delay inproviding you with this information. A copy of this letter has been sent to the Parliament’s reference centre. 2000-01 | Ministerial Office1 | Staff Costs* | Admin Costs | Total | | First Minister | £270,443 | £100,314 | £370,757 | | Deputy First Minister | £150,318 | £33,299 | £183,617 | | Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs | £110,443 | £44,893 | £155,336 | | Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning | £164,116 | £89,606 | £253,722 | | Minister for Finance and Local Government | £127,014 | £22,827 | £149,841 | | Minister for Health and Community Care | £128,321 | £26,744 | £155,065 | | Minister for Parliament2 | £154,350 | £18,546 | £172,896 | | Minister for Environment and Rural Development | £95,025 | £28,291 | £123,316 | | Minister for Social Justice | £97,458 | £41,698 | £139,156 | | Minister for Transport and Planning | £148,317 | £21,431 | £169,748 | | Deputy Minister for Sport and Culture | £46,856 | £12,532 | £59,388 | | Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care | £73,882 | £5,871 | £79,753 | | Deputy Minister for Rural Development | £56,505 | £22,773 | £79,278 | | Deputy Minister for Finance and","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171124,"EventID":"S1W-34703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of, and its response to, last year's consultation Scotland's Renewable Energy Potential - Beyond 2010.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of, and its response to, last year's consultation Scotland's Renewable Energy Potential - Beyond 2010.","AnswerText":"I am publishing today the Scottish Executive's response to this consultation document. Our response confirms that we are adopting a renewable electricity generation target of 40% by 2020, and sets out the actions which we believe will enable us to successfully achieve this ambitious goal. Copies of the response have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26675). The document, together with a summary of the responses to our consultation, are also available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171125,"EventID":"S1W-34704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service, currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service, currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"I have today published, for consultation, the draft Invitation to Tender (ITT) which include es the service specification for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. This sets out our proposals for tendering. I have also published an accompanying consultation document Proposals for Tendering Gourock to Dunoon Ferry Services which explains the principles set out in the service specification and seeks views on options. As for the draft Invitation to Tender in respect of the main Clyde and Hebrides contract, at the heart of these proposals is the Executive's commitment to protecting existing levels of fares and service whilst complying with EU rules. The service specification is in line with the proposals announced on 29 January which keep open the possibility of a vehicle service. The consultation period will close on 30 May 2003. I hope to see responses from all those with an interest. In the meantime, I will be publishing a Prior Information Notice in the Official Journal of the European Commission. This is not part of the formal tendering process but will alert operators to proposals and ensure that they can take part in the consultative process too. I will consider responses to the consultation in making decisions about the final Invitation to Tender.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171126,"EventID":"S1W-34705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Improvement Challenge paper, referred to in Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper, will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Improvement Challenge paper, referred to in Partnership for Care: Scotland's Health White Paper, will be published.","AnswerText":"The paper entitled Improving Health in Scotland - the Challenge is published today. It provides a framework for action over the coming 12 to 15 months. It indicates a role for the Scottish Executive, NHS boards, local government, voluntary sector, private sector and the public to work in partnership to improve Scotland's health and narrow the gap between the most and least affluent communities. Today at the Healthy Scotland Convention, the third in a series, around 300 people will gather to celebrate the success of efforts to date and plan further action to improve Scotland's health record. Copies of Improving Health in Scotland - the Challenge have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26922).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171127,"EventID":"S1W-34706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charges of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 have (a) been recorded by the police and (b) proceeded to court and ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many charges of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 have (a) been recorded by the police and (b) proceeded to court and how many of the cases that proceeded to court have been proven, showing, in respect of the sentence passed, the number of (i) disposals for a custodial sentence and (ii) other disposals in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. The statistics on crimes recorded by the police and on court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process. Causing Death by Dangerous Driving: Crimes Recorded by the Police and Persons Proceeded Against, 1999-2001 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Crimes Recorded by the Police | 34 | 35 | 32 | Persons Proceeded Against in Court1 | Total | 26 | 14 | 21 | Charge Proved by Sentence Type | Total | 22 | 11 | 20 | Custody | 11 | 5 | 12 | Other | 11 | 6 | 8 |
Note: 1. Where the crime was the main crime.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171128,"EventID":"S1W-34707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been relocated to (a) South Ayrshire, (b) East Ayrshire and (c) North Ayrshire as a result of its policy of dispersing civil service jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been relocated to (a) South Ayrshire, (b) East Ayrshire and (c) North Ayrshire as a result of its policy of dispersing civil service jobs.","AnswerText":"There are currently more than 200 jobs in the bodies covered by the relocation policy, located in Ayrshire. To date, none of the relocation reviews have resulted in moves to Ayrshire. The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that Government in Scotland is efficient and decentralised, as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive Government. We are committed to examining opportunities as they arise and on a case-by-case basis. In this context, no areas of the country are targeted and equally none are ruled out, nor are there any targets for the number of jobs to be relocated or the areas to which they might go.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171129,"EventID":"S1W-34708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any proposed relocation of jobs by the Scottish Agricultural College from Craibstone in Aberdeenshire and Auchincruive in Ayrshire to Edinburgh an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any proposed relocation of jobs by the Scottish Agricultural College from Craibstone in Aberdeenshire and Auchincruive in Ayrshire to Edinburgh and how any such relocation would be consistent with the Executive's policy on dispersing civil service jobs.","AnswerText":"In responding to the Deloitte & Touche option appraisal report on which the college's preferred option is based, I have asked the college, among other things, to re-examine the extent to which it proposes to relocate services from the west and north-east of Scotland to Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171130,"EventID":"S1W-34709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Scottish Agricultural College board's proposals for the future of the campus in Auchincruive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Scottish Agricultural College board's proposals for the future of the campus in Auchincruive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34655 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171131,"EventID":"S1W-34710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of all respects in which royal prerogative is delegated to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of all respects in which royal prerogative is delegated to it.","AnswerText":"The Royal Prerogative is exercised by the Sovereign, not by ministers. However, Scottish ministers advise the Sovereign on the exercise of the Royal Prerogative where it is exercised in relation to devolved matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171132,"EventID":"S1W-34711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 27 February 2003 to the Minister for Environment and Rural Development about the future of the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit; whether the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 27 February 2003 to the Minister for Environment and Rural Development about the future of the Ardtoe Marine Farming Unit; whether the minister will meet me to discuss the issue, and whether he will visit the unit to meet staff and hear their views about the future of the unit and the value of the work carried out there.","AnswerText":"A reply was issued today.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171133,"EventID":"S1W-34712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will provide to the fish processing sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will provide to the fish processing sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will fund 95% of the cost of hardship relief awarded by local authorities for those fish processors with a rateable value not exceeding £50,000, affected by the reductions in whitefish catches. The enhanced contribution will be available from 1 April 2003 for a six-month period. Local authorities can still grant hardship relief to applicants who fall outwith this criteria under the normal terms where the Scottish Executive funds 75% of the cost. Nearly £30 million has been made available over the seven years of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance programme to assist processors in Scotland. Aid under this programme will continue to be available. The Executive is also considering proposals for an extension to the Fish Processors Action Plan.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171134,"EventID":"S1W-34713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that Scottish Water has increased charges for used process water from filleting machines in the fish processing industry from about 9p to 96p per cub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that Scottish Water has increased charges for used process water from filleting machines in the fish processing industry from about 9p to 96p per cubic metre; whether the increase is justified, and whether it will take any steps in respect of reducing the charges.","AnswerText":"The Scheme of Charges that determines charges for businesses and households was agreed between Scottish Water and the Water Industry Commissioner on 31 January 2003. The overall level of charges has been set to raise the revenue needed for investment to improve water and waste water services. Scottish ministers have accepted the recommendation from the Water Industry Commissioner that, in principal, charges schemes should reflect the costs of providing the service.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171135,"EventID":"S1W-34714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has confidence in the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland and whether the costs of having such a commissioner are justified.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has confidence in the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland and whether the costs of having such a commissioner are justified.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has every confidence that the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland is promoting the interests of customers of Scottish Water in keeping with his responsibilities as set out in the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002. We expect the relatively small investment in maintaining the Water Industry Commissioner's office to contribute significantly to ensuring that customers will pay the minimum necessary for sustainable, effective water and waste water services.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171136,"EventID":"S1W-34716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing proposals to regulate the private security industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing proposals to regulate the private security industry.","AnswerText":"Seventy-two responses were received to the consultation paper the Scottish Executive issued in September 2001 seeking views on the regulation of the private security industry. The consultation exercise indicated widespread support for regulation although there were a range of views as to how this should be achieved. Two key issues were identified: the need to minimise bureaucracy, particularly from those companies which operate both north and south of the border, and to need to ensure that licence conditions and fees were set at a similar level to those in England and Wales so as not to disadvantage legitimate Scottish industry. Since the consultation exercise, further work has been undertaken which indicates that local regulation of door supervisors would be significantly more expensive and less reliable that central licensing and that our original cost assumptions were too low. Taking account of this additional work and the outcome of the consultation exercise we have concluded that we should work with the Home Office to extend the remit of Security Industry Authority (SIA) to include Scotland. A standard system of regulation across the whole of Great Britain would have a number of significant attractions: Economies of scale Consistency across Great Britain in terms of numbers of licences, licence conditions, training standards and costs - and ensuring duplication and bureaucracy are kept to a minimum. Individuals would require only one licence - no matter where they worked. There should be better and more consistent enforcement. This will require amendments to the Private Security Act 2001 to extend the SIA's remit to include Scotland and to make consequential amendments to reflect the separate Scottish legal system and areas of the industry, such as precognition agents which are unique here. Home Office ministers have indicated that they would welcome extending the SIA's remit to Scotland as soon as the legislative timetable permits. The SIA comes into being on 1 April 2003 and will begin issuing licences later in the year, taking each sector of the industry in turn. There should be no difficulty in bringing Scotland on board at the end of this process. Extending the remit of the SIA to include Scotland, as now proposed, can only be undertaken through legislation promoted by the UK Government. Although serious consideration was given to establishing a separate Scottish SIA, the overriding requirement is to deliver an affordable, consistent licensing regime which points clearly to a Great Britain wide approach. This will ensure best value over the long-term and will ensure that Scottish industry can thrive and compete effectively. A more detailed assessment is available on the Scottish Executive website or on request from the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171137,"EventID":"S1W-34717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of elderly people in the (a) East Ayrshire and (b) South Ayrshire local authority area received intensive home care in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of elderly people in the (a) East Ayrshire and (b) South Ayrshire local authority area received intensive home care in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information asked for is contained in the table, for the years 1998 to 2002 only. Data is not available for 1997. Please note that the percentages quoted are percentages of all recipients of home care, as it is not possible to split these figures by age group. Percentage of People in Receipt of Intensive Home Care1, 1998 to 2002. Year | East Ayrshire | South Ayrshire | 2002 | 26% | 37% | 2001 | 24% | 51% | 2000 | 21% | 28% | 1999 | 23% | 22% | 1998 | 20% | 20% |
Source: SEHD:SWSU H1 Return. Note: 1. Intensive home care is defined as greater than 10 hours care per week.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171138,"EventID":"S1W-34718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authorities regarding the discontinuation or closure of schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authorities regarding the discontinuation or closure of schools.","AnswerText":"This is not a subject on which the Scottish Executive has issued specific guidance. We expect authorities to take account of integrated issues as set out in the joint Scottish Executive/COSLA school estate strategy. The Education (Publication and Consultation Etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981, as amended, set out the legal framework on consultation on school closures, and guidance on those regulations was issued to authorities in 1981.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171139,"EventID":"S1W-34719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any role in approving local authority proposals to discontinue or close schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any role in approving local authority proposals to discontinue or close schools.","AnswerText":"In general, it is the responsibility of an education authority to take any decision on a proposal to close a school. There are certain circumstances, prescribed in legislation, in which authorities cannot implement such a proposal without the consent of the Scottish ministers. In summary, these circumstances are where the school concerned is more than 80% full, or where the alternative school is five or more miles distant in the case of a primary school and 10 or more miles distant in the case of a secondary school from the school proposed for closure. There are further provisions concerning denominational schools, but these do not mean that the consent of ministers is required for all proposals involving the closure of denominational schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171140,"EventID":"S1W-34720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of buying out the public private partnership (PPP) for Inverness airport; whether the terms of the PPP are a disincentive to increasing the number ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of buying out the public private partnership (PPP) for Inverness airport; whether the terms of the PPP are a disincentive to increasing the number of routes and passengers using the airport; what its estimate is of the total cost of payments due over the life of the PPP contract, and what steps it plans to take in order to increase the number of routes and passengers using Inverness airport.","AnswerText":"The buying out of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) Public Finance Initiative (PFI) deal on the development and operation of the Inverness Airport Terminal is not under consideration by Scottish ministers. The contractual parties to the deal are reviewing the PFI structure, to ensure that it continues to be effective in delivering the intended benefits for the operation and development of the terminal and airport. The Scottish Executive fully supports this review. The estimated cost of PFI payments until the end of the contract is based on a (variable) volume based payment multiplied by the estimated passenger throughout. This is applied through a cost model which is subject to commercial confidentiality. HIAL and the Scottish Executive will continue to pursue the development of new routes from Inverness and other HIAL airports through the Interim Route Development Fund and the company's marketing strategy. In the past six months this has resulted in delivery of a new Manchester service and an additional London (Gatwick) service.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171141,"EventID":"S1W-34721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to assist the scallop fishing industry; whether it will make any announcement in connection with the scallop industry before the dissolution of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to assist the scallop fishing industry; whether it will make any announcement in connection with the scallop industry before the dissolution of the Parliament, and whether there will be any decision taken by the Food Standards Agency in relation to the industry and, if so, when it will be taken.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to working with the scallop industry to protect scallop stocks and to explore the scope for new research in the context of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). The Scottish Scallop Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the scallop industry, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Fisheries Research Services and the Food Standards Agency, is making good progress with the identification and pursuit of appropriate research. We have also allocated Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funds to an industry-led project to investigate scallop portion sizes in the EU. No final decision has yet been taken by Scottish ministers as to whether the proposed tiered regime for ASP will be implemented in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171142,"EventID":"S1W-34723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when substantive answers to questions S1W-32778, S1W-32779 and S1W-32780 will be given.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when substantive answers to questions S1W-32778, S1W-32779 and S1W-32780 will be given.","AnswerText":"All three questions were substantively answered on 24 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171143,"EventID":"S1W-34724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for injury benefit have been received under the National Health Service (Scotland) (Injury Benefits) Regulations 1998 as amended in each year since ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for injury benefit have been received under the National Health Service (Scotland) (Injury Benefits) Regulations 1998 as amended in each year since the regulations came into force and what percentage of these were successful on (a) first application, (b) review and (c) appeal.","AnswerText":"Statistics for the three complete years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 as well as for the year 2002-03 to date are given in the table. It should be noted that the National Health Service (Scotland) (Injury Benefits) Regulations 1998 provide for successful applicants to receive a supplement to their income to bring their post injury income up to a proportion of their pre-injury income, that proportion depending on the degree of disability. "Successful" does not, therefore, mean that an additional payment is made. Reviews and appeals take into account the way the disability has developed since the original application and can be in respect of the degree of disability as well as the existence of disability. Hence, there are reviews of successful original applications. | | Applications | % Succesful | New | Review | Appeal | New | Review | Appeal | 1999-2000 | 118 | 32 | | 81.40% | 81.30% | | 2000-01 | 76 | 30 | 1 | 75.00% | 80.00% | 100.00% | 2001-02 | 80 | 34 | 1 | 85.00% | 64.70%* | 100.0% | 2002-03 | 68 | 11 | | 91.20% | 54.50%* | |
Note: *Excluding cases on-going.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171144,"EventID":"S1W-34725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans there are to publish bound volumes of the Official Report for meetings of the Parliament in the first parliamentary year.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans there are to publish bound volumes of the Official Report for meetings of the Parliament in the first parliamentary year.","AnswerText":"The archive edition of the Official Report of meetings of the Parliament, committees and written answers from May 1999 to May 2000 is scheduled to be published on CD-ROM in August this year. The CD-ROM will be available to MSPs, others in the Parliament, partner libraries and the public.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171145,"EventID":"S1W-34726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times (a) it and (b) each non-departmental public body has met with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in (i) Edinburgh and (ii) elsewhere in Scotland; whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times (a) it and (b) each non-departmental public body has met with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in (i) Edinburgh and (ii) elsewhere in Scotland; whether the chairman and chief executive of the authority attended any such meetings, and what future meetings are planned with the chairman and chief executive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the SRA on a wide range of issues. The information concerning meetings between non-departmental public bodies and the SRA is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171146,"EventID":"S1W-34727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a post responsible for equine matters will be created within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department similar to that within the Department for Environment, F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a post responsible for equine matters will be created within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department similar to that within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and, if so, what the timescale for the appointment will be.","AnswerText":"Equine matters are diverse including animal health, tourism and rural enterprise. These issues are dealt with by a number of Scottish Executive Departments and we are not convinced that a post in a single department would improve the consideration of equine matters in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171147,"EventID":"S1W-34728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34296 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 March 2003, which Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34296 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 March 2003, which Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"The two projects that closed down are as follows: The CHEAF (Change Health Equality Action Future) youth project, funded by Milton Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), closed in June 2001 because it was unable to find suitable accommodation for its activities. The Environmental Improvements Task Force, funded by Greater Pollok SIP, closed during 2002-03 because of the withdrawal of private sector support.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171148,"EventID":"S1W-34729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about the implementation of a Scottish scheme for the disposal of fallen s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about the implementation of a Scottish scheme for the disposal of fallen stock.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently working with DEFRA and the other devolved administrations to devise an acceptable UK collection scheme for fallen stock. Discussions are continuing.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171149,"EventID":"S1W-34730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will monitor the average level of public liability premiums in the year before and five years after the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will monitor the average level of public liability premiums in the year before and five years after the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 in order to investigate whether the act has had any effect on insurance premiums.","AnswerText":"The Occupiers' Liability Scotland Act 1960 provides that an occupier of land has a duty to take such care, as is reasonable, to ensure that any person entering on their land will not suffer injury or damage due to the state of the premises or anything done or omitted to be done by them. Section 5(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides that the operation of Part 1 of the act, including the exercise of access rights, will not affect the duty of care owed by an occupier to any person present on the land. The extent of duty of care of land owners in respect of those exercising access rights will not therefore be greater than at present. Insurance premiums can vary due to a variety of factors. No useful purpose would, therefore, be served by the Scottish Executive monitoring the level of premiums following the implementation of Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171150,"EventID":"S1W-34731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial assistance to farmers who are required to carry out arterial drainage works as a result of an improvement order under the Land Drainage (Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial assistance to farmers who are required to carry out arterial drainage works as a result of an improvement order under the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1958.","AnswerText":"No financial assistance is currently available under the grant schemes administered by my department. The costs of such works included in improvement orders must be borne by the landowners or, if works are executed on behalf of ministers, costs are then recovered from the landowners. The cost of subsequent maintenance works also fall on the landowners.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171151,"EventID":"S1W-34732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any change to the latest estimate of #324 million of the cost of the Holyrood project; if so, what the estimate is now; whether the Scottish Parliam","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any change to the latest estimate of #324 million of the cost of the Holyrood project; if so, what the estimate is now; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will inform the public of any change to the costs in the period between 31 March and 1 May 2003; whether project management on a monthly basis reviews and reports costs as suggested in recommendation 27(g) of the report by the Auditor General The New Scottish Parliament building: An examination of the management of the Holyrood project of September 2000, and, if so, when the next reports are due to be made between now and 1 May 2003 and whether their main findings in relation to costs will be made public.","AnswerText":"There has been no change to the estimate of cost as last reported to the Finance Committee. Costs are kept under constant review by the Cost Consultant and by Project Management and reports are made on a fortnightly basis to the Holyrood Progress Group (HPG). In addition, reports are made to the SPCB on a monthly basis and to the Finance Committee quarterly. The next report is due to be made to the HPG on 26 March and to the SPCB during April. There is at present no reason for these reports to be made public, in line with practice to date.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171152,"EventID":"S1W-34733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from Dumfries and Galloway Council in relation to the rejection of the recommendation made to the Executive by the reporter to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from Dumfries and Galloway Council in relation to the rejection of the recommendation made to the Executive by the reporter to the planning inquiry that the proposed weight restriction order U111w to the Polbae Road near Newton Stewart be not made; whether the imposition of such an order would damage forestry interests; whether the roads maintenance budget of the council is sufficient, and what action it will take to protect the interests of those that would be affected by the granting of such a weight restriction order.","AnswerText":"To date, no representations have been received. Should representations be received, it would not be appropriate to make any specific comment at this time which could prejudice any future involvement the Scottish ministers may have.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171153,"EventID":"S1W-34734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the East Ayrshire Council area are being treated for cancers that could have been caused by radiation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the East Ayrshire Council area are being treated for cancers that could have been caused by radiation.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify patients currently undergoing treatment for cancer, nor is it possible to deduce how many cancers have been caused by exposure to ionising radiation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171154,"EventID":"S1W-34735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the East Ayrshire Council area have died from cancer that may have been caused from radiation in each year since 1986.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the East Ayrshire Council area have died from cancer that may have been caused from radiation in each year since 1986.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to deduce how many cancer deaths have been caused by exposure to ionising radiation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171155,"EventID":"S1W-34736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the causes of the pattern of cancer deaths in the East Ayrshire Council area have changed significantly since 1980.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the causes of the pattern of cancer deaths in the East Ayrshire Council area have changed significantly since 1980.","AnswerText":"Since 1980 the population in the East Ayrshire Council areas has increased slightly while the number of cancer deaths has remained relatively stable. The following tables provide detail of the number of deaths for various cancers in the East Ayrshire Council area for the period 1980-2001. Cancer Type | Year of diagnosis | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | Head and Neck | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 11 | Oesophagus | 8 | 10 | 17 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 19 | Stomach | 26 | 42 | 27 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 18 | 14 | Colorectal | 40 | 47 | 45 | 38 | 42 | 38 | 43 | 36 | 26 | 32 | 42 | Pancreas | 14 | 10 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 13 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 15 | Trachea, Bronchus and Lung | 76 | 74 | 93 | 94 | 97 | 85 | 96 | 81 | 87 | 98 | In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK, restrictions were placed in designated areas where levels of radiocaesium in sheep meat exceeded the 1,000 Becquerels per kilogram control level. In order to protect the foodchain, statutory orders were made under terms of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, which restrict the movement and slaughter of sheep in the designated areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171157,"EventID":"S1W-34738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-33760 on 19 February 2003, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will provide a breakdown of the #56 million esti","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-33760 on 19 February 2003, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will provide a breakdown of the #56 million estimate for fees for the Holyrood Project referred to in his letter of 12 March 2003 placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre; how much it is estimated is due to each of the consultants, including Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Limited, Davis Langdon & Everest, EMBT/RMJM, Ove Arup and Partners, RMJM Scotland Limited and any other consultants, and whether the figures include any provision for site operation costs and, if so, whether it will provide a full breakdown of such costs.","AnswerText":"It remains the case that the SPCB still regards the details of the amount of fees paid to professional consultants as commercially confidential for reasons given previously and a breakdown of these fees cannot presently be given.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171158,"EventID":"S1W-34739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) females and (b) males were charged with abuse of children in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) females and (b) males were charged with abuse of children in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The available information is contained in the following table. The statistics relate only to those offences where by definition the victim was a child. Information on proceedings in relation to other offences which may involve child victims, e.g. assault, cannot be identified separately within the data held centrally. Persons Proceeded Against for Selected Offences1, 1997-2001 Sex | Year | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Males | 404 | 648 | 386 | 322 | 386 | Females | 133 | 148 | 121 | 114 | 111 | Total | 537 | 796 | 507 | 436 | 497 |
Notes: 1. Where main offence involved was cruel and unnatural treatment of children, child stealing, drunk in charge of a child, lewd and libidinous practices (excluding shameless indecency), defilement of a girl under 16 or possession of indecent photographs of children.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171159,"EventID":"S1W-34740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of child abuse were submitted by the police to procurators fiscal and how many of these reports concerned complaints against (a) females and (b) males in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of child abuse were submitted by the police to procurators fiscal and how many of these reports concerned complaints against (a) females and (b) males in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taking to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems in the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171160,"EventID":"S1W-34741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report on child and adolescent mental health services will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report on child and adolescent mental health services will be published.","AnswerText":"I understand that the SNAP report is now virtually complete and will be published shortly by the Public Health Institute of Scotland. Meanwhile, to inform debate on this important issue, arrangements are being made for the Executive Summary and Recommendations to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre today.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171161,"EventID":"S1W-34742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it made to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's 22nd report, Energy - The Changing Climate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it made to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's 22nd report, Energy - The Changing Climate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive worked closely with the UK Government in producing the UK response to the Royal Commission's 22nd Report, which was published on 24 February. Whilst the Scottish position is covered by the UK response, I have today written to the Chairman of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution offering further detail on measures being taken in Scotland to address its recommendations directed specifically to the devolved administrations. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 26862).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171162,"EventID":"S1W-34743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a strategic framework for the aquaculture industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a strategic framework for the aquaculture industry.","AnswerText":"I shall officially launch the Strategic Framework for Aquaculture at the Sea Change Conference in Dunblane on 24 March.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171163,"EventID":"S1W-34744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to Nurturing Wealth Creation: A Report by the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group.","AnswerText":"I have today written to Dr Chris Masters, the chair of the Scottish Manufacturing Steering Group, responding to the recommendations of the group. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27012) and a copy can also be found on the Scottish Executive's website (www.scotland.gov.uk).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171164,"EventID":"S1W-34745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when phase II of the adoption policy review will commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when phase II of the adoption policy review will commence.","AnswerText":"I am today announcing the terms of reference and the sub-groups for Phase II of the Adoption Policy Review, which will consider the legal framework for adoption and fostering in Scotland. Sheriff Principal Graham Cox, who chaired Phase I of the review, has agreed to chair Phase II. Penny Simpson, who was a member of the Phase I Review Group, will chair a sub-group looking at the role of the Children's Hearing system in permanence decisions. I expect Phase II to complete its work and report towards the middle of next year.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171165,"EventID":"S1W-34746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on the proposed Tenements (Scotland) Bill will be published and how long the consultation period will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on the proposed Tenements (Scotland) Bill will be published and how long the consultation period will be.","AnswerText":"The Consultation Paper on the proposed Tenements (Scotland) Bill is published today. The bill is based upon the recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission in their 1998 Report on the Law of the Tenement (Scot Law Com No 162). The draft bill included in the paper is an updated version of the commission's draft bill. It has been revised to take account of the provisions of the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill which passed Stage 3 on 26 February. I would like to thank the Scottish Law Commission for all their exhaustive and meticulous work in reviewing the current law of tenements and in proposing modernising reforms. The bill will modernise and re-state the law of the tenement in modern statutory language. It sets out a framework for the management and maintenance of tenements which should make it easier for owners in a tenement to reach agreement on matters of mutual interest and concern and to ensure that their homes are well maintained. Any decision on the introduction of the Tenements Bill will be for the incoming administration after the election. Copies of the Consultation Paper will be sent to the relevant Parliamentary Committees and will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Further copies will be available from Deirdre Duffy, Scottish Executive Justice Department, 2nd floor West Rear, St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. A 12-week consultation period will follow, with the closing date for responses being Friday, 13 June 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171166,"EventID":"S1W-34747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 17 and 18 March 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 17 and 18 March 2003.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 17 and 18 March 2003, together with Lord Whitty and Mike German. On agriculture, the Council continued its consideration of Common Agricultural Policy reform, addressing questions from the Presidency on the Commission's proposals for cereals, milk and rice and for rural development. The UK argued for bringing the EU closer to world market conditions, supported the lines of the Commission proposals for reducing support and argued against the proposed extension of dairy quotas to 2015. On rural development, we argued for a redistribution of modulated funds which would be fair and forward looking, reiterated the case for flat rate modulation of direct payments and urged the Commission to look for ways of increasing the funds available for rural development programmes. The Commission updated the Council on the agriculture negotiations in the World Trade Organization, noting that a second draft of the \"modalities\" paper was expected later in the week and that the EU remained ready to negotiate with trading partners. There was no discussion. The Council reached a compromise on phasing out the use of the pesticide Aldicarb, permitting some specific uses in certain member states, including the UK, to continue until the end of 2007. The UK supported the proposal. Under other business, the Netherlands reported on its efforts to contain an outbreak of avian influenza. Portugal reported the discovery of certain illegal veterinary medicine residues in poultry. France reported on an initiative proposed by the President of France to improve agricultural trade relations between the EU and sub-Saharan Africa. France also drew attention to the impact of rising fuel prices on the fisheries sector. There were no substantive fisheries items on the agenda on this occasion, but in reply to a request from Denmark, the Commission said that it would shortly propose amendment of the interim cod recovery programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171167,"EventID":"S1W-34748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Grants) (Scotland) Scheme will be launched.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Grants) (Scotland) Scheme will be launched.","AnswerText":"The scheme will be launched in mid April. Farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones will be notified when they receive their copy of the action programme guidance. Guidance on the grant scheme, application forms and ranking advice will be available to the farming community from local Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Area Offices. The closing date for the first tranche of applications will be 30 June 2003. The scheme is subject to EC approval and no decisions will be made on applications until such time as approval has been obtained.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171168,"EventID":"S1W-34749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the fourth quarter of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the fourth quarter of 2002.","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1W-24583 on 28 March 2002, I undertook to continue to report quarterly on the numbers of letters received by ministers and our performance in answering them. In the quarter October to December 2002, 3,464 letters were received for ministerial reply, of which 74% received a reply within 17 working days and 91% received a reply within 25 working days. This performance has improved against the targets compared to that in the third quarter of 2002 when 70% of letters received a reply within 17 working days and 89% received a reply within 25 working days.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171169,"EventID":"S1W-34750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to start accepting applications for its #2 million fund that aims to promote regeneration by sustaining and improving post office branches located in depr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to start accepting applications for its #2 million fund that aims to promote regeneration by sustaining and improving post office branches located in deprived urban areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive began accepting applications from 3 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171170,"EventID":"S1W-34751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the 2005 electronic service delivery target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the 2005 electronic service delivery target.","AnswerText":"We have today published the Executive's 4th Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report. Overall, 83% of services provided by the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are now available online to some degree. This represents a 3% increase since the last report was published in October last year. Copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It is also available on both the 21st Century Government website and the OpenScotland website. A separate report showing the progress of local authorities towards the 2005 target will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171171,"EventID":"S1W-34752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further detailed results from the 2001 Census will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further detailed results from the 2001 Census will be published.","AnswerText":"Further results from the 2001 Census are available from today. Two printed reports from the Registrar General have been laid before Parliament today. The first of these, Scotland's Census 2001 - Reference Volume, sets out, for Scotland level only, details of all the statistical tables produced for the 2001 Census and provides a reference guide to the Area Statistics available in electronic form for other area levels. The second report, 2001 Key Statistics for Settlements and Localities Scotland, provides summary statistics for the majority of Census questions and topics for each settlement and locality as defined by the Registrar General. In addition, the first of six CD products is available from today. These provide easy access to the detailed results, as presented in the Reference Volume, for smaller areas. Finally, the SCROL (Scotland's Census Results OnLine) website will be available later this month. This will be progressively updated to include more results as these become available. Copies of the reports (Bib. numbers 26759 and 26760, respectively) and the first CD are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre or from the GROS website at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171172,"EventID":"S1W-34753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultant's final report of the review of litter legislation will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultant's final report of the review of litter legislation will be published.","AnswerText":"The final report of the review of litter legislation has been published today (Bib. number 27094) and is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It is clear from the report that for various reasons the existing legislation relevant to litter and flytipping is not being fully utilised. The main reasons suggested are a lack of clear understanding of the powers available, of clear guidance, particularly with regard to enforcement procedures, and the resource implications for enforcing bodies. However, it is also clear that the existing legislation, when used properly, can be effective. The report confirms that the necessary powers are generally already in place. It highlights, however, the need for improved guidance to all key stakeholders in using the powers and for the need to ensure that the public is made more aware of the legislation. In light of the recommendations contained within the report, the Executive has already provided funding to Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) to: update the current Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse and provide guidance on its implementation; establish and service a Scottish Flytipping Forum consisting of all key stakeholders, and pay for the first year costs for all local authorities in Scotland to participate in the Local Environmental Audit and Management System (LEAMS). In addition, we intend to increase the current Fixed Penalty Fine for littering from £25 to £50. A full response by the Executive to the report's findings is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27095).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171173,"EventID":"S1W-34754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations in Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist are being addressed in the delivery of transport services in the area served by the Strathclyde Pas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations in Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist are being addressed in the delivery of transport services in the area served by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport.","AnswerText":"Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist was issued to local authorities, Strathclyde Passenger Transport and transport providers in Scotland in July 2002. How the guidance is put into practice is not monitored centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171174,"EventID":"S1W-34755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to gender differences in transport needs, including the issues highlighted in Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist, within the remit of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to gender differences in transport needs, including the issues highlighted in Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist, within the remit of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland allows disabled people to give their views on transport issues and advise on any practical improvements which could be put in place which in turn could improve general access to public transport for all, irrespective of gender.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171175,"EventID":"S1W-34756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Transport Planning Group will meet representatives of the Fort William and District Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Chamber of Commerce's campaign to upgra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Transport Planning Group will meet representatives of the Fort William and District Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Chamber of Commerce's campaign to upgrade the A82.","AnswerText":"On 20 March I announced that we will be commissioning a full Route Action Plan study for the A82 trunk road between Tarbet and Fort William. This study will identify particular problems on the route and identify priorities and targets for future investment in the road. I will ensure the Chamber of Commerce is invited to submit its views to my officials.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171176,"EventID":"S1W-34757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the EU structural funds allocated to the Highlands and Islands has been used on road improvements in each year since 1999 and how much it estimates will be us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the EU structural funds allocated to the Highlands and Islands has been used on road improvements in each year since 1999 and how much it estimates will be used on the basis of its present policy intentions in the current year and the next two years.","AnswerText":"No structural funds monies have been allocated to trunk roads projects during this period, or in the current year. The Executive is currently considering making application for Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme support for the proposed upgrade of the A9 between Helmsdale and Ord of Caithness. Details of the amount and timing have not yet been finalised. For local roads, some £2.820 million in 1999 and £2.692 million in 2002, of EU structural funds, were allocated across the Highlands and Islands for road improvements. We estimate that almost £10 million could be allocated for roads works in the next two years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171177,"EventID":"S1W-34758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it has taken of any representations received from the National Farmers Union Scotland on the impact of any revised proposals drafted by the EU Commission for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it has taken of any representations received from the National Farmers Union Scotland on the impact of any revised proposals drafted by the EU Commission for the protection of animals during transport.","AnswerText":"The Executive is still awaiting the Commission's proposed amendments to EC Directive 91/625 on the welfare of animals during transport. The proposals are unlikely to be published until some time in May and the National Farmers Union of Scotland will be consulted then.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171178,"EventID":"S1W-34759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the work done by the Equality Proofings Budget Advisory Group will be taken into account by the new independent women's equality group announced by the Minister for S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the work done by the Equality Proofings Budget Advisory Group will be taken into account by the new independent women's equality group announced by the Minister for Social Justice on 6 February 2003 and how the group will relate to the Executive, the Parliament and civic society.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Group on Women was established on 6 February 2003 as a small, independent, short-duration group of individual women to examine what more the Executive should do to improve opportunities for women. It will be for the group to decide what issues it wishes to consider but it will take full account of previous work that has been done.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171179,"EventID":"S1W-34760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the new independent women's equality group will give to the previous discussions and recommendations of the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the new independent women's equality group will give to the previous discussions and recommendations of the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34759 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171180,"EventID":"S1W-34761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Peterhead Ambulance Station will commence full-time working.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Peterhead Ambulance Station will commence full-time working.","AnswerText":"I understand that the service is continuing to review the demand made upon, and performance achieved by, the Peterhead Ambulance Station taking into account other changes which may impact on services within the area. These include the impact on workload of the conversion of Fraserburgh station from part-time to full-time working last year, joint working initiatives with other health care providers and professionals in Grampian and the introduction of priority-based dispatch to the area at the end of this month.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171181,"EventID":"S1W-34762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when arrangements will be in place to allow white fish landings to resume at Macduff harbour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when arrangements will be in place to allow white fish landings to resume at Macduff harbour.","AnswerText":"Whitefish landings at Macduff harbour may currently take place subject to certain restrictions associated with EU cod recovery provisions and other control measures.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171182,"EventID":"S1W-34763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when rail services will operate without any passenger having to stand for more than 10 minutes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when rail services will operate without any passenger having to stand for more than 10 minutes.","AnswerText":"This is an aspiration for the new Scottish passenger railway franchise, which is due to commence in 2004. The 10-minute standing target is already in operation in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive area.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171183,"EventID":"S1W-34764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total spend of its advertising budget will be in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total spend of its advertising budget will be in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The final figure for advertising expenditure for 2002-03 is not yet available because not all invoices have been received. I expect the figure to be close to the estimated £13 million announced in the Scottish Executive press release 208, of February 7, which confirmed both a 25% reduction in expenditure in the fourth quarter of 2002-03, and an expenditure level for 2003-04 set at 25% less than 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171184,"EventID":"S1W-34765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of its advertising committed in 2002-03 will be paid for by the 2003-04 budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of its advertising committed in 2002-03 will be paid for by the 2003-04 budget.","AnswerText":"Nil.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171185,"EventID":"S1W-34766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dependence Macduff harbour and surrounding businesses have on fishing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dependence Macduff harbour and surrounding businesses have on fishing.","AnswerText":"No detailed breakdown on the fishery dependence of Macduff harbour and the surrounding businesses is available. However, the Scottish Economic Report published in 2002 estimates that about 7% of employment in the Banff Travel-to-Work Area, in which Macduff is located, is directly related to fishing activity.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171186,"EventID":"S1W-34767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of its property interests is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of its property interests is.","AnswerText":"The value of the property interests for the Scottish Executive is reported in the Scottish Executive Consolidated Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2002. Note 6a records the net value of land and buildings as £1,053 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171187,"EventID":"S1W-34768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of its computer systems (a) was at the time of purchase and (b) is now.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of its computer systems (a) was at the time of purchase and (b) is now.","AnswerText":"The value of the computer systems owned by the Scottish Executive is reported in the Scottish Executive Consolidated Resource Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2002. Note 6a records the value of information and communication technology systems both at purchase cost (£107 million) and net value (£25 million) as at 31 March 2002. Note 6b records the computer software which was purchased for £39 million and was currently valued at £21 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171188,"EventID":"S1W-34769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what period it depreciates the asset value of its (a) vehicles, (b) computer hardware, (c) bespoke computer software, (d) standard computer software, (e) furniture a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what period it depreciates the asset value of its (a) vehicles, (b) computer hardware, (c) bespoke computer software, (d) standard computer software, (e) furniture and (f) telecommunications equipment.","AnswerText":"The policy on depreciation is provided in note 1.4 of the Scottish Executive Consolidated Resource Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2002. The Scottish Executive depreciates the asset values over the following periods: (a) vehicles - five to 10 years; (b) computer hardware - three to five years; (c) bespoke computer software - five to seven years; (d) standard computer software - three to five years; (e) furniture - 10 years, and (f) telecommunications equipment - three to seven years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171189,"EventID":"S1W-34770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently it restates the asset values of its building estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently it restates the asset values of its building estate.","AnswerText":"The policy on restating asset values of its building estate is reported in Note 1.3 in the Scottish Executive Consolidated Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2002. Freehold land and buildings have been restated at open market value for existing use or depreciated replacement cost for specialised buildings under a rolling five-year programme of professional valuations and appropriate indices in intervening years.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171190,"EventID":"S1W-34771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for skateboarding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for skateboarding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34555 on 17 March 2003. Facilities provided for skateboarders are usually accessible to those wishing to roller-blade or ride BMX bikes. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171191,"EventID":"S1W-34772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for roller-blading.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for roller-blading.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34555 on 17 March 2003. Facilities provided for skateboarders are usually accessible to those wishing to roller-blade or ride BMX bikes. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171192,"EventID":"S1W-34773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds are expected to be available for tourists in August 2003, broken down by (a) tourist board area and (b) category of accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds are expected to be available for tourists in August 2003, broken down by (a) tourist board area and (b) category of accommodation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171193,"EventID":"S1W-34774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds were available for tourists in August in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by (a) tourist board area and (b) category of accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds were available for tourists in August in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by (a) tourist board area and (b) category of accommodation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171194,"EventID":"S1W-34775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from businesses and business organisations regarding the upgrading of the A90 north of Balmedie and north of Tipperty to dual carriag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from businesses and business organisations regarding the upgrading of the A90 north of Balmedie and north of Tipperty to dual carriageway status.","AnswerText":"The North East Transport Partnerships's transport strategy, the Modern Transport System identified dualling this section of the A90 as one of their top priority trunk road projects, and we have funded a multi-modal Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance to allow the trunk road scheme to be considered alongside other potential transport improvements in the area. The final report is expected shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171195,"EventID":"S1W-34776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done into the economic benefits of upgrading the A90 north of Balmedie and north of Tipperty to dual carriageway status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done into the economic benefits of upgrading the A90 north of Balmedie and north of Tipperty to dual carriageway status.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently funding a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) multi-modal assessment that will allow the Balmedie-Tipperty trunk road scheme to be considered alongside other potential transport improvements in the area. Economic benefits are fully considered as part of the STAG appraisal.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171196,"EventID":"S1W-34777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for removal of the Hatton bends on the A90.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for removal of the Hatton bends on the A90.","AnswerText":"A scheme to remove the bends at Hatton on the A90 is programmed to commence during September 2003 and be completed by autumn 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171197,"EventID":"S1W-34778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for construction of the deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for construction of the deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction.","AnswerText":"The scheme for the construction of a deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction is programmed to commence in autumn 2003 and will take approximately four weeks to complete.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171198,"EventID":"S1W-34779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction will also include a stacking lane for the adjacent Gask turn-off.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction will also include a stacking lane for the adjacent Gask turn-off.","AnswerText":"The scheme for the construction of a deceleration lane at the A90/A975 Cruden Bay junction will not include a stacking lane for the adjacent Gask turn-off.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171199,"EventID":"S1W-34780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a shortage of wheelchairs is contributing to delayed discharge from hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a shortage of wheelchairs is contributing to delayed discharge from hospitals.","AnswerText":"Patients awaiting discharge from NHS hospitals are given priority by wheelchair provision centres. There is no indication that the need for a wheelchair is delaying discharges.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171200,"EventID":"S1W-34781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how equality issues will be considered in the development of a spatial strategy and a planning bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how equality issues will be considered in the development of a spatial strategy and a planning bill.","AnswerText":"Equality is a key cross-cutting issue for the whole of the Executive. Our Equality Strategy, Working Together for Equality, provides a framework for a mainstreaming approach which requires policymakers to take account of and reflect the diverse needs of the population.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171201,"EventID":"S1W-34782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how mainstreaming equality principles will be applied in the drafting of a planning bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how mainstreaming equality principles will be applied in the drafting of a planning bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34781on 25 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171202,"EventID":"S1W-34783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to the gendered nature of environmental concerns in preparing policy and drafting legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to the gendered nature of environmental concerns in preparing policy and drafting legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's environmental justice policy seeks to ensure that no particular section of society suffers disproportionately from avoidable environmental impacts in comparison to other sections. The Scottish Executive's Equality Strategy provides a framework for work in all equality areas, including gender. At the centre of this strategy is the integration of equality into every aspect of the Executive's work. Draft legislation is subject to equality proofing and is scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament. This integrated approach requires policymakers to take account of and reflect the diverse needs of the population.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171203,"EventID":"S1W-34784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are in place to ensure that women's groups and organisations are included in consultation exercises and what monitoring procedures are in place to assess ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are in place to ensure that women's groups and organisations are included in consultation exercises and what monitoring procedures are in place to assess their participation in this processes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published in 2002 guidance on consultation with equality groups entitled Good Practice Guidance - Consultation with Equalities Groups. This covers consultation with women's groups. This guidance is designed to assist policy makers within the Executive to adopt good practice when consulting with equality groups. The guidance recommends that after the consultation it is a good idea to ask those consulted about the process and ways it could be improved in the future. This may include reviewing who actually responded to the consultation, to see whether there are any patterns or obvious gaps. This may help to pinpoint any groups that were not contacted by the methods used.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171204,"EventID":"S1W-34785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups, lone parents and ethnic minorities in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups, lone parents and ethnic minorities in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency area.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of Welfare to Work programmes. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations. The New Deal for Lone Parents and the New Deal for Disabled People are available on a voluntary basis in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency. Following a qualifying period of unemployment, Jobcentre Plus clients are eligible to join the New Deal for Young People and the New Deal for the Long-term Unemployed. Both these programmes have targets to achieve parity of outcomes for those clients from Minority Ethnic Groups. A Jobcentre Plus Minority Ethnic Outreach Worker operates within the constituency, liaising with New Deal Personal Advisers and local minority ethnic groups to improve the employability skills of ethnic minorities and to encourage their engagement with the New Deals. Help is also available to increase the employment rate of those with a history of drug misuse within the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency through Progress2Work. A number of disadvantaged groups also have early access to Training for Work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171205,"EventID":"S1W-34786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure settlement for (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council has been in each year since 1997-98, showing the percentage change year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure settlement for (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council has been in each year since 1997-98, showing the percentage change year-on-year. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34502 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171206,"EventID":"S1W-34787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital consent for (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council has been in each year since 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital consent for (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council has been in each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34503. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171207,"EventID":"S1W-34788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money, in addition to the grant aided expenditure settlement, it has awarded to (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council through the Better Neighbourho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money, in addition to the grant aided expenditure settlement, it has awarded to (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council through the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund and other such initiatives in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Neither the City of Edinburgh Council nor East Lothian Council were allocated funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund. Funding through similar initiatives since 1999-2000, for each of these council areas, is detailed in the following tables: Edinburgh | | 1999-2000 (£) | 2000-01 (£) | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | SIP | 6,723,000 | 6,453,298 | 6,900,650 | 7,450,683 | Working for Communities Pathfinders | | 149,987 | 270,065 | 21,401 | Community Budgeting | | | | 192,000 | People's Juries | | | 16,000 | | Total | 6,723,000 | 6,603,285 | 7,186,715 | 7,664,084 |
East Lothian | | 1999-00 (£) | 2000-01 (£) | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | SIP | 94,000 | 128,000 | 216,000 | 223,898 | People's Juries | | | 16,000 | | Total | 94,000 | 128,000 | 232,000 | 223,898 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171208,"EventID":"S1W-34789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) three- and (b) four-year-olds in the (i) City of Edinburgh and (ii) East Lothian council area are in pre-school education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) three- and (b) four-year-olds in the (i) City of Edinburgh and (ii) East Lothian council area are in pre-school education.","AnswerText":"The pre-school education participation percentages for 2001-02 were published in August last year. The figures for Edinburgh and East Lothian are shown in the following table:Authority | 3-Year-Olds | 4-Year-Olds | Edinburgh | 80% | 93% | East Lothian | 82% | 98% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171209,"EventID":"S1W-34790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the provision of appropriate Scottish Qualification Authority courses in photography, particularly at Intermediate and Higher grades.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the provision of appropriate Scottish Qualification Authority courses in photography, particularly at Intermediate and Higher grades.","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority itself.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171210,"EventID":"S1W-34791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Agency consults with English-based exam boards about the provision of courses and examinations in photography that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Agency consults with English-based exam boards about the provision of courses and examinations in photography that are appropriate to Scottish students particularly in S5 and S6.","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority itself.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171211,"EventID":"S1W-34792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Scottish Qualifications Agency to review the Higher Still art examinations with the aim of introducing detailed moderation at the school of a port","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Scottish Qualifications Agency to review the Higher Still art examinations with the aim of introducing detailed moderation at the school of a portfolio of work from each student that is representative of achievement throughout the year.","AnswerText":"No. This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority itself.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171212,"EventID":"S1W-34793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the period of consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill in regard to the replacement of the present Rec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the period of consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill in regard to the replacement of the present Record of Needs legislation, in light of any concerns from parents of children that will be affected by the proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to extend the period of consultation. Parents of children who will be affected by the legislation have expressed a range of views about the proposals in the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill. Ministers will consider carefully all views received in response to the consultation.The introduction of the bill to Parliament will be subject to the new administration. After introduction, a further stage of consultation will begin. At this time, normal practice is that a lead committee will consider the proposals in the draft bill, and take evidence from any individual or organisation wishing to submit their views. The lead committee will also scrutinise the adequacy of the consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171213,"EventID":"S1W-34794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will inquire into the effectiveness of the process of consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill to replace the pres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will inquire into the effectiveness of the process of consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill to replace the present Record of Needs legislation and whether the consultation process enabled parents to be heard.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34793 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171214,"EventID":"S1W-34795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to replace the present Record of Needs legislation fully conforms with the European Convention on Human Rights and whether it will give information ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to replace the present Record of Needs legislation fully conforms with the European Convention on Human Rights and whether it will give information on that matter to parents that are concerned about the impact of the proposed legislation on their children. ","AnswerText":"The proposals do not raise any issues in relation to the European Convention on Human Rights. It is a requirement in terms of the Scotland Act 1998 that when a bill is introduced to Parliament, the minister and the Presiding Officer will each certify that the bill is within the legislative competence of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171215,"EventID":"S1W-34796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek confirmation from every school and local authority that parents likely to be affected by the proposals in its draft Education (Additional Support for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek confirmation from every school and local authority that parents likely to be affected by the proposals in its draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill on the replacement of the present Record of Needs legislation were informed of the proposals in the draft bill, had the opportunity to give their views on the matter and that robust and accurate procedures were in place to communicate these views in detail to the Executive.","AnswerText":"Over 7,000 copies of the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill have been sent out. Every school in Scotland - mainstream, grant-aided, self-governing and independent - has been sent a copy, as have all education authorities, parent teacher associations, and many voluntary sector organisations. Head teachers were encouraged to inform parents of the new proposals, and to invite their comments. It is not intended to ask each school or education authority to report on the action taken in the consultation process. Fourteen seminars have been held in six towns/cities across Scotland, with 1,210 delegates attending. Additionally, Scottish Executive officials have been invited to talk and listen at various discussion groups involving parents. A report on the written responses to the consultation will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171216,"EventID":"S1W-34797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available, in full, the responses to the consultation process on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill to replace the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available, in full, the responses to the consultation process on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill to replace the present Record of Needs legislation.","AnswerText":"All written responses to the consultation on the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill will be held in the Scottish Executive library. Unless individual respondees have indicated otherwise, responses will be available for public scrutiny.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171217,"EventID":"S1W-34798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has given to the request from a range of academics, historians and others for support in order to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first voyage o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has given to the request from a range of academics, historians and others for support in order to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first voyage of the Charlotte Dundas on the Forth and Clyde Canal.","AnswerText":"A reply was sent to Professor Harvie, explaining that the Scottish Executive does not directly fund projects of this nature. His expectation that the event be commemorated by debate in the Parliament is precluded because of the imminent dissolution.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171218,"EventID":"S1W-34799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum standards of warden cover for sheltered housing complexes it expects local authorities to provide; what system exists for ensuring that such minimum standard","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum standards of warden cover for sheltered housing complexes it expects local authorities to provide; what system exists for ensuring that such minimum standards are observed; what legislation covers this matter, and how many local authorities are failing to provide such a minimum standard.","AnswerText":"There are currently no minimum standards of warden cover for local authority housing complexes. However, such services which fall within the definition of \"housing support services\" in the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 will be regulated by the Care Commission from 1 April 2003. The Commission regulates services by inspecting them against the associated subordinate legislation and the relevant National Care Standards. From 1 April 2003, legislation will require that providers of housing support services ensure that at all times suitably qualified and competent persons are working in the care service in such numbers as are appropriate for the health and welfare of the service users, having regard to the size and nature of the services, the statement of aims and objectives and the number and needs of service users. The relevant National Care Standards reinforce this by stating that it is for the Commission and the provider to agree staffing levels. Existing housing support services will be deemed to be registered with the Care Commission from 1 April and required to submit an application for registration by 1 October 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171219,"EventID":"S1W-34800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it is providing to schools and young people with regard to the historical significance of the Union of the Crowns; who has drawn up such information, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it is providing to schools and young people with regard to the historical significance of the Union of the Crowns; who has drawn up such information, and what efforts have been made to ensure that it is fair and balanced.","AnswerText":"Education features strongly in the plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns this year. Historic Scotland are inviting pupils from schools across Scotland to participate in a Schools Art Competition to design a crown, a sword or a sceptre for the Coronation of a King or Queen. Further details of the competition, pictures and further information on the Union of the Crowns can be found on the Historic Scotland website and in the specially commissioned Schools Art Competition brochure. In association with the Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network (SCRAN), a Union of the Crowns website has also been set up as part of the wider programme of events. The Union of the Crowns Advisory Group has overseen the arrangements for the design of the website, which provides access to a wide range of learning resources. All members of the advisory group contributed to the setting up of the Union of the Crowns programme of events. The group includes representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, the University of Edinburgh, Unique Events, Historic Scotland, VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourism Forum, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scotland Office and the Scottish Executive. Independent academics from the University of Edinburgh assessed the content of the Union of the Crowns website to ensure that it is fair and balanced.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171220,"EventID":"S1W-34801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to organise a television debate featuring politicians, including the First Minister, that would promote the importance of the Union of the Cro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to organise a television debate featuring politicians, including the First Minister, that would promote the importance of the Union of the Crowns and, if so, what the status of such plans are; whether the proposal has been discussed by the advisory group and, if so, what the opinion of the group was, and whether any broadcasting organisation has been, or will be, approached by the First Minister or the Executive to show such a programme during the formal campaign for the Scottish Parliament elections, or at any other time. ","AnswerText":"There are no plans to have such a debate.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171221,"EventID":"S1W-34802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when sportscotland intends to decide on a relocation of its headquarters and whether North Ayrshire is being considered as a possible location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when sportscotland intends to decide on a relocation of its headquarters and whether North Ayrshire is being considered as a possible location.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the report from the consultants, we and sportscotland commissioned to carry out a property review and national facilities study, I announced on 23 March a strategy for the development and procurement of national and regional sports facilities. As part of that announcement, I made clear that the consultants' report found that there is an economic case for relocating sportscotland's HQ. We intend to pursue this by investigating fully the case for co-locating it with a major sports facility development in the central belt area. We shall also pursue with equal vigour the case for relocation as a stand alone option. The central belt area identified by the consultants as eligible does not include North Ayrshire but it will be open to any local authority area which considers it can make a persuasive case for locating the HQ there to do so.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171222,"EventID":"S1W-34803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Executive, (b) Executive agency and (c) non-departmental public body jobs have been re-located to North Ayrshire since 1 July 1999 and how many such jobs the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Executive, (b) Executive agency and (c) non-departmental public body jobs have been re-located to North Ayrshire since 1 July 1999 and how many such jobs there were in North Ayrshire on (i) 1 July 1999 and (ii) 1 January 2003.","AnswerText":"No Executive, Executive agency and non-departmental public body jobs have been relocated to North Ayrshire since 1 July 1999. At that point there were no such posts in North Ayrshire and that was also the position at 1 January 2003. The Executive remains committed to ensuring that Government in Scotland is efficient and decentralised, as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive Government. We are committed to examining opportunities as they arise and on a case-by-case basis. In this context, no areas of the country are targeted and equally none are ruled out, nor are there any targets for the number of jobs to be relocated or the areas to which they might go.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171223,"EventID":"S1W-34804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken since 1 July 1999 to help North Ayrshire improve its record as one of the worst areas of unemployment and what success these have had in term","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken since 1 July 1999 to help North Ayrshire improve its record as one of the worst areas of unemployment and what success these have had in terms of the percentage of unemployment within the area and other socio-economic indicators.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working closely with the Ayrshire Economic Forum to ensure that through investing in jobs and skills, and encouraging the growth of new businesses, we create sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities. In recognition of the particular economic problems of North Ayrshire, I announced last week an allocation of an extra £1.2 million to North Ayrshire Council for strategic local transport infrastructure projects. The Ayrshire Strategy for Jobs is a five-year strategy designed to create a more diverse economic base, to facilitate the acquisition of new skills, to enhance Ayrshire's competitiveness as a business location and to address problems of economic exclusion. The New Deal has helped nearly 3,000 people in North Ayrshire enter employment and there are special initiatives for those clients who face particular difficulties. The Executive-funded Training for Work (TfW) programme is also available to unemployed adults on a voluntary basis and, in 2002-03 aims to offer 500 work-related training opportunities to clients in Ayrshire. In February there were 221 trainees on TfW from North Ayrshire. Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire also provides training via programmes such as Skillseekers, the Individual Employment Fund and the Employment Initiative for SIP Areas. North Ayrshire has benefited directly from £775,358 from the European Regional Development Fund and £1,412,367 from the European Social Fund from the Objective 2 Programme 2000-06. These projects should cater for some 1,280 trainees. Under the Objective 3 Programme 2000-06 more than £14 million has been awarded to projects operating in North Ayrshire. Since July 1999, 39 projects from companies in North Ayrshire, creating and safeguarding jobs in the area, have benefited from over £13 million in Regional Selective Assistance. Through the Better Neighbourhoods Services Fund (BNSF) the Scottish Executive is providing £6.75 million over three years (2001-04) to improve services in the Vineburgh/Redburn and Ardeer areas of North Ayrshire, including a Jobs Access Fund, guidance and training to help people improve their employability, and an Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) programme. The claimant count unemployment rate between February 1999 and February 2003 for Scotland reduced by 1.5 percentage points, as against 1.3 percentage points for North Ayrshire, however claimant count unemployment rates have fallen in 26 out of the 30 wards in North Ayrshire. Furthermore, the gap between the average claimant count unemployment rate for Scotland and the average for the worst four wards in North Ayrshire has decreased by 0.5 percentage points. Average earnings in North Ayrshire have increased by 5.1% between 1999 and 2002 and the number of employee jobs in North Ayrshire has increased by 11% between 1999 and 2001, compared with 6.5% in Scotland. Overall attainment levels in publicly funded schools have remained fairly steady since July 1999, although the percentage of the S4 roll who attained five or more standard grades (or equivalent) has increased from 91% to 93% in 2002 in North Ayrshire (whilst the national average has remained at a constant 91%).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171224,"EventID":"S1W-34805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the highest and lowest rates of house price inflation are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the highest and lowest rates of house price inflation are.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect data on house price inflation, however, the following table gives information from the Lloyds-TSB Scottish House Price Monitor on the year-on-year percentage increase in house prices, adjusted for the mix of properties sold, at 2002 Q4. Area | 2002 Q4 Year-on-Year Inflation (%) | Aberdeen | 20.7 | Dundee | 12.4 | Edinburgh | 32.9 | Glasgow | 24.5 | Central, Fife, Perth and Tayside (outside Dundee) | 15.4 | North (outside Aberdeen) | 8.0 | South East (outside Edinburgh) | 12.2 | South West (outside Glasgow) | 6.9 | Scotland | 13.0 |
There are a number of sources of information on trends in house prices in Scotland, including estimates for Scotland as a whole, compiled by the Council of Mortgage Lenders on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The Lloyds-TSB analysis of its own lending for house purchase is the only source of information which currently provides estimates of price change for areas within Scotland adjusted for any changes from quarter to quarter in the mix of properties sold.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171225,"EventID":"S1W-34806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rates of drug-related crime were in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a)1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rates of drug-related crime were in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a)1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02, broken down by (i) reported offences, (ii) cases brought and (iii) convictions secured. ","AnswerText":"The information available is contained in the following tables. The statistics relate to offences involving the illegal importation, cultivation, supply or possession of drugs. Other offences may be drug related, such as those committed to fund a drug habit, but these cannot be separately identified within the statistics held centrally. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process. Drug Offences Recorded by the Police, North Ayrshire Council Area, 1996-2001 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Number | 633 | 669 | 798 | 721 | 845 | 872 |
Number of Persons Proceeded Against Where a Drugs Offence Was the Main Offence, Selected Courts1, 1996-2001 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Number Proceeded Against | Kilmarnock Sheriff Court2 | 415 | 260 | 260 | 183 | 179 | 206 | North Ayrshire District Court | 10 | 59 | 90 | 60 | 36 | 56 | Number with a Charge Proved | Kilmarnock Sheriff Court2 | 362 | 218 | 217 | 150 | 149 | 172 | North Ayrshire District Court | 10 | 58 | 89 | 58 | 36 | 55 |
Notes: 1. Persons proceeded against and convicted for drugs offences recorded in the North Ayrshire council area may also be dealt with in other courts, e.g. the High Court, but the number of such cases are not separately identifiable within the data held centrally. 2. There is no sheriff court in North Ayrshire council area; however, the majority of persons proceeded against in the sheriff court for drug offences committed in North Ayrshire are believed to be dealt with by Kilmarnock Sheriff Court (which will also deal with offences committed in East Ayrshire).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171226,"EventID":"S1W-34807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is a matter for Strathclyde Police.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171227,"EventID":"S1W-34808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171228,"EventID":"S1W-34809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many doctors were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many doctors were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171229,"EventID":"S1W-34810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers were employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Information on full-time equivalent (FTE) primary and secondary teachers employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in 1998-99 to 2001-02 is available from the Summary of Results of the September 1998 to 2001 School Censuses and can be accessed using the following hyperlinks: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library2/doc02/ecsb-00.htm http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00013-00.asp http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00079-00.asp http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00168-00.asp Hyperlinks are not available for earlier years but copies of the relevant bulletins are in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 16940 and 20188). Information available on FTE pre-school and special FTE teachers employed in the North Ayrshire local authority area in 1996-97 to 2001-02 has not been disaggregated to local authority level in publications and therefore is given in the table: | | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | Pre-School1 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 36 | NA | 58 | Special | 35 | 40 | 42 | 39 | 39 | 38 |
Note: 1. Data for 1996-97 and 1997-98 only includes teachers in publicly funded nursery schools. Thereafter (due to changes in the sector) data includes pre-school education centres working in partnership with local authorities and the Scottish Executive. Figures exclude teachers working in daycare centres. Figures for pre-school teachers were not available from the 2001 pre-school census.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171230,"EventID":"S1W-34811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on road building in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on road building in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"Records of trunk road expenditure are not broken down by local authority area. For local roads, the information requested is given in tables number 11.1 and 11.5 of Scottish Transport Statistics No. 21, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316). Table 11.1 shows expenditure for all authorities year by year. Table 11.5 breaks the most recent year down by authority. A breakdown by authority for previous years is given in earlier editions of the publication (Bib. numbers 26533, 16385, 8690 and 15770). Figures are not yet available for the year to March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171231,"EventID":"S1W-34812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on local authority housing, including repairs and new building, in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on local authority housing, including repairs and new building, in the North Ayrshire local authority area in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I regret that it is not possible to provide a reply prior to dissolution but I will write to the member as soon as possible. The following is a further answer (published on 7 May 2003); see below. Ms Margaret Curran: The table below shows how much was spent on local authority housing, including repairs and new building, by North Ayrshire Council in the years from 1996 to 2002. North Ayrshire Council Local Authority Housing Expenditure | 1996-97 (£ million) | 1997-98 (£ million) | 1998-99 (£ million) | 1999-2000 (£ million) | 2000-01 (£ million) | 2001-02 (estimate) (£ million) | Capital Expenditure | 10.90 | 6.81 | 6.14 | 7.54 | 7.20 | 7.38 | General Repairs and Maintenance (Funded Through Revenue) | 12.315 | 13.327 | 13.829 | 14.577 | 14.099 | 14.87 |
Note: Capital expenditure (including planned major repairs) is made up of annual HRA (Housing Revenue Account) borrowing consent, usable capital receipts and capital funded from rental income. General repairs and maintenance programmes are funded through revenue raised from rental income. This information is collected from individual local authorities and published annually by the Scottish Executive in the Statistical Bulletin - Housing Series.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171232,"EventID":"S1W-34813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the availability of good quality affordable housing for those on low incomes in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the availability of good quality affordable housing for those on low incomes in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is ensuring the development of good quality affordable housing primarily through Communities Scotland Capital Development Programme. In the current financial year, it is estimated that 76 units of affordable housing will be delivered in Edinburgh East and Musselburgh. This equates to £1.187 million capital expenditure. This is broken down as follows. | | Tender Unit Approvals | Capital Spend (£ Million) | Edinburgh East | 72 | 1.081 | Musselburgh | 4 | 0.106 | Total | 76 | 1.187 |
I have recently confirmed the Development Programme for 2003-04. Investment both in Edinburgh and East Lothian will increase significantly, 26.6% and 18% respectively, against the approved programme for the current financial year. Consultation with partners is on-going, particularly with local authorities, to agree how these additional resources will be used. Local Housing Strategies are currently being developed by both the City of Edinburgh Council and East Lothian Council and this will inform investment priorities within local authority areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171233,"EventID":"S1W-34814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to reduce youth crime in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to reduce youth crime in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area since 1999.","AnswerText":"Between 2000 and 2003-04, the Scottish Executive has made available around £3 million to the City of Edinburgh and £417,300 to East Lothian to support the development of services to reduce youth crime and address the needs identified in their youth crime audit. A summary of a local authority youth justice mapping exercise which contains information about existing initiatives and services in Edinburgh and East Lothian is available via the children's hearings website at: http://www.childrens-hearings.co.uk/youthjustice.asp. In addition, East Lothian will receive around £600,000 over three years to support its work as a fast-track hearings pilot site.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171234,"EventID":"S1W-34815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional #0.5 billion to be spent on police forces, fire brigades and the prison service will be spent in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional #0.5 billion to be spent on police forces, fire brigades and the prison service will be spent in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area on (i) police, (ii) fire and (iii) prison services.","AnswerText":"The amount of additional funding, provided from the Spending Review in 2002 over the three years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06, was as follows: Police | £317 million | Fire | £72.3 million | Prisons | £15 million |
The breakdown for the City of Edinburgh and East Lothian is not available as it is a matter for the relevant Chief Constable, Fire Master or Chief Executive (in conjunction with the Prison Board) to decide how much is allocated within each area. However, the amounts added to Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade Grant Aided Expenditure, following the Spending Review were as follows: | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | Police | £7 million | £16 million | £26 million | Fire | £1.4 million | £3.5 million | £5.6 million |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171235,"EventID":"S1W-34816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in the (a) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency, (b) City of Edinbur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in the (a) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency, (b) City of Edinburgh Council and (c) East Lothian Council area and how much has been allocated to each area for this purpose.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's drugs strategy Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership is backed by around £130 million in new resources for 2001-02 to 2003-04. All areas of Scotland have benefited from these additional resources in terms of new drug treatment and rehabilitation services, improved support for young people and families, improved treatment provision in prisons, more criminal justice interventions, strengthened enforcement activity, enhanced drugs education in schools and in the community and improved information on drugs.However, the planning and delivery of local activities and initiatives is the responsibility of local Drug Action Teams and partner agencies. Drug Action Teams are required to report to the Scottish Executive on actions undertaken and planned in their annual Corporate Action Plans. These can be found on the national drugs website at www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org. The plans show evidence of enhanced service provision in the areas requested, particularly in terms of services for vulnerable young people and the provision of training and employment opportunities for recovering drug users. A Drug Treatment and Testing Order also came into operation in the Edinburgh last year. Information on drug-related expenditure is not held on a constituency basis. The main components of drugs specific expenditure allocated to NHS boards and local authorities in the areas requested is outlined in the tables. The areas may also be benefiting from other resources which are not drug specific, but which impact on the problem. Drug Treatment NHS Board | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | Lothian | 3,214,237 | 3,538,583 | 3,538,583 |
Rehabilitation Council Area | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | Edinburgh City | 600,000 | 600,000 | 600,000 | East Lothian | 120,000 | 120,000 | 120,000 |
Drugs Education in Schools Council Area | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | Edinburgh City | 58,000 | 58,000 | East Lothian | 17,725 | 17,725 |
Changing Children's Services Fund (for Work with Young People and Families) Council Area | 2001-02 to 2003-04 (£) | Edinburgh City | 1,219,000 | East Lothian | 225,000 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171236,"EventID":"S1W-34817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people living in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area have received (i) education maintenance allowances, (ii) young students bursar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people living in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area have received (i) education maintenance allowances, (ii) young students bursaries and (iii) young students outside Scotland bursaries in each year since 2001, broken down by (1) gender, (2) race and (3) disability.","AnswerText":"Currently, there are no young people in City of Edinburgh or East Lothian receiving Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs). EMAs are being piloted in four local authorities - East Ayrshire, Dundee, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. National rollout of EMAs will commence in academic year 2004-05.For session 2000-01, the total number of students under 18 who were assisted by young students bursaries in FE (all colleges) was 14,630. Figures are not yet available from the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) for session 2001-02 or the current session 2002-03. Information on the numbers receiving the young students bursary is not held centrally at the required level of disaggregation. Individual local authorities are responsible for bursaries for young students outside Scotland. Data are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171237,"EventID":"S1W-34818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area have gone into jobs through the New Deal, broken down by (i) race, (ii) gender and (iii) di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) City of Edinburgh and (b) East Lothian council area have gone into jobs through the New Deal, broken down by (i) race, (ii) gender and (iii) disability.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of jobs obtained through each of the New Deals in Edinburgh and East Lothian are only available for the New Deal for Young People, the New Deal 25 Plus and the New Deal for Lone Parents. Combining the latest data for each of these programmes from the start of each produces the jobs totals in the table, broken down by (i) race, (ii) gender and (iii) disability. | | Total Jobs | (a) City of Edinburgh | (b) East Lothian | (i) Race1 | White | 5,602 | 967 | Black | 43 | 6 | Asian | 84 | 3 | Chinese | 9 | 1 | Other ethnic | 34 | 2 | Unknown2 | 211 | 21 | (ii) Gender | Men | 3,570 | 559 | Women | 2,396 | 439 | Unknown2 | 17 | 2 | (iii) Disability | Disabled | 836 | 148 | Not disabled | 5,113 | 850 | Unknown2 | 34 | 2 |
Source: New Deal Evaluation Database, data to end December 2002. Note: 1. Classifications have been aggregated in the interests of brevity. 2. \"Unknown\" includes both clients who prefer not to disclose, and a small number of database recording inconsistencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171238,"EventID":"S1W-34819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) City of Edinburgh Council, (b) East Lothian Council and (c) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency area have participated in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the (a) City of Edinburgh Council, (b) East Lothian Council and (c) Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency area have participated in modern apprenticeship schemes in each year since 1999, broken down by (i) gender, (ii) race and (iii) disability.","AnswerText":"The numbers of Modern Apprentices (MAs) in training as at end March for each of the years 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 (to date) are: City of Edinburgh Council: 541, 654, 1,213, 1,463 East Lothian Council: 188, 264, 387, 409 Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary constituency: 117, 152, 294, 343 MAs can take more than a year to complete: some individuals will be included in the figures for more than one year. The breakdown by gender, race and disability is given in the table Modern Apprenticeships in Edinburgh and East Lothian, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27115).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171239,"EventID":"S1W-34820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to give every child access to affordable child care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to give every child access to affordable child care.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Childcare Strategy aims to provide affordable, accessible, good quality child care for children aged 0 to 14 in all neighbourhoods. Responsibility for addressing local child care needs rests with the local authorities in conjunction with Childcare Partnerships. The Executive is providing £16.75 million in the current financial year (2002-03) to local authorities to meet the aims of the strategy. In the Scottish Budget 2003-06 the Executive announced significant increases in Childcare Strategy funding. The allocations for the period are shown in the following table. Financial Year | £ Million | 2003-04 | 19.25 | 2004-05 | 29.75 | 2005-06 | 40.65 |
The Executive has also made available £20 million Social Justice funding in years 2004-05 and 2005-06 for child care. This is to help parents in the most disadvantaged areas get into education or employment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171240,"EventID":"S1W-34821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students have (a) applied for entry and (b) been accepted to study pharmacy courses at universities in Scotland in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students have (a) applied for entry and (b) been accepted to study pharmacy courses at universities in Scotland in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the table: Scottish Applicants and Accepted Applicants to B3 Pharmacy in Scottish Universities, 1998-2002* Data | Year | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Applicants | 535 | 465 | 502 | 540 | 640 | Accepts | 190 | 167 | 184 | 173 | 244 |
Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Note: *B3 Pharmacy was called B2 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy in 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171241,"EventID":"S1W-34822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase accessibility for disabled people to houses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase accessibility for disabled people to houses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continues to explore and develop national policies to increase accessibility for disabled people to houses. This includes: changes to building standards to provide significantly improved access for people with disabilities; the introduction of Local Housing Strategies, which require local authorities to assess the provision of special needs housing in their area; the Introduction of a condition to funding from Communities Scotland that all social rented sector new build developments meet barrier free standards; funding to develop an electronic personal housing planner for disabled people; funding to develop a database to map housing adaptations for disabled people; establishment of a Strategy Forum under the joint future agenda to modernise and improve equipment and adaptation services; introduction of the Housing Improvement Task Force's final report, which recommends: the proposed single survey should include an accessibility report to assist disabled people looking to buy a house; strengthen rights for private tenants to carry out adaptations; improve assistance available to disabled home owners to carry out works to their homes, and continuing to develop Care and Repair projects throughout Scotland to help disabled owner-occupiers to carry out repairs, improvements and adaptations to their homes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171242,"EventID":"S1W-34823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the availability of disabled persons housing services across Scotland and what funding it is providing to increase this availability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the availability of disabled persons housing services across Scotland and what funding it is providing to increase this availability.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the disabled persons housing service model of provision. Where available, these services are funded by local authorities who have a duty under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to take account of the housing needs of disabled people in the development of their local housing strategies. The Scottish Executive does not consider that it would be appropriate to provide separate grant funding to support this aspect of local authorities' housing responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171243,"EventID":"S1W-34824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of financial support it has provided to sea fisheries in each of the last four years, showing the percentage allocated to (a) enforcement, (b) decommissioning ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of financial support it has provided to sea fisheries in each of the last four years, showing the percentage allocated to (a) enforcement, (b) decommissioning schemes, (c) Fisheries Research Services and (d) other purposes.","AnswerText":"Details are set out in the following table. In compiling the data, "enforcement" has been taken to mean spending by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. A detailed breakdown of figures on "sea fisheries" is not readily available: data will include some expenditure which may not be related to that. To allow proper year-on-year comparisons, all numbers are on a cash basis. | | 1999-2000 Outturn (£ Million) | 2000-01 Outturn (£ Million) | 2001-02 Outturn (£ Million) | 2002-03 Spring Budget (£ Million) | Enforcement | 12.8 (38.7%) | 13.4 (42.3%) | 15.0 (37.7%) | 18.5 (26.8%) | Decommissioning | Nil | Nil | 3.7 (9.3%) | 21.2 (30.7%) | Fisheries Research Services | 13.4 (40.5%) | 15.0 (47.3%) | 15.8 (39.7%) | 16.5 (23.9%) | Other | 6.9 (20.8%) | 3.3 (10.4%) | 5.3 (13.3%) | 12.9 (18.6%) | Total | 33.1 | 31.7 | 39.8 | 69.1 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171244,"EventID":"S1W-34825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budgetary projections are for financial support to sea fisheries for each of the next two years, showing the percentage allocated to (a) enforcement, (b) decommi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its budgetary projections are for financial support to sea fisheries for each of the next two years, showing the percentage allocated to (a) enforcement, (b) decommissioning schemes, (c) Fisheries Research Services and (d) other purposes.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. In compiling the data, "enforcement" has been taken to mean spending by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. A detailed breakdown of figures on "sea fisheries" is not readily available: data will include some expenditure which may not be related to that. To allow proper year-on-year comparisons, all numbers are on a cash basis.| | 2003-04 Budget (£ Million) | 2004-05 Plans (£ Million) | Enforcement | 13.4 (14.3%) | 14.2 (32.5%) | Decommissioning and Transitional Aid | 50.0* (53.4%) | Nil | Fisheries Research Services | 16.9 (18.1%) | 16.4 (37.5%) | Other | 13.3 (14.2%) | 13.1 (30%) | Total | 93.6 | 43.7 |
Note: *The 2003-04 Budget presented to the Parliament makes no provision for this spending, which will be made during 2003-04 in a Revised Budget, but the planned spending on the schemes is included here for completeness.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171245,"EventID":"S1W-34826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of quota is allocated to vessels known to have been decommissioned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of quota is allocated to vessels known to have been decommissioned.","AnswerText":"None. Decommissioned vessels are no longer active in the fishery.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171246,"EventID":"S1W-34827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of track record was decommissioned during previous decommissioning schemes and whether this level was equal to the total level accounted for by the vessels inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of track record was decommissioned during previous decommissioning schemes and whether this level was equal to the total level accounted for by the vessels included in such schemes prior to being decommissioned.","AnswerText":"Departmental records are only available for the last decommissioning scheme in 2001. At the end of this scheme, 98 vessels had been decommissioned and the licences associated with these vessels contained 317,151 FQA units. However, these FQA units were not decommissioned along with the vessel. Once these licences had been surrendered, the licence-holder was given up to three years to transfer these FQA units to other vessels.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171247,"EventID":"S1W-34828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of track record has been allocated to former fishing vessels whose owners surrendered their fishing licences under the 2001 decommissioning scheme and how much","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of track record has been allocated to former fishing vessels whose owners surrendered their fishing licences under the 2001 decommissioning scheme and how much this track record is currently worth on the open market.","AnswerText":"At the end of the 2001 decommissioning scheme, 98 vessels had been decommissioned and the licences associated with these vessels contained 317,151 FQA units. The department does not maintain records of the value of FQA units.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171248,"EventID":"S1W-34829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of how much funding would be required to purchase all track record and entitlement currently allocated to vessels known to have been de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of how much funding would be required to purchase all track record and entitlement currently allocated to vessels known to have been decommissioned and, if so, how much it estimates this figure to be.","AnswerText":"The department does not maintain records of the value of FQA units. Consequently, no assessment has been made.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171249,"EventID":"S1W-34830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31829 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, whether the fingerprint experts who gave evidence in the case of Shirley McKie have now","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31829 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, whether the fingerprint experts who gave evidence in the case of Shirley McKie have now given any evidence in court under oath since returning to work from suspension and whether it expects them to give any such evidence in court again and, if so, when. ","AnswerText":"The officers concerned have not yet given evidence under oath as Crown experts. They are being assessed over the next month or so by the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) as part of the return to work strategy. If, thereafter, SCRO is satisfied that they should be allowed to undertake work which would involve giving evidence in court, the Crown Office will be advised accordingly. At that stage it would be for the Crown to indicate whether it would be content to receive reports from these experts.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171250,"EventID":"S1W-34831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been received from programmes overseen by the European Union in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been received from programmes overseen by the European Union in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the annual amounts available from the European Commission for allocation to projects within European Structural Funds programmes for calendar years 2000-03 and relates to the 2000-06 programme period. Most of the figures for 1999 relate to the previous programme period of 1994-99. The majority of this information is not available by local authority area and is therefore broken down by programme or community initiative. Table 1 Programme | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Objective 2: South | See table 21 | 10.533 | 10.674 | 10.794 | 10.892 | Objective 2: East | See table 21 | 47.294 | 44.259 | 41.068 | 37.608 | Objective 2: West | See table 21 | 84.924 | 81.050 | 76.923 | 72.384 | Objective 3 | 93.6042 | 78.461 | 74.517 | 70.364 | 66.792 | Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme | 55.1853 | 56.606 | 54.548 | 52.746 | 50.431 | Community Initiative | | | | | | Leader + | 1.3743 | 0 | 4.335 | 4.084 | 4.660 | Urban II | 14.4354 | 0 | 1.928 | 2.187 | 2.187 | Equal5 | - | - | 0.744 | 12.160 | - | Adapt | 13.574 | - | - | - | - | Employment | 5.741 | - | - | - | - | Rechar | 0.225 | - | - | ","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171251,"EventID":"S1W-34832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of available sources of funding from European institutions and how many staff are engaged to ensure adequate take-up of such funding by organi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of available sources of funding from European institutions and how many staff are engaged to ensure adequate take-up of such funding by organisations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in partnership with other bodies such as the Programme Management Executives, the enterprise networks, local authorities and voluntary organisations, seeks to take full advantage of the various sources of funding from European institutions, as set out in the answer given to question S1W-34834 today. All these stakeholders are actively engaged in ensuring funding streams are fully utilised and work co-operatively to achieve this end. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171252,"EventID":"S1W-34833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up level is of European Union (EU) grants, expressed as a percentage of total EU grants available and what information it holds on take-up of such grants by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up level is of European Union (EU) grants, expressed as a percentage of total EU grants available and what information it holds on take-up of such grants by (a) other regions and nations within the United Kingdom and (b) EU member states.","AnswerText":"The extent of take up of European Structural Funds by other UK regions is a matter for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department for Trade and Industry and the European Commission. Take-up by other member states is a matter for the European Commission. The Commission monitors progress and reports to member states through the Committee for the Development and Conversion of the Regions, which is attended by Scottish Executive officials. Take-up is measured by the so-called \"N+2\" regulation, under which money has to be spent within two years of allocation by the Commission. So far as the 1994-99 programmes are concerned, where project activity finished at the end of 2001, final reports will be considered by the Commission over the coming months. For the 2000-06 programmes, the first test of take-up was at the end of last year, where the majority of Objective 1 and Objective 3 Programmes had to report financial performance against allocations. Again, the information is currently being considered by the Commission.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171253,"EventID":"S1W-34834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what European funding programmes are available to organisations in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what European funding programmes are available to organisations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are four Structural Funds available in Scotland: The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) primarily supports productive investment, infrastructure and SME development. The Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF-Guidance section) supports measures for the adjustment of agricultural structures and rural development. The European Social Fund (ESF) supports measures to promote employment (education systems, vocational training and recruitment aids). The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) supports measures for the adjustment of structures in this sector, and the \"accompanying measures\" of the common fisheries policy. These are made available through geographically defined programmes - the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme, the three Objective 2 programmes (East, West and South of Scotland) and Objective 3 which supports training activities outwith the Highlands and Islands area. In addition to these there are four community initiatives, which are worth around 5% of the 2000-06 Structural Fund budget and are pilot projects/test beds for activity which, if effective is then mainstreamed into the larger funds: Interreg III: Cross-border, transnational and interregional co-operation. Urban II: Regeneration of urban areas in crisis. (Port Glasgow and Clydebank South) LEADER+ : Rural development through innovative local projects. EQUAL : Combating discrimination and inequalities in connection with the labour market.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171254,"EventID":"S1W-34835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the impact of departmental expenditure limits on the allocation of European Union funding within the Execu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the impact of departmental expenditure limits on the allocation of European Union funding within the Executive's budget.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on financial issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171255,"EventID":"S1W-34836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the operation of departmental expenditure limits in respect of European Union funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the operation of departmental expenditure limits in respect of European Union funding.","AnswerText":"Provision for expenditure related to EU funding channelled through or claimed direct by the Scottish Administration is included in Scotland's Assigned Budget. Common Agricultural Policy-related expenditure is classified as Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) and the level of provision can therefore be adjusted annually and in-year to reflect the actual level of payments. All other expenditure related to EU funding channelled through or claimed direct by the Scottish Administration falls within Scotland's Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171256,"EventID":"S1W-34837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average level of match funding it provides in respect of European Union grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average level of match funding it provides in respect of European Union grants.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes no direct contribution to match funding at project level. Match funding for European Structural Funded projects is provided by the individual project sponsors, the funding for many of whom comes directly from the Scottish Executive either in whole or in part. This ensures local commitment to local priorities, accountability and value for money.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171257,"EventID":"S1W-34838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of match funding it has allocated to projects involving a European Union grant in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of match funding it has allocated to projects involving a European Union grant in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes no direct contribution to match funding at project level. Match funding for European Structural Funded projects is provided by the individual project sponsors, the funding for many of whom comes directly from the Scottish Executive either in whole or in part. This ensures local commitment to local priorities, accountability and value for money.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171258,"EventID":"S1W-34839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce training to raise awareness of the availability and purpose of different European Union grants and to provide assistance in the preparation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce training to raise awareness of the availability and purpose of different European Union grants and to provide assistance in the preparation of such grant applications.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has encouraged the five Programme Management Executives (PMEs) (who implement the programmes on the ground on behalf of the Scottish Executive) to pursue actively a range of activities to raise awareness of the availability of European Structural Funds programmes, including: the provision of websites and the circulation to all partner organisations of programme bulletins providing up to date information on funds available and forthcoming application rounds; facilitation of fast-track applications, rolling programmes and additional application rounds where appropriate; delivery of regular application advice surgeries and workshops across the country; engaging with target communities to stimulate applications for community economic development support; analysis of underlying reasons for slow uptake in particular measures or areas, and efforts to promote private sector interest in the funds. The Scottish Executive is in the process of implementing a new web-based application and claim form system, which will streamline the process for applicants. The new application forms have been developed and are being phased in according to the timetables of the application rounds run by each PME. PMEs will introduce the new forms and processes to applicant organisations and provide training and support to assist them in preparing grant applications.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171259,"EventID":"S1W-34840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Council of Ministers meetings its ministers have attended since May 1999, expressed as a percentage of the total number of council meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Council of Ministers meetings its ministers have attended since May 1999, expressed as a percentage of the total number of council meetings.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the percentage of formal Council of Ministers meetings attended by Scottish Executive ministers since 1 July 1999. Period | Percentage of Councils Attended | July - December 1999 | 11.9% | 2000 | 9.5% | 2001 | 14.1% | 2002 | 14.9% | January - February 2003 | 25.0% |
The overall percentage of formal Council of Ministers meetings attended by Scottish Executive ministers since 1 July 1999 is 12.9%.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171260,"EventID":"S1W-34841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with Shell UK prior to the company's announcement of 350 job losses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with Shell UK prior to the company's announcement of 350 job losses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Shell about a wide range of matters, and was aware that the company was considering changes to its offshore operations. The restructuring decision was one for the company itself to take.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171261,"EventID":"S1W-34842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will undertake to ensure that all written questions submitted prior to the dissolution of the Parliament will be answered in full and made available to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will undertake to ensure that all written questions submitted prior to the dissolution of the Parliament will be answered in full and made available to the public and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will ensure that all written Scottish parliamentary questions lodged by 17 March (the last date for lodging parliamentary questions in this parliamentary session) will be answered by 31 March 2003. If, however, the information requested is not available by this date the answer will indicate that the minister will write to the member as soon as possible with the information requested. A copy of the letter will also be sent to the Parliament's Chamber Desk for publication on the Parliament's website. These arrangements are in accord with the Procedures Committee's 1st Report 2003 Changes to Standing Orders concerning legislative matters, motions and lodging written questions agreed by the Parliament on 5 March.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171262,"EventID":"S1W-34843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any issues could arise for it from the proposed changes involving bank accounts to the pension payments system; whether any such issues would be either short or l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any issues could arise for it from the proposed changes involving bank accounts to the pension payments system; whether any such issues would be either short or long term; what action it will undertake to address each individual issue, and, if there is a financial aspect to addressing any issue, who would be responsible for the cost.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not expect any issues in devolved areas to arise from the changes to payments of pensions. Pensions and benefits and banking are reserved matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171263,"EventID":"S1W-34844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had, or representations it has made, regarding proposed changes involving bank accounts to the pension payment system, detailing with whom each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had, or representations it has made, regarding proposed changes involving bank accounts to the pension payment system, detailing with whom each such contact was made and what the date, purpose and outcome was of each such contact.","AnswerText":"Age Concern Scotland raised the change to direct payments at the December 2002 meeting of the Older People's Consultative Forum which is chaired by Mr Frank McAveety, Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care. Following that meeting, Mr McAveety wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland to pass on those concerns.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171264,"EventID":"S1W-34845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons of pensionable age live in the (a) Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and (b) Motherwell and Wishaw parliamentary constituencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons of pensionable age live in the (a) Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and (b) Motherwell and Wishaw parliamentary constituencies.","AnswerText":"Latest results from the 2001 Census, published by the Registrar General on 25 March show that the number of persons of pensionable age living in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency is 9,167, and in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency is 13,363.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171265,"EventID":"S1W-34846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been identified with any of the systems proposed for the payment of pensions; whether any issues have a judicial aspect that may require the involvement ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been identified with any of the systems proposed for the payment of pensions; whether any issues have a judicial aspect that may require the involvement of the Scottish Law Officers, and what action it has undertaken, or will undertake, to address each such issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises that there could be practical difficulties in identifying pensions and social security benefits when paid direct into a bank account if enforcement by arresting monies in bank accounts is attempted. In line with its commitment to continuing the existing principle of protecting subsistence levels of income from arrestment, the Scottish Executive included this concern in its consultation document Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland in April 2002. An independent analysis of the responses was published in November 2002. Both these documents are available on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/justice/CivOb-00.asp and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171266,"EventID":"S1W-34847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Citi'ens Advice Bureaux, Age Concern Scotland or the banks are appropriate means by which pensioners may receive independent financial advice in relation to the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Citi'ens Advice Bureaux, Age Concern Scotland or the banks are appropriate means by which pensioners may receive independent financial advice in relation to the proposed changes to the pension payment system and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Independent financial advisers and the companies they work for must be authorised by the Financial Services Authority; this is a reserved matter. Banks may only offer advice on their own products or services. The Executive appreciates that, in the normal course of their work, the organisations mentioned may respond to their clients' queries by advising on the consequences of the changes in benefits payments.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171267,"EventID":"S1W-34848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has undertaken, or will undertake, to ensure that older people will receive fully independent financial advice prior to the proposed changes to the pension","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has undertaken, or will undertake, to ensure that older people will receive fully independent financial advice prior to the proposed changes to the pension payment system.","AnswerText":"None. Independent financial advisers are regulated by the Financial Services Authority; this is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171268,"EventID":"S1W-34849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will recommend to the banks that, in order to tackle any discrimination against people with disabilities who live in sheltered accommodation, they broaden thei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will recommend to the banks that, in order to tackle any discrimination against people with disabilities who live in sheltered accommodation, they broaden their definition of acceptable documentary proof of identity.","AnswerText":"Banking is a reserved matter. However, the Executive has regular contacts with the banks on aspects of financial inclusion, and the provision of banking services to a range of disadvantaged groups of people.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171269,"EventID":"S1W-34850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure regular and frequent consultation over policy issues with members of black and other ethnic minority communities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure regular and frequent consultation over policy issues with members of black and other ethnic minority communities. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has been developing a range of consultation mechanisms with minority ethnic communities in line with commitments given in our Equality Strategy and our Race Equality Scheme as reported in Making Progress: Equality Annual Report, published in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171270,"EventID":"S1W-34851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place to ensure equal access to any funding initiatives to all sections of the community, including black and other ethnic minority communi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place to ensure equal access to any funding initiatives to all sections of the community, including black and other ethnic minority communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Budget Equality Statement contained in the Equality Annual Report (February 2003) provides details on how the mainstreaming of equality is having a positive, practical impact on the spending programmes of Executive departments. The commitments made by departments to reducing inequalities in Closing the Opportunity Gap (October 2002) will also be the subject of monitoring and evaluation. In addition, all Scottish Executive funding programmes will be monitored to ensure compliance with the duties placed on public bodies to promote race equality and tackle discrimination by the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171271,"EventID":"S1W-34852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing a parkway station in Musselburgh, East Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing a parkway station in Musselburgh, East Lothian.","AnswerText":"The delivery of enhancements to the East Coast Main Line, including the proposed construction of a new parkway station at Musselburgh is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171272,"EventID":"S1W-34853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the outcome of its review of higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the outcome of its review of higher education.","AnswerText":"I can today announce the publication of the outcome of the second phase of the review of higher education in Scotland: A Framework for Higher Education in Scotland. Higher Education Review: Phase 2. This paper brings together the conclusions of an 18-month programme of wide-ranging consultation and discussion on the future of higher education in Scotland. This paper sets out: a framework for the relationships between government and higher education; the Executive's priorities for teaching and learning, research and knowledge transfer, and governance and management over the next decade, and actions to be taken to address these. Its publication follows that of Life Through Learning - Learning Through Life: The Lifelong Learning Strategy for Scotland on 11 February 2003. The Executive will work with the funding councils, higher education institutions and others with an interest in higher education to take forward this work. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171273,"EventID":"S1W-34854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects Registers of Scotland to achieve in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I have set the Registers of Scotland the following key targets for 2003-04: To achieve a return of 15% on net capital employed over the three-year period ending 31 March 2004. To reduce the standard production cost index by 2% by 31 March 2004 from its base at 31 March 2003. To continue to operate at Service First Charter Mark standards measured through market research; to increase accuracy, speed of response and value for money performance by a further 5% measured through the annual customer survey, and to process 97% of all other enquiries in compliance with the agency's customer service standard. To achieve recording and registration turnaround times: - averaging 15, but not exceeding 25 working days for Sasine Writs; - averaging 25, but not exceeding 30 working days for Dealings with Whole; - averaging 105, but not exceeding 125 working days in any quarter for domestic First Registrations, with 70% of all such applications being completed within 125 working days, and - to reduce the average age of the backlog of domestic First Registrations from 30 weeks to 26 weeks. To increase the income from the agency's information services by 5% more than income in 2002-03. To achieve a registration accuracy of at least 97% during 2003-04. Achievement of these targets will ensure that homebuyers receive an improved and more efficient service over the coming year. The transfer to the Land Register of Banff, Moray, Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Zetland on 1 April 2003 will complete the transfer of counties from the Register of Sasines to the Land Register. From that date the Land Register will be in operation across the whole of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171274,"EventID":"S1W-34855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2038 by Mr Jack McConnell on 5 September 2002, whether a copy of its \"clear strategy\" on sustainable development is available in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2038 by Mr Jack McConnell on 5 September 2002, whether a copy of its \"clear strategy\" on sustainable development is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and, if so, what the strategy is called. ","AnswerText":"In April 2002, we published Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for sustainable development in Scotland, which sets out our vision for sustainable development in Scotland. We have identified resource use, energy and travel as the main priority areas for action on sustainable development, and policy-makers across the Executive are encouraged to take these priority areas into account when policy decisions are made. Meeting the Needs... sets out a range of actions being taken to address these priority areas. It also lists a set of indicators and targets to help us to monitor our progress. Information on progress on each of the indicators, and summaries of the main actions we are taking to achieve our targets were published in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171275,"EventID":"S1W-34856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-4038 and S1W-33935 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 March 2000 and Mr Andy Kerr on 20 February 2003 respectively, what the reasons are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-4038 and S1W-33935 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 March 2000 and Mr Andy Kerr on 20 February 2003 respectively, what the reasons are for the discrepancies in the figures for its staff employed at 1 April 1999. ","AnswerText":"As explained in the answers provided to the previous questions, the core Scottish Executive (Scottish Office) has changed over time, with responsibilities and posts moving into and out of the core departments. In order to provide a like with like comparison of staffing complements over time for the core departmental functions, the organisational structure current at the time of each question was backdated for the earlier time periods. The staffing figures estimated for 1 April 1999 reflect transfers of staff and responsibilities between March 2000 and February 2003 brought about by the removal of the Scottish Courts Administration from Justice Department (110 staff) and the creation as agencies of the HM Inspectorate of Education (150 staff) and the Food Standards Agency (40 staff).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171276,"EventID":"S1W-34857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether restrictions on the sale and use of pornography are considered to be integral to advancing the strategy on tackling violence against women. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether restrictions on the sale and use of pornography are considered to be integral to advancing the strategy on tackling violence against women. ","AnswerText":"Our publication Preventing Violence Against Women: Action Across the Scottish Executive acknowledges that there may be a link between the use and misuse of pornography and violence against women. The research evidence in this area is, however, inconclusive and, therefore, as part of a forthcoming violence research programme, we are considering undertaking a research study which examines the perceived links between pornography and violence. Material that is obscene or indecent is heavily regulated under Scottish law, under section 51 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1981, the Indecent Displays (Controls) Act 1981 and through the common law offence of shameless indecency.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171277,"EventID":"S1W-34858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in increasing partnership working in the delivery of legal information and advice services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in increasing partnership working in the delivery of legal information and advice services.","AnswerText":"Local partnership within a national strategic framework should be a key theme of the development of a community legal service for Scotland. That is why the Deputy Minister for Justice announced on 21 March that the Executive, in close collaboration with the Scottish Legal Aid Board, intended to establish pilot partnerships to look at local advice needs and service provision in Fife, Argyll and Bute and Edinburgh. This is in addition to the partnership already in operation in Glasgow West. The Executive is also in discussion with the Disability Rights Commission about establishing a thematic pilot partnership to look at provision of advice to people with a disability. In addition, four pilot projects administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board with additional funding from the Executive are under way looking at new models of partnership-based service delivery for people in need of legal advice and help. These projects are working with Citizen's Advice Bureaux in Inverness and Moray; with advice providers in West Lothian; with Streetwork in Edinburgh, and with the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre and Castlemilk Law Centre in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171278,"EventID":"S1W-34859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to extend the provision of \"one-stop shop\" delivery of legal information and advice services, building on the experience of existing serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being taken to extend the provision of \"one-stop shop\" delivery of legal information and advice services, building on the experience of existing services such as citi'ens advice bureaux.","AnswerText":"Following the Review of Legal Information and Advice Provision in Scotland, which reported in November 2001, the Executive is taking forward a programme of practical development work to lay the foundations for a community legal service for Scotland. The respective roles of \"one-stop shops\" and more specialised advice agencies, and the arrangements for effective referral between different agencies to ensure that people get the best help they can, are being considered as part of that programme of work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171279,"EventID":"S1W-34860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses were received to its consultation paper, Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for sustainable development in Scotland and how these res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses were received to its consultation paper, Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for sustainable development in Scotland and how these responses were incorporated into Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Meeting the Needs...Priorities, Actions and Targets for Sustainable Development in Scotland was not a consultation paper. As explained in paragraph 42 of Meeting the Needs..., the Scottish Executive launched its consultation, Checking for Change, in May 2001 asking for views on ways in which progress towards more sustainable development could be measured using indicators. Following this consultation we adopted the 24 indicators listed in Meeting the Needs... . In paragraph 43 we made a commitment to publish full data on each indicator and Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland represents the fulfilment of that commitment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171280,"EventID":"S1W-34861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information was collected for Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information was collected for Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Sustainable Development Team collected the information from Scottish Executive policy divisions and statisticians and agencies and other bodies as appropriate. All data sources are explained, with references, in the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171281,"EventID":"S1W-34862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new sustainable development targets have been set in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new sustainable development targets have been set in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Since the publication of Meeting the Needs... in April 2002, we have set three new sustainable development targets and revised two others. In Meeting the Needs... we stated that further information on transport indicators would be published later in 2002. Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements, Transport Indicators for Scotland, published on 19 December 2002, describes the 11 indicators we have chosen to chart progress on implementing our transport policies. As a result we have set new targets for Indicator 16 - Travel: mode, and Indicator 17 - Travel: accessibility, as set out in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland. A new target has also been set for Indicator 5 - Recycling, in the light of work undertaken to develop the National Waste Plan. The targets for Indicator 4 - Waste: production, and Indicator 19 - Preparing for life, have been revised, explanations for which are given on pages 12 and 46 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171282,"EventID":"S1W-34863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information was available for Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland that was not available for Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information was available for Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland that was not available for Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for sustainable development in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland describes in detail each of the indicators listed in Meeting the Needs... As stated in the introduction, the information in the report is based upon the latest figures available at the time of publication. This includes the most recent data for each indicator and, where possible, information on the differences between urban and rural areas. References to all data sources are provided in both reports.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171283,"EventID":"S1W-34864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address effective protection of the environment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address effective protection of the environment.","AnswerText":"The indicators are measures of sustainable development and do not specifically address effective protection of the environment. However, Indicators 1, 4-17 and 20 have most relevance to protection of the environment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171284,"EventID":"S1W-34865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address quality of surroundings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address quality of surroundings.","AnswerText":"The indicators are measures of sustainable development and do not specifically address quality of surroundings. However, depending on the definition of \"quality of surroundings\", many of the indicators could be said to have some relevance.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171285,"EventID":"S1W-34866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address access to local green space and the wider countryside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland will address access to local green space and the wider countryside.","AnswerText":"The indicators are measures of sustainable development and do not specifically address access to local green space and the wider countryside. However, Indicators 1, 2, 4, 6-10, 17, 18 and 22-24 have some bearing on quality of, and access to, local green space and the wider countryside.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171286,"EventID":"S1W-34867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or plans to take, to broaden the indicators in to include indicators addressing (a) soils, (b) farmland biodiversity, (c) landscapes, (d) areas o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or plans to take, to broaden the indicators in to include indicators addressing (a) soils, (b) farmland biodiversity, (c) landscapes, (d) areas of ancient and semi-natural woodland, (e) areas of woodland and (f) sustainable forestry management.","AnswerText":"As stated in the introduction of the report, and in paragraph 43 of Meeting the Needs..., we will review the usefulness of the indicators in 2003. We will consider emerging opinion, such as that expressed at the World Summit, and we will add to the indicators as and when additional measures are necessary to clarify our aspirations and chart progress towards them.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171287,"EventID":"S1W-34868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a comprehensive strategy on sustainable development will be prepared.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a comprehensive strategy on sustainable development will be prepared.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34855 on 25 March 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171288,"EventID":"S1W-34869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that all the indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland have targets and action plans, and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that all the indicators in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland have targets and action plans, and what its timetable is for the publication of a revised set of indicators with complete targets and action plans.","AnswerText":"As stated in the introduction of the report, we intend to set targets for some indicators in light of further policy and scientific work but for others it is more appropriate to monitor the trend than set a target. Action on each indicator is set out in the report. We also stated in the introduction that we would review the usefulness of the indicators in 2003 and report regularly on their status.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171289,"EventID":"S1W-34870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland last met; when it will meet next, and what plans it has to review and update the external membership of the committ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland last met; when it will meet next, and what plans it has to review and update the external membership of the committee.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland last met on 15 January 2003. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-6237 on 16 January 2003, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm. The remit and membership of the sub-committee will be matters for the incoming administration.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171290,"EventID":"S1W-34871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any guidance to its departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to assist in the review of spending plans against sustainab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any guidance to its departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to assist in the review of spending plans against sustainable development criteria and, if so, whether it will publish this guidance.","AnswerText":"The process followed during the Spending Review 2002, including the guidance and support for departments, is set out in Building a Sustainable Scotland, published on 18 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171291,"EventID":"S1W-34872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and in what format, it will report on achieving progress against each of the indicators set out in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and in what format, it will report on achieving progress against each of the indicators set out in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","AnswerText":"In paragraph 49 of Meeting the Needs..., and in the introduction to Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland, we stated our intention to report regularly on the status of the sustainable development indicators. We are currently considering the best format for future reports. Data on many of the indicators is also available elsewhere and references to these sources are provided in Indicators of Sustainable Development for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171292,"EventID":"S1W-34873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the potential benefits of an environmental court as a possible means of securing improved environmental justice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assess the potential benefits of an environmental court as a possible means of securing improved environmental justice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the effective and appropriate enforcement of environmental legislation. Environmental protection and environmental justice are key objectives in creating a sustainable future for Scotland. The Scottish Land Court is being given powers to deal with certain environmental matters as a way of securing improved protection to the Scottish environment. Chapter three of the Policy and Financial Management Review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, published on 14 March 2003 investigated a number of ways in which the prosecution of environmental crimes may be made more effective. Furthermore, we are supporting training initiatives to increase awareness amongst the legal profession of environmental issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171293,"EventID":"S1W-34874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of those who responded to the National Debate on Education were parents or organisations that included parent representatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of those who responded to the National Debate on Education were parents or organisations that included parent representatives.","AnswerText":"In response to the National Debate on Education, hundreds of events were held across Scotland ranging from small group discussions to large conferences. About one quarter of debate responses indicated that parents were present at an event or discussion, including feedback from 176 school boards and a further 73 responses predominantly from parents or parent organisations. We believe that parents were involved in many more responses.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171294,"EventID":"S1W-34875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure that the terms of the Draft Education Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Bill are implemented consistently ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure that the terms of the Draft Education Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Bill are implemented consistently across all local authorities. ","AnswerText":"Guidance will be issued to all education authorities, setting minimum standards for identifying and meeting the needs of pupils. H.M. Inspectorate of Education, through its inspection programme, will inspect the provision made under the legislation for children with additional support needs. The Scottish Executive will commission research on the impact of the new legislation.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171295,"EventID":"S1W-34876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms will be introduced to ensure that all children with complex educational needs including those attending independent schools, are assessed and supported ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms will be introduced to ensure that all children with complex educational needs including those attending independent schools, are assessed and supported appropriately.","AnswerText":"The draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill introduces new duties on education authorities to identify and address the additional support needs of pupils. There is also a duty to keep under consideration the adequacy of provision in meeting the needs of the child. An overall framework for intervention will be developed to replace current advice and to incorporate other intervention systems. For those within the public system, with the most complex needs, who require it, a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) will be drawn up. This will be a statutory document that will detail the agreed long- and short-term learning outcomes for the child. The provision stated in the CSP will be subject to appeal to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal. For those who are being educated outwith the public system, education authorities will have a power to make such arrangements as they consider appropriate, in order to identify those who might have additional support needs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171296,"EventID":"S1W-34877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome of the consultation on proposals for crofting reform legislation was and what conclusions it has drawn from the consultation responses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome of the consultation on proposals for crofting reform legislation was and what conclusions it has drawn from the consultation responses.","AnswerText":"There were 59 responses to the consultation on the white paper and the great majority were in favour of the bulk of our proposals. There was some dissent on particular proposals and helpful suggestions for improvement of others. In the light of the response I have concluded that the bulk of our proposals are what crofting interests want. With minor adjustment in some cases, I would hope that these will form a firm basis for future legislation. The consultation has, however, indicated that there is strong support for certain additional measures. While it will be for a future administration to decide on the terms and timing of any bill, it is my opinion that new legislation should also provide: That the Crofters Commission should have power to act in place of the landlord to enforce compliance with conditions of tenure provided the landlord does not object. That conditions of tenure should be modified so that unacceptable neglect or misuse of croft land can be dealt with. That a legatee who declines a croft tenancy also declines the value of that tenancy. That land resumed from crofting tenure may, through court action be returned to crofting tenure, if it ceases to be used for the purpose for which it was resumed or is never put to that purpose. That there should be scope to extend the period available to the Crofters Commission to find a tenant for a vacant croft subject to payment of compensation to the landlord for lost rent. That the Register of Crofts should become map based. That where croft boundaries delineated by enclosure of the land have been accepted by the crofter, landlord and neighbouring crofters for more than 20 years these should be treated as the de facto boundary for legal purposes except where there is adequate documentary evidence of a different boundary. That where a property has been registered as croft land for 20 years or more, its status as croft land should become unchallengeable. I have also concluded that the white paper proposals for the creation of new crofts should be modified in the light of concerns that it might lead to a two-tier system of rights for crofters and that the proposal to devolve regulatory decision making to local groups should be dropped. In addition to these changes there is a need to look very carefully at the potential impacts the system of crofting tenure may have on proposals to develop wind farms and other renewable energy projects on croft land. I already see a clear need to find a way of enforcing binding agreements relating to grazings management and to find a simpler and more effective means of resuming land where there is consensus between crofters and their landlord that the land needs to be taken out of crofting tenure. Other measures may also be required to facilitate development on common grazings. Decisions about further consultation and the timing of legislation will be a matter for a future administration after the election. However, it has been the intention of the Executive that there should be further consultation on a draft bill before a bill is finally introduced to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171297,"EventID":"S1W-34878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further assist local authorities in implementing the National Cultural Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to further assist local authorities in implementing the National Cultural Strategy.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce the publication today of the document, Implementation of the National Cultural Strategy: Guidance for Scottish Local Authorities. This is a joint publication with COSLA in the spirit of the kind of partnership activity that the guidance advocates. The guidance explores and identifies approaches and good practice for delivering local authorities' core cultural provision and the wide range of other core activities in which culture can play an important role. The guidance is commended to all local authorities, cultural agencies and other interested parties. Copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27154) and on the Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171298,"EventID":"S1W-34879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the issue of ground specifications for Scottish Premier League football clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the issue of ground specifications for Scottish Premier League football clubs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Premier League determines ground specifications for its member clubs having due regard to relevant legislation and governing body rules. However, through National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 11: Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space published in June 1996, the Executive offers guidelines to the football authorities and others on the provision of stadia in the aftermath of the Hillsborough Stadium disaster. These guidelines relate to the provision of all-seater accommodation. In addition to this, The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 requires any designated sports ground with a spectator capacity of more than 10,000 to have a safety certificate from the local authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171299,"EventID":"S1W-34880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the commissioning of decontamination units and related equipment and the training of firefighters in the use of this equipment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the commissioning of decontamination units and related equipment and the training of firefighters in the use of this equipment.","AnswerText":"A UK-wide procurement process is under way. The initial delivery of equipment is being made to one designated UK centre in England. Distribution across the UK will start by the end of March. Operational procedures and training requirements have been identified. Training is scheduled for April/May dependant on agreement being reached with the Fire Brigades Union.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171300,"EventID":"S1W-34881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place for assessing progress made by all transport providers within each local authority area in respect of recommendations contained in Wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place for assessing progress made by all transport providers within each local authority area in respect of recommendations contained in Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist.","AnswerText":"Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist was issued to local authorities, Strathclyde Passenger Transport and transport providers in Scotland in July 2002. How the guidance is put into practice is not monitored centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171301,"EventID":"S1W-34882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations of Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist will be reflected in the specifications of the new passenger rail franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations of Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist will be reflected in the specifications of the new passenger rail franchise.","AnswerText":"The specification for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise is being developed at present and will be based on the Directions and Guidance (D&G), which were issued to the Strategic Rail Authority by Scottish ministers in June 2002. The priorities set out in the D&G were in line with the principles of Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist, including amongst other things improved safety and personal security; accessibility for all; delivery of new and innovative services, and the promotion of integrated services, through and joint ticketing schemes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171302,"EventID":"S1W-34883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations of Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist are being carried out at local authority level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the recommendations of Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist are being carried out at local authority level.","AnswerText":"Women and Transport: Guidance and Checklist was issued to local authorities, Strathclyde Passenger Transport and transport providers in Scotland in July 2002. How the guidance is put into practice is not monitored centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171303,"EventID":"S1W-34884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the call from the European Parliament for the European Union to allocate ?150 million to offset the impact of the decisions made at the Fisheries Coun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the call from the European Parliament for the European Union to allocate ?150 million to offset the impact of the decisions made at the Fisheries Council meeting in December 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already moved swiftly and put in place more than £50 million in additional support for the industry, in recognition of the implications of the decisions taken at last December's Agriculture and Fisheries Council. On additional European funding, the Commission's proposal is for an additional €32 million across the Community for an emergency scrapping fund, but this has not been approved by the Council and the European Parliament. The Scottish Executive would examine the details of any scheme once it had been approved.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171304,"EventID":"S1W-34885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to take the necessary steps to enable the allocation of the ?150 million additional European Union money ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government to take the necessary steps to enable the allocation of the ?150 million additional European Union money referred to in the resolution of 10 March 2003 in the European Parliament on the white fish sector.","AnswerText":"No such additional funds exist. The Commission's proposal is for an additional €32 million across the Community for an emergency scrapping fund, but this has not been approved by the Council and the European Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171305,"EventID":"S1W-34886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the content was of its submission to Her Majesty's Government's fifth periodic report to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the content was of its submission to Her Majesty's Government's fifth periodic report to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and where this has been published.","AnswerText":"The UK Government's fifth periodic report to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women has not yet been published. The UK Government intends to publish the report in early May.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171306,"EventID":"S1W-34887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service has on the prosecution of incidents of drink driving.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service has on the prosecution of incidents of drink driving.","AnswerText":"The policy of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is to prosecute all such cases where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so. This policy has not changed since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171307,"EventID":"S1W-34888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the policy of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the prosecution of incidents of drink driving has changed since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the policy of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the prosecution of incidents of drink driving has changed since 1997.","AnswerText":"The policy of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is to prosecute all such cases where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so. This policy has not changed since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171308,"EventID":"S1W-34889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the fall since 1997 in the number of prosecutions of incidents of drink driving when compared with the number of recorded offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the fall since 1997 in the number of prosecutions of incidents of drink driving when compared with the number of recorded offences.","AnswerText":"The policy of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is to prosecute all such cases where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so. This policy has not changed since 1997. Information from the Crown Office information system shows that in the year April 2001 to March 2002, out of a total of 9,130 cases of drunk driving that were reported to the procurator fiscal, 97.5% were prosecuted. A decision not to prosecute was only taken in 1.4% of reported cases. Due to upgrading work being done to the computer system within the Glasgow office, these statistics do not include data in relation to the Glasgow area. However, I am satisfied that these figures clearly demonstrate that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service deals with drink driving cases robustly. These figures are a better indication of the number of prosecutions of drink driving cases than statistics of court proceedings, which are not directly comparable with recorded crime statistics.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171309,"EventID":"S1W-34890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" due to delay in reporting to the procurators fiscal in April to December 2002, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" due to delay in reporting to the procurators fiscal in April to December 2002, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The information is not available by police force area. Information by procurator fiscal office is as follows: PF Office | Number of Cases Marked \"No Proceedings\" Due to Delay in Reporting to Procurators Fiscal | Aberdeen | 144 | Airdrie | 1,591 | Alloa | 9 | Arbroath | 2 | Ayr | 227 | Banff | 24 | Campbeltown | 1 | Cupar | 40 | Dingwall | 2 | Dornoch | - | Dumbarton | 43 | Dumfries | 27 | Dundee | 85 | Dunfermline | 36 | Dunoon | 13 | Duns | 8 | Edinburgh | 988 | Elgin | 40 | Falkirk | 59 | Forfar | 4 | Fort William | - | Glasgow | 5,842 | Greenock | 48 | Haddington | 13 | Hamilton | 743 | Inverness | 78 | Jedburgh | 5 | Kilmarnock | 453 | Kirkcaldy | 115 | Kirkcudbright | 5 | Kirkwall | 4 | Lanark | 12 | Lerwick | 9 | Linlithgow | 217 | Lochmaddy | - | Oban | 14 | Paisley | 494 | | Total Reports Received | Cases Closed as Warnings | Cases Closed as Conditional Offers | Cases Closed as Fiscal Fines | Cases Closed as Diversions from Prosecution | 224,779 | 11,169 | 4,557 | 17,305 | 801 | As % of Total Reports | 5% | 2% | 7% | 0.3% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171314,"EventID":"S1W-34895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34411 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 March 2003, how the Scottish Prison Service tracks a case of violence in HM Prison Kilmarnock for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34411 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 March 2003, how the Scottish Prison Service tracks a case of violence in HM Prison Kilmarnock for the purposes of imposing performance points on the operators of the prison once the case has been reported to the police if it does not keep a record of such cases reported.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Not all incidents of violence reported to the police can attract performance points. Those which are reported and could attract performance points are recorded by the contractor's compliance monitor and are reported to the authority in accordance with the contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171315,"EventID":"S1W-34896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area left school with no (a) standard and (b) higher grade qualifications compared to the nat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area left school with no (a) standard and (b) higher grade qualifications compared to the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table; the data for Glasgow Springburn is based on publicly funded schools within the constituency rather than pupils living within that area. The schools included are: All Saints Secondary School; Smithycroft Secondary School; Springburn Academy; St Roch's Secondary School, and Whitehill Secondary School. Percentages are given for ease of interpretation, although the small numbers from these centres mean that care must be taken when making comparisons across years and against other areas. | | Total Number of Leavers | Leavers with No Qualifications at SCQF Level 3 or Above | Leavers with No Qualifications at SCQF Level 6 or Above | Number | % | Number | % | 1997-98 | Schools in Glasgow Springburn | 541 | 146 | 27% | 478 | 88% | Scotland | 59,150 | 3,658 | 6% | 33,959 | 57% | 1998-99 | Schools in Glasgow Springburn | 705 | 149 | 21% | 600 | 85% | Scotland | 57,631 | 3,189 | 6% | 32,223 | 56% | 1999-2000 | Schools in Glasgow Springburn | 753 | 135 | 18% | 619 | 82% | Scotland | 56,376 | 3,061 | 5% | 31,514 | 56% | 2000-01 | Schools in Glasgow Springburn | 692 | 127 | 18% | 572 | 83% | Scotland | 58,061 | 3,300 | 6% | 33,155 | 57% | 2001-02P | Schools in Glasgow Springburn | 737 | 141 | 19% | 613 | 83% | Scotland | 58,035 | 3,085 | 5% | 33","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171316,"EventID":"S1W-34897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to increase the number of school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area leaving school with (a) standard and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to increase the number of school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area leaving school with (a) standard and (b) higher grade qualifications.","AnswerText":"The school improvement framework requires all local authorities and their schools to establish local targets for school pupils achieving national qualifications. The targets are to be set for the period 2002-05 and should be stretching, but realistic. The introduction of the National Qualifications framework enables students to build up qualifications flexibility over time and improves progression routes between standard grade and higher. The Scottish Executive has also encouraged education authorities and schools to make greater use of flexibility within the school curriculum to meet learners' needs. We will continue our efforts to help all students reach their full educational potential by taking forward the outcomes of the national debate.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171317,"EventID":"S1W-34898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area left school and attained a higher qualification at a further or higher education institu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area left school and attained a higher qualification at a further or higher education institution compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on students attending further education colleges (FECs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) in Scotland is not published at the required level of geographic disaggregation. Although some information is held centrally on the home postcode of students attending FECs and HEIs in Scotland, this information is incomplete and is not suitable for publication.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171318,"EventID":"S1W-34899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to increase the number of school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area leaving school with a higher grade qualif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to increase the number of school leavers in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area leaving school with a higher grade qualification.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34897 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171319,"EventID":"S1W-34900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area were diagnosed with coronary heart disease compared with the national average in each of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area were diagnosed with coronary heart disease compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The data requested are presented in the following table and show new cases treated in hospital who were recorded with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease on discharge: Coronary Heart Disease in Scotland1; New Cases2,3 Treated in Hospital by Area of Residence and Year Ending 31 March: 1998-2002 Number, Rate Per 100,000 Population4,5 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Scotland | New Cases2,3 | 17,004 | 17,077 | 16,053 | 15,879 | 15,523 | Crude Rate2,3,4 | 331.9 | 333.5 | 313.6 | 310.5 | 306.5 | Glasgow Springburn Parliamentary Constituency Area | New Cases2,3 | 309 | 272 | 275 | 265 | 265 | Crude Rate2,3,5 | 442.0 | 389.1 | 393.4 | 379.1 | 379.1 |
Note: 1. This information was extracted from the SMR01 linked dataset maintained by ISD Scotland. The diagnosis codes used are based on the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) I20-I25. 2. New cases treated in hospital (includes only those patients resident in Scotland at time of diagnosis). 3. New hospital cases are identified by searching back to 1981 to include only those patients with no prior admission for coronary heart disease. 4. Rates based on mid-year population estimates - crude rate does not adjust for age profile. 5. Rates based on 1991 census - crude rate does not adjust for age profile.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171320,"EventID":"S1W-34901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of patients who suffer from coronary heart disease in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of patients who suffer from coronary heart disease in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","AnswerText":"The Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: Strategy for Scotland published in October 2002 highlights the importance of primary prevention measures in tackling the burden of coronary heart disease in Scotland. Improving Health is also a key theme in our recent white paper Partnership for Care, which stresses the need to tackle health inequalities in partnership with local communities. Community Planning Partnerships will play a pivotal role in delivering health improvement for communities such as Springburn. This theme is developed in Improving Health in Scotland - The Challenge, published on 17 March, which sets out our new, focused approach to health improvement initiatives across the Executive as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171321,"EventID":"S1W-34902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area died from cancer compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area died from cancer compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The table shows the observed number of deaths in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area from all cancers compared with the national average, by year of death. Year of Death | Observed Number of Deaths1 | National Average 2 | 1997 | 392 | 354 | 1998 | 485 | 348 | 1999 | 425 | 347 | 2000 | 414 | 346 | 2001 | 410 | 347 |
Source: General Register Office (Scotland) GRO(S). Notes: 1. Observed number of deaths from all malignant neoplasms in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency. 2. The national average is represented by the expected number of deaths. The expected number of deaths from all malignant neoplasms is calculated by applying the national death rates for all malignant neoplasms to the Glasgow Springburn population, taking into account the age distribution of the population.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171322,"EventID":"S1W-34903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of cancer deaths in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of cancer deaths in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","AnswerText":"Cancer in Scotland: Action for change sets out a variety of measures aimed at improving prevention, earlier detection and more rapid diagnosis and treatment for all cancers.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171323,"EventID":"S1W-34904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area died from lung cancer compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area died from lung cancer compared with the national average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the observed number of deaths from cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area compared with the national average: Year of Death | Observed Number of Deaths1 | National Average2 | 1997 | 140 | 100 | 1998 | 170 | 96 | 1999 | 157 | 94 | 2000 | 146 | 93 | 2001 | 139 | 91 |
Source: General Register Office (Scotland) GRO(S). Notes: 1. Observed number of deaths from lung cancer in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency. 2. The national average is represented by the expected number of deaths. The expected number of deaths from lung cancer is calculated by applying the national death rates for lung cancer to the Glasgow Springburn population, taking into account the age distribution of the population.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171324,"EventID":"S1W-34905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of lung cancer deaths in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce the number of lung cancer deaths in the Glasgow Springburn parliamentary constituency area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34903 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171325,"EventID":"S1W-34906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the transport projects announced on 30 January, 4 March and 12 March 2003 in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the transport projects announced on 30 January, 4 March and 12 March 2003 in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","AnswerText":"On 30 January, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) published its Strategic Plan. Its contents are a matter for the SRA. The £375 million announced on 4 March is available in principle to Edinburgh City Council to at least fund one tramline. A number of factors, such as planning, design and construction, will determine the actual allocation of resources. The announcement on 12 March indicated that finance is available within the Scottish Executive's £3 billion 10-year budget to take forward the Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport rail links projects. It would be premature at this stage to indicate the phasing of this expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171326,"EventID":"S1W-34907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","AnswerText":"The programming of expenditure for the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link is currently being agreed by Network Rail and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive. At this stage, the Scottish Executive has committed £16 million towards this project.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171327,"EventID":"S1W-34908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24007 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 March 2002, what expenditure is planned for each of the current and new trunk road projects in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24007 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 March 2002, what expenditure is planned for each of the current and new trunk road projects in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","AnswerText":"The following table provides budget estimates of expenditure for individual schemes. Progress on each scheme will depend on a number of factors and will vary from prediction as each scheme is developed. Accordingly, final annual expenditure in future years will be managed so that aggregate expenditure relates to the funds available from the Scottish Budget. Substantially completed schemes with small amounts of residual spend have not been listed. Motorway and Trunk Road Schemes (Estimated costs) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | 2005-06 (£000) | 2006-07 (£000) | A1 Bowerhouse to Spott Road | 4,160 | 33 | 31 | 33 | 0 | A1 Haddington to Dunbar | 17,907 | 26,931 | 591 | 202 | 0 | A1 Howburn to Houndwood | 3,821 | 1,443 | 42 | 41 | 0 | A1 Thistly Cross to Bowerhouse | 4 | 60 | 2,530 | 57 | 14 | A68 Soutra | 50 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | A737 Roadhead Roundabout | 0 | 50 | 1,100 | 50 | 0 | A75 Barfill to Bettyknowes | 92 | 370 | 2,230 | 43 | 43 | A75 Cairntop to Barlae | 273 | 2,915 | 953 | 13 | 13 | A75 Chapelton to Bush o' Bield1 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | A75 Dunragit | 150 | 155 | 69 | 330 | 5,875 | A75 Hardgrove to Kinmount | 80 | 89 | 100 | 10 | 3,525 | A75 Newton Stewart | 79 | 366 | 1,121 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171329,"EventID":"S1W-34910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the A80 Stepps to Haggs road project in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the A80 Stepps to Haggs road project in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-34908 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171330,"EventID":"S1W-34911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the Aberdeen western peripheral route road project in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and what the total cost of the project will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the Aberdeen western peripheral route road project in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and what the total cost of the project will be.","AnswerText":"The North East Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) estimate the cost of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route as £120 million at current prices. The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning announced on 19 March 2003 that the Scottish Executive would fund 81% of the total costs, with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils together contributing 19%. Estimated expenditure for 2002-03 to 2006-07 is contained in the answer given to question S1W-34908 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171331,"EventID":"S1W-34912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh and Glasgow southern orbital public private partnership (PPP) road project in each year from 2002-03 to 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure is planned for the M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh and Glasgow southern orbital public private partnership (PPP) road project in each year from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and what the total cost is of the PPP contract.","AnswerText":"The M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh and Glasgow Southern Orbital is being taken forward in partnership with East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils. The Executive is responsible for the M77 while the Glasgow Southern Orbital is the responsibility of East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils. The PPP contract has still to be concluded. The cost will only be finalised once the contract is concluded. Estimated expenditure for 2002-03 to 2006-07 is contained in the answer given to question S1W-34908 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171332,"EventID":"S1W-34913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected increases in (a) road traffic levels and (b) greenhouse gas emissions will be in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2021 for the (1) A1 Haddington to Dunbar, (2) A78 By","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected increases in (a) road traffic levels and (b) greenhouse gas emissions will be in (i) 2011 and (ii) 2021 for the (1) A1 Haddington to Dunbar, (2) A78 Bypass of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, (3) A8 Baillieston to Newhouse, (4) A80 Stepps to Haggs, (5) A830 Arisaig to Kinsadel, (6) A876 Kincardine Bridge, (7) A876 Kincardine Bridge Eastern Link Road, (8) A96 Aberdeen western peripheral route, (9) A96 Fochabers Bypass, (10) M74 Northern Extension, (11) M77 Fenwick to Malletsheugh and Glasgow southern orbital public private partnership project.","AnswerText":"Apart from the Aberdeen Western Peripheral, indicative traffic levels and greenhouse gas emissions for the other 10 trunk road projects requested were published by the Executive in the November 1999 document, Travel Choices for Scotland: The Strategic Roads Review. Figures for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral will only become available as the project is taken forward through the next detailed stage of assessment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171333,"EventID":"S1W-34914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an announcement is expected on the proposal to build a 199-megawatt offshore wind-powered generating station at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an announcement is expected on the proposal to build a 199-megawatt offshore wind-powered generating station at Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth.","AnswerText":"I can announce that the Scottish ministers have granted consent on this proposal in terms of section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. This proposal was submitted in June 2002 and required a number of consents and licences from the Scottish ministers. The consultation on the section 36 consent ended in October 2002. The process revealed a range of environmental issues which required careful consideration. The consent carries conditions requiring a range of monitoring and mitigation measures designed to safeguard natural heritage and local interests.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171334,"EventID":"S1W-34915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their legal responsibilities under the statutory regime for contaminated land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their legal responsibilities under the statutory regime for contaminated land.","AnswerText":"We have allocated £15 million capital resources over the three years 2003-04 to 2005-06 to help local authorities carry out their statutory responsibilities under the contaminated land regime which came into force in July 2000. The funds will help local authorities to identify and investigate sites, take forward enforcement action and, in cases where they are unable to identify those responsible for the contamination, carry out remediation work at their own hand. Together with the resources we announced in February 2001 and April 2002, over the six years 2000-01 to 2005-06 the Executive has made capital allocations totalling £24.7 million available to local authorities for work associated with addressing the problem of contaminated land. In addition, a further £3.9 million was issued to 15 local authorities last November for specific projects aimed at cleaning up derelict and contaminated land that is causing public health risks or blighting communities. The distribution of capital allocations to local authorities is shown in the following table. | | Allocations for 2003-04 | Allocations for 2004-05 | Allocations for 2005-06 (Indicative) | £000 | £000 | £000 | Aberdeen City | 69 | 69 | 69 | Aberdeenshire | 68 | 68 | 68 | Angus | 98 | 98 | 98 | Argyll and Bute | 72 | 72 | 72 | Clackmannanshire | 50 | 50 | 50 | Dumfries and Galloway | 163 | 163 | 163 | Dundee City | 142 | 142 | 142 | East Ayrshire | 181 | 181 | 181 | East Dunbartonshire | 61 | 61 | 61 | East Lothian | 57 | 57 | 57 | East Renfrewshire | 50 | 50 | 50 | Edinburgh (City of) | 181 | 181 | 181 | Eilean Siar | 72 | 72 | 72 | Falkirk | 126 | 126 | 126 | The section 36 consent for the Paul's Hill proposal in Moray was subject to a thorough consultation process. Moray Council, as key consultee, ensured local planning and environmental issues were at the forefront of this decision-making process.This proposal will make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of the Scottish Climate Change Programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171336,"EventID":"S1W-34917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 2.2-megawatt hydro-electric generating station at Braevallich in Argyll and Bute.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 2.2-megawatt hydro-electric generating station at Braevallich in Argyll and Bute.","AnswerText":"I can announce that the Scottish ministers have granted consent on this proposal in terms of section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Additionally this consent carries deemed planning permission in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Argyll and Bute Council supported this proposal as it fitted well with Local Development Plans. This proposal will make a useful contribution to the Climate Change Programme with few or no adverse environmental costs.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171337,"EventID":"S1W-34919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 3.5-megawatt hydro-electric generating station at Kingairloch in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement on the proposal to build a 3.5-megawatt hydro-electric generating station at Kingairloch in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"I can announce that the Scottish ministers have granted consent on this proposal in terms of section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Additionally this consent carries deemed planning permission in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 This hydro development builds on existing infrastructure. The consultation process revealed little opposition. Following consultation with Highland Council, conditions were attached to this consent to safeguard local and environmental interests.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171338,"EventID":"S1W-34920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the extension of its relocation policy announced on 25 October 2002 covering small units of location-independent work. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the extension of its relocation policy announced on 25 October 2002 covering small units of location-independent work. ","AnswerText":"We have made good progress. The Executive is committed to its policy of dispersing jobs from Edinburgh and wants the benefits of these jobs to be widely available across Scotland. Last autumn, we announced a further relocation initiative aimed at rural and more remote areas of Scotland. We will be receiving proposals from organisations covered by the relocation policy in the spring. I am pleased to announce that we have looked at operations carried out by the Scottish Executive itself and we have identified additional opportunities for relocation. The jobs come from across the Executive and cover a range of functions. In total around 80 jobs will move probably to between four and seven different locations. We will be working closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and COSLA to identify suitable locations. We are confident that with the support of the Enterprise bodies and local authorities this work can be carried out at locations remote from the main headquarters offices in Edinburgh or Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171339,"EventID":"S1W-34921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs.","AnswerText":"We have made good progress, in addition to the 650 posts already dispersed throughout Scotland under this policy a number of relocation reviews are nearing conclusion and the results will be announced shortly. And today I am announcing that around 250 posts from the Edinburgh Headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will be relocated to Inverness by April 2005. Detailed work in partnership with SNH, the unions and the Executive will take place to ensure a smooth transition.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171340,"EventID":"S1W-34922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed performance measures, similar to those for previous years for the Scottish Qualifications Authority, in regard to the authority's performance in 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed performance measures, similar to those for previous years for the Scottish Qualifications Authority, in regard to the authority's performance in 2003.","AnswerText":"I have written to the Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee advising that performance measures have been agreed for this year and enclosed these for the committee's interest. I have lodged copies of my letter and its enclosure with the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27140).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171341,"EventID":"S1W-34923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national targets for the Scottish Police Service for 2004 to 2006 have been set.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national targets for the Scottish Police Service for 2004 to 2006 have been set.","AnswerText":"Rolled forward targets, for the areas presently covered, have been arrived at following detailed consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the Convenors of police authorities. These new targets are being set for the Scottish police to achieve by the year 2005-06. All of the police targets are intended to build on local plans and existing strategies and to provide a national focus for key areas. The Vehicle Crime target also encompasses the existing national target for car crime set by the UK Government in September 1998. These new targets are as follows: Serious Violent Crime: A reduction in the number of recorded incidents of serious violent crime of 5%. An increase in the detection rate of serious violent crime of two percentage points. (Baseline: annual average based on the three financial years 2000-01 to 2002-03) Vehicle Crime: A reduction in the number of recorded incidents of vehicle crime of 15%. (Baseline: annual average based on the three financial years 2000-01 to 2002-03) Drugs: An increase in the weight of Category A drug seizures of 10%. An increase in detection of offences for supply or intent to supply Category A drugs by 10%. (Baseline: annual average based on the three financial years 2000-01 to 2002-03) Housebreaking: A 5% reduction in domestic housebreaking. (Baseline: annual average based on the three financial years 2000-01 to 2002-03) Racist Incidents: An increase in the detection rate of five percentage points. (Baseline: annual average based on the three financial years 2000-01 to 2002-03) Road Policing/Safety: a reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 33%. a reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured by 40%. a reduction in the slight casualty rate by 10%. (Baseline: annual average of five calendar years 1994-98).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171342,"EventID":"S1W-34924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decision has been taken in relation to the release of the report about Thomas Hamilton by DS Paul Hughes to the Procurator Fiscal at Stirling in 1991. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what decision has been taken in relation to the release of the report about Thomas Hamilton by DS Paul Hughes to the Procurator Fiscal at Stirling in 1991. ","AnswerText":"Following the shooting of 16 schoolchildren and their teacher, and the suicide of Thomas Hamilton, on 13 March 1996 at Dunblane Primary School, the then Secretary of State for Scotland established an Inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. The inquiry was chaired by Lord Cullen and the remit was to inquire into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the events at Dunblane Primary School on Wednesday 13 March 1996 and to consider the issues arising therefrom. The inquiry sat for 26 days, between 29 May and 10 July 1996 and the whole proceedings were held in public and recorded by shorthand writers. The report of the inquiry and the transcript of the evidence are available on the internet at: www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/scottish/dunblane/duncntnt.htm and www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/justice/dunblane/dunblane-00.asp respectively. In the course of the inquiry a large number of documents were lodged with the clerk to the inquiry and copies of all productions were given to those represented at the inquiry, including those representing the parents of the dead and injured. All of these productions were available for reference in the course of the inquiry and any issue arising from those documents could have been raised during the proceedings. In January 1997 there was a meeting between the clerk to the inquiry, and representatives of the Scottish Record Office and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Following that meeting it was agreed that copies of all the productions in the inquiry should be lodged with the Scottish Record Office (now the National Archives of Scotland). It was also agreed that there should be a closure period of 100 years, because many of the productions referred to people who were children at the time. It was further agreed that these productions could be accessed with the consent of the Crown by those showing a legitimate interest. Lord Cullen was consulted and indicated that he was content with what had been agreed. There is no statutory basis for the closure of records created by Scottish public bodies. The Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937 (the 1937 act) makes provision for the preservation, care and custody of the public records of Scotland. The terms of the legislation are permissive. By contrast, in England and Wales the Public Records Act 1958 (as amended by the Public Records Act 1967) sets a statutory "closure period" of 30 years after which records must, with limited exceptions, be made available to the public. The 1937 act does not impose similar obligations on Executive departments, but in practice those procedures are followed in Scotland. The criteria for closures longer than 30 years were defined in the 1993 White Paper on Open Government (CMD2290), in accordance with which it is for the department responsible for depositing the material to decide on the closure period. In Scotland, the National Archives of Scotland cannot vary this closure period and cannot produce "closed records" to the public without the permission of the depositing department. The white paper sets out a clear statement of principle as to what information should be made available and what ought properly to be kept confidential in the public interest. Documents containing information about individuals, whose disclosure would cause either substantial distress, or endangerment from a third party to persons affected by disclosure or their descendants can be subject to a variable closure period of between 40 and 100 years. When the productions for the inquiry were lodged with the Scottish Record Office no effort was made to distinguish between productions making references to ch","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171343,"EventID":"S1W-34925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of Part 5 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 will be undertaken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of Part 5 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 will be undertaken.","AnswerText":"A consultation document is being issued today, and copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27225). It seeks views on how changes might be made to facilitate the effective operation of Part 5 of the act and its associated Code of Practice, while ensuring that the interests of this vulnerable group of adults are properly safeguarded.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171344,"EventID":"S1W-34926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the autism consultative group in Edinburgh will be ready to report on its conclusions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the autism consultative group in Edinburgh will be ready to report on its conclusions.","AnswerText":"Services related to autistic spectrum disorders within Edinburgh, and consultation upon them, are matters for the Lothian NHS Board, Edinburgh City Council and other local agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171345,"EventID":"S1W-34927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the autism consultative group in Edinburgh for 2002-03 and how much of this allocation will have been spent by the end of the finan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the autism consultative group in Edinburgh for 2002-03 and how much of this allocation will have been spent by the end of the financial year. ","AnswerText":"Services related to autistic spectrum disorders within Edinburgh, and the distribution of resources to them, are matters for the Lothian NHS Board, Edinburgh City Council and other local agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171346,"EventID":"S1W-34928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a procedure to allow for carrying over to the next financial year any underspend from allocations through the Changing Children's Services Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a procedure to allow for carrying over to the next financial year any underspend from allocations through the Changing Children's Services Fund.","AnswerText":"Changing Children's Services Fund resources have been distributed to local authorities and their partners for the financial year 2002-03. Where it has not been possible to spend those resources fully in that financial year, the Scottish Executive has on application allowed for those resources not to be recouped but to be available for the following financial year.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171347,"EventID":"S1W-34929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocations have been made to the autism consultative group in Edinburgh for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocations have been made to the autism consultative group in Edinburgh for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Services related to autistic spectrum disorders within Edinburgh, and the distribution of resources to them, are matters for the Lothian NHS Board, Edinburgh City Council and other local agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171348,"EventID":"S1W-34930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial findings of the autism consultative group in Edinburgh indicated and what mechanisms are in place for incorporating any recommendations from the group in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial findings of the autism consultative group in Edinburgh indicated and what mechanisms are in place for incorporating any recommendations from the group into future planning of services for pre-school children with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for those agencies, such as the Lothian NHS Board and Edinburgh City Council, which are responsible for services related to autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171349,"EventID":"S1W-34931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are currently involved in developing an integrated approach to improving services for parents of pre-school children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are currently involved in developing an integrated approach to improving services for parents of pre-school children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"The importance of better integrated services for children and their parents, including those affected by autistic spectrum disorder, has been emphasised in a range of publications including the report For Scotland's Children: better integrated services for children, published in October 2001. The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children's Services, chaired by the First Minister, is driving this agenda forward within the Scottish Executive. At local level a range of organisations, including local authorities, the NHS and the voluntary sector are contributing to this agenda.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171350,"EventID":"S1W-34932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are primarily responsible for addressing the needs of pre-school children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are primarily responsible for addressing the needs of pre-school children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"A range of agencies could contribute to addressing the needs of pre-school children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, including the NHS and local authority social work departments.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171351,"EventID":"S1W-34933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a response to Determined to Succeed: A Review of Enterprise in Education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a response to Determined to Succeed: A Review of Enterprise in Education.","AnswerText":"We are today publishing our response to Determined to Succeed, copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The response signals our determination to effect a step change in the delivery of enterprise in education. To this end, we have agreed a partnership with Schools Enterprise Scotland Ltd and the Hunter Foundation to act as expert advisers in agreeing and developing the Enterprise in Education programme. As a result of that agreement, we are today announcing an additional commitment of £2 million in 2003-04, on top of the £40 million made available for the next three years in last year's spending review. Our new £2 million matches a contribution of that amount from the Hunter Foundation, and will take first year resource to £9 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171352,"EventID":"S1W-34934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to consider the implications for Scotland of the white paper on higher education in England published by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to consider the implications for Scotland of the white paper on higher education in England published by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in January 2003.","AnswerText":"I have met with Charles Clarke MP, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, and agreed to regular meetings at ministerial level to ensure that Scottish interests are taken into account as DfES Ministers take forward their proposals for England. I have also had two constructive meetings with representative bodies of further and higher education in Scotland. Today I am publishing the outcome of the 18-month review of higher education in Scotland, A Framework for Higher Education in Scotland. Higher Education Review: Phase 2, which sets out how we believe the HE sector in Scotland needs to develop over the next 10 years. Part of the context for taking this forward are the long-term implications for Scotland of the proposed changes in the funding regime in England and other issues. It has been agreed a further phase of review will be undertaken to address these. The next stage will be for the Executive, working closely with representative bodies, to consider the remit for this work.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171353,"EventID":"S1W-34936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its policy to disperse its staff and those of non-departmental public bodies from Edinburgh to outlying regions and whether it would block relocation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its policy to disperse its staff and those of non-departmental public bodies from Edinburgh to outlying regions and whether it would block relocation of staff from outlying regions into Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that government in Scotland is efficient and decentralised, as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive government. We are committed to examining opportunities as they arise and on a case by case basis. In this context, no areas of the country are targeted and equally none are ruled out. If proposals are received to locate jobs in Edinburgh, these will be considered individually on their merits.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171354,"EventID":"S1W-34937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions the Scottish Agricultural College buildings at Auchencruive were inherited by the nation and whether any change of use of the buildings and land awa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions the Scottish Agricultural College buildings at Auchencruive were inherited by the nation and whether any change of use of the buildings and land away from agricultural education purposes would negate their current ownership.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Agricultural College which has title to the land and buildings at its campus at Auchincruive.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171355,"EventID":"S1W-34938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to measure the level of reoffending upon discharge from each prison and what the most recent results are for each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to measure the level of reoffending upon discharge from each prison and what the most recent results are for each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: This information is not collected.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171356,"EventID":"S1W-34939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new arrangements for prisoner escort duties will be in place and what level of resources this will free up in the prison service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new arrangements for prisoner escort duties will be in place and what level of resources this will free up in the prison service.","AnswerText":"A tendering exercise is currently under way. Subject to the progress of discussions with tenderers, a decision is expected in the summer of 2003. The resources freed up for the criminal justice system will depend on the outcome of the tender process.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171357,"EventID":"S1W-34940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to establish temporary accommodation blocks at HM Prison Craiginches and in the Scottish Prison Service as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to establish temporary accommodation blocks at HM Prison Craiginches and in the Scottish Prison Service as a whole.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS has at present no such plans, but continues to examine best value options including temporary accommodation, for developing the prisons estate including at HM Prison Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171358,"EventID":"S1W-34941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) mandatory drug tests and (b) drug tests at reception were carried out at each prison in each of the last 12 months and what the results of these tests were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) mandatory drug tests and (b) drug tests at reception were carried out at each prison in each of the last 12 months and what the results of these tests were.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The readily available information on mandatory drug tests is given in a document which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27107).","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171359,"EventID":"S1W-34942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for attracting people from overseas to come to Scotland and carry out ancestral research; whether such people played any role in the formulation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for attracting people from overseas to come to Scotland and carry out ancestral research; whether such people played any role in the formulation of this strategy, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Ease of access to information to allow people from overseas to research their Scottish ancestry is part of VisitScotland's marketing strategy. This information is available through the website ancestralscotland.com, which also has a link from the main visitscotland.com website. VisitScotland carry out visitor surveys and research in this area to maximise the benefit to Scotland of ancestral tourism, and to assess its impact in overseas tourism markets. The Scottish Family History Service project will provide web access to the most important genealogical sources currently available through scotlandspeople.gov.uk and scottishdocuments.com.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171360,"EventID":"S1W-34943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed local authority one-stop shops for ancestral research will provide the detailed local information needed for researchers to visit the actual historic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed local authority one-stop shops for ancestral research will provide the detailed local information needed for researchers to visit the actual historical sites of their ancestors.","AnswerText":"The nature of the information resources and services to be offered by the local authority one-stop shops proposed as part of the Scottish Family History Service project will be a matter for individual local authorities to determine. Consultation is on-going with local authorities and other interested bodies as to the structure and contents of local centres.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171361,"EventID":"S1W-34944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the time period required to photocopy certain archive material in genealogical and historical archive centres acts as a barrier to people from overseas researchin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the time period required to photocopy certain archive material in genealogical and historical archive centres acts as a barrier to people from overseas researching their genealogical history.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: The National Archives of Scotland provides over 40,000 photocopy pages per year for genealogical and historical researchers from unique and often fragile documents. In order to minimise the risk of damage, careful handling procedures are followed and specialised equipment is used. We have no evidence that the time this takes acts as a barrier to overseas researchers. Digital images of the most popular documents, wills from 1500 to 1901, are available to view and to purchase on the ScottishDocuments website at http://www.scottishdocuments.com. The Executive cannot respond in relation to local, private or other archives which are outwith its responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171362,"EventID":"S1W-34945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether overseas people seeking to conduct genealogical and historical research in historical archive centres are informed in advance of travelling to Scotland of any arc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether overseas people seeking to conduct genealogical and historical research in historical archive centres are informed in advance of travelling to Scotland of any archive material that will be unavailable due to repair work being carried out on damaged documents.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: In its publicity material, the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) advises readers travelling from a distance to enquire in advance of their arrival as to the availability of particular records. Where a record requested is undergoing conservation treatment, NAS makes every effort either to accelerate the work or to provide a satisfactory copy in its stead. The Executive cannot respond in relation to local, private or other archives which are outwith its responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171363,"EventID":"S1W-34946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether post-1700 archive records pertaining to Jacobite trials, executions and imprisonment are held in any genealogical and historical archive centres and what the reas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether post-1700 archive records pertaining to Jacobite trials, executions and imprisonment are held in any genealogical and historical archive centres and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: Following the '15 and '45 risings, a deliberate decision was taken to try Jacobite prisoners outwith Scotland. Consequently, the bulk of trial documents are held at the Public Record Office in London. Comprehensive information on Jacobite sources in the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) are available in A Jacobite Source List (ISBN 1 870874 20 X) which can be obtained via the NAS website www.nas.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171364,"EventID":"S1W-34947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for attracting overseas visitors to come to Scotland to carry out genealogical and historical research of clan ancestry; whether clan ancestral ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a strategy for attracting overseas visitors to come to Scotland to carry out genealogical and historical research of clan ancestry; whether clan ancestral research has a role to play in the tourism industry, and whether there is a need for more centres for genealogical and historical research in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"Stimulating an interest in genealogy on the part of potential overseas visitors with ancestors among the Scottish clans is part of VisitScotland's marketing strategy, using the internet. Information on genealogical research can be found on the tourism website scotexchange.net, while those interested in their ancestry can use the ancestralscotland.com website to find out more. VisitScotland is considering whether the clans could be given more prominence on this website, and encourages other organisations with genealogy information to link with it. In addition, the Scottish Family History Service project will provide web access to the most important genealogical sources currently available through scotlandspeople.gov.uk and scottishdocuments.com.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171365,"EventID":"S1W-34948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to assist overseas people interested in conducting genealogical and historical research of their ancestors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to assist overseas people interested in conducting genealogical and historical research of their ancestors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Guidance for people interested in conducting genealogical and historical research about their ancestors in Scotland is provided on the website ancestralscotland.com, which has a link from the main visitscotland.com website. The websites of the General Register Office for Scotland and the National Archives of Scotland provide access to the main genealogical sources (gro-scotland.gov.uk and nas.gov.uk). These two departments and the Court of the Lord Lyon are working to integrate their services and provide a single authoritative genealogical portal.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171366,"EventID":"S1W-34949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any genealogical records exist in Scotland pertaining to Catholic ancestry dating further back than the 18th century; what its response is to the claim that such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any genealogical records exist in Scotland pertaining to Catholic ancestry dating further back than the 18th century; what its response is to the claim that such documents exist in the Vatican Archives in Rome, and whether it has made, or intends to make, any representations to bring these archive documents back to Scotland from the Vatican.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, to respond. His response is as follows: The National Archives of Scotland (NAS) holds copies of Roman Catholic baptismal and marriage records from 1703 to 1970 but the original registers are held locally in the parishes. The NAS has no knowledge of genealogical records held in the Vatican Archives, and has no plans to ask for the transmission to Scotland of any records held there.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171367,"EventID":"S1W-34950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the secure estate following the announcement that five providers had been invited to adapt their plans to meet the geographical ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the secure estate following the announcement that five providers had been invited to adapt their plans to meet the geographical spread of places that it requires.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Action Plan to reduce Youth Crime stated our intention to reconfigure the secure accommodation available across Scotland. Our objectives were to develop additional places for girls, to provide a better geographical spread and to introduce a wider variety of provision, which meets the needs of young people. We have now received and evaluated proposals from the five providers to help develop these objectives. In principle, subject to financial, value for money and other details being agreed, I am inviting four of the providers to develop the secure estate as follows: Kibble School - 18 secure places (boys only); St Philip's School - 18 secure places with six close support (mixed provision); Good Shepherd - 12 secure and 12 close support. (girls only), and Kerelaw School - 12 secure (six boys only, six girls only) and 12 close support (mixed provision). The provision at Kerelaw will replace the existing secure provision. The other provision will be new. In addition, I have concluded that there is a need for 18 secure places in the north-east. Discussions are continuing with Rossie School to consider how this can best be achieved. We will provide grants to the successful providers to cover a substantial proportion of the capital costs. This proposal will increase the number of secure places in Scotland from 96 to 125: the 78 newly built secure places that will result from this proposal, together with the total of 47 places already available on four other sites: St Mary's Kenmure (31); The Elms, Dundee (4); Howdenhall (5) and St Katherine's (7), both Edinburgh. Once these developments are complete, all secure accommodation will be new or recently renovated to meet modern standards. This development will also result in an additional 30 close support places. Together with approximately 75 new intensive support and supervision places that are being funded through the Intensive Support Fund, this will provide a greatly improved range of residential options to meet the needs of our most troubled and troublesome young people.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171368,"EventID":"S1W-34951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report by the Crown Agent on the aims, objectives and targets in the criminal justice system will be published and what action it will take as a result. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report by the Crown Agent on the aims, objectives and targets in the criminal justice system will be published and what action it will take as a result. ","AnswerText":"The Crown Agent's report will be published today. The Lord Advocate and I welcome the report, which provides a careful and reasoned diagnosis of the fragmentation in our criminal justice system. The report describes how a more coherent approach could be achieved. We are committed to a \"joined-up\" approach at local and national level and will now study the details to see how this can best be put into practice. As the report shows, local co-ordination and liaison are of fundamental importance and we very much hope it will be possible to implement arrangements to bring together criminal justice agencies into closer working relationships at local level. We will be discussing further with Sheriffs Principal what role they might play in convening such arrangements, bearing in mind the limits of their statutory responsibility to secure the speedy and efficient disposal of business in the sheriff courts of their sheriffdom. We also propose to set up a national Criminal Justice System (CJS) Board, consisting of the chief officers of the main criminal justice agencies. The remit of the board will be to make recommendations on the overall aims, objectives and targets for the Criminal Justice System and to monitor the performance of the system as a whole. To enable the board to carry out its remit, members will be invited to share information and to consider how information on the performance of the system as a whole should be presented and measured. We have discussed with the judiciary their possible involvement in the national board to be sure that nothing the Executive does risks being seen to compromise their independence. A High Court judge will attend the national CJS Board when issues that would benefit from judicial input at that level arise. The Convenor of the Sheriffs Principal has also agreed to attend the board. We are anxious to ensure that closer local working relationships are based on practical projects with achievable results. To this end, we plan to set up one or more funded pilot projects to illustrate how a joined-up approach could be implemented at local level. The pilots will be in the area of the summary criminal business of the sheriff courts, with particular reference to eliminating avoidable delay. We are already committed, under Action Point 10 of our youth crime action plan, to considering measures to increase the speed of referral to the courts, and the introduction of specific targets discussed with the judiciary. The pilots would be overseen by the national CJS Board. This report complements the report by Lord Bonomy on improving the efficiency of the High Court, and the work being undertaken by Sheriff Principal McInnes's Committee on summary justice. Together, these three reviews will pave the way for the most radical improvements in our criminal justice system for over 20 years. Andrew Normand has already consulted extensively but we would welcome wider debate. We have therefore placed a copy of the report on the Scottish Executive website, and in the Parliament's Reference Centre. We are sending the report to key organisations within the criminal justice system and making copies available to other organisations and to the general public on request and we would welcome any comments they wish to offer.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171369,"EventID":"S1W-34952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals have been submitted for the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre since its partial demolition; on what date each such proposal was submitted; to wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals have been submitted for the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre since its partial demolition; on what date each such proposal was submitted; to what local authority and by whom each proposal was submitted; how far each proposal has progressed in relation to planning permission; on what date and, in each case, why any proposals were discontinued, and what cost was incurred to public funds on each occasion.","AnswerText":"These are all matters for North Lanarkshire Council as planning authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171370,"EventID":"S1W-34953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has carried out on the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre; what the dates were of each such consultation; who was consulted; what the terms an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has carried out on the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre; what the dates were of each such consultation; who was consulted; what the terms and scope were of each consultation, and what the outcome was and what the reasons were for its position in each case.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out any consultations on the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171371,"EventID":"S1W-34954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre; on what date and from whom each such representation was received; what the terms ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre; on what date and from whom each such representation was received; what the terms were of each representation, and what the outcome was and what the reasons were for its position in each case.","AnswerText":"Issues regarding the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre are matters for North Lanarkshire Council, who are presently considering two planning applications related to development of the town centre. These applications have generated three objections. The Scottish Executive has not received representations about these particular proposals but did receive representations from Cathie Craigie MSP about an earlier town centre linked development.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171372,"EventID":"S1W-34955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what specific reasons the proposals by the Cumbernauld Development Corporation for the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre have not been carried forward by North","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what specific reasons the proposals by the Cumbernauld Development Corporation for the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre have not been carried forward by North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerText":"These are matters for North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171373,"EventID":"S1W-34956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current condition of Cumbernauld town centre is acceptable; what action it has taken in respect of the town centre, and what the reasons are for its position ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current condition of Cumbernauld town centre is acceptable; what action it has taken in respect of the town centre, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"These are matters for the owners of Cumbernauld town centre and North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171374,"EventID":"S1W-34957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social amenities that it would consider to be appropriate and desirable for a population the si'e of that in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social amenities that it would consider to be appropriate and desirable for a population the si'e of that in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency are missing from Cumbernauld town centre and what action it will take in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not assess the social amenity requirements of individual areas. These judgements are primarily a matter for the relevant local authority, as is action to deal with any gaps in provision.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171375,"EventID":"S1W-34958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can provide any residents of the Luggiebank area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency who have concerns about the potential enviro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can provide any residents of the Luggiebank area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency who have concerns about the potential environmental and personal impact of activities associated with a local plastic coating company and how open the process for any such assistance would be with regard to providing information that would (a) allay fears should nothing be untoward and (b) allow full disclosure of any irregularities found.","AnswerText":"The Executive is not aware of any environmental or public health issues concerning a plastic coating company in the Luggiebank area. If residents have any such concerns they should contact either the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's East Kilbride office or the Environmental Health Department of North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171376,"EventID":"S1W-34959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it takes of any tax paid by the recipients of grants it made to decommission fishing vessels when it awards the grants and what information it has on how muc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it takes of any tax paid by the recipients of grants it made to decommission fishing vessels when it awards the grants and what information it has on how much tax was paid, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of such grants, and on how much is expected to be paid by recipients of grants in the forthcoming decommissioning scheme. ","AnswerText":"No account is taken of the tax position of applicants when assessing decommissioning bids. Taxation policy is a reserved matter for the Inland Revenue. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171377,"EventID":"S1W-34960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-03-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to HM Treasury in regard to the tax paid as a result of the last fishing vessel decommissioning scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to HM Treasury in regard to the tax paid as a result of the last fishing vessel decommissioning scheme.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been made.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-03-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171378,"EventID":"S2F-00010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will improve the transport infrastructure.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will improve the transport infrastructure.","AnswerText":"Over the next 10 years we will be steadily increasing our investment in transport and transport infrastructure in order that the proposals outlined in the Transport Delivery Plan and our Partnership Agreement can be delivered.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171379,"EventID":"S2F-00044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what evaluation will be made of the youth court pilot project in Lanarkshire. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what evaluation will be made of the youth court pilot project in Lanarkshire. ","AnswerText":"The youth court will be subject to a comprehensive evaluation by independent researchers from the University of Stirling.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171380,"EventID":"S2F-00084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive will regard as the \"resolution of waste management issues\", as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland, before supporting the building ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive will regard as the \"resolution of waste management issues\", as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland, before supporting the building of new nuclear power stations.","AnswerText":"No decisions can be taken until we have fully considered and evaluated the outcome of the current consultation on a long-term solution for the management of radioactive waste.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171381,"EventID":"S2F-00115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive will take to improve the quality and availability of information for patients diagnosed with diabetes. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive will take to improve the quality and availability of information for patients diagnosed with diabetes. ","AnswerText":"Our Scottish Diabetes Framework recognises good patient information as an essential part of diabetes care. An action plan on patient information is currently being developed.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171382,"EventID":"S2F-00160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what concerns the Scottish Executive has with regard to the delivery of cancer services.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what concerns the Scottish Executive has with regard to the delivery of cancer services.","AnswerText":"There aremany challenges to address, but implementation of the Scottish Cancer Plan ismaking steady progress. More than 300 additional staff are already in place,and we are continuing to support new initiatives such as the Cancer Networks,which are driving down waiting times across Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171392,"EventID":"S2O-00009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of the Scottish Agricultural College.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of the Scottish Agricultural College.","AnswerText":"The Executive meets regularly with the college to discuss a range of matters relating to the research, education and advisory services it commissions from the college.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171393,"EventID":"S2O-00015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the provision of mobile NHS chiropody facilities in rural areas where NHS chiropody services are no longer available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend the provision of mobile NHS chiropody facilities in rural areas where NHS chiropody services are no longer available.","AnswerText":"The provision of chiropody services in both urban and rural areas is the responsibility of local NHS systems, who will consider the needs of the community and service delivery when planning and developing local services.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171394,"EventID":"S2O-00016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will commence its review of existing bridge tolls and enter into negotiations to end tolling on the Skye Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will commence its review of existing bridge tolls and enter into negotiations to end tolling on the Skye Bridge.","AnswerText":"The matter is already under consideration within the Executive. We have made initial contact with Skye Bridge Limited with a view to starting discussions shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171395,"EventID":"S2O-00017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the diet of schoolchildren.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the diet of schoolchildren.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published Hungry for Success, the report from the Expert Panel on School Meals in February 2003. The Executive and local authorities are taking action across the range of recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171396,"EventID":"S2O-00023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"I have nothing in my diary at present, but my officials meet Scottish Water on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171397,"EventID":"S2O-00026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of dentists in rural areas and across the north-east. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of dentists in rural areas and across the north-east. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a number of recruitment and retention measures in place aimed at improving access to dentists in rural areas and across the north east of Scotland. These include:grants under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative for dentists willing to set up or expand NHS practices in areas of poor access or high oral health need; the approval of salaried dentists, where an NHS board or Primary Care NHS Trust considers that the existing provision is insufficient to meet the demands of the local population and no independent general dental practitioner is available to fill the gap; a £1 million \"golden hello\" package, which includes payments to vocational trainees taking up vocational training in designated areas and payments to dentists who enter substantive general dental service practice within three months of completion of training; a £3 million package of recruitment and retention measures, which includes the introduction of commitment payments for assistants and the raising of the earnings ceiling for seniority payments, both of which reward dentists for undertaking more NHS treatment, and a rural practice allowance unique to Scotland is available to the remotest practices and was increased on 1 April 2003 to £3,000 per practice. In addition, the Scottish Executive has made a commitment through A Partnership for a Better a Scotland to expand the capability of dental training facilities in Scotland by increasing the student outreach capacity in the north-east.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171398,"EventID":"S2O-00028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic impact will be of the delay in the opening of the rail station at Edinburgh Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic impact will be of the delay in the opening of the rail station at Edinburgh Park.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171399,"EventID":"S2O-00029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the jobs potential in the Highlands from Scotland's renewable energy sources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the jobs potential in the Highlands from Scotland's renewable energy sources.","AnswerText":"On 25 March, we announced that we were adopting a renewable energy generation target of 40% by 2020. We also published Securing a Renewable Future: Scotland's Renewable Energy, which contains a number of actions to promote jobs in the renewables sector. Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local enterprise companies are actively working to encourage new manufacturing opportunities and to encourage existing companies in the area to diversify into renewables.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171400,"EventID":"S2O-00032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support a bid from the National Museums of Scotland for a Concorde aircraft to be added to the collection of the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support a bid from the National Museums of Scotland for a Concorde aircraft to be added to the collection of the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have written to the Chief Executive of British Airways supporting the bid by the National Museums of Scotland for a Concorde aircraft.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171401,"EventID":"S2O-00036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the bid for the European Maritime Safety Agency to be located in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the bid for the European Maritime Safety Agency to be located in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter but the Executive has liaised closely with the UK Government in supporting the bid to locate the European Maritime Safety Agency in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171402,"EventID":"S2O-00056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available for the purchase of digital hearing aids and for staff training, as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available for the purchase of digital hearing aids and for staff training, as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed to the policies set out in A Partnership for a Better Scotland. We are currently considering the detailed implementation of those policies, including the associated funding strategy.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171403,"EventID":"S2O-00058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will begin to implement its proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour and make communities safer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will begin to implement its proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour and make communities safer.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the proposals on anti-social behaviour in the partnership agreement is being taken forward as one of the Executive's top priorities. We will publish draft proposals for an anti-social behaviour bill for consultation before the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171404,"EventID":"S2O-00065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Fife NHS Board and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Fife NHS Board and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Officials of the Scottish Executive Health Department meet all Scottish NHS boards regularly. The most recent meeting with Fife NHS Board was on Monday 19 May 2003. A variety of issues were discussed, including taking forward implementation of policies set out in "Partnership for Care", operational and financial performance and arrangements for the Accountability Review between the department and Fife NHS Board.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171405,"EventID":"S2O-00073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions apply to tenant and local authority representatives on the boards of housing partnerships that have received former council housing stock in respect of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions apply to tenant and local authority representatives on the boards of housing partnerships that have received former council housing stock in respect of public discussion of matters arising at board meetings.","AnswerText":"All members of the boards of Registered Social Landlords (whether tenant or local authority representatives or independent members) will be bound by their board's Code of Conduct. All board members are required to act in the best interests of the RSL and the Code of Conduct will set out what the RSL expects of its board members with regard to confidentiality, conflict of interest and collective responsibility. The use of such a Code of Conduct is designed to ensure high standards of integrity in the voluntary housing movement. The need to maintain confidentiality also has to be balanced with operating in an open and accountable manner and an RSL should ensure that information is publicly available unless it is personally confidential or commercially sensitive.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171406,"EventID":"S2O-00076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Fort William Medical Community Working Group's proposal that Belford Hospital become a rural general hospital and what action it will take to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Fort William Medical Community Working Group's proposal that Belford Hospital become a rural general hospital and what action it will take to put this proposal into effect.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Highland in the first place to consider any proposals for service change and development in consultation with all interested parties and the wider public.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171407,"EventID":"S2O-00085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its detailed plan to reduce class si'es at primary one to 25 children as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its detailed plan to reduce class si'es at primary one to 25 children as referred to in A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","AnswerText":"We will announce our plans once detailed consultations with education authorities have taken place.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171408,"EventID":"S2O-00087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into vehicular accidents involving deer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into vehicular accidents involving deer.","AnswerText":"The Deer Commission for Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Executive, has undertaken research into issues relating to wild deer welfare and public safety, which included deer related road accidents in Scotland. A summary of the research was published in the Deer Commission for Scotland: Annual Report for 1999-2000, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 9425). The commission is currently undertaking research on the threat that deer pose to public safety on certain identified stretches of road. The commission is also considering further research on the effectiveness of measures to reduce the risks, with the aim of identifying appropriate initiatives to address issues relating to public safety and deer welfare. The Scottish Executive is participating in research along with the UK Government into the level of deer-related road accidents and the development of a database of such accidents.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171409,"EventID":"S2O-00090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to introduce charity law reform.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to introduce charity law reform.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in both my statement last Wednesday and in my answer to Cathy Peattie's question last Thursday, we are considering the scope and timing of such legislation and we are determined to ensure that it will be as comprehensive and effective as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171410,"EventID":"S2O-00091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide assistance for small business start-ups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide assistance for small business start-ups.","AnswerText":"We work closely with the Enterprise Networks to improve the quality and consistency of the business support they provide, and we have supported the introduction of the Small Business Gateway which provides support and advice to new businesses across the Scottish Enterprise area. As outlined in the Partnership Agreement, steps are in hand to further improve support measures through the introduction of a new Business Start Up Fund.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171411,"EventID":"S2O-00099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether public sector workers are adequately rewarded by the current minimum wage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether public sector workers are adequately rewarded by the current minimum wage.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for setting a National Minimum Wage rests with the UK Government, as advised by the Low Pay Commission, and is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171412,"EventID":"S2O-00109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to improving the link between paediatric services and maternity care in the health service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to improving the link between paediatric services and maternity care in the health service","AnswerText":"The Executive's vision for maternity services, set out in the report of the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services, is of a woman and baby centred service, with a range of provision for care in childbirth including midwife-led care in local community maternity units and consultant-led units. The EGAMS report recommended that consultant-led units dealing with low- to medium-risk pregnancies and labour should have onsite paediatric facilities. It further recommended that tertiary referral centres dealing with more than 3,000 deliveries per annum should have access to onsite neonatal intensive care and access to neonatal surgery, and onsite adult intensive care facilities to ensure effective management of risk for both mother and baby.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171413,"EventID":"S2O-00112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to reduce the impact on small businesses of increased standing charges for the provision of water and sewerage services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to reduce the impact on small businesses of increased standing charges for the provision of water and sewerage services.","AnswerText":"Charges to individual customers are matters for the Water Industry Commissioner and Scottish Water who must agree a charge scheme. Each charges scheme must raise income no more than the revenue cap set by ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171414,"EventID":"S2O-00114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to help people from deprived urban areas exercise their statutory rights of access to mountains under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to help people from deprived urban areas exercise their statutory rights of access to mountains under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 establishes rights of responsible access for everyone to land and inland water in Scotland. The act also places a duty on local authorities and National Park authorities to draw up plans for systems of core paths sufficient for giving the public reasonable access throughout their areas. It is expected that most people will choose to exercise their access rights mainly in the countryside around where they live. However, core paths will link up where appropriate with upland paths to improve access to mountain areas. We intend to issue guidance to authorities on the drawing up of core paths plans. As required by the act, a draft of this guidance will be laid before Parliament, probably early next year.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171415,"EventID":"S2O-00122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage younger people to apply for appointment to the boards of public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage younger people to apply for appointment to the boards of public bodies.","AnswerText":"As ministers we want to be able to appoint more people to the boards of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) from population groups that are currently under-represented, including people under 35. That is why I welcome the recent appointment of the youngest ever member of NDPB, Ceit-Anna Macleod, a 19-year-old student, to the board of the Bòrd Gaidhlig na h-Alba. We are doing a great deal to try to attract more young people like her to apply. We have for example worked with organisations like Youthlink Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament on research programmes and a board member shadowing scheme. We have also legislated to give the new Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland (PACS), who will be appointed by the Parliament later this year, a specific responsibility to promote diversity on our NDPBs. We look forward to working with the PACS as he or she draws up a diversity strategy for public appointments and reviews targets for under-represented groups. A key task will be to build on our work to date in raising awareness of the opportunities on NDPBs among younger people.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171416,"EventID":"S2O-00123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its commitment to environmental justice is linked to its commitment to social justice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its commitment to environmental justice is linked to its commitment to social justice.","AnswerText":"Environmental justice is concerned with addressing those inequalities that affect the quality of people's lives, which is a central concern of social justice. The goals of environmental justice are reflected in many of the social justice commitments cited in A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171417,"EventID":"S2O-00127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2126,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has to review its monitoring of radioactive discharges from the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has to review its monitoring of radioactive discharges from the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant","AnswerText":"Monitoring of discharges from Sellafield is a matter for the Environment Agency for England and Wales. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Food Standards Agency are responsible for the monitoring of radioactivity in the Scottish environment. I understand that these bodies are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of the monitoring programme. ","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171418,"EventID":"S2O-00132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard will be used to define the proposed new energy banding system to classify houses according to energy efficiency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard will be used to define the proposed new energy banding system to classify houses according to energy efficiency.","AnswerText":"No decision on the detail of the energy efficiency element of the proposed Decency Standard has yet been taken, pending consultations and discussions on the Scottish Social Housing Standard, on the Housing Improvement Task Force recommendations on a cross-tenure Scottish Housing Quality Standard and on Article 7 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU Directive 2002/91, dated 16/12/02 published in the OJ on 4/1/03).","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171419,"EventID":"S2O-00137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution Scotland is making to the genetic modification national public debate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution Scotland is making to the genetic modification national public debate.","AnswerText":"The GM Public Debate is being organised at arms length from Government by an independent steering board. It features a series of conferences, debates and meetings across the UK during June and July. The first event in Scotland took place in Glasgow yesterday and local events are expected to follow throughout the country. The Executive understands that there have been expressions of interest to hold meetings in the Highland area, Edinburgh and Aberdeen as part of the wider programme of debate.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171420,"EventID":"S2O-00140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support school transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support school transport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports school transport by providing funding each year to local authorities to assist them to meet their statutory duty to make transport arrangements for certain pupils.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171421,"EventID":"S2O-00143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted a safety review of junctions on the A9 between Perth and Stirling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted a safety review of junctions on the A9 between Perth and Stirling.","AnswerText":"A safety review of the junctions on the A9 between Perth and Stirling was carried out in 2002. A further study looking at the feasibility of possible junction improvements is expected to be concluded soon.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171422,"EventID":"S2O-00144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to reduce drug-related crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to reduce drug-related crime.","AnswerText":"During our first term of Government we established the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) which, together with Scottish police forces and other law enforcement partners, is tackling drug-related crime across Scotland. In our second Programme for Government we have committed to expand the SDEA to enable it to build on its achievements. Drug dealers' assets have been targeted through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which is designed to strengthen and extend powers to investigate, trace and recover the proceeds of crime. To reduce drug crime, we have also introduced Drug Treatment and Testing Orders and, more recently, pilot drugs courts provide the courts with an intensive and demanding community sentence for drug misusing offenders who might otherwise receive a custodial sentence. The aim is to reduce both the drug misuse itself and, in turn, the associated acquisitive crime. Arrest Referral Schemes which, while not a part of the criminal justice process, will also provide access to support and treatment services for drug misusing offenders. Research shows entry into and retention in treatment can be effective in reducing offending.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171423,"EventID":"S2O-00148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Transport will next visit the Stirling district.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Transport will next visit the Stirling district.","AnswerText":"I hope to visit the Stirling district, in my capacity as Minister for Transport, soon.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171424,"EventID":"S2O-00150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that temporary trunk road closure orders to facilitate community events such as gala days and common ridings are fully effective. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that temporary trunk road closure orders to facilitate community events such as gala days and common ridings are fully effective. ","AnswerText":"Yes. The promotion of a temporary traffic regulation order for a trunk road closure is an effective and legal way to facilitate community events.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171425,"EventID":"S2O-00154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote tourism in the Scottish Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote tourism in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"The promotion of tourism in the Scottish Borders is an operational matter for both VisitScotland and the Scottish Borders Tourist Board. But I know that both organisations are working hard to promote the Scottish Borders to potential visitors.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171426,"EventID":"S2O-00156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments it is making of the operation of its care in the community policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments it is making of the operation of its care in the community policies.","AnswerText":"The Executive sets the overall direction for community care policies. Local authorities must implement these, having regard to their statutory duties and to meeting the needs of their local residents. Central and local government work together to monitor the success of policy implementation through a variety of mechanisms and agencies. These include the collection of statistical information on inputs and outcomes; the establishment of Local Outcome Agreements for specific services; the Joint Performance Information and Assessment Framework, used to evaluate the implementation of the joint delivery of community care services by local authority/NHS Partnerships under the Joint Future Agenda; regulation and inspection of services against National Care Standards by the Care Commission; performance audits undertaken by Audit Scotland to ensure value for money, and assessment and review of services by the Social Work Services Inspectorate, either through the Chief Inspector's Annual Report or, where necessary, through a review of a particular local authority or service.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171427,"EventID":"S2O-00164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to support credit unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to support credit unions.","AnswerText":"The Executive is helping credit unions to play a vital role in tackling financial exclusion, through funding of £1.5 million over three years to 2004-05 to help implement Unlocking the Potential - an Action Plan for the Credit Union Movement in Scotland. Our funding is helping credit unions to comply with the Financial Services Authority regulatory requirements, to increase their membership and to provide improved services to members. In the Partnership Agreement, we have committed to continue this support.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171428,"EventID":"S2O-00170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward its commitment in A Partnership for a Better Scotland to protect and enhance the coastline and whether areas such as Wester Ross or the Inner Heb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward its commitment in A Partnership for a Better Scotland to protect and enhance the coastline and whether areas such as Wester Ross or the Inner Hebrides are being considered for marine national park status.","AnswerText":"We are committed to implementing the EU Recommendation on integrated coastal zone management. This requires that we develop a strategy for the integrated and sustainable management of Scotland's coasts. This strategy includes the options of establishing a National Coastline Park and Marine National Parks.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171429,"EventID":"S2O-00171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2686,"Party":"Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the highest standard of care is provided to elderly people residing in all care homes. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the highest standard of care is provided to elderly people residing in all care homes. ","AnswerText":"Since the first of April last year, the Care Commission has been responsible for the regulation of care services, including care homes, throughout Scotland. In carrying out its regulatory role, the commission must take into account National Care Standards published by the Scottish ministers. These are designed to achieve better quality consistent standards of care focussed on the needs and wishes of the service users.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171430,"EventID":"S2O-00173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will increase the availability of affordable housing in rural areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will increase the availability of affordable housing in rural areas. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering how this Partnership Agreement commitment will be implemented.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171431,"EventID":"S2O-00176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the rise in sexually-transmitted infections among men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the rise in sexually-transmitted infections among men.","AnswerText":"Current initiatives include the major TV campaign, launched on 4 June by NHS Health Scotland, to raise awareness of the risks of sexually transmitted infections; the development of a National Sexual Health Strategy, which will encompass measures to tackle the rise in such infections, and Healthy Respect, the national health demonstration project currently running in Lothian, which contains a particular focus on promoting young men's sexual health.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171432,"EventID":"S2O-00179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidance to education authorities on educating children with language and learning difficulties in Picture Exchange Communication System or British Si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides guidance to education authorities on educating children with language and learning difficulties in Picture Exchange Communication System or British Sign Language.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds the Communication Aids for Language and Learning (CALL) Centre and the Scottish Sensory Centre to act as national sources of information, advice and training for parents, teachers and other professionals working with children with language and learning difficulties, or sensory impairment. It does not provide guidance on specific approaches to educating such children.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171433,"EventID":"S2O-00181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the carriage of human organs for transplant by blue-light ambulance service vehicles will be considered a medical emergency and exempt from sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the carriage of human organs for transplant by blue-light ambulance service vehicles will be considered a medical emergency and exempt from speed restrictions.","AnswerText":"The legislation relating to those vehicles subject to exemptions from speed limits is the responsibility of the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171434,"EventID":"S2O-00194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact of employment restrictions on asylum seekers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact of employment restrictions on asylum seekers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Regular tri-partite meetings are held with the Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, to discuss the implications of asylum and immigration policy for Scotland. A wide range of issues are discussed at these meetings.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171435,"EventID":"S2O-00197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic planning is taking place on co-ordinating public transport access to hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategic planning is taking place on co-ordinating public transport access to hospitals.","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for the National Health Service, along with local authorities and local public transport operators. The Scottish Executive expects NHS boards and local authorities in Scotland to take account of national frameworks on green transport, planning considerations etc in deciding on the site of hospitals and planning public transport access to them.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171436,"EventID":"S2O-00198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take, or direct be taken, to ensure equity of access to DEXA scanning throughout all NHS board areas, in light of the publication of Scottish Intercol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take, or direct be taken, to ensure equity of access to DEXA scanning throughout all NHS board areas, in light of the publication of Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 71, Management of osteoporosis.","AnswerText":"SIGN guideline 71 makes clear that NHS trusts are responsible for implementing such guidelines as part of their general clinical governance responsibilities. It also makes clear that SIGN guidelines are not intended to serve as standards of medical care. It is therefore for NHS bodies to assess how to apply the components of the guideline, including those relating to DEXA scanning services, to meet the needs of patients in the areas they serve. All NHS board areas in Scotland currently provide access to DEXA scanning either in local hospitals or through referral to other board areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171437,"EventID":"S2O-00201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2390,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to set up a national hospital beds inquiry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to set up a national hospital beds inquiry.","AnswerText":"We will continue to keep the provision of services under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171438,"EventID":"S2O-00213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases not proceeded with by procurators fiscal in 2002-03 were in respect of (a) non-endorsable road traffic offences, (b) road traffic offences endorsable and s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases not proceeded with by procurators fiscal in 2002-03 were in respect of (a) non-endorsable road traffic offences, (b) road traffic offences endorsable and subject to disqualification under \"totting up\", (c) disqualifiable motoring offences, (d) offences against property, (e) offences against the person and (f) offences involving the misuse of drugs.","AnswerText":"The information sought can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Current Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service information systems are designed to support core operations of the department and track the progress of cases and it is not possible to extract the information sought from these systems.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171439,"EventID":"S2O-00220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Fife NHS Board about the future of Stratheden Hospital, Cupar.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Fife NHS Board about the future of Stratheden Hospital, Cupar.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no recent discussions with Fife NHS Board on the future of Stratheden Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171440,"EventID":"S2O-00225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact the Scottish Community Renewable Initiative has had with the local community in the Gairloch area about the proposed Shieldaig hydroelectric generation schem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact the Scottish Community Renewable Initiative has had with the local community in the Gairloch area about the proposed Shieldaig hydroelectric generation scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Community Renewable Initiative advises on community and householder renewable installations, and has no locus in relation to proposed commercial ventures such as Shieldaig.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171441,"EventID":"S2O-00226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the publication of the Scottish European Pollutant Register by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the publication of the Scottish European Pollutant Register by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerText":"The industrial sites included in the pollution emissions register recently published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are already tightly regulated by SEPA. All sites are regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and the requirements of that regime mean that installations will have demonstrated, or will need to demonstrate, that they are using the best available techniques to prevent or minimise pollution. The Scottish Executive will encourage SEPA to develop the pollution emission register as quickly as practicable and in particular to improve the online search facilities and expand the scope of the information included. Improving public access to environmental information will highlight the progress of measures being taken to reduce industrial pollution in Scotland. The answer given to question S1W-33969 on 13 February 2003 sets out how SEPA plans to develop its online register. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171442,"EventID":"S2O-00236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to widen access to higher education. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to widen access to higher education. ","AnswerText":"The Executive's A Framework for Higher Education in Scotland makes clear our commitment to widening access to higher education in Scotland, as part of our broader commitment to promoting lifelong learning. In 2003-04 the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is allocating over £11 million for a variety of initiatives designed to widen access and £2 million to support the development of links between further and higher education and encourage articulation between the sectors. This is alongside reforms to student support made during the last Parliament, and our plans to roll-out Educational Maintenance Allowances nationwide, to encourage young people from low income backgrounds to stay in education.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171443,"EventID":"S2O-00239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Strategic Rail Authority and ScotRail about the future of rural railways. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Strategic Rail Authority and ScotRail about the future of rural railways. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with both the Strategic Rail Authority and ScotRail on a wide range of issues, including the future of rural railways.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171444,"EventID":"S2O-00241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being allocated to the Scottish Infection Standards and Strategy Group. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being allocated to the Scottish Infection Standards and Strategy Group. ","AnswerText":"NHS Quality Improvement Scotland develops Standards for NHSScotland and is funded accordingly. The Scottish Infection Standards and Strategy Group (SISS) is a professional group which we have funded for one specific task - clinical guidance on the diagnosis and management of E.coli 0157.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171445,"EventID":"S2O-00254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the quality and availability of information for patients diagnosed with diabetes. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve the quality and availability of information for patients diagnosed with diabetes. ","AnswerText":"Patient information is recognised in the Scottish Diabetes Framework as an essential part of diabetes care. The objective is for all people with diabetes and their carers to have access to information which is relevant, consistent and appropriate to their needs. High-quality patient information does exist, although it is recognised that at present it is not universally available. Action plans covering both patient information and patient education are currently being developed by the Patient Focus Implementation Group, a sub-group of the Scottish Diabetes Group (the national group responsible for monitoring and implementing the Scottish Diabetes Framework).","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171446,"EventID":"S2O-00255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the implementation of the pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the implementation of the pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. ","AnswerText":"The Pet Travel Scheme (Scotland) Order 2003 was made by the Scottish ministers on 31 March and came into force in Scotland on 8 April 2003. Superfast Ferries the company which operates the route indicated to my officials in April that they planned to put any work on PETS on hold for at least six months to concentrate on developing other parts of their business.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171447,"EventID":"S2O-00258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precise steps it is taking as central authority under the Hague Convention in Scotland to support the Scottish mother and her attorney in the United States of Americ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precise steps it is taking as central authority under the Hague Convention in Scotland to support the Scottish mother and her attorney in the United States of America in the child abduction case Fawcett v McRoberts, and what further action is planned.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers transmitted to the United States the application for the child's return to Scotland; supplied the necessary factual information and documentary evidence to support it; provided relevant information about Scots law in connection with the question whether Ms Fawcett had "rights of custody" under the Hague Convention, and liased with the US Central Authority, Ms Fawcett's Attorney and her Scottish solicitors concerning progress with the case. The Scottish ministers have performed all the functions of a requesting Central Authority under the convention, and will continue to do so in connection with any future proceedings in the USA. Provision of legal aid in foreign court proceedings does not form part of the obligations of a requesting Central Authority under the convention. The US authorities have a responsibility to ensure that left-behind parents are properly represented there, as Ms Fawcett has been so far.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171448,"EventID":"S2O-00260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether cost efficiency has been achieved in the expenditure plans of non-departmental government bodies such as Scottish Water and, if not, what economies will be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether cost efficiency has been achieved in the expenditure plans of non-departmental government bodies such as Scottish Water and, if not, what economies will be made.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water is the only public corporation in Scotland. I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-164 on 9 June 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. All non-departmental public bodies are required to ensure that resources are used economically, efficiently and effectively.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171449,"EventID":"S2O-00264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in implementing its alcohol strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in implementing its alcohol strategy.","AnswerText":"Good progress is being made in delivering the Plan for Action on alcohol problems. Key Executive action to date includes additional funding for local Alcohol Action Teams, development of a national alcohol information resource, publication of an alcohol problems support and treatment services framework and appointment of national alcohol liaison officer to support the work of local teams. We are currently analysing local alcohol action plans and reviewing the national alcohol communications strategy to ensure that it covers all key target groups. A full review of progress in delivering the plan will be carried out by the end of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171450,"EventID":"S2O-00272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service will provide assistance to facilitate an early return to work for prison staff injured in accidents at work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service will provide assistance to facilitate an early return to work for prison staff injured in accidents at work.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Prison Service offer a range of support services to enable any employee who is absent due to ill-health to return to work as quickly as possible. This is supported by medical advice supplied by the Occupational Health Advisors to the Service.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171451,"EventID":"S2O-00274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms are in Scotland's best interests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms are in Scotland's best interests.","AnswerText":"The Agriculture Council reached agreement on reform of the CAP early this morning (26 June). The deal is a very good one for Scotland. It is a major step towards making Scottish agriculture more responsive to the market place and sees an end to bureaucratic regimes. We have achieved the flexibility required to tailor support in the best interests of our farming sector, secured transitional arrangements under modulation and improved the position for our dairy and cereals sector. We will work with stakeholders to implement these radical reforms in order to achieve the best outcome for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171452,"EventID":"S2O-00277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the designation of the Darwin Mounds as a special area of conservation under the EU habitats and birds dir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the designation of the Darwin Mounds as a special area of conservation under the EU habitats and birds directives.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in close discussion with Whitehall colleagues about the potential designation of the Darwin Mounds as a special area of conservation under the EC Habitats Directive. Scottish ministers and the UK Government as a whole are committed to ensuring the conservation obligations contained in the EC Habitats Directive are met, and to protecting those internationally important species and habitats that occur within UK jurisdiction. The UK Government has been drafting legislation that will provide the legal mechanism to designate and protect important conservation areas outwith the territorial sea under the Wild Birds and Habitats Directives. The Scottish Executive has been closely involved in the development of this proposed legislation, in relation to which the UK Government will shortly issue a consultation document.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171453,"EventID":"S2O-00285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the EU working time directive has been implemented for all NHS workers and whether its operation is being monitored","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the EU working time directive has been implemented for all NHS workers and whether its operation is being monitored","AnswerText":"All NHSScotland employers are required to comply with the Working Time Regulations, and are required to hold documentary evidence to confirm compliance. Doctors in training are currently excluded from the European Working Time Directive but will be included from August 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171454,"EventID":"S2O-00296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations have taken place with Her Majesty's Government on its position on the need for progressive and substantial reductions in discharges of radioactive sub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations have taken place with Her Majesty's Government on its position on the need for progressive and substantial reductions in discharges of radioactive substances in the north-east Atlantic being considered at the Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic on 23 to 26 June 2003. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government on a number of issues, including issues relating to the Oslo and Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Northeast Atlantic (OSPAR). The UK strategy for radioactive discharges 2001-02 was published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the devolved administrations in July 2002. That strategy describes how the UK will comply with its agreed commitments to the OSPAR strategy for radioactive substances.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171455,"EventID":"S2O-00304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage tourism.","AnswerText":"Tourism is one of Scotland's biggest business sectors bringing in over £4 billion to the Scottish economy and employing nearly 200,000 people. The key public bodies supporting tourism, including VisitScotland, the enterprise networks, local authorities, Historic Scotland and the European Union invest over £80 million per year into Scottish tourism. We are continuing to take new action to increase the number of tourists visiting Scotland. The Interim Route Development fund of £6.8 million is already showing signs of being a great success with a number of new routes direct to Scotland from Europe up and running. VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise have been central to deciding on what routes will be best for Scotland focussing on bringing in leisure and business tourists. VisitScotland has been quick to react to this opportunity and is putting more emphasis than ever before on business tourism with over £1.7 million being allocated this year to this area alone. We will continue to invest in tourism to achieve our key strategic aims. We will continue to build a strong and successful brand for Scottish tourism; we will drive for better quality and value and we will have a local structure for tourism delivery that is right for Scotland now and for the future. We are also working with the enterprise networks, Careers Scotland and others to give tourism a higher career choice profile, and to improve skills and training performance in the sector by encouraging businesses to invest more in their people. Tourism is everyone's business, and we all have a duty to encourage it, and to make Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171456,"EventID":"S2O-00307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it will give that elective surgery in Fife will continue to be available at any time in the year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it will give that elective surgery in Fife will continue to be available at any time in the year.","AnswerText":"I understand that NHS Fife will not proceed with any reduction in elective surgical activity this year. Planned admissions for elective surgical are booked as normal.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171457,"EventID":"S2O-00308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to limit exam appeals of school pupils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to limit exam appeals of school pupils.","AnswerText":"The appeals system for national qualifications is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). However, I have been given assurances that the SQA has not introduced a cap or quota on the number of appeals that can be submitted.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171458,"EventID":"S2O-00314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures it plans to introduce to combat the fear of crime and what best practices it recommends are followed by local agencies in tackling this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures it plans to introduce to combat the fear of crime and what best practices it recommends are followed by local agencies in tackling this issue.","AnswerText":"A Partnership for a Better Scotland: Partnership Agreement sets out our commitments to tackle crime and the fear of crime to support stronger, safer communities. We have encouraged all 32 local authorities to establish Community Safety Partnerships to identify and address local community safety priorities, including the fear of crime. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171459,"EventID":"S2O-00323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding any possible ban on cod fishing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission regarding any possible ban on cod fishing.","AnswerText":"There is no proposal for a ban on cod fishing. However, the Commission has presented a revised proposal for cod recovery that envisages reduced fishing activity.This more general question of cod recovery was discussed in general terms at the Council of Ministers on 22 July, and will now be discussed in detail in the Council working group, which reconvenes on 11 September. The Executive participates in these Council working groups, which afford on-going opportunities for informal discussion with officials from the Commission and other member states. In addition, we participate in more formal bilateral discussions with the Commission and other member states. Executive officials most recently participated in formal meetings with Commission officials on 24 June and 17 July. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171460,"EventID":"S2O-00325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Water and what topics were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Water and what topics were discussed.","AnswerText":"I have regular meetings with representatives of Scottish Water and last met them on Tuesday this week. We discuss a range of topical issues at these meetings.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171461,"EventID":"S2O-00327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact of increased water charges on small businesses in the south of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact of increased water charges on small businesses in the south of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made such an assessment. However, the Water Industry Commissioner provided an economic assessment for Scotland as a whole in the Strategic Charges Review, following which ministers set the revenue cap forScottish Water and decided that charges should be harmonised across Scotland andreflect the costs of provision of water and sewerage services. Under the WaterIndustry (Scotland) Act 2002, it is then for Scottish Water and the WaterIndustry Commissioner to decide the level of individual charges for particulargroups of customers within the framework set by ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171462,"EventID":"S2O-00332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Water and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Scottish Water and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2O-325 today. All answers to parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171463,"EventID":"S2O-00335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure that the electricity grid between the mainland and the northern and western isles is being","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure that the electricity grid between the mainland and the northern and western isles is being strengthened and extended, given the social and economic implications of not doing so.","AnswerText":"We workedwith the DTI in the preparation of a report that was published earlier thisyear and which assessed the work required to upgrade the transmission systemgenerally to accept increasing amounts of renewables generation. The Executiveis also participating in a group that is being led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to considerthe transmission issues arising from potential renewables developments in thenorthern and western isles.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171464,"EventID":"S2O-00347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that the opening night of the Scottish National Theatre will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that the opening night of the Scottish National Theatre will be.","AnswerText":"We want avibrant theatre sector in Scotland.That’s why we have focussed on strengthening regional theatres in the previousyear. We are committed to supporting a National Theatre and the Executive willtake this forward in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171465,"EventID":"S2O-00348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage catering departments of public bodies and local authorities to source locally-produced food.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage catering departments of public bodies and local authorities to source locally-produced food.","AnswerText":"European law on public procurement prohibits discrimination between suppliers on grounds of nationality or locality. However, those involved in purchasing foodstuffs should always take full account of factors such as quality, freshness and, where relevant, sustainable development in their purchasing decisions. We arecurrently considering further options available to us which would help promotequality and healthy eating in food procurement.The procurement section of the Scottish Public Finance Manual emphasises that purchasing decisions should be based on value for money, not lowest price. The Executive has also published guidance for purchasers (Public Procurement and Sustainable Development available on the Executive’s procurement website at www.scotland.gov.uk/procurement)which emphasises the need to integrate relevant sustainable development factors in purchasing decisions. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171466,"EventID":"S2O-00349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to support the European Union's “In town without my car!” initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to support the European Union's “In town without my car!” initiative.","AnswerText":"We hosted a workshop in March this year to provide local authorities with results and case studies from UK events in 2002 as well as advice onplanning for In town without my car! day 2003. I also wrote to council leaders in June encouraging them to participate.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171467,"EventID":"S2O-00350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2126,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that Scotland's social, environmental and local economic interests are represented and protected at the 5th World Trade Organi'ation (WTO) ministerial ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that Scotland's social, environmental and local economic interests are represented and protected at the 5th World Trade Organi'ation (WTO) ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico, from 10 to 14 September 2003.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is reserved and as such the Department of Trade and Industry take the lead on this matter. The Scottish Executive remains inclose contact with Whitehall colleagues on matters of international trade, including WTO negotiations, and how they may impact on the Executive’s responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171468,"EventID":"S2O-00354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage an upturn in bus passenger journeys.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage an upturn in bus passenger journeys.","AnswerText":"A range of Executive funded initiatives is in place to encourage more people to travel by bus. These initiatives include:bus service operators grant; free local off-peak bus travel for people aged 60 and over and those with disabilities; provision for supported services; expenditure through the Public Transport Fund on bus improvement and bus priority measures, and expenditure through the Rural Public Passenger Transporton rural public transport services. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171469,"EventID":"S2O-00358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what areas within its responsibilities concerning the children of asylum seekers it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government following the case of the Ay c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what areas within its responsibilities concerning the children of asylum seekers it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government following the case of the Ay children.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made no representations to Her Majesty’s Government following the case of the Ay children.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171470,"EventID":"S2O-00359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the visit of the Flemish Community Commission including the representative of Vlaams Blok.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the visit of the Flemish Community Commission including the representative of Vlaams Blok.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171471,"EventID":"S2O-00364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into the review by HM Treasury of the housing market as part of its economic assessment of membership of the single currency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into the review by HM Treasury of the housing market as part of its economic assessment of membership of the single currency.","AnswerText":"A Government decision to recommend UK entry into EMU isa reserved matter, and therefore a matter for the UK Government. The Governmentwill only recommend UK membership of EMU if it is in the national economic interest.The Secretary of State for Transport and Scotland represents Scottish interestsin the UK Government.OtherGovernment Departments were involved in aspects of the preliminary and technicalwork (encompassed in the EMU studies). But the assessment itself is a Treasury assessmentproduced for the Government, and the work was undertaken by the Treasury. The Executive is in contact withboth review teams and will contribute as necessary to their deliberations. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171472,"EventID":"S2O-00377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the social housing stock in the Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the social housing stock in the Borders.","AnswerText":"In the current year we haveincreased the Communities Scotland development programme in the ScottishBorders by 39% to £3.9 million, which will fund 69 new or improved affordablehomes. Communities Scotland is also working closely with Scottish BordersCouncil in support of its strategic housing role.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171473,"EventID":"S2O-00379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the action local authorities are taking to meet their recycling targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the action local authorities are taking to meet their recycling targets.","AnswerText":"Statisticson waste recycled by local authorities are collected by the ScottishEnvironment Protection Agency. The Executive is monitoring local authorityaction on meeting recycling targets through our assessment of bids under theStrategic Waste Fund. Under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, local authoritieswill be under a duty to prepare Integrated Waste Management Plans, which willbe assessed and approved by the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171474,"EventID":"S2O-00381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on pre-school modern language learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on pre-school modern language learning.","AnswerText":"Currentpolicy is that all students are entitled to experience learning a modern languageno later than primary 6. There are already some Scottish projects involvingchildren as early as primary 1 in learning modern languages through partialimmersion techniques.In thepre-school setting, the Scottish Executive’s CurriculumFramework for Children aged three to fiveprovides guidance to early years practitioners which recognisesthat the pre-school years are an ideal stage to enrich children’s languageexperiences by exposing them to different languages. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171475,"EventID":"S2O-00382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle odour emissions from waste water treatment works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle odour emissions from waste water treatment works.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive isclosely monitoring the implications of a 23 May 2003decision of the High Court (in England) on the applicability to waste water treatment worksof the nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. In the event of the watercompany being granted leave to appeal against this decision, and the House ofLords then upholding its appeal, the Scottish Executive would then considerwhether to consult on legislative change. The Scottish Executive alsointends to consult on a voluntary Code of Practice that will provideadvice and guidance to local authorities, the water industry and the publicregarding the successful resolution of odour and other nuisance problems fromwaste water treatment works. The draft voluntary Code of Practice is due to befinalised and issued for public consultation towards the end of the year. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171476,"EventID":"S2O-00383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the provision of dental services in the Dumfries and Galloway area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the provision of dental services in the Dumfries and Galloway area.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the NHS board or Primary Care NHS Trust to assess the overall provision ofdental services in its area. However, the Scottish Executive recognises that there areincreasing problems with access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway. Forthis reason, Dumfries and Galloway is one of the designated areas of Scotlandwhich benefit from enhanced incentives from the recruitment and retentionpackages introduced by the Executive.Access to NHS dentistry andthe conditions under which dentists work is being kept under constant review. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171477,"EventID":"S2O-00385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale is in place for consultation on, and implementation of, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale is in place for consultation on, and implementation of, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be undertaking a full and opendebate with all stakeholders on the various flexibilities set out in the CAPReform agreement of June 2003. A formal consultation will be launched inOctober and will last for a period of three months. This consultation will lookat how the different flexibilities available in the agreement can be used inScotland to achieve the vision set out in A Forward Strategy for ScottishAgriculture. Other elements of the consultation involve a nationalstakeholder group, regional stakeholder meetings and a conference. Decisions onthe various options will be taken once the consultation process is completeearly in 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171478,"EventID":"S2O-00386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the implications for the health of children in the Dungavel immigration removal centre if they ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the implications for the health of children in the Dungavel immigration removal centre if they do not have access to proper meals.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive has no plans to make any representations on this issue as theoperation and management of Dungavel, including the welfare of children, is theresponsibility of the Home Office.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171479,"EventID":"S2O-00390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to address the funding implications for higher education in Scotland of higher student tuition frees in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are to address the funding implications for higher education in Scotland of higher student tuition frees in England.","AnswerText":"Changes tothe fee regime for higher education in England are not planned until 2005-06, subject to parliamentary approval. Wehave initiated a third phase of our review of higher education in order toconsider the possible impacts on Scottish higher education of any new fundingsystem introduced in England. We are working closely with arange of interested organisations to gather and analyse relevant data. Thethird phase of the review is due to report early in 2004. The funding of highereducation will then be considered in the usual way in the forthcoming spendingreview.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171480,"EventID":"S2O-00391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number of serious and fatal road accidents on the A90 in Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number of serious and fatal road accidents on the A90 in Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"Each year the Scottish Executive analyses accidents across the trunk road network, which includes theA90, in order to identify and bring forward an annual programme of targetedroad safety improvements. A recent safety review of the route between Dundee and Aberdeen identified safety measures at the CharlestownInterchange, Bridge of Muchalls and Muchalls Bends, which will be progressed thisfinancial year. Three other locations on the A90 in Aberdeenshire, including atLaurencekirk, are currently being investigated by BEAR Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171481,"EventID":"S2O-00395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the administration of Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the administration of Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"Since its creation 17 monthsago, Scottish Water has made steady progress in merging systems and operationsinherited from the former three water authorities and I am satisfied with itsadministration. There is, however, no room for complacency and rates of progress on overalllevels of customer service, operating efficiency, and investment and assetmanagement will be assessed annually by the Water Industry Commissioner.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171482,"EventID":"S2O-00396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the possibility of testing all primary school children for dyslexia as part of its commitment to promoting equality and inclusion in education","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the possibility of testing all primary school children for dyslexia as part of its commitment to promoting equality and inclusion in education.","AnswerText":"Educationauthorities should have procedures in place to identify and provide for pupilswith dyslexia, and other support needs. A number of tools may be used to thisend, including routine monitoring and assessment of class work by classroomstaff.In supportof this, in 2003-04 the Scottish Executive has provided£8.4 million for the training and development of staff working with pupils withadditional support needs. In addition, Dyslexia Scotwest and the ScottishDyslexia Trust have been awarded over £180,000 from the Special EducatiuonalNeeds Innovation Grants Programme 2002-04 in support of two dyslexia-specificprojects. Furthermore, over £20 million of inclusion programme funding has beenprovided by the Executive to local authorities to support pupils withadditional support needs. Proposalscontained in the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill aim to strengthen further theduties on education authorities to identify and address the needs of pupils whorequire additional support, including those with dyslexia. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171483,"EventID":"S2O-00398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport, given the Executive's responsibility for road safety, regarding the training sheriffs receive in the app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport, given the Executive's responsibility for road safety, regarding the training sheriffs receive in the application of road traffic law on careless driving offences that have caused death or serious injury and, in particular, section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not madeany representations to the Department for Transport on this matter. Trainingfor sheriffs is a matter for the independent Judicial Studies Committee.Sheriffs do receive refresher training on matters such as sentencing practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171484,"EventID":"S2O-00400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still plans to reduce road traffic to 2001 levels by 2021.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still plans to reduce road traffic to 2001 levels by 2021.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive policy remains to strive tostabilise road traffic at 2001 levels by 2021, through investing in anintegrated package of measures - modernising and improving public transport,promoting alternative modes of transport to the private car and targetedmotorway and trunk road improvements","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171485,"EventID":"S2O-00402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2126,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Her Majesty's Government and the European Union to protect the water industry in the light of the current negotiations on liberalisat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Her Majesty's Government and the European Union to protect the water industry in the light of the current negotiations on liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).","AnswerText":"Regulationof international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Executive continues to be in regular contactwith DTI and other Government Departments on trade issues, including the GATSnegotiations, to ensure that Scottish interests are fully taken account of. The GATS negotiations do notthreaten the Executive’s right to supply water services as a public sectorservice. Public services are excluded from the scope of GATS and the EC’sinitial offer to the World Trade Organization on 29 April did not contain anycommitments on water services. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171486,"EventID":"S2O-00409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether expenditure by non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) is properly controlled and achieves value for money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether expenditure by non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) is properly controlled and achieves value for money.","AnswerText":"Funding provided by the Scottish Executive to NDPBs is authorised by the Scottish Parliament. NDPBs operate underdefined financial arrangements to ensure accountability and the efficient andeffective use of resources in accordance with the principles of Best Value.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171487,"EventID":"S2O-00411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the consultation process on the interim storage of laid-up submarines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the consultation process on the interim storage of laid-up submarines.","AnswerText":"Subsequent to the Ministryof Defence's announcement on 11 September, the Executive has been in contactwith the UK Government on this matter, and will be actively involved in thisconsultation process in relation to devolved responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171488,"EventID":"S2O-00414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reverse the decline in the number of secondary school pupils taking maths and science-based subjects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reverse the decline in the number of secondary school pupils taking maths and science-based subjects.","AnswerText":"It is for education authoritiesand schools to decide on the course options they provide. There areopportunities within the five to 14 curriculum for all pupils to take maths andscience-based subjects. The availability of national qualifications in mathsand science-based subjects enables students of all abilities to work towardschallenging but achievable qualifications. The number of entries for NationalQualifications in maths has risen since 1999, although there has been a slightdecline in some science-based National Qualification subjects.The Scottish Executive is, however, implementing a range of measures to encourage young peopleto take up school science courses. In line with the Science Strategy, educationauthorities have been allocated an additional £10 million over three years.This new funding will enable teachers to undertake high-quality professionalupdating in science and provide additional equipment and other resources toschools. The Scottish Executive is also undertaking a series of measures to improvenumeracy including issuing to all education authorities and schools NationalStatements on Improving Attainment in Literacy and Numeracy. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171489,"EventID":"S2O-00421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to St. Andrews International Golf Club's decision to apply directly to the Executive for planning approval for the proposed development at Feddinch, S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to St. Andrews International Golf Club's decision to apply directly to the Executive for planning approval for the proposed development at Feddinch, St. Andrews. ","AnswerText":"The planning appeal toScottish ministers from the St Andrews International Golf Club has onlyrecently been received by the Inquiry Reporters Unit and is in the early stagesof the appeal process. At this point, it has not been decided whether theappeal will proceed by public local inquiry or by an exchange of writtensubmissions.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171490,"EventID":"S2O-00422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock offers good value for money based on its performance. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock offers good value for money based on its performance. ","AnswerText":"Yes, it offers excellentvalue for money.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171491,"EventID":"S2O-00423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Office of the Rail Regulator, the Strategic Rail Authority and Network Rail regarding track maintenance and improvements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Office of the Rail Regulator, the Strategic Rail Authority and Network Rail regarding track maintenance and improvements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Office of the Rail Regulator, theStrategic Rail Authority and Network Rail on a wide range of issues includingtrack maintenance and improvements.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171492,"EventID":"S2O-00425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it has made to assist with the resolution of the nursery nurses' industrial action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it has made to assist with the resolution of the nursery nurses' industrial action.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to encourage the local authorities and unions to keeptalking, in order to reach a settlement that is fair for the nursery nurses andfinancially sustainable for the local authorities.Pay and conditions are amatter for employers and this dispute must be resolved between the localauthorities and the trade unions. I am pleased to note that some localdiscussions are taking place and that, in at least one area, a settlement hasalready been agreed. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171493,"EventID":"S2O-00427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet the chairman of HBOS plc. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet the chairman of HBOS plc. ","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers meetregularly with business leaders as part of an on-going programme aimed atlistening to the views of the business community. In particular, ministers havemet with the six largest companies – of which HBOS is one – to discussstrategic issues facing the Scottish economy. The next such meeting isscheduled for early October. I personally met senior representatives from HBOSon two occasions last year.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171494,"EventID":"S2O-00433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient funding is given to Highland Council to maintain the road infrastructure in its area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient funding is given to Highland Council to maintain the road infrastructure in its area. ","AnswerText":"Funding for local roads andbridges forms part of the general Local Government Finance settlement. As partof this, Highland Council will receive above inflation increases in revenuesupport of 8.0% this year, and of 5.1% and 3.6% over the next two years. It isa matter for the council to decide its own spending priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171495,"EventID":"S2O-00437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider allowing alcohol to be sold at Murrayfield Stadium and selected football grounds on a trial basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider allowing alcohol to be sold at Murrayfield Stadium and selected football grounds on a trial basis.","AnswerText":"The NicholsonReport made a number of suggestions in this area and ministers are currentlyconsidering all the aspects of that report.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171496,"EventID":"S2O-00446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the erection of agricultural buildings that are inappropriate for a local area and exempt from planning consent requirements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the erection of agricultural buildings that are inappropriate for a local area and exempt from planning consent requirements.","AnswerText":"Permitted development rights(PDRs) grant planning permission across Scotland for various classes of minor development. Where PDRsapply to the erection of agricultural buildings, there is a restriction on thesize of the building and a prior approval procedure exists. This provides anopportunity for the planning authority to examine the siting, design andexternal appearance of the proposed building and to seek amendments ifnecessary or to refuse to allow a development to go ahead.We are satisfied that thereare sufficient safeguards in place to guard against inappropriate developmentand we have no plans at present to alter the existing arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171497,"EventID":"S2O-00449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what structures it has in place to monitor, review and examine the implementation of the McCrone agreement. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what structures it has in place to monitor, review and examine the implementation of the McCrone agreement. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish NegotiatingCommittee for Teachers (SNCT), a tripartite body with representatives fromlocal authorities, teacher organisations and the Scottish Executive, isresponsible for the implementation of all aspects of the agreement ATeaching Profession for the 21st Century. The SNCT has procedures in placewithin its workplan to ensure full implementation of the agreement by August2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171498,"EventID":"S2O-00453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the funding situation of Scottish universities and the impact on them of tuition fees being charged at English universities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the funding situation of Scottish universities and the impact on them of tuition fees being charged at English universities. ","AnswerText":"Changes to the fee regimefor higher education in England are not planned until 2005-06, subject toparliamentary approval. We have initiated a third phase of our review of highereducation in order to consider the possible impacts on Scottish highereducation of any new funding system introduced in England. We are workingclosely with a range of interested organisations to gather and analyse relevantdata. The third phase of the review is due to report early in 2004. The fundingof higher education will then be considered in the usual way in the forthcomingspending review.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171499,"EventID":"S2O-00458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote activity-based education in schools. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote activity-based education in schools. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has taken a number of steps to promote activity-based education inschools, including the establishment of a PE Review Group, an Active SchoolsWorking Group and the Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit. Funding has alsobeen made available to adapt and develop the School Sports Co-ordinatorProgramme as part of the Active Schools Programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171500,"EventID":"S2O-00467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public expenditure has been incurred and committed in preparation for possible entry into the European common currency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public expenditure has been incurred and committed in preparation for possible entry into the European common currency.","AnswerText":"the Scottish Executive has included and will continue to include euro compatibilityas part of new or upgraded IT systems. This is in line with the Prime Minister’sstatement of February 1999. Euro compatibility can be incorporated into new or upgradedIT systems at nil or marginal cost. The Scottish Executive has also carried out work commissioned by the Treasury under the OutlineNational Changeover Plans. This consisted almost exclusively of staff time, andwas incidental to other duties. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171501,"EventID":"S2O-00473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"As I advised the member in myresponse on 23 July to his question S2W-1160 on 4 August 2003, as minister responsiblefor the water industry in Scotland, I have regular meetings with Scottish Water on a widerange of issues","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171502,"EventID":"S2O-00474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review current procedures and guidelines on public consultations on the establishment of medium-secure care centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review current procedures and guidelines on public consultations on the establishment of medium-secure care centres.","AnswerText":"Draft guidance on consultationand public involvement in service change was issued to the health service in May2002 and will shortly be revised to reflect comments received. The core principlesof the guidance are that the patients and local communities affected by any proposedchange should be informed and included as early as possible in the consultationprocess.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171503,"EventID":"S2O-00477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve road safety.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is addressing road safety through a wide variety of measures which involvevery substantial engineering, enforcement and education initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171504,"EventID":"S2O-00478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve road safety.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is addressing road safety through a wide variety of measures which involvevery substantial engineering, enforcement and education initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171505,"EventID":"S2O-00487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to resource and support alternative sports such as skateboarding and mountain biking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to resource and support alternative sports such as skateboarding and mountain biking.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated tolocal authorities £180 million Quality of Life funding over the three-year periodto 2005-06. This funding will be used to improve the local environment and increaseopportunities for children and young people. A number of local authorities haveidentified projects involving alternative sports which I welcome.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171506,"EventID":"S2O-00489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the City of Edinburgh Council's Education Department and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the City of Edinburgh Council's Education Department and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answergiven to question S2O-344 on 4 September 2003, which is available on the Parliament’swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/sch/search.I have not met with representatives of the City of Edinburgh Council since.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171507,"EventID":"S2O-00491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency concerning the proposed fish farm on the River Tweed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency concerning the proposed fish farm on the River Tweed.","AnswerText":"Officials met with the RiverTweed Commissioners on 22 November 2002 to discuss concerns about containment on local fish farmswhen the proposal for a new salmon smolt hatchery was raised. Representatives ofBorders Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency were present.Since then there has been informalcontact between the Executive and other regulators about the issue, but it is importantto recognise that there is as yet no formal development application. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171508,"EventID":"S2O-00493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is improving adult literacy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is improving adult literacy. ","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Scottish Executive’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland reportin July 2001, we have allocated new funding of £51 million over a five-year periodto 2006 to support 80,000 adults by 2004 and 150,000 by 2006. £40 million of thismoney is routed through Community Learning Strategy Partnerships in local authoritieswhere all providers can access funds to supply a range of learning opportunities.My colleague Margaret Curran and I recently announced £1 million for eight nationalpathfinder projects to support the initiative, and a national awareness raisingcampaign is planned for early 2004 to help attract new learners and raise awarenesswith employers.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171509,"EventID":"S2O-00495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote languages in schools so that the business sector will be better able to compete in a multi-lingual market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote languages in schools so that the business sector will be better able to compete in a multi-lingual market.","AnswerText":"Since 2001 the Scottish Executive has provided education authorities with £10.5 million to support the implementationof the recommendations made in the Action Group on Languages’ report Citizensof a Multilingual World. This report emphasised the importance of languagesin contributing to Scotland’s economic regeneration. The Scottish Executive is also supporting 24 Innovation in Language Learning projects, severalof which focus on languages within the business sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171510,"EventID":"S2O-00498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the restructuring of the National Library of Scotland will involve the abolition of the Board of Trustees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the restructuring of the National Library of Scotland will involve the abolition of the Board of Trustees.","AnswerText":"The Board of Trustees will notbe abolished as part of the restructuring at the National Library of Scotland. Constitutionalissues will be addressed as part of the upcoming Policy and Financial ManagementReview (PFMR) of the National Library, the outcome of which will be reported toParliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171511,"EventID":"S2O-00504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the OECD report on educational performance and on what lessons can be learned from Finland's level of educational performance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the OECD report on educational performance and on what lessons can be learned from Finland's level of educational performance.","AnswerText":"We welcome OECD's Educationat a Glance 2003 publication as an extensive and authoritative source of internationalcomparisons in education. It is important that we are able to compare ourselveswith other countries in this way, and to learn from others where we can.While this report does not givemany specific figures for Scotland, other reports confirm that Scotland faresreasonably well in international comparisons. Finland is particularly successfulin achieving high levels of performance with a relatively narrow gap between highand low attainers. Closing the gap in educational attainment is also a key objectiveof the Executive, and one which is being pursued through the School ImprovementFramework. ","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171512,"EventID":"S2O-00506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in its discussions with the Home Office and South Lanarkshire Council regarding Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in its discussions with the Home Office and South Lanarkshire Council regarding Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre.","AnswerText":"Discussions are continuingwith the Home Office regarding the implementation of the recommendations madein the reports by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons and Her Majesty’sInspectorate of Education on Dungavel.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171513,"EventID":"S2O-00507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current public sector wage levels are adequate. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current public sector wage levels are adequate. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considers that current public sector wage levels are adequate and fair.In practice the vast majority of directly employed public sector workers earn aboveminimum wage levels, with minimum rates in large parts of the sector now above £5an hour.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171514,"EventID":"S2O-00509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government and the Strategic Rail Authority regarding rail infrastructure investment in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government and the Strategic Rail Authority regarding rail infrastructure investment in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact the UK Government and the Strategic Rail Authorityon a wide range of issues, including rail infrastructure.","AnswerDate":"2003-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171515,"EventID":"S2O-00515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future operation of the Airborne Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the future operation of the Airborne Initiative.","AnswerText":"We are currently consideringthe position in the light of a visit by the Social Work Services Inspectorate andan action plan submitted by Airborne.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171516,"EventID":"S2O-00516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to target anti-smoking information and advertising towards teenage girls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to target anti-smoking information and advertising towards teenage girls.","AnswerText":"Whilst there have been a substantialachievement in reducing the smoking prevalence among teenage boys it is disappointingthat there has not been a similar decrease in smoking rates for teenage girls. the Scottish Executive is currently undertaking a detailed review of tobaccocontrol policies with key partners. A tobacco control action plan will be publishedthis autumn which will cover a wide range of measures including communication andprevention activity for this important group during the years of teenage transition.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171517,"EventID":"S2O-00525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve the Borders economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve the Borders economy.","AnswerText":"A wide range of policies arein place to promote and sustain the Borders economy and future economic development.Scottish Enterprise Borders is taking action in line with the direction and prioritiesset out in the Executive’s A Smart, Successful Scotland.The Borders Local Economic Forum allows co-ordinated delivery of local economicdevelopment activities.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171518,"EventID":"S2O-00527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling noise pollution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling noise pollution.","AnswerText":"The Pollution, Prevention andControl (Scotland) Regulations 2000 introduced stringent controls specificallyto regulate noise from relevant industrial installations.In addition, the Scottish Executive is preparing to implement, by July 2004, Council Directive 2002/49/EC onthe assessment and management of environmental noise. The directive requires severalinitiatives to be put in place relating to noise from roads, railways, airportsand industry. These initiatives are to be taken forward progressively and includenoise mapping, provision of information to the public on environmental noise andits effects and, where necessary, the adoption of action plans with a view to preventingand reducing excessive noise. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171519,"EventID":"S2O-00529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is supporting the recruitment and training of voluntary coaches and the development of clubs in all sports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what ways it is supporting the recruitment and training of voluntary coaches and the development of clubs in all sports.","AnswerText":"The Executive attaches greatimportance to the valuable role coaches and clubs make in our efforts to encouragewider participation in sport.Through sportscotlandwe will have invested over £1.9 million in the three-year period to 2003-04 in acoaching network programme. It is essential if we are toachieve our aim of encouraging lifelong participation in sport that a strong clubstructure is in place. We will be aiming to develop closer links between schoolsand local clubs as part of the Active Schools Programme and coaching and club developmentissues will be addressed in that context. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171520,"EventID":"S2O-00534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of the horse racing industry is to the Scottish economy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of the horse racing industry is to the Scottish economy. ","AnswerText":"A scoping study commissionedby Scottish Racing and published in 2002 highlighted that horse racing in Scotlandcontributes 1,700 full-time equivalent jobs and up to £125 million to the Scottisheconomy.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171521,"EventID":"S2O-00537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle anti-social use of cars. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle anti-social use of cars. ","AnswerText":"Anti-social use of cars can takea number of forms ranging from dangerous driving, abandonment and excessive noisethrough to throwing litter from vehicles. The police are responsible for the enforcementof the road traffic law. Local authorities are responsible for dealing with abandonedcars, litter and noise nuisance.The Executive will consider whetherfurther action to tackle anti-social use of cars is necessary in the context ofour comprehensive strategy for tackling anti-social behaviour. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171522,"EventID":"S2O-00545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million support package announced for shore-based fishing businesses has been disbursed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million support package announced for shore-based fishing businesses has been disbursed. ","AnswerText":"The £10 million transitionalsupport package is targeted at the owners of vessels worst affected by EU cod recoverymeasures agreed last December. As of this week, grant payments of just over £2.2million have been paid to vessel owners and a further £2.6 million of grant paymentsare being processed for payment.We have also increased our contributionto local authorities towards the funding of any hardship relief they grant to harboursand other businesses affected by the reduction in white fish catches. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171523,"EventID":"S2O-00549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drugs have been banned and withdrawn from use since April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drugs have been banned and withdrawn from use since April 2002.","AnswerText":"The safety of medicines is areserved matter and is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare productsRegulatory Agency.The agency has advised that preparationscontaining the herbal ingredient Kava kava, except for external use, have been withdrawnfrom the market due to rare but serious liver toxicity. No other medicines havebeen withdrawn for safety reasons since April 2002. In February 2003, Metrodin HighPurity, a product used in IVF treatment, was withdrawn from use in the UK as a precautionarymeasure. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171524,"EventID":"S2O-00550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education will continue to be provided in the long term by the Scottish Agricultural College at the Craibstone complex in light of the strategic review announceme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education will continue to be provided in the long term by the Scottish Agricultural College at the Craibstone complex in light of the strategic review announcement on Tuesday 16 September 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural College’s (SAC) proposals for the delivery of education were described in its NewsRelease dated 16 September. SAC said that it proposes to retain traditional HNC/HNDprovision on a regional basis in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire, subject to market demand.Initially this will be by SAC’s own hand on existing sites, but moving to partnershipdelivery at alternative locations in Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire and other parts ofScotland as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171525,"EventID":"S2O-00551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all individuals affected by a planning proposal should have equal status in the consultation process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all individuals affected by a planning proposal should have equal status in the consultation process.","AnswerText":"Some members of the public benefitfrom statutory requirements for notification of planning applications, either as,for example, neighbours or owners, occupiers or lessees of the land to be developed.However, it is open to anyone to comment to the planning authority on a planningapplication.It is for the planning authorityto give due consideration to representations and objections to planning applicationsbefore reaching a decision. The degree to which representations and objections maybe taken into account will depend on the extent to which they relate to materialplanning considerations. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171526,"EventID":"S2O-00552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have now appointed school travel co-ordinators and how many schools have a Safer Routes to School scheme in operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have now appointed school travel co-ordinators and how many schools have a Safer Routes to School scheme in operation.","AnswerText":"The Executive wrote to localauthorities in February 2003, offering funding for school travel co-ordinators.Every authority took up this offer and has either filled or is in the process offilling the posts. The Executive publishedguidance on how to run Safer Routes to School in 1999. We will be collecting informationon the Safer Routes to School schemes from the school travel co-ordinators in duecourse. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171527,"EventID":"S2O-00556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed crofting reform legislation will include provision to establish new crofts outwith the existing crofting counties. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed crofting reform legislation will include provision to establish new crofts outwith the existing crofting counties. ","AnswerText":"There are currently no plansto include such a provision.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171528,"EventID":"S2O-00559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review into the true cost of care will be completed and published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review into the true cost of care will be completed and published.","AnswerText":"As part of the agreement on carehome fee levels for 2003-04, COSLA and the care home sector have established a workinggroup to consider a mutually acceptable framework for assessing the cost of providingcare in homes for older people in different parts of Scotland from2005‑06. The group is due to report by the end of November.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171529,"EventID":"S2O-00560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by COSLA in conjunction with independent and church care home sectors in their examination of the true cost of care for older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by COSLA in conjunction with independent and church care home sectors in their examination of the true cost of care for older people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answergiven to question S2O-559 today, which is available on the Parliament’s website,the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/sch/search.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171530,"EventID":"S2O-00561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will enable Cube Housing Association Ltd to achieve competitive financial parity with other stock transfer arrangements rather than continue its 10.1% deferred","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will enable Cube Housing Association Ltd to achieve competitive financial parity with other stock transfer arrangements rather than continue its 10.1% deferred interest payments to Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"The financial arrangement referredto is not with Communities Scotland but Scottish Homes. The financial arrangements enteredinto at the time of transfer were part of the overall sale agreement. However, Iunderstand that it is open to Cube Housing Association to explore with ScottishHomes the option of either re-financing the loan with an alternative financial institutionor re-scheduling the loan with Scottish Homes. This will be subject to any contractualobligations or relevant prescribed regulations. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171531,"EventID":"S2O-00566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise planning guidance available to local authorities in relation to wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise planning guidance available to local authorities in relation to wind farms.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guideline6: Renewable Energy Technologies balancesour obligation to tackle climate change with the need to safeguard communities andthe environment. Like all national planning policies this is kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171532,"EventID":"S2O-00567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to use the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health for monitoring terrestrial trunked radio masts throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to use the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health for monitoring terrestrial trunked radio masts throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Radiocommunications Agency,an Executive agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, is undertaking a programmeof measurements of emissions from mobile phone base stations throughout the UK to assesscompliance with relevant exposure guidelines. This programme has recently been extendedto TETRA installations and will include TETRA base stations in Scotland. Thereare no current plans to involve the Scottish Centre for Infection and EnvironmentalHealth in this process.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171533,"EventID":"S2O-00572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable pupils to walk or cycle safely to school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable pupils to walk or cycle safely to school.","AnswerText":"The Executive is enabling morepupils to walk and cycle to school by providing guidance to local authorities andfinancial support, through safer routes to schools and 20 mph zone funding.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171534,"EventID":"S2O-00573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an announcement will be made about relocation of VisitScotland's headquarters from Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an announcement will be made about relocation of VisitScotland's headquarters from Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"An announcement on this matteris planned for December 2003. All of the short-listed options, including the Edinburgh option,will be subject to a detailed option appraisal prior to a decision on this matterbeing reached.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171535,"EventID":"S2O-00575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage young people and the long-term unemployed to enter retraining opportunities as a means of combating the skills shortage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage young people and the long-term unemployed to enter retraining opportunities as a means of combating the skills shortage.","AnswerText":"CareersScotland provides a range of impartial information, advice and guidance on employmentand training opportunities to help people of all ages enter and re-enter the labourmarket. Advice reflects the labour market information provided on skills shortagesby Future Skills Scotland.The UK Government’s Welfare toWork programmes offer help to unemployed people to move into or return to sustainedemployment. These include New Deal for Young People, New Deal for the Long TermUnemployed and New Deal 50 plus. In addition, the Training forWork programme provides a wide range of retraining opportunities designed to helplong-term unemployed people secure work. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171536,"EventID":"S2O-00582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address fuel costs in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address fuel costs in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive acknowledges thatthe high-cost of petrol and diesel fuel in rural areas is of considerable concernto many people. Fuel duty and how it is levied is a matter for the UK Government.However, since 1999 the Executive has provided more than £32 million through itsRural Transport Fund to improve travel options for people in rural areas on projectssuch as new bus services and modernising petrol stations.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171537,"EventID":"S2O-00583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve transport infrastructure in Midlothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve transport infrastructure in Midlothian.","AnswerText":"We are working in partnershipwith Midlothian Council on a number of important transport projects. The Scottish Executive has provided financial support for the Edinburgh to Penicuik Multi-ModalStudy which is expected to report later this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171538,"EventID":"S2O-00584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding reports before the results of the field-scale evaluations are known of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding reports before the results of the field-scale evaluations are known of the department's possible approval for commercial GM crops.","AnswerText":"Ministersand officials are in regular discussions with Defra on a range of issues.Despite media reports, I reiteratethe Executive’s position that no decisions will be taken on the possible commercialisationof GM crops, until we have had the opportunity to evaluate the outcomes of the GMdialogue and the farm-scale evaluations. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171539,"EventID":"S2O-00592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met staff representatives from the Scottish Agricultural College's (SAC) Craibstone Campus and what issues were discussed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met staff representatives from the Scottish Agricultural College's (SAC) Craibstone Campus and what issues were discussed. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not met staff representatives from SAC’s Craibstone Campus.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171540,"EventID":"S2O-00595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is planned to combat drug-assisted rape. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is planned to combat drug-assisted rape. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering this issue as a matter of priority under its Know the Score campaign, and will be producing materials which highlight the risks of drug-assisted rape in the lead up to Christmas. Details will be announced in due course. In addition, information and advice on how to recognise the risks and signs of drug-assisted rape will be included in forthcoming parents’ guides to talking about drugs and alcohol.Following up the guidance issued to police forces in October 2002 by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), ACPOS is presently examining the possible use of forensic sampling kits specifically designed and developed for use in the investigation of drug-assisted assault. Additionally, police forces throughout Scotland are engaged in developing their own local initiatives, aimed at providing advice and guidance to the publicon drug-assisted sexual assault. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171541,"EventID":"S2O-00600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what market analysis has been undertaken of potential opportunities for Scottish business in the 10 accession states to the EU, particularly the three Baltic states and P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what market analysis has been undertaken of potential opportunities for Scottish business in the 10 accession states to the EU, particularly the three Baltic states and Poland, and what trade missions to those countries are planned over the next 12 months. ","AnswerText":"ScottishEnterprise published a context paper in August 2003 entitled Opportunities and Challengesof EU enlargement, which is available at www.scottish-enterprise.com/euenlargement. A wide range of information is also available from anumber of other sources including the Euro Info Centres, Scottish Development International(SDI) and the Business Gateway International TradeThe Scottish Exhibition and Mission programme,produced by SDI, provides information on all the exhibitions and missions organisedby the export support network throughout Scotland. It can be accessed at www.scottish-enterprise.com. At present information is available on events up to theend of March 2004 which include the outward missions listed below to accession states. | Date | Location | Sector | Organiser | | 2-6 November 03 | Poland | New Technologies/ Service and Consumer | Business Gateway International Trade Ayrshire, Forth Valley, Lothian and Renfrewshire | | February 2004 | Slovenia | Multi | Business Gateway International Trade Lanarkshire, Glasgow Exports Ltd | | February/March 2004 | Poland | Environment | Business Gateway International Trade Lothian | ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171542,"EventID":"S2O-00607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated how much the impact of climate change will cost the Scottish economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated how much the impact of climate change will cost the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive has made no estimates of the impact of climate change on the Scottisheconomy. The Executive does, however, work in partnership with the UK Governmentto increase awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities presentedby climate change. Arising from this collaboration, the UK Climate Impacts Programmeis developing a tool to assist businesses and others to assess the costs of adaptationoptions. This tool is expected to be published early next year. Also, the UK Government commissioneda research study in 2000 into the cost of adapting to climate change in key sectorssuch as water resources and flooding. A summary of the study report produced byEnvironmental Resources Management Ltd can be found on the Executive's climate changewebsite at www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechange. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171543,"EventID":"S2O-00609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the effect of toxic chemicals on public health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the effect of toxic chemicals on public health.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive maintains a consistent policy that all risks to the public health shouldbe properly controlled. The diverse range of health risks posed by toxic chemicalsdemands a range of control measures. These include legislation to minimise publicexposure through food, water and environmental sources, support for NHS boards andthe emergency services in responding to incidents involving chemical exposures,and receiving and commissioning advice fromrelevant expert bodies","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171544,"EventID":"S2O-00614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newborn babies are nursed, on average, in intensive care neonatal units each year, how long the average length of stay is in such units and how much it costs pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newborn babies are nursed, on average, in intensive care neonatal units each year, how long the average length of stay is in such units and how much it costs per day to treat a baby in such units. ","AnswerText":"Thefollowing table shows the number of babies discharged from neonatal units in Scotland, theaverage length of stay and the average cost per day to treat a baby in such a unit.Discharges1,Average Length of Stay2 and Expenditure3,4 in SCBU: 1996-97to 2001-02 | Year | Discharges | Average Stay (Days) | Cost Per Occupied Bed (£) | | 1996-97 | 8,752 | 9.5 | 381 | | 1997-98 | 8,345 | 10.2 | 414 | | 1998-99 | 8,186 | 9.7 | 419 | | 1999-2000 | 8,193 | 9.9 | 437 | | 2000-01 | 7,753 | 10.2 | 451 | | 2001-02 | 7,051 | 9.8 | 474 | Source: SMR11 and ScottishHealth Service Costs. Notes: 1. Babies discharged from neonatalunits. 2. Total length of stay dividedby the number of babies discharged from neonatal units. 3. Inflation has not been takeninto account. 4. Costs are net of Income Otherbut include income from the Additional Cost of Teaching (ACT). ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171545,"EventID":"S2O-00616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, and will take, to promote the fishing industry in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, and will take, to promote the fishing industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"TheDecember Council this year promises to be a difficult negotiation. However,given that there are some encouraging signs in relation to cod recovery, myobjective will be to assist fish processors and others by resisting closurewhile pressing on with the cod recovery programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171546,"EventID":"S2O-00622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, and will take, to protect and promote the fishing industry in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking, and will take, to protect and promote the fishing industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"TheDecember Council this year promises to be a difficult negotiation. However,given that there are some encouraging signs in relation to cod recovery, myobjective will be to assist fish processors and others by resisting closurewhile pressing on with the cod recovery programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171547,"EventID":"S2O-00623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the illegal use of lead solder in drinking water pipes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the illegal use of lead solder in drinking water pipes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking action on several fronts to tackle the illegal use of lead solder. These include:working with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation to reiterate that the use of leaded solder on drinking water plumbing is illegal,and to discourage the practice; working with Scottish Water to strengthen their byelaws which enforce the ban on the use of lead solder in all buildings supplied by the public water supply (though stiffer penalties and an improved monitoring regime); asking the ScottishCentre for Infection and Environmental Health to undertake further research toassess the scale of the problem and the impact of measures taken to date; looking at how the new building standards system proposed for 2005 might also encourage proper plumbing practice through the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, and providing information and advice to the public on the safe use of drinking water, for instance the “Be Water Wise” leaflet. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171548,"EventID":"S2O-00626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rates relief is available to non-profit-making sports clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rates relief is available to non-profit-making sports clubs.","AnswerText":"Non-profit-makingsports clubs in Scotland are able to receive 80% mandatoryrate relief if they register as charities with the Inland Revenue. Localauthorities have discretionary powers to top up this relief up to the maximum100%. Sports clubs that do not meet the requirements for mandatory rate reliefare eligible for up to 100% discretionary rate relief from their localauthority; this is fully funded by the Scottish Executive. Sport clubs which occupy premises with a rateable value of£10,000 or less are eligible for between 5% and 50% small business rate relief.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171549,"EventID":"S2O-00629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects to distribute the additional #65 million funding recently announced for tackling anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects to distribute the additional #65 million funding recently announced for tackling anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"We arecurrently considering how the additional funding will be allocated to ensurethat it supports the Executive strategy to tackle anti-social behaviourstrategy as effectively as possible. An announcement will be made in the comingmonths.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171550,"EventID":"S2O-00631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will accrue to patients from the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract and the Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits will accrue to patients from the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract and the Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Over90% of patients’ contact with the NHS begins and ends in primary care. Aneffective and efficient primary care service is essential for the health needsof the people of Scotland. The new GMS contract will help to improve the rangeand quality of services available to patients through a number of measures.Resources will increase by33% over three years. That means an extra £142 million being invested in primarycare. GPs will have extra money to offer a range of enhanced services whichshould mean that patients will find it easier to access more services nearertheir home, instead of being required to travel to the local hospital fortreatment. With the introduction of aquality and outcomes framework, practices will be encouraged and incentivisedto provide a first class service. High achievement against the qualitystandards will bring high financial rewards to practices and improved standardsof care to patients. Patients will also have theopportunity to express their views about the services provided by the practiceas part of this quality framework, creating further incentives for improvementsin patient care. A patient service guarantee ensuresthat patients will continue to be offered at least the range of services theycurrently receive under the existing contract. Health boards will be under aduty to ensure that the full range of primary medical services is available forpeople in its area. So if a practice wants to opt out of a service, the boardwill have to ensure that patients still have access to that type of treatment. The practice based contractwill help develop the multi-disciplinary approach that we are already seeing inparts of Scotland. GPs, nurses, pharmacists, health visitors and arange of allied health professionals will pool their skills to provide betterservices in their local communities. Finally, the new Scottishallocation funding formula has been specifically designed to ensure a fairerresource allocation based on the needs of patients. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171551,"EventID":"S2O-00632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to reports of illegal quarrying taking place in Scotland as a consequence of the introduction of the aggregates tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to reports of illegal quarrying taking place in Scotland as a consequence of the introduction of the aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"Aggregatestax is a reserved matter and falls under the responsibility of HM Treasury. Iam content that planning and environmental controls are adequate for quarrying.These include a range of enforcement powers available to planning authoritiesif extractions are taking place without the benefit of planning permission. Ifmaterials are being sold commercially without payment of the aggregates tax,then this is a matter for HM Customs and Excise.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171552,"EventID":"S2O-00637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of affordable housing across the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the availability of affordable housing across the Highlands.","AnswerText":"Since 1998-99 we have doubled to £19.28 million the spendthat Communities Scotland provides in the Highlands and Islands for the provision of affordablehousing.Inaddition, I was particularly pleased to be able to announce at the Conventionof the Highlands and Islands in Stornoway on 7 October that a further £10 million wouldbe directed to affordable housing opportunities in rural Scotland over the two years 2004-05 and2005-06. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171553,"EventID":"S2O-00638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with regard to national testing and league tables.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with regard to national testing and league tables.","AnswerText":"We are currently consulting on proposed changes to thesystem of national testing for pupils aged between 5 and 14, including replacingexisting national test materials with a web-based national assessment bank and replacingthe current 5-14 survey with a more rigorous system for monitoring achievementat a national level – the Scottish Survey of Achievement.For theposition on the separate issue of league tables, I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-3475 lodged by Rhona Brankin and answered on 24 October 2003. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171554,"EventID":"S2O-00644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to implement Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council on the energy performance of buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to implement Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council on the energy performance of buildings.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive is working with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and theDepartment for Environment Food and Rural Affairs on the implementation of theDirective, and is represented on an Office of the Deputy Prime Ministerimplementation group.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171555,"EventID":"S2O-00648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the financial security of construction firms engaged in PFI/PPP contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the financial security of construction firms engaged in PFI/PPP contracts.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive recommendedguidance for PPP projects states that any public sector client undertaking aPPP project should complete comprehensive reviews of potential bidders. Thiswill be carried out by advisers appointed by the public sector client, and willinclude information on bidders’ financial security. Similar reviews will alsobe carried out in projects that are procured conventionally.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171556,"EventID":"S2O-00654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take forward the suggestion of closed areas for conserving cod stocks in the North Sea, proposed by Scottish fishermen, to the EU Fisheries Council in Dec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take forward the suggestion of closed areas for conserving cod stocks in the North Sea, proposed by Scottish fishermen, to the EU Fisheries Council in December 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will consider all reasonablearguments for securing cod recovery, especially those that have been developedwith or by fishermen themselves. We will aim to promote a balanced package of effectiveand equitable measures. Its precise content will depend on the progress ofprior negotiations in Council working groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171557,"EventID":"S2O-00656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what infrastructure it will have in place by 2005 to manage the increase in re-use and recycling of electrical and electronic goods that the Waste Electronic and Electric","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what infrastructure it will have in place by 2005 to manage the increase in re-use and recycling of electrical and electronic goods that the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Directive will bring about.","AnswerText":"he Scottish Executive has no plans to put suchinfrastructure in place itself. The intent of the Directive is to ensure thatmanufacturers and importers of electronic and electrical equipment areresponsible for securing the re-use and recycling of substantial proportions ofwaste equipment, and for the safe disposal of the residual. Throughconsultation exercises, and in discussions with the industry in co-operationwith SEPA and with UK authorities, we are encouragingbusinesses to prepare for these regulations.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171558,"EventID":"S2O-00657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that there are no negative impacts of sea lice originating from fish farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that there are no negative impacts of sea lice originating from fish farms.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171559,"EventID":"S2O-00661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to help families living in overcrowded conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to help families living in overcrowded conditions.","AnswerText":"Tacklingovercrowding by rehousing families where this is necessary should be a priorityfor the allocation policies of all social landlords. To increase the amount ofaffordable housing available generally, the Executive is providing £237 millionthrough Communities Scotland in 2003-04 to help build or improve some 6,000 homes.","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171560,"EventID":"S2O-00665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-690, S2W-1162 and S2W-1163 by Mr Tom McCabe on 27 June and 16 July 2003, why small oxygen cylinders are not currently available o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-690, S2W-1162 and S2W-1163 by Mr Tom McCabe on 27 June and 16 July 2003, why small oxygen cylinders are not currently available on GP prescription.","AnswerText":"As Iannounced on 6 October 2003, GP prescribingof portable oxygen will be introduced in April 2004. The timing of its introduction is designedto ensure that an effective means of supply and distribution will be in placeto meet the needs of all patients in Scotland who can benefit.In themeantime, a study is to be undertaken to consider the possible benefit topatients of alternative methods of supply and distribution of portable oxygen.Additionally, consideration is to be given to the possible benefits of makingconservation devices available on the NHS in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2003-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171561,"EventID":"S2O-00669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continues to support the feasibility studies into the AberdeenCrossrail project, which are led by Aberdeenshire Council in partnership withAberdeen City Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171562,"EventID":"S2O-00672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to enable people with learning disabilities to influence the development and implementation of policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to enable people with learning disabilities to influence the development and implementation of policy.","AnswerText":"People withlearning disabilities are directly involved in the development andimplementation of policy at local and national level. Half of the board membersof the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability are people with learningdisabilities or family carers. The same as you? National Implementation Group hasfour people with learning disability as members. Our users and carers referencegroup that helped shape learning disability policy in Scotland continues to meet to advise onimplementation. A third of the members are people with learning disabilities.People withlearning disabilities are involved in the recruitment of local areaco-ordinators and in the work of NHS Education for Scotland in training for nurses. The MentalWelfare Commission has also recently advertised for a person with a learningdisability to be employed as a part-time commissioner. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171563,"EventID":"S2O-00674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":43,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its renewable energy targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards meeting its renewable energy targets.","AnswerText":"We haveestablished the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland as a joint public and privatesector initiative to help ensure that Scotland both meets its renewables targets and achieves the maximum economicbenefits from the development of our renewable energy industry. One of itsfirst priorities has been to commission an action plan for the development ofmarine energy, which I expect to make an increasingly important contribution tomeeting our targets.We haveannounced that we will contribute towards the development of a demonstrationproject for a deepwater offshore wind farm. That technology, if provedsuccessful, also has the potential to contribute greatly to meeting ourtargets. We also contributed £2.125 million towards the capital cost of the marineenergy test centre in the waters off Orkney. Scottish ministershave consented approximately 300MW of renewable energy projects this year andwe are currently considering applications for around 1800MW of furtherdevelopment. In addition, local authorities are considering a number of projectsof under 50MW installed capacity. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171564,"EventID":"S2O-00682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with Scotland's economic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with Scotland's economic growth.","AnswerText":"It is amatter of great concern that economic growth in Scotland has consistently lagged the overall UK average over a number of years. This is why the Executive is committed to growing the economy by creating the conditions thatwill enable our sustainable growth to be maximised. Our medium- and long-termstrategy for economic development, A Framework for Economic Development inScotland, sets out the overarching framework and it is in this context thatthe Executive has allocated £538 million this year to the enterprise networksto progress the Smart Successful Scotland Enterprise Strategy. That is also whytransport spending is projected to rise to £1.6 billion in 2005-06 and why weare rolling out a whole host of initiatives, such as our enterprise in educationprogramme, that will contribute to improving our productivity, and thereby ourgrowth, both now and in the medium and longer term.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171565,"EventID":"S2O-00683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage more businesses in the leisure industry to sign up to the voluntary charter that prohibits smoking in public places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage more businesses in the leisure industry to sign up to the voluntary charter that prohibits smoking in public places.","AnswerText":"the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places is an industryinitiative to drive improvements in non-smoking facilities in the licensed,tourism and hospitality sector. As such, it continues to be actively promotedto their membership by the four main industry bodies supporting it - the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Tourism Forum, Scottish Beer andPub Association and British Hospitality Association.Theimportance the Scottish Executive places uponthe drive towards smoke-free places is underscored by the partnership agreement commitment toconsult on action to achieve considerably more smoke-free restaurants and pubsand on further measures to enforce restrictions on smoking inpublic transport. Moreover, following a review of nationaltobacco control policy more generally, we will shortly be publishing a newaction plan to build on achievements made to date. This will reflect our desireto engage in a widespread public dialogue on possible future approaches to reducethe impact of second-hand smoke. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171566,"EventID":"S2O-00700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications for state schools in Edinburgh are of 25% of secondary school pupils in Edinburgh attending private fee-paying schools subsidised by taxpayers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications for state schools in Edinburgh are of 25% of secondary school pupils in Edinburgh attending private fee-paying schools subsidised by taxpayers.","AnswerText":"The local authority,supported by funding from the Scottish Executive, provides sufficient schoolsto meet local demand for state education, regardless of the number of pupilsattending private schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171567,"EventID":"S2O-00703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is achieving its targets in the recruitment of social workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is achieving its targets in the recruitment of social workers.","AnswerText":"There are more social workers in Scotland now than atany time in the past and 25% more graduates entering the workforce this yearthan last. Demand for social workers remains high and a range of recentinitiatives on training and workforce development will take time to come tofruition.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171568,"EventID":"S2O-00705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that everyone in the Highlands and Islands has access to NHS dental services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that everyone in the Highlands and Islands has access to NHS dental services.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive recognises that there are increasing problems with access to NHSdental services in the Highlands and Islands and other parts of Scotland and hasin place a number of measures aimed at improving access. Enhanced measures, e.g.allowances for vocational trainees and newly qualified dentists enteringsubstantive general dental practice, are targeted at eight designated areas,including Highland and the Islands.We willcontinue to keep the need for incentives which attract and retain students andpracticing dentists within the National Health Service under constant review. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171569,"EventID":"S2O-00706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve transport links across the River Forth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to improve transport links across the River Forth.","AnswerText":"We areworking with stakeholders to identify ways to improve transportlinks, including direct contributions to initiatives such as the expansion of the ferrytoll park and ride facility and the improvement of rail servicesacross the Forth.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171570,"EventID":"S2O-00715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to protect the fish farming industry from illegal activities of non-EU salmon producers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to protect the fish farming industry from illegal activities of non-EU salmon producers.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive continues to engage with the Scottish aquaculture industry, DTI andthe European Commission in determining appropriate measures to bring stabilityto the European salmon market and reduce the risk of a reoccurrence of dumping.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171571,"EventID":"S2O-00717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations or reports it has received from the staff and management of the Hannah Research Institute or any other individual or organisation with regard to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations or reports it has received from the staff and management of the Hannah Research Institute or any other individual or organisation with regard to the effects of any funding shortfall of the institute.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received representations fromProspect trade union, and from members of staff at the Hannah ResearchInstitute both directly and through their MSPs.Managementat the Hannah have submitted redundancy proposals to the Executive in responseto a need to reduce staff costs to bring the institute’s expenditure into linewith its income. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171572,"EventID":"S2O-00718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government with regard to taking appropriate action to deal with the international trade in counterfeit whisky, as highligh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government with regard to taking appropriate action to deal with the international trade in counterfeit whisky, as highlighted in the BBC documentary \"On the trail of the whisky bandits\" on 4 November 2003.","AnswerText":"The regulation ofinternational trade is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Executive maintains close contact with Whitehall officials on trade issues including those affectingthe whisky industry in Scotland.Counterfeitingis a major issue for the sector and the Department of Trade and Industry, theindustry and the European Commission regularly discuss and formulate strategiesto deal with the cases in various international markets. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171573,"EventID":"S2O-00724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last communicated with Dumfries and Galloway Council regarding its public private partnership proposals for rebuilding and refurbishing its school estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last communicated with Dumfries and Galloway Council regarding its public private partnership proposals for rebuilding and refurbishing its school estate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive made the council a conditionaloffer of revenue support on 31 March 2003for a public private partnership schools project. Scottish Executive and council officials have sincebeen in regular communication in connection with the council’s developingproposals.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171574,"EventID":"S2O-00725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on whether there should continue to be a source for the supply of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuel in Inverness for vehicles converted to run on that fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on whether there should continue to be a source for the supply of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuel in Inverness for vehicles converted to run on that fuel.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive promotes the use of LPG through itsfunding of the Energy Saving Trust’s PowerShift and associated autogas andvehicle conversion programmes, and its rural petrol stations grant scheme. Thesupply of LPG fuel is, however, a commercial matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171575,"EventID":"S2O-00730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide revenue funding for locally-based CCTV projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide revenue funding for locally-based CCTV projects.","AnswerText":"The community safety partnership award programme makes £4 million per annum available tolocal authority-led community safety partnerships to assist them in identifyingand addressing local community safety priorities, which can include capital andrevenue costs of CCTV.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171576,"EventID":"S2O-00742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of whether a British Olympic football team would affect the status of Scotland's international football side and the Scottish Football Associa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of whether a British Olympic football team would affect the status of Scotland's international football side and the Scottish Football Association (SFA).","AnswerText":"This is amatter for the Scottish Football Association but we would not wish to see thecurrent status of the SFA or any Scottish places in European and world footballcompetitions jeopardised.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171577,"EventID":"S2O-00744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how discussions with the European Commission are progressing with regard to the tendering of Caledonian MacBrayne routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how discussions with the European Commission are progressing with regard to the tendering of Caledonian MacBrayne routes.","AnswerText":"The consequences of the Altmark judgement are far from clear. The European Court of Justice’sdecision deals with the interaction between the treaty and the relevant stateaid regulations for bus services. We have made initial contact with theEuropean Commission and intend to make a more detailed submission after we haveexamined the full implications.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171578,"EventID":"S2O-00746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist probationer teachers placed at schools many miles from their homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist probationer teachers placed at schools many miles from their homes.","AnswerText":"The TeacherInduction Scheme guarantees a one-year training post with a Scottish localauthority to every eligible probationer teacher. Although no guarantee isgiven, in the two years the scheme has run, all eligible students have beenoffered a place within one of their five preference authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171579,"EventID":"S2O-00747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it marked Armistice Day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it marked Armistice Day.","AnswerText":"As he didlast year, the First Minister launched Scotland’s poppy appeal, and took part in the Royal British Legion RemembranceSunday parade and service at St Giles Cathedral. He laid a wreath to rememberthose men and women of Scotland who gave their lives.On 11November I attended the Armistice Day service of remembrance at St George’sMemorial Church in Ypres and then took part in the ceremonials at the Yprestown war memorial and at the Menin Gate which is dedicated to the allied fallenwith no identified graves. I laid wreaths on behalf of the people of Scotland. I also visited the SeaforthHighlanders cemetery near Ypres to pay myrespects to those buried there and to lay a wreath. In keepingwith tradition, the two minute silence was observed in Scottish Executive buildings at 11 am on Armistice Day, 11 November. In addition, flags wereflown on Scottish Executive buildings on Remembrance Sunday. Each year Scottish Executive staff are encouraged to contribute to the poppy appeal and to wear apoppy as a mark of respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171580,"EventID":"S2O-00749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the implementation of the European Commission Waste Incineration Directive will have on the use of small waste oil burners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the implementation of the European Commission Waste Incineration Directive will have on the use of small waste oil burners.","AnswerText":"The impact theWaste Incineration (Scotland) Regulations 2003, which transposethe Waste Incineration Directive, will have on small waste oil burners (SWOBs) dependson individual circumstances. A SWOB will only be affected if it is deemed to bea technical unit for the purposes of the regulations. If an existing SWOB fallswithin the scope of the regulations, it will require to comply with the regulationsby 28 December 2005. If the SWOB is a new installation,it will have to comply before being put into operation. Operators of SWOBs thatfail to meet the requirements of the regulations will be unable to operate theseunits after 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171581,"EventID":"S2O-00757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures are available on the level of prosecutions for driving under the influence of drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures are available on the level of prosecutions for driving under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"Therelevant sections of the Road Traffic Act are section 4(1) (driving whilst unfit through drink ordrugs) and section 4(2) (being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst unfitthrough drink or drugs). In 2002-03, Procurators Fiscal received reportscontaining a total of 1,204 charges under section 4 (1) or (2) of the RoadTraffic Act 1988. One thousand, one hundred and two charges were marked toproceed. It is not possible to extract information about the breakdown ofdrink/drugs offences within that figure.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171596,"EventID":"S2O-00820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce the final decision on the planning application for the site of the former Ravenscraig Steelworks in Motherwell.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce the final decision on the planning application for the site of the former Ravenscraig Steelworks in Motherwell.","AnswerText":"AnAlteration to the Glasgowand the Clyde Valley Structure Plan, which sets the strategic planning policycontext for retail development within a new town centre at Ravenscraig, wasapproved by the Scottish ministers on 24 November.The Scottishministers advised North Lanarkshire Council, on 26 November, that they werefree to deal with the planning application for redevelopment of the formerRavenscraig Steelworks as they saw fit. It is now for North Lanarkshire Councilto decide whether to grant planning permission. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171597,"EventID":"S2O-00824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that Care Commission reports are readily accessible to the public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that Care Commission reports are readily accessible to the public.","AnswerText":"Yes.Providers of regulated services are expected to make inspection reportsavailable, and they can also be obtained from the Care Commission on request.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171598,"EventID":"S2O-00825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a national strategy for the delivery of services to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a national strategy for the delivery of services to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s preferred approach to the management of chronic conditions is the development of managed clinical or care networks. We are funding thedevelopment of a Managed Care Network in Forth Valley for people with MS, and hope to seesimilar networks developed across Scotland. The Executive also supports the risk sharing scheme, which makesdisease-modifying drugs such as beta interferon available to MS patientsassessed as suitable for treatment.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171599,"EventID":"S2O-00826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the creation of non-commercial rest areas on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the creation of non-commercial rest areas on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive is aware of the proposals for further rest areas on the A9 between Perth and Inverness to improve road safety. Consideration will be given to suchprovision (commercial and non-commercial) once the review of National PlanningPolicy Guideline (NPPG9) on the provision of roadside facilities on motorwaysand other trunk roads in Scotland has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171600,"EventID":"S2O-00830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last visited schools in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last visited schools in Fife.","AnswerText":"Euan Robsonvisited Madras College in St Andrew’s and Anstruther primary school on Tuesday11 November where he saw, respectively, the challenges in successfullyoperating a split site High School and the provision of a new state of the artprimary school delivered by the Executive’s public private partnershipinitiative.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171601,"EventID":"S2O-00838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to have Gypsy/Travellers recognised as an ethnic group in Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to have Gypsy/Travellers recognised as an ethnic group in Scots law.","AnswerText":"Racerelations legislation is a reserved matter. Any change would have to be made byWestminster legislation.The Scottish Executive acknowledges the cultural identity of Gypsies/Travellers in Scotland andacknowledges them as a distinct group. This is reflected in a number of the Scottish Executive’s published documents including its Race Equality Scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171602,"EventID":"S2O-00839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide Scottish universities with additional funding to avoid a possible “brain drain” due to the introduction of top up fees in English un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide Scottish universities with additional funding to avoid a possible “brain drain” due to the introduction of top up fees in English universities.","AnswerText":"We haveinitiated a third phase of our review of higher education in order to considerthe possible impacts on Scottish higher education of any new funding systemintroduced in England, and the funding of higher education will then beconsidered in the usual way in next year’s spending review.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171603,"EventID":"S2O-00840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timetable has been set for the removal of Crown immunity from the planning system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timetable has been set for the removal of Crown immunity from the planning system.","AnswerText":"That will depend on the progress of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, which contains the relevant legislative provisions and is currently before theWestminster Parliament. If Royal Assent is forthcoming next year, then we willhave to consult on and make subordinate legislation in order to implement thepolicy.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171604,"EventID":"S2O-00846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision is likely to be taken on the proposed relocation of NHS Health Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision is likely to be taken on the proposed relocation of NHS Health Scotland.","AnswerText":"A decisionis likely to be taken in January 2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171605,"EventID":"S2O-00851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enhance sports education for young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enhance sports education for young people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has established a PE Review Groupto review the widerperspective of PE in the school curriculum and to consider how schools can besupported to provide a quality PE educational experience. Its report is dueearly in the new year.We are alsoinvesting £24 million over three years (2003-04 to 2005-06) to develop andenhance the active primary schools programme and school sports development officersas part of the wider active schools programme. This investment will create moreopportunities for our young people to become more active more often in avariety of settings both within and outwith the school curriculum. ","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171606,"EventID":"S2O-00861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the funding for the M74 northern extension is being obtained from the private sector and under what criteria that money will be provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the funding for the M74 northern extension is being obtained from the private sector and under what criteria that money will be provided.","AnswerText":"Funding of the M74 will predominantly come from the Scottish Executive and its local council partners. Contributions from otherpublic and private sector sources, will be sought where appropriate, but haveyet to be agreed.","AnswerDate":"2003-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171607,"EventID":"S2O-00864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the effectiveness of the Red Hook Community Justice Center in New York and the potential for the application of a similar scheme in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made of the effectiveness of the Red Hook Community Justice Center in New York and the potential for the application of a similar scheme in Scotland.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive is aware of Red Hook project and we are currently considering whetherit would bring added benefits to what we are already doing in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171608,"EventID":"S2O-00868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools will need to have new classrooms built to meet its target to reduce class si'es in English and maths in S1 and S2 to a maximum of 20.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools will need to have new classrooms built to meet its target to reduce class si'es in English and maths in S1 and S2 to a maximum of 20.","AnswerText":"Any needfor additional classrooms in particular schools, consequent on our commitmentto increase teacher numbers to 53,000 by 2007, will be influenced by issuessuch as local school occupancy levels, future pupil numbers and effectivenessof timetabling. It is for education authorities to consider these issues in thefirst instance.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171609,"EventID":"S2O-00873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the new strategy for the provision of mental health services for the Lothian area to be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the new strategy for the provision of mental health services for the Lothian area to be announced.","AnswerText":"Lothian NHSBoard is aiming to achieve agreement on the overall strategic direction and keyprinciples for reshaping the mental health services, by the end of January2004. A full public consultation, from May to September 2004, will follow.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171610,"EventID":"S2O-00875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant and what the average waiting time is for such an operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant and what the average waiting time is for such an operation.","AnswerText":"There are466 people on the active waiting list for an organ transplant at Scottish units,435 of them waiting for a kidney transplant. The national UK median waiting time for a kidney is 700 days, for a heart132 days and for a liver 70 days. The main factor affecting these waiting timesis the availability of suitable donor organs.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171611,"EventID":"S2O-00877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist in the improvement of golfing skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist in the improvement of golfing skills.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive is investing in the Clubgolf initiative which was launched earlierthis year by the First Minister and ColinMontgomerie at Gleneagles.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171612,"EventID":"S2O-00880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will next meet representatives of NHS Forth Valley and what issues will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will next meet representatives of NHS Forth Valley and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"I have noimmediate plans to do so. Regular discussions take place, however, between the Scottish Executive and representatives of NHS boards,on a variety of issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171613,"EventID":"S2O-00881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a register of those convicted of domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a register of those convicted of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"We have noplans to introduce such a register. Any proposals for a register of this kindwould be subject to consultation before a final decision was taken.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171614,"EventID":"S2O-00888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address any difficulties faced by the Highland education service regarding the recruitment of qualified secondary teachers for posts in remote areas such as K","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address any difficulties faced by the Highland education service regarding the recruitment of qualified secondary teachers for posts in remote areas such as Kinlochbervie.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive puts considerable effort into ensuring that the right number ofteachers are trained, but is not involved in recruiting teachers. Recruitmentis a matter for local authorities.HighlandCouncil, working in partnership with Aberdeen University, is addressing its primary teacherrecruitment problem by supporting students on a part-time, postgraduate certificateof education course which is being delivered on a distance learning basis. Itis open to the council to make similar arrangements for secondary teachers withone of the seven universities that offer courses of initial teacher education. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171615,"EventID":"S2O-00891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support carers.","AnswerText":"Carers play a vital role inproviding services for those they care for. They receive support from varioussources, including local authorities, the NHS, and voluntary bodies. the Executive is providing £21 million this year to local authorities for thebenefit of carers as well as £250,000 to voluntary bodies providing informationand support for them.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171616,"EventID":"S2O-00897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in determining the extent of illegal fishing outside European Union quotas and regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in determining the extent of illegal fishing outside European Union quotas and regulations.","AnswerText":"The ScottishFisheries Protection Agency devotes significant resources to the monitoring,control and enforcement of fisheries related legislation. However, illegalactivity, by its very nature is clandestine and, therefore, difficult toquantify. Nonetheless, variations in the patterns of suspected illegal landingsare gauged from intelligence received by the agency through the regularmonitoring of the movements and landing arrangements of fishing vessels and thereaction of fishermen when their vessels and catches are the subject ofinspection.The agency’sresources are utilised with the objective of deterring and detecting suchillegal activity. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171617,"EventID":"S2O-00899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2126,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the conclusion by the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission in its report GM Crops? Coexistence and Liability that GM crops cannot ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the conclusion by the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission in its report GM Crops? Coexistence and Liability that GM crops cannot be grown commercially without contaminating conventional and organic crops.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the Agriculture andEnvironment Biotechnology Commission report on coexistence and liability andwill consider the recommendations very carefully before responding in duecourse.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171618,"EventID":"S2O-00900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water about the current level of water stocks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water about the current level of water stocks.","AnswerText":"Myofficials are in regular contact with the relevant people in Scottish Water andthey have been keeping ministers informed about the up to date situation.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171619,"EventID":"S2O-00905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be provided to Dundee Football Club to help minimise job losses during the period of administration and restructuring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be provided to Dundee Football Club to help minimise job losses during the period of administration and restructuring.","AnswerText":"Any joblosses are regrettable but Dundee Football Club is now in administration anddecisions on the future of the Club are a matter for the administrators. the Executive has no direct locus and Dundee Football Club have not soughtExecutive assistance.Strongpartnerships already exist between local enterprise companies, localauthorities, Jobcentre Plus and Careers Scotland. These partners haveconsiderable experience in responding to redundancy situations and can offeradvice, support and guidance on the range of retraining, upskilling andemployment opportunities. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171620,"EventID":"S2O-00910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has for assisting football clubs that find themselves in financial difficulties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has for assisting football clubs that find themselves in financial difficulties.","AnswerText":"The running of football clubs is a matter for their owners and directors and in some cases their supporters and shareholders. It is for them to manage the club’s resources so that the club can operate on a viable and sustainable basis. It isnot for the Executive to impose this discipline on football clubs.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171621,"EventID":"S2O-00925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent progress has been made in the transfer of the regulatory powers of the Crown Estate Commission in Scotland to the Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent progress has been made in the transfer of the regulatory powers of the Crown Estate Commission in Scotland to the Executive.","AnswerText":"No regulatorypowers are being transferred from the Crown Estate to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171622,"EventID":"S2O-00928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sites designated for their natural heritage are protected from wind farm development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sites designated for their natural heritage are protected from wind farm development.","AnswerText":"NationalPlanning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 14: Natural Heritage provides guidance on the approach tobe adopted in relation to sites designated for their natural heritage. Thisguidance applies to all forms of development, including wind farms. NPPG 6:Renewable Energy Developments sets out the relevant considerationswithin the renewable energy context.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171623,"EventID":"S2O-00930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in meeting its commitment to establish a co-operative development agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in meeting its commitment to establish a co-operative development agency.","AnswerText":"Officials have been meetinginformally with a wide range of key stakeholders to discuss the aims,objectives and structure of a Scottish Co-operative Development Agency. Aconsultation document is currently being prepared and will be issued early in2004.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171624,"EventID":"S2O-00932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statement in The Scotsman on 3 December 2003 by a Scottish Executive spokeswoman that the Borders rail line is among its rail priorities and that “the mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statement in The Scotsman on 3 December 2003 by a Scottish Executive spokeswoman that the Borders rail line is among its rail priorities and that “the money is in place to start these projects going” represents a firm commitment to provide its #110 million contribution required for the line.","AnswerText":"the Scottish Executive has provided over £2 million to support the work undertakento progress the Borders railway project to its current stage. An announcementon the additional funding contribution to support the construction of theBorders railway will follow an assessment of the business case, which has nowbeen submitted to the Executive by the project promoters.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171625,"EventID":"S2O-00935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the cost of the M74 extension has risen from #245 million in 2001 to between #375 and #500 million at present.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the cost of the M74 extension has risen from #245 million in 2001 to between #375 and #500 million at present.","AnswerText":"The presentestimate now takes account of inflation up to the completion of the scheme in2008. It also includes an allowance for dealing with more extensivecontamination along the route and increased land and compensation costs.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171626,"EventID":"S2O-00940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address the lack of a replacement consultant at the Caithness General Hospital maternity unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address the lack of a replacement consultant at the Caithness General Hospital maternity unit.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the provision of maternity servicesin Wick lies with Highland NHS Board.HighlandNHS Board should take account of national guidance on the provision ofmaternity services and involve the local population in decision-taking at anearly stage. The quality and safety of the service provided will be a primeconsideration for the board. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171627,"EventID":"S2O-00947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met trunk road operating companies and local authorities to ensure that pre-emptive action is taken to address severe winter conditions on roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met trunk road operating companies and local authorities to ensure that pre-emptive action is taken to address severe winter conditions on roads.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the trunk road maintenance contracts, theoperating companies (OCs) are required to review and submit winter maintenance plans(WMPs) each year which detail resources and plans for delivering the requiredlevel of service on a route-by-route basis. The contract also requires OCs toconsult with local authorities before submitting the WMPs.the Scottish Executive has discussed the co-ordination of winter maintenanceservices with the local authorities to provide as seamless a service aspossible between trunk and local roads. It is for local authorities to planwinter maintenance on their own roads. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171628,"EventID":"S2O-00952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will cancel poll tax debts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will cancel poll tax debts.","AnswerText":"The treatment of outstanding community charge debts is a matter for local authorities, inline with their statutory obligations, and in consultation with their auditors as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171629,"EventID":"S2O-00953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with East Lothian Council regarding East Lothian public private partnership schools project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with East Lothian Council regarding East Lothian public private partnership schools project.","AnswerText":"Our role inall schools public private partnerships, including East Lothian’s, is toconsider councils’ initial bids for financial support on the basis of outline businesscases submitted, and, subsequently, to offer general advice and guidance asprojects progress.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171630,"EventID":"S2O-00954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the changes in telephone directory enquiry services have affected Scottish businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the changes in telephone directory enquiry services have affected Scottish businesses.","AnswerText":"Telecomsregulation is reserved. It is currently undertaken by Oftel and, from laterthis month, by OFCOM. Oftel introduced the changes to directory enquiryservices and a preliminary report on their effect is available on theregulator’s website. It is too early to assess the impact of these changes onScottish businesses.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171631,"EventID":"S2O-00957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet electricity and other utilities companies to discuss the impact of the level of disconnections in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet electricity and other utilities companies to discuss the impact of the level of disconnections in 2003.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Executive is meetingenergy companies to discuss a range of issues including high electricity pricesfor Scottish customers and disconnections.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171632,"EventID":"S2O-00959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number of fine defaulters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the number of fine defaulters.","AnswerText":"The lawalready allows for offenders to be given time to pay, for payment byinstalments, for deductions from benefits and for civil diligence, as ways ofencouraging payment and enforcing payment of fines.Inaddition, the Executive has made supervised attendance orders (SAOs) availableto courts across Scotland to deal with fine defaulters. Thesedisposals offer a credible alternative to custody for fine defaulters. Two pilotsare under development to explore an extension to the use of SAOs. The firstwill prescribe pilot courts to order an SAO as the appropriate disposal incases of fine default, effectively removing from the court the option ofimposing a custodial sentence. The second will empower certain courts to imposeSAOs as a disposal of first instance (i.e. instead of a fine) where the courtconsiders that the offender is unlikely to be able to pay a fine. The Reviewof Summary Justice has considered fines and their enforcement as part of itswider consideration of the operation of the summary criminal justice system. We havealso asked the Sentencing Commission to examine the basis on which fines aredetermined. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171633,"EventID":"S2O-00963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its responsibilities are in respect of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its responsibilities are in respect of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).","AnswerText":"the Scottish ministers are responsible for the Scottish Prison Service inaccordance with the Prisons (Scotland) Act1989 and the Scotland Act 1998. SPS conducts its operations within a policy andresources framework set out in the SPS Framework Document, the text of which isavailable on the SPS website at www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171634,"EventID":"S2O-00967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures it will now take to end child poverty in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional measures it will now take to end child poverty in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to tackling child poverty and is making progress in doing so.The best route out of poverty is through work. The Executive will continue to invest in policiesthat support employment opportunity for all and increase household income throughprogrammes like education maintenance allowances, which will be rolled outnationally from 2004-05, Modern Apprenticeships and Training for Work. I recentlyannounced the allocations of the £20 million Working for Families Fund, whichwill help those in the most disadvantaged areas by providing affordable,flexible child care to enable parents to enter training or employment. There areother examples of Executive initiatives which help tackle child poverty. Forexample, funding for Sure Start Scotland, which supports vulnerable children and families throughout Scotland, has been significantly increasedand will rise to £50 million in 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171635,"EventID":"S2O-00976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision for children with autism will be made as a result of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision for children with autism will be made as a result of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The proposalsin the bill aim to modernise and strengthen the system for supporting allchildren’s learning needs. Education authorities will have a duty to identifyand address the needs of children and young people who require additionalsupport, including those with autism.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171636,"EventID":"S2O-00980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on multinational companies having access to schools through sponsorship and advertising.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on multinational companies having access to schools through sponsorship and advertising.","AnswerText":"We arecommitted to examining sponsorship and advertising in schools. Our aim is toprovide national guidance within which authorities can make sensible localdecisions about what is appropriate sponsorship and advertising in theirschools.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171637,"EventID":"S2O-00984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving the youth justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving the youth justice system.","AnswerText":"Scotland’s Action Plan on Youth Crime isbeing implemented by the Executive. Action has been taken on all aspects of the10-Point Action Plan on Youth Crime, including increased funding and support toyouth justice teams, National Standards agreed and annual mapping of servicescompleted.I met withcouncil leaders and chief executives on 16 December to agree shared prioritiesfor future progress. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171638,"EventID":"S2O-00987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether there should be a maximum time or distance limit within which people can access consultant-led maternity services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether there should be a maximum time or distance limit within which people can access consultant-led maternity services.","AnswerText":"There arenumerous variables that can affect travel time, such as transport links,population density, weather and rurality. These factors will affect differentparts of Scotland, in different ways, at differenttimes and as such the setting of maximum times and distance is not appropriate.TheExecutive, in line with the recommendations of the Expert Group on AcuteMaternity Services, recognises that it is more important to plan in advancewhere a woman should deliver. This will take into account previous and currentpregnancy, medical history, locally available services, likely outcomes andtransport arrangements, including travel time to a specialist unit. Thisassessment would continue throughout a woman’s labour. Improvedante-natal identification of potential abnormalities in a baby and theeffective use of the risk criteria means that transfers can be planned andemergency transports minimised. ","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171639,"EventID":"S2O-00989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft constitution for Europe in relation to Scotland's fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft constitution for Europe in relation to Scotland's fishing industry.","AnswerText":"The EUwould gain no more power over fisheries if the draft constitution were adoptedas it currently stands.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171640,"EventID":"S2O-00992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote youth football.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote youth football.","AnswerText":"TheExecutive has contributed to the independent review of youth footballdevelopment commissioned by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and iscurrently in discussion with the SFA and sportscotland on how to takeforward the review’s recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171641,"EventID":"S2O-00995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitScotland and the Scottish Borders Tourist Board in respect of boosting tourism in the Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitScotland and the Scottish Borders Tourist Board in respect of boosting tourism in the Borders.","AnswerText":"Boostingtourism in the Borders is a matter for VisitScotland and the Scottish BordersTourist Board. They have developed a range of initiatives aimed at increasingthe volume and value of tourism to the Borders area. There is clear evidencethat tourism in the Borders area has increased as a result of the initiativesand strategies that have been put in place. In 2002 there were 560,000 visitsmade to the area with a value of £91 million; this compares with 440,000 and£49 million respectively in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171642,"EventID":"S2O-01002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to ensure that the crime of male rape is covered by Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to ensure that the crime of male rape is covered by Scots law.","AnswerText":"The conductwhich can be described as “male rape” is already a crime in Scots law. Cases are regularly brought beforethe courts and are charged as indecent assault and sodomy, such chargesemphasising the non-consensual nature of the offence. As with the crime ofcommon law rape of a woman, a case heard in the High Court with a male victimcan attract a term of life imprisonment.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171643,"EventID":"S2O-01004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received with regard to Greater Glasgow NHS Board's maternity services review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received with regard to Greater Glasgow NHS Board's maternity services review.","AnswerText":"The HealthDepartment has received a number of letters about NHS Greater Glasgow’s reviewof maternity services. These have been forwarded to the NHS board so that theviews expressed can be formally recorded and considered under the on-goingpublic consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2003-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171644,"EventID":"S2O-01014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current annual level of GP registrars is adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current annual level of GP registrars is adequate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and NHS Education for Scotland have recently reviewed the numberof GP registrars and have arranged for the numbers to be maintained at 280.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171645,"EventID":"S2O-01018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support and promote Scotland's young artistic talent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support and promote Scotland's young artistic talent.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council is the lead agency charged with maintaining a national overviewof young people’s involvement with the arts. The council continues, inpartnership with arts organisations, local authorities and others, to develop awide range of initiatives that engage with young people. Prominent among suchinitiatives are the links officer scheme, the cultural co-ordinator’s scheme,the youth music initiative and the Dewar awards for talented young artists. Thecouncil’s draft education strategy is currently out for consultation and willinform future support for this sector.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171646,"EventID":"S2O-01022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officialsmeet the management of Caledonian MacBrayne Limited whenever necessary, mostrecently at a meeting on 10 December 2003, when awide range of operational and other issues were discussed.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171647,"EventID":"S2O-01023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the next European Council negotiations on fishing take cognisance of ecological considerations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the next European Council negotiations on fishing take cognisance of ecological considerations.","AnswerText":"One of thestated objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy is to provide sustainableenvironmental conditions; one of its guiding principles is consistence withother Community policies, including environmental policies.To thatend, Article 1 of the Framework Regulation (EC/2371/2002) requires fisheriesmanagement decisions taken by European Council under the Common FisheriesPolicy to provide coherent measures for limiting the environmental impacts offishing. Commissionproposals to regulate fishing activity are prepared by DG Fish and routinelycirculated for inter-service consultation within the Commission itself,including to DG Environment. The proposals must take full account of existingCommunity regulations, including environmental, species or habitat protectionrequirements. Further, the Council is empowered to take emergency measures to restrictfishing activity where there is an immediate or unforeseen threat to theenvironment, as are individual member states. ","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171648,"EventID":"S2O-01025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met its targets in A Partnership for a Better Scotland for guaranteeing treatment for in-patients within nine months of diagnosis by the end of 2003 and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met its targets in A Partnership for a Better Scotland for guaranteeing treatment for in-patients within nine months of diagnosis by the end of 2003 and what progress it is making in reducing this time to six months by the end of 2005.","AnswerText":"Validatedwaiting times figures for 31 December 2003will be published by ISD Scotland on its “NHSScotland Acute Activity, WaitingTimes and Waiting Lists” website on Thursday 26 February 2004.The latestavailable statistics – for 30 September 2003– show that NHSScotland was making very good progress towards meeting ourcommitment that, from 31 December 2003, nopatient with a guarantee will wait more than nine months for in-patient or daycase treatment. On that date, 897 patients had waited more than nine months – areduction of 2,940 (76%) on the position on 30 September 2002. As part of the local health plan process, the National Waiting Times Unit is currently meetingwith NHS boards to agree local targets for 2004-05, which demonstrate goodprogress towards attainment of the national maximum waiting time of six monthsfor in-patient and day case treatment, by 31 December 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171649,"EventID":"S2O-01026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to education authorities on the advantages of introducing “walking buses” schemes in the interests of safety of schoolchildren and what inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to education authorities on the advantages of introducing “walking buses” schemes in the interests of safety of schoolchildren and what information it has on the use of such schemes by individual education authorities.","AnswerText":"The Executive published guidance on how to run safer routes to school in 1999. A “walking bus” scheme led by a council education departmentwas included in the guidance as an illustration of the type of project thatmight be undertaken. Advice on how to set up and run a “walkingbus” is available through a number of websites set up by individual localauthorities. In addition, Sustrans, the sustainabletransport charity provides much guidance through its website on safe routes to schoolschemes including walking buses.It is foreach local authority to decide how best to implement safer routes to schoolinitiatives within its area. The Executive does not monitor individual localschemes centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171650,"EventID":"S2O-01028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":43,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support urban post offices in central Fife and other areas; when any such support might be available, and how it may be obtained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to support urban post offices in central Fife and other areas; when any such support might be available, and how it may be obtained.","AnswerText":"The Executivehas informed all eligible post offices about the £2 million fund to develop postoffices in deprived urban areas and began accepting applications from March2003. Further information on the fund, along with details of the applicationprocess, can be obtained from Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171651,"EventID":"S2O-01041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Highland Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Highland Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"Several ministershave met with Highland Council representatives during the past six months todiscuss a wide range of issues. There have also been a number of meetingsbetween Scottish Executive officialsand officers of the council on various matters.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":171652,"EventID":"S2O-01042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-12-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet trunk road operating companies and local authorities to discuss the action taken to address severe winter conditions on roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet trunk road operating companies and local authorities to discuss the action taken to address severe winter conditions on roads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive held a winter maintenance seminar inJune 2003 at which all local authorities and trunkroad operating companies were invited to discuss winter operations. The trunk roadoperating companies have consulted with local authorities as part of theirannual review and update of their winter maintenance plans.","AnswerDate":"2004-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172846,"EventID":"S2W-00001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to VisitScotland that it should display on the visitscotland.com website online booking system full contact details of those accommod","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to VisitScotland that it should display on the visitscotland.com website online booking system full contact details of those accommodation providers that subscribe to the website, ensuring equal prominence with the contact details of the VisitScotland call centre.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for visitscotland.com.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172847,"EventID":"S2W-00002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to HM Inspector of Fire Services and the Health and Safety Executive in relation to proposals to close 42 fire auxiliary units in the Hig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to HM Inspector of Fire Services and the Health and Safety Executive in relation to proposals to close 42 fire auxiliary units in the Highland Council area","AnswerText":"None - Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services in Scotland provides professional advice to Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172848,"EventID":"S2W-00003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports an inquiry into proposals to close 42 fire auxiliary units in the Highland Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports an inquiry into proposals to close 42 fire auxiliary units in the Highland Council area.","AnswerText":"The programme of fire station upgrading is a matter for the Highland and Islands Fire Board. I understand that at this stage no decision has been made about closure of basic volunteer stations. If, following consideration by the board, such a decision is reached then, as part of the process, there would have to be a public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172849,"EventID":"S2W-00004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers of direction it has in relation to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs); what its policy is on the use of such powers, and how it will ensure that all NDPBs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers of direction it has in relation to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs); what its policy is on the use of such powers, and how it will ensure that all NDPBs operate and make decisions in an accountable and responsive manner.","AnswerText":"Powers of direction vary from body to body. They are usually contained in each body's establishing legislation or other founding framework documentation. Powers may also be contained in legislation relevant to a body's functions or areas of responsibility.NDPBs vary greatly in size and nature of their operations. It is important that the scope and use of powers of direction reflect that variety. The decision to make use of such powers therefore lies with individual ministers, assessing the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. The report Public Bodies: Proposals for Change contained detailed recommendations for improving the Accountability and Governance of NDPBs. It emphasised an approach based on \"multiple accountability\". This makes clear that NDPBs have a duty to continuously improve and strengthen their links to stakeholders, users and customers and the general public, as well as to be accountable to ministers and the Parliament. A copy of the report is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/government/pbreview.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172850,"EventID":"S2W-00005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to confer powers on local authorities to enable them to determine whether the existing 50% council tax discount for holiday homes sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to confer powers on local authorities to enable them to determine whether the existing 50% council tax discount for holiday homes should be removed in whole or in part and in respect of specific types of property; if so, whether it will enable local authorities to retain the additional revenue yielded, and what the cumulative total of revenue forgone in council tax receipts as a result of the 50% discount has been in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"We are giving careful consideration to the responses received to the recent consultation on council tax for second and long-term empty homes. Information on the number of second homes in each local authority is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172851,"EventID":"S2W-00006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend the length of period for which aid will be made available to the fishing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend the length of period for which aid will be made available to the fishing industry.","AnswerText":"Our current priority is to ensure EC State Aid approval to, and implementation of, the existing scheme proposals.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172852,"EventID":"S2W-00007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the fisheries rates relief package.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there have been for the fisheries rates relief package.","AnswerText":"Applications for rates relief are made to local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172853,"EventID":"S2W-00008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept, or propose amendments to, the latest European Commission cod recovery plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept, or propose amendments to, the latest European Commission cod recovery plan.","AnswerText":"We are considering the proposals, which are likely to be subject to substantive discussion and negotiation - and possible amendment - before any decisions are taken in Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172854,"EventID":"S2W-00009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment procedures exist within the enterprise network to minimise any exercise of bad commercial judgement and waste of public money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment procedures exist within the enterprise network to minimise any exercise of bad commercial judgement and waste of public money.","AnswerText":"The Management Statements between the Scottish Executive and the enterprise networks require that risk assessment is incorporated into all project appraisals, that guidance in the Scottish Public Finance Manual is observed and that appraisals follow HM Treasury guidance in Economic Appraisal in Central Government: A Technical Guide for Departments. The Management Statements also require that Scottish Enterprise employ the Gateway process in managing large scale risky projects and that Highlands and Islands Enterprise employ a similar approach. The enterprise networks maintain risk registers as a tool in managing risk. The Executive conducts quarterly review meetings with the enterprise networks on their risk management procedures which consider, among other things, corporate risk registers.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172855,"EventID":"S2W-00010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in allowing prisoners night access to toilet facilities at HM Prison Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in allowing prisoners night access to toilet facilities at HM Prison Peterhead.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS is currently considering whether such access can be safely and cost-effectively provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172856,"EventID":"S2W-00011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regenerate town and village centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to regenerate town and village centres.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with a wide range of public and private sector organisations to make both town and village centres more attractive and accessible, which in turn will enhance their potential for commercial and business development. Funding is available from various sources to assist in this work.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172857,"EventID":"S2W-00012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the basis of valuation of premises for the purposes of the business rate levy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the basis of valuation of premises for the purposes of the business rate levy.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172858,"EventID":"S2W-00013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to small trust harbours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to small trust harbours.","AnswerText":"Piers and harbours grants are available for the provision or development of facilities supporting marine transport in the Highlands and Islands. In practice, the demand for such support means that priority has to be given to projects intended to support lifeline ferry services. Grants are available for emergency work at fishery harbours and marine works. In addition, fishery harbour authorities may also apply for grants under the EU Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) regulation. FIFG offers grant aid for, inter alia, capital investment in port facilities that benefit fishery harbour users. Freight facility grants are also available for the provision of port facilities that are part of a project that takes lorries off Scotland's roads.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172859,"EventID":"S2W-00014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of NHS chiropodists by expanding training places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of NHS chiropodists by expanding training places.","AnswerText":"The allocation of places to specific subject areas is rightly a matter for individual institutions. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and legislation precludes ministers from directing funds to particular institutions or courses. The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is responsible for allocating places to broad subject groups and for taking a strategic overview of provision in key areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172860,"EventID":"S2W-00015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS chiropodists there are in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS chiropodists there are in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested in available on the ISD website, tables F1 and F2. In these tables chiropodists are termed podiatrists. http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172861,"EventID":"S2W-00016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will increase the ability of GPs to commission NHS chiropody services directly and expand demand-led chiropody services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will increase the ability of GPs to commission NHS chiropody services directly and expand demand-led chiropody services.","AnswerText":"The planning and provision of NHS chiropody services is a matter for NHS Boards. GPs are already directly involved in the planning of local NHS services through Local Health Care Co-operatives. This role will be strengthened through the development of Community Health Partnerships as described in Scotland's Health White Paper Partnership for Care.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172862,"EventID":"S2W-00017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Holyrood Progress Group will next report to the Finance Committee on the progress and costs of the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Holyrood Progress Group will next report to the Finance Committee on the progress and costs of the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is required, on a quarterly basis, to provide information to the Parliament's Finance Committee on the progress of the project in respect of inflation and materialisation of risk in order to inform the committee's consideration of the annual Budget Bill. Once a new Finance Committee has been established, a report on progress and cost of the project will be made to the members of that committee. I would anticipate that reports will thereafter be made on a quarterly basis, in line with previous practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172863,"EventID":"S2W-00018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the new Parliament building at Holyrood will be open for use.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the new Parliament building at Holyrood will be open for use.","AnswerText":"Following completion of construction, scheduled for November 2003, and before the building can be occupied, testing and commissioning of all the building's essential systems will require to be completed. Thereafter it will be a matter for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to decide when the building should open, bearing in mind the need to minimise the cost and disruption involved in the migration of staff, services, furniture, and equipment.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172864,"EventID":"S2W-00019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will publish details of progress in letting service contracts for the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will publish details of progress in letting service contracts for the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"In the region of 30 non-construction-related service contracts have been, or are in the process of being let for the new Parliament building. Each is at a different stage in the procurement process, but all contracts required for the running of the building are scheduled to be let prior to the end of December 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172865,"EventID":"S2W-00020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Holyrood Progress Group will terminate its activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Holyrood Progress Group will terminate its activities.","AnswerText":"The Holyrood Progress Group was established by a resolution of the Parliament with a remit to oversee completion of construction of the new building. It is therefore expected that the Holyrood Progress Group will continue to provide advice to the Clerk and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in the management of the project until it is complete.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172866,"EventID":"S2W-00021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from Fife Council regarding a case for a new secondary school to serve north Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from Fife Council regarding a case for a new secondary school to serve north Fife.","AnswerText":"None. It is a matter for Fife Council to decide on the priorities for provision of new schools in their area, within the resources available to them.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172867,"EventID":"S2W-00022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the business case for a new hospital and health centre in St Andrews.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a decision on the business case for a new hospital and health centre in St Andrews.","AnswerText":"Fife Primary Care NHS Trust is currently working on the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the St Andrews Community Hospital and Primary Care Resource Centre. It is anticipated that the OBC will be submitted within the next two months. A response will normally be issued within four weeks of receipt of the OBC.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172868,"EventID":"S2W-00023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will grant further powers to local authorities to enable them to increase the number of 20 mph 'ones outside schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will grant further powers to local authorities to enable them to increase the number of 20 mph 'ones outside schools.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have considerable powers and flexibility with regard to the introduction of 20 mph speed limits at suitable locations, including outside schools. They have power to introduce mandatory 20 mph zones, in which engineering measures are a standard feature to ensure that the zones are self enforcing; mandatory 20 mph speed limits with or without traffic calming measures, and advisory 20 mph speed limits. Local authorities also have power to introduce variable 20 mph speed limits. These can be used at times when children are going to and from school. The Executive is working with the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland on trials of non-standard lower cost signs for variable speed limits. Trials, mainly involving variable 20 mph speed limits, are currently proceeding outside a number of schools in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Glasgow and West Lothian. The Society of Chief Officers of Transportation is evaluating the trials and a report is expected in July. The society will thereafter discuss with the Executive the way forward in the light of the evaluation.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172869,"EventID":"S2W-00024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has carried out into any potential health risks associated with radio masts being supplied by Airwave MM02 Ltd for the new police forces communicat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has carried out into any potential health risks associated with radio masts being supplied by Airwave MM02 Ltd for the new police forces communications service.","AnswerText":"The new police communications system being supplied by Airwave MM02 uses the Terrestrial Trunked Radio standard (TETRA). The issue of possible health effects caused by signals from TETRA base stations was addressed in a report by the National Radiological Protection Board's independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation. The report, entitled Possible Health Effects from Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA): Report of an Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation, was published in 2002. Access to it can be obtained via the NRPB Website: http://www.nrpb.org/publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd12-2.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172870,"EventID":"S2W-00025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase funding to Grampian NHS Board following reductions in funding under the Arbuthnott formula and, if so, when it will do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase funding to Grampian NHS Board following reductions in funding under the Arbuthnott formula and, if so, when it will do so.","AnswerText":"There have been no reductions in funding to Grampian NHS Board due to the Arbuthnott formula. Since the formula was introduced in 2001-02, Grampian NHS Board's unified budget has increased by over 20% and is currently £483.662 million.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172871,"EventID":"S2W-00026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set a target date for the commencement of the building of the Aberdeen peripheral route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set a target date for the commencement of the building of the Aberdeen peripheral route.","AnswerText":"As the then Minister for Transport, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Iain Gray announced on 19 March, the target date for construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to begin is 2007, subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, with a view to the road opening by the end of 2010.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172872,"EventID":"S2W-00027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a safety audit of the A90 junction at Muchalls with a view to providing safer road access for residents wishing to travel north.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a safety audit of the A90 junction at Muchalls with a view to providing safer road access for residents wishing to travel north.","AnswerText":"Each year the Scottish Executive analyses accidents across the trunk road network in order to identify and bring forward an annual programme of targeted road safety improvements. The two junctions in question will be subject to that analysis and further investigations if appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172873,"EventID":"S2W-00028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it will take following the recent deaths on the A90 in south Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it will take following the recent deaths on the A90 in south Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"Each year the Scottish Executive analyses accidents across the trunk road network in order to identify and bring forward an annual programme of targeted road safety improvements. In addition, it receives reports on every fatal accident that occurs on the network. In the case of the recent fatal accidents on the A90 in South Aberdeenshire, it has not been possible to identify any common factors or any circumstances that could be attributed to the road layout.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172874,"EventID":"S2W-00029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will improve safety at the three A90 junctions at Laurencekirk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will improve safety at the three A90 junctions at Laurencekirk.","AnswerText":"A package of measures was recently implemented at the Marykirk section of the Laurencekirk/Marykirk junction. These improvements included the extension of a deceleration lane, anti-skid surfacing and enhancements of the signing and road markings. A CCTV camera is to be erected to observe traffic movements at both sections of the Laurencekirk/Marykirk junction. Road safety will continue to be monitored at these locations to identify whether any additional safety measures are required.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172875,"EventID":"S2W-00030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any meetings it has held with Aberdeenshire Council with regard to the reopening of Laurencekirk Station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any meetings it has held with Aberdeenshire Council with regard to the reopening of Laurencekirk Station.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Aberdeenshire Council on a number of rail issues in the north-east of Scotland, including the proposed reopening of Laurencekirk station.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172876,"EventID":"S2W-00031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the continuing issue of sewage escaping into the River Dee around Banchory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the continuing issue of sewage escaping into the River Dee around Banchory.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) rather than the Scottish Executive. I understand that SEPA is aware of occasional intermittent instances of untreated sewage being discharged into the River Dee. Each reported incident is investigated by SEPA. SEPA will continue to proactively control sewage discharges to the River Dee and react promptly to reported incidents, taking action in accordance with its enforcement policy and available statutory powers.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172877,"EventID":"S2W-00032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties are implied by the requirement placed on the contractor to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as referred to in clause 59.7.1 of the Scottish Sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties are implied by the requirement placed on the contractor to comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as referred to in clause 59.7.1 of the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract.","AnswerText":"Education authorities should comply with the relevant Freedom of Information legislation and best practice on openness, and contractors should be obliged to facilitate that. This is the intention of this clause in the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract (SSSC). The references to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of Practice on Government Information (1997) in the SSSC will be amended shortly to take account of the Freedom of Information legislation that will apply in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172878,"EventID":"S2W-00033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligations education authorities will have under the (a) Code of Practice on Government Information (1997) and (b) Freedom of Information Act 2002 as referred to in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligations education authorities will have under the (a) Code of Practice on Government Information (1997) and (b) Freedom of Information Act 2002 as referred to in clause 59.7.2 of the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-32 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172879,"EventID":"S2W-00034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings it considers necessary as part of judicial co-operation in the European Union.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings it considers necessary as part of judicial co-operation in the European Union.","AnswerText":"The UK Government, on behalf of the UK as a whole, is considering the extent to which action at EU level on this issue is appropriate. The green paper published by the Commission on minimum procedural standards does not contain firm proposals for action but rather identifies certain basic rights and proposes a number of questions about the setting of standards in these areas. At the invitation of the UK Government, we submitted views to it on the issues raised in the green paper and understand that the Government will be making its response to the Commission shortly. It has undertaken to provide details of its response to the European Scrutiny Committee of both Houses of the Westminster Parliament and I will write to the member when these details are available.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172880,"EventID":"S2W-00035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the discussion of minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings at the Council of the European Union's infor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the discussion of minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings at the Council of the European Union's informal meeting on justice and home affairs held on 28 and 29 March 2003.","AnswerText":"A report of the discussion at the informal Justice and Home Affairs Committee meeting, including the discussion of European Commission's green paper on procedural safeguards in criminal proceedings, was given in the answer by the Home Secretary to a written parliamentary question from Mr Simon Hughes MP. The question and answer are contained in Hansard for 15 May at column 434W.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172881,"EventID":"S2W-00036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will make to the European Commission's green paper, Procedural Safeguards for Suspects and Defendants in Criminal Proceedings throughout the European Uni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will make to the European Commission's green paper, Procedural Safeguards for Suspects and Defendants in Criminal Proceedings throughout the European Union.","AnswerText":"I would refer the member to the answer given to S2W-34 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172882,"EventID":"S2W-00037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in the appointment of Europol directors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in the appointment of Europol directors.","AnswerText":"Directors and deputy directors of Europol are appointed by the Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs meeting at the Council of the European Union, where the Home Secretary represents the UK. The UK Government leads in negotiations with EU member states in all areas of justice and home affairs, including Europol. The Scottish Executive maintains regular contact with the Home Office on a wide range of EU justice and home affairs issues to ensure that devolved Scottish interests are appropriately represented in these negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172883,"EventID":"S2W-00038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that all countries of the European Union recognise an order made in Scotland for sei'ure of the proceeds of crime where there is no prec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that all countries of the European Union recognise an order made in Scotland for sei'ure of the proceeds of crime where there is no preceding criminal conviction.","AnswerText":"The civil recovery scheme in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 provides for the making of orders in Scotland in relation to moveable property outside Scotland. An interim administration order may require a person to whose property the order relates to bring that property to Scotland, or to do anything he or she is reasonably required to do by the interim administrator for the preservation of the property. The requirement may be made in relation to moveable property wherever situated. A person who does not comply may be found in contempt of court and liable to a fine or imprisonment or both.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172884,"EventID":"S2W-00039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent annual figures are for successful prosecutions under section 76 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 on selling alcoholic liquor to a drunken person ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent annual figures are for successful prosecutions under section 76 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 on selling alcoholic liquor to a drunken person and the penalties imposed, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"No such prosecutions were brought under section 76 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 on selling alcoholic liquor to a drunken person during the year 2002-03. A total of nine reports of such offences were received from the police by procurators fiscal across the country.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172885,"EventID":"S2W-00040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals regarding its current funding situation and when any such discussions took ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals regarding its current funding situation and when any such discussions took place.","AnswerText":"The society has not sought such discussions with the Executive. An officer of the society telephoned an Executive official on 14 May, offering an opportunity to inform the Executive in more detail about the society's current financial position and the action it is taking in response.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172886,"EventID":"S2W-00041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware of the current funding situation of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and what initial support it has offered to the soc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware of the current funding situation of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and what initial support it has offered to the society.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-40 on 3 June 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172887,"EventID":"S2W-00042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the work of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and what assessment it has carried out of the potential impact of any closur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the work of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and what assessment it has carried out of the potential impact of any closure of the society's animal welfare centres.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not at present provide financial assistance to the society. No such assessment has been carried out.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172888,"EventID":"S2W-00043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop a rescue plan in conjunction with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to prevent any closure of the society's anima","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop a rescue plan in conjunction with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to prevent any closure of the society's animal rescue centres.","AnswerText":"The society has not invited the Executive to become involved in these matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172889,"EventID":"S2W-00044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to address its current financial situation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to address its current financial situation.","AnswerText":"The society has not applied to the Executive for support of any kind.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172890,"EventID":"S2W-00045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA about the impact that any closure of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals animal rescue centres would have on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA about the impact that any closure of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals animal rescue centres would have on local authority services and budgets.","AnswerText":"No such discussions have been held.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172891,"EventID":"S2W-00046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the current levels of water charges are having on the finances of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the current levels of water charges are having on the finances of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172892,"EventID":"S2W-00047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34684 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 March 2003, what conclusions the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has reached with regard to the proc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34684 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 March 2003, what conclusions the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has reached with regard to the procedures for suicide prevention at the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The Director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has told us that, following a comprehensive review of their suicide prevention strategy, apart from minor changes to some documentation the policy should remain unchanged.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172893,"EventID":"S2W-00048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34683 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 March 2003, what changes the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded need to be made to improv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34683 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 March 2003, what changes the director of HM Prison Kilmarnock has concluded need to be made to improve procedures for suicide prevention at the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-47 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172894,"EventID":"S2W-00049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33575 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 March 2003, what information it receives regarding the performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock against th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33575 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 March 2003, what information it receives regarding the performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock against the targets introduced by the Health and Safety Commission in Revitalising Health and Safety.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: None.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172895,"EventID":"S2W-00050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34453 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 March 2003, what the quarterly baseline total, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule F of the Minute ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-34453 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 March 2003, what the quarterly baseline total, as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, was in the last quarter of the performance year 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: Six hundred and sixty-one.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172896,"EventID":"S2W-00051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per uncrowded prisoner place is for (a) the Scottish Prison Service as a whole and (b) each prison and young offenders institution. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost per uncrowded prisoner place is for (a) the Scottish Prison Service as a whole and (b) each prison and young offenders institution. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS calculates the cost per prisoner place whether uncrowded or not, the figures for which are set out in the SPS Annual Reports which are laid before Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172897,"EventID":"S2W-00052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors underlie the difference between the target for HM Prison Service for 2001-02 of #36,323 per uncrowded prisoner place and the target for the Scottish Prison S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors underlie the difference between the target for HM Prison Service for 2001-02 of #36,323 per uncrowded prisoner place and the target for the Scottish Prison Service for 2001-02 of #32,600 per prisoner place.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The SPS have no information of the details of the first figure quoted in the question.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172898,"EventID":"S2W-00053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Prison Service has no target cost per prisoner similar to that of HM Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Prison Service has no target cost per prisoner similar to that of HM Prison Service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service has a cost per prisoner place target rather than a cost per prisoner target. The former has been in place since 1993-94. No need is seen for the latter.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172899,"EventID":"S2W-00054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487, S1W-32018, S1W-33898 and S1W-34139 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 and 18 Febr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-31088, S1W-31487, S1W-32018, S1W-33898 and S1W-34139 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November, 22 November and 10 December 2002 and 18 February and 28 February 2003 respectively, what performance points were accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down for each heading and subsection in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, for the quarter January to March 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information requested is given in the following table. Performance Points - January to March 2003 2.1(a) | Absconds | 0 | 2.1(b) | Temporary Release: Inadequate Risk Assessment | 0 | 2.1(c) | Release of Prisoner in Error | 0 | 2.1(d) | Failure to Provide Accurate Daily Report | 0 | 2.1(e) | Failure to input basic Details into Prisoner Records | 0 | 2.1(f) | Failure to Process Accurate Warrant Details | 0 | 2.1(g) | Discovery within Prison of Smuggled-in-Items | 350 | 2.1(h) | Key/Lock Compromise | 0 | 2.1( i) | Failure of Security Procedures | 150 | 2.2(a) | Serious Injury | 0 | Minor Injury | 20 | No Injury | 55 | 2.2(b) | Serious Injury | 0 | Minor Injury | 20 | No Injury | 70 | 2.2(c) | Incident of Concerted Indiscipline | 120 | 2.2(d) | Incident of Hostage Taking | 0 | 2.2(e) | Incident of Roof Climbing | 0 | 2.2(f) | Incident of Self-Harm | 20 | 2.2(g) | Incident of Class 'A' Drugs | 370 | 2.2(h) | Incident of Drugs Other than Class 'A' | 60 | 2.2(i) | Contingency Planning Exercise (Non-Completion) | 0 | 2.2(j) | Fire Evacuation Exercise (Non-Completion) | 0 | 2.2(k) | Failure to Comply with Agreed Reporting Procedures | 0 | 2.2(l) | Tool/Implement Loss (Recovered) | 4 | | Forty.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172901,"EventID":"S2W-00056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33812 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 February 2003, whether any performance points will accrue directly or indirectly to the operators of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33812 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 February 2003, whether any performance points will accrue directly or indirectly to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock in respect of the fire at the prison reported in the Sunday Mail on 19 January 2003 and what the reasons are for the position on the matter. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: No. Investigations have not identified any breach of discipline or of procedures which would justify application of performance points, as defined in schedule F of the contract.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172902,"EventID":"S2W-00057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33583 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, what the expenditure outturn was for the delegated budget for each prison and young of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33583 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 February 2003, what the expenditure outturn was for the delegated budget for each prison and young offenders institution in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: The information will not be available until the accounts for the year have been audited and published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172903,"EventID":"S2W-00058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it will seek from the Parliament on decisions relating to the forthcoming European legislation to restrict food supplements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it will seek from the Parliament on decisions relating to the forthcoming European legislation to restrict food supplements.","AnswerText":"EC Directive 2002/46/EC, which was adopted into European Law on 30 May 2002, will follow the normal parliamentary process for transposition into Scottish law.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172904,"EventID":"S2W-00059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit volunteers into the Scottish Ambulance Service and what standard of training such volunteers would require to be eligible for recruitment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit volunteers into the Scottish Ambulance Service and what standard of training such volunteers would require to be eligible for recruitment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service is targeting its efforts to recruit volunteers in the remote and rural areas of Scotland where the life saving interventions they can provide will bring the greatest benefit. They will be used to enhance the level of immediate care available until more qualified medical help can arrive. The ambulance service will conduct all necessary training, which is accredited to the Institute of Health Care Development "First on Scene" level.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172905,"EventID":"S2W-00060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention of auxiliary fire stations in the Highlands and Islands and, if so, what support is planned for them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the retention of auxiliary fire stations in the Highlands and Islands and, if so, what support is planned for them.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S2W-2 today and S2W-3 on 20 May 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172906,"EventID":"S2W-00061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitment it has to the future inclusion of voluntary firefighters in the firefighter service in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitment it has to the future inclusion of voluntary firefighters in the firefighter service in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S2W-2 today and S2W-3 on 20 May 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172907,"EventID":"S2W-00062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that GPs and primary care professionals are aware of the possible indicators that a patient may have an autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that GPs and primary care professionals are aware of the possible indicators that a patient may have an autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"Highland NHS Board is piloting a pro-forma for the assessment of suspected autistic spectrum disorder in children, for use by a range of community paediatricians. This is one of a range of initiatives across Scotland that aim to improve assessment and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. A reference group was set up in June 2002, to advise ministers as work progresses on implementation of the Public Health Institute of Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report. The group is focusing on assessment and diagnosis as a priority, and it will take account of a range of research knowledge and good practice before recommending further action to ensure primary care and other professionals are aware of the possible indicators of autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172908,"EventID":"S2W-00063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that potential tourists are given the full details of all tourism providers, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, on the VisitScotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that potential tourists are given the full details of all tourism providers, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, on the VisitScotland website.","AnswerText":"While this is an operational matter for visitscotland.com, I understand that the full contact details of tourism businesses that have subscribed to visitscotland.com are included on its website.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172909,"EventID":"S2W-00064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether appropriate guidelines and procedures are now in place to ensure early identification, assessment, diagnosis and access to early interventions for pre-school and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether appropriate guidelines and procedures are now in place to ensure early identification, assessment, diagnosis and access to early interventions for pre-school and primary school-age children with an autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"Guidance on special educational needs, including autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), is contained in the Manual of Good Practice for all staff and professionals involved with children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), Effective Provision for Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) and Circular 4/96: Children and Young People with SEN - Assessment and Recording and the framework document Moving Forward! Additional Support for Learning. In addition, proposals for changes to the current system for the assessment and recording of children with SEN were published for consultation in the draft Education (Additional Support for Learning) Bill on 17 January 2003. Copies of these documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Since April 1999, the Executive's Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants programme has awarded a total of £12.7 million to voluntary organisations to pilot projects related to special educational needs, including ASD. For example, the National Autistic Society has produced a training pack for local authorities in developing good practice and is reviewing current training provision for ASD to develop a targeted national training framework while the Scottish Society for Autism is providing an ASD education advisory service. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-62 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172910,"EventID":"S2W-00065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing output was in each month of (a) 1996-97 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing output was in each month of (a) 1996-97 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Statistics on manufacturing output are not available on a monthly basis. The following table details the quarterly index of Gross Value Added (GVA) in the manufacturing sector between 1996 and 2002. Statistics on the cash value of manufacturing output are not available on a quarterly basis. The latest available estimate is from the Scottish Production Database and is for 2000. According to this source, gross value added in the manufacturing sector was £11.2 billion and turnover was £41.1 billion. Scottish Manufacturing Gross Value Added at Basic Prices (1995=100) Year | Quarter | Index | 1996 | Q1 | 100.9 | Q2 | 102.1 | Q3 | 103.0 | Q4 | 105.3 | 1997 | Q1 | 105.7 | Q2 | 109.0 | Q3 | 108.6 | Q4 | 111.3 | 1998 | Q1 | 111.9 | Q2 | 110.9 | Q3 | 110.8 | Q4 | 112.1 | 1999 | Q1 | 112.7 | Q2 | 114.0 | Q3 | 115.4 | Q4 | 115.5 | 2000 | Q1 | 116.6 | Q2 | 116.2 | Q3 | 115.4 | Q4 | 114.3 | 2001 | Q1 | 110.5 | Q2 | 109.3 | Q3 | 104.3 | Q4 | 99.3 | 2002 | Q1 | 95.0 | Q2 | 94.3 | Q3 | 92.7 | Q4 | 91.2 |
Note: Index is in constant 1995 prices.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172911,"EventID":"S2W-00066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review as a matter of urgency the support it gives to the Scottish Agricultural College and, in particular, its education programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review as a matter of urgency the support it gives to the Scottish Agricultural College and, in particular, its education programmes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regularly reviews its level of funding of the Scottish Agricultural College for the various publicly funded services it provides. On its education programme, the college's student numbers have fallen significantly in recent years and the Executive has therefore reduced its funding accordingly. The college's current level of education funding per student is substantially higher than that of other education institutions. The future level of funding of the college will be kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172912,"EventID":"S2W-00067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities about any payment of bonuses to local authority chief executives who acted as returning officers in the local authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities about any payment of bonuses to local authority chief executives who acted as returning officers in the local authority and Scottish Parliament elections on 1 May 2003. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not had any discussions with local authorities or received any information about payments of bonuses to returning officers at the local government elections on 1 May 2003. The conduct and funding of parliamentary elections is reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172913,"EventID":"S2W-00068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any bonuses being paid to local authority chief executives who acted as returning officers in the local authority and Scottish Parl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any bonuses being paid to local authority chief executives who acted as returning officers in the local authority and Scottish Parliament elections on 1 May 2003. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-67 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172914,"EventID":"S2W-00070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract will be amended to take account of the Public Private Partnerships in Scotland Protocol and Guidance Concerning Employm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract will be amended to take account of the Public Private Partnerships in Scotland Protocol and Guidance Concerning Employment Issues. ","AnswerText":"An amendment to the Scottish Schools Standard PPP Contract is planned for the summer and will incorporate the relevant obligations on contractors arising from the Scottish Executive/Scottish Trade Union Congress Staffing Protocol.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172915,"EventID":"S2W-00071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a standard contract for hospital public private partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a standard contract for hospital public private partnerships.","AnswerText":"A standard form contract for use in NHSScotland is currently under development and will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172916,"EventID":"S2W-00072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent specific duties of local authorities and local authority joint boards under the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 article 2 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent specific duties of local authorities and local authority joint boards under the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 article 2 apply to a private contractor providing a school as part of a public private partnership with such bodies.","AnswerText":"The specific duties under the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 apply to the public bodies specified in the relevant schedule to the order. These duties do not apply to private contractors in public private partnerships with such bodies. However, public bodies will have to comply with their statutory duties, including those imposed by the order, when entering into public private partnerships with private contractors. The Commission for Racial Equality is currently consulting on draft guidance for public authorities and potential contractors on procurement and race relations legislation.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172917,"EventID":"S2W-00073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the specific duties of NHS boards under article 2 of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 apply to a private contractor pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the specific duties of NHS boards under article 2 of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 apply to a private contractor providing a hospital as part of a public private partnership with a board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-72 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172918,"EventID":"S2W-00074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent specific duties for educational bodies or persons under articles 3 and 4 of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 apply to a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent specific duties for educational bodies or persons under articles 3 and 4 of the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 apply to a private contractor providing a school as part of a public private partnership with such bodies or persons","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-72 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172919,"EventID":"S2W-00075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will impose a 50 mph speed limit on both carriageways at the north Kessock junction on the A9 until work commences on reconfiguring the junction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will impose a 50 mph speed limit on both carriageways at the north Kessock junction on the A9 until work commences on reconfiguring the junction.","AnswerText":"The Executive has instructed BEAR Scotland Ltd to investigate and report on the safety of the North Kessock junction by the end of June 2003. This investigation has been commissioned to identify any short-term safety improvements, which includes consideration of a lower speed limit.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172920,"EventID":"S2W-00076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on reconfiguring the north Kessock junction on the A9.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on reconfiguring the north Kessock junction on the A9.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-75 today, in which I confirmed that BEAR Scotland Ltd has been commissioned to identify any short-term safety improvements at the North Kessock junction by the end of June 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. One of the planning conditions connected with a proposed housing development at North Kessock is that a Grade Separated junction is constructed. The Scottish Executive and Highland Council have agreed in principle to contribute financially towards this developer-led scheme. The Executive is in discussions with the developer and Highland Council to promote this scheme.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172921,"EventID":"S2W-00077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing new air routes between Inverness Airport and Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing new air routes between Inverness Airport and Europe.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and consultants appointed by the Executive to progress the Interim Route Development Fund have been in discussions with a number of airlines regarding European routes from Inverness airport. Negotiations are continuing but no agreements have been reached to date.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172922,"EventID":"S2W-00078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates radioactive particles have been found at Sandside Beach in Reay since monitoring of the beach commenced in 1984.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates radioactive particles have been found at Sandside Beach in Reay since monitoring of the beach commenced in 1984.","AnswerText":"The dates on which particles were found on Sandside Beach, since 1984, are shown in the table. Particle Number | Date | 1 | 28-04-1984 | 2 | 28-05-1997 | 3 | 24-11-1997 | 4 | 29-07-1999 | 5 | 17-08-1999 | 6 | 10-09-1999 | 7 | 23-09-1999 | 8 | 20-12-1999 | 9 | 17-02-2000 | 10 | 02-03-2000 | 11 | 14-04-2000 | 12 | 17-07-2000 | 13 | 16-08-2000 | 14 | 03-11-2000 | 15 | 16-02-2001 | 16 | 12-06-2001 | 17 | 26-06-2001 | 18 | 11-03-2002 | 19 | 15-03-2002 | 20 | 16-04-2002 | 21 | 29-11-2002 | 22 | 23-12-2002 | 23 | 26-02-2003 | 24 | 27-02-2003 | 25 | 27-02-2003 | 26 | 03-03-2003 | 27 | 13-03-2003 | 28 | 18-03-2003 | 29 | 20-03-2003 | 30 | 27-03-2003 | 31 | 28-03-2003 | 32 | 28-03-2003 | 33 | 02-04-2003 | 34 | 08-04-2003 | 35 | 10-04-2003 | 36 | 10-04-2003 | 37 | 11-04-2003 | 38 | 11-04-2003 | 39 | 12-05-2003 | <","AnswerDate":"2003-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172923,"EventID":"S2W-00079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of radioactivity was present in radioactive particles found at Sandside Beach in Reay since monitoring of the beach commenced in 1984.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of radioactivity was present in radioactive particles found at Sandside Beach in Reay since monitoring of the beach commenced in 1984.","AnswerText":"The table shows the activity of caesium 137 (Cs137), cobalt 60 (Co60) and niobium 94 (Nb94) in the particles found on Sandside Beach since 1984.Particle Number | Date | Cs 137 [Bq]1 | Co60 [Bq] | Nb94 [Bq] | 1 | 28-04-1984 | 2.00E+05 | nd2 | nd | 2 | 28-05-1997 | 1.50E+04 | nd | nd | 3 | 24-11-1997 | 1.50E+05 | nd | nd | 4 | 29-07-1999 | 9.30E+04 | nd | nd | 5 | 17-08-1999 | 6.10E+04 | nd | nd | 6 | 10-09-1999 | 1.81E+05 | nd | nd | 7 | 23-09-1999 | 3.00E+05 | nd | nd | 8 | 20-12-1999 | 6.50E+04 | nd | nd | 9 | 17-02-2000 | 7.57E+04 | nd | nd | 10 | 02-03-2000 | 4.63E+04 | nd | nd | 11 | 14-04-2000 | 6.25E+04 | nd | nd | 12 | 17-07-2000 | 1.20E+05 | nd | nd | 13 | 16-08-2000 | 4.00E+04 | nd | nd | 14 | 03-11-2000 | 4.80E+04 | nd | nd | 15 | 16-02-2001 | 1.00E+05 | nd | nd | 16 | 12-06-2001SEPA receives advice from the Dounreay Particles Advisory Group (DPAG), which has recently published its Second Interim Report reviewing studies on particles in the marine environment in the vicinity of Dounreay, including Sandside Bay. It makes recommendations for further work, which SEPA and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) are now taking forward. Further reviews are planned.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172927,"EventID":"S2W-00083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to restrict public access to Sandside Beach in Reay in view of any increase in the number of radioactive particles found at the beach during 2003","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to restrict public access to Sandside Beach in Reay in view of any increase in the number of radioactive particles found at the beach during 2003.","AnswerText":"The monitoring of Sandside beach is a matter for the independent regulator, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). Based on the activity of the particle finds to date, SEPA does not consider that it is necessary to restrict public access to Sandside Beach. However, the situation is reviewed with each new find.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172928,"EventID":"S2W-00084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Sewel motions it will lodge in the Parliament in this parliamentary year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Sewel motions it will lodge in the Parliament in this parliamentary year.","AnswerText":"The Executive will advise the Parliament of any Sewel motion that it intends to lodge as and when it concludes, following discussion with the UK Government, that provisions in a Westminster Bill which relate to devolved matters should be recommended for extension to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172929,"EventID":"S2W-00085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33922 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 February 2003, how many, and what value of, fines were written off in each sheriff court district in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33922 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 February 2003, how many, and what value of, fines were written off in each sheriff court district in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The number of district court fines remitted in 2001-02 was given in reply to question S1W-33922. Data for 2002-03 are not expected to be available until the autumn of 2003. The values of district court fines remitted are not held centrally. Data on sheriff court fines remitted in 2001-2 and 2002-03 are currently being compiled. I will write once this information is available and place a copy of the letter in the Parliament’s Reference Centre. Cathy Jamieson provided a further answer pursuant tothis question on 29 August 2003; see below. Cathy Jamieson pursuant to her reply, 3 June 2003, page 35; http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/wa-03/wa0603.htm]: I undertook in the answer given on 3 June to parliamentary question S2W-85 to write to you once the information requested on sheriff court fines remitted was available. The figures in question have now been compiled and are given in the attached table. The system used for writing off fines was changed in 2001-02.As a result, fines due for write-off in 2001-02 were not written off until afterthe end of the financial year and are therefore included within the figures for 2002-03. There are various reasons why some courts show nil returns. These include some courts having no fines meeting the appropriate criteria; sheriff clerks having the option to leave fines on their books, and some courts putting fines to the sheriff to discharge rather than writing them off. Fines Written Off in the Sheriff Courts, 2002-031 | Sheriff Court | Number of Fines2 | Value (£)3 | | Aberdeen | Value (£) of Fines Imposed by District Courts Outstanding at 31 March 2002District court | Value Outstanding (£) | Aberdeen City | 109,918 | Aberdeenshire | 54,225 | Angus | 70,341 | Argyll and Bute | 23,926 | Clackmannanshire | 22,870 | Dumfries and Galloway | 64,090 | Dundee City | 115,378 | East Ayrshire | 21,163 | East Dunbartonshire | 10,561 | East Lothian | 23,739 | East Renfrewshire | 8,067 | Edinburgh, City of | 55,188 | Eilean Siar | N/A | Falkirk | 136,174 | Fife | 18,707 | Glasgow City | 873,025 | Highland | 147,549 | Inverclyde | 46,182 | Midlothian | 21,822 | Moray | 17,995 | North Ayrshire | 20,529 | North Lanarkshire | N/A | Perth and Kinross | 98,337 | Renfrewshire | 48,009 | Scottish Borders | 79,664 | South Ayrshire | 83,080 | South Lanarkshire | 283,564 | Stirling | N/A | West Dunbartonshire | 82,225 | West Lothian | N/A | Scotland | 2,536,328 |
Note: \"N/A\" denotes data not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172935,"EventID":"S2W-00091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27622 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 August 2002, how many fines were recovered by civil diligence following the procedure under section 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27622 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 August 2002, how many fines were recovered by civil diligence following the procedure under section 221 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and what proportion this represents of the total number of all fines imposed in (a) 2002 and (b) 2003, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. These figures are compiled on the basis of calendar years and, therefore, figures for 2003 are not yet available. Number of Sheriff Court Fines Ordered for Recovery by Civil Diligence and Proportion this Represents of Total Fines Imposed1, 2002 Sheriff Court | Number of Fines | % of Total Fines Imposed | Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | Airdrie | 1 | 0.07 | Alloa | 0 | 0 | Arbroath | 0 | 0 | Ayr | 0 | 0 | Banff | 0 | 0 | Campbeltown | 0 | 0 | Cupar | 0 | 0 | Dingwall | 0 | 0 | Dornoch | 0 | 0 | Dumbarton | 0 | 0 | Dumfries | 0 | 0 | Dundee | 0 | 0 | Dunfermline | 1 | 0.08 | Dunoon | 0 | 0 | Duns | 0 | 0 | Edinburgh | 3 | 0.05 | Elgin | 0 | 0 | Falkirk | 1 | 0.07 | Forfar | 0 | 0 | Fort William | 0 | 0 | Glasgow | 0 | 0 | Greenock | 0 | 0 | Haddington | 1 | 0.17 | Hamilton | 0 | 0 | Inverness | 0 | 0 | Jedburgh | 0 | Value (£) of Fiscal Fines Outstanding at 31 March 2002District Court | Value Outstanding (£) | Aberdeen City | 4,088 | Aberdeenshire | 1,411 | Angus | 3,215 | Argyll and Bute | 1,180 | Clackmannanshire | 1,088 | Dumfries and Galloway | 9,620 | Dundee City | 11,408 | East Ayrshire | 7,350 | East Dunbartonshire | 1,377 | East Lothian | 732 | East Renfrewshire | 850 | Edinburgh, City of | 1,066 | Eilean Siar | N/A | Falkirk | 3,386 | Fife | N/A | Glasgow City | 96,504 | Highland | 4,967 | Inverclyde | 4,488 | Midlothian | 1,040 | Moray | 2,329 | North Ayrshire | 2,892 | North Lanarkshire | N/A | Perth and Kinross | 11,842 | Renfrewshire | 5,228 | Scottish Borders | 4,677 | South Ayrshire | 5,606 | South Lanarkshire | 37,411 | Stirling | N/A | West Dunbartonshire | 3,801 | West Lothian | N/A | Scotland | 227,553 |
Note: \"N/A\" denotes data not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172937,"EventID":"S2W-00093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26602 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 30 July 2002, how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26602 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 30 July 2002, how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions have been obtained under sections (i) 68(1), (ii) 68(2), (iii) 68(3), (iv) 68(5), (v) 69(1), (vi) 69(2) and (vii) 70(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 in 2002-03 in each sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested, for the period 2002-03, is as follows: Records indicate that no reports were sent to the procurator fiscal in respect of sections 68(5) or 70(1) of the Licensing Scotland Act during the period. A breakdown of the number of cases containing charges under sections 68(1), 68(2), 68(3), 68(5), 69(1) and 69(2) and the number of convictions on charges under those sections, broken down by procurator fiscal office is shown in the following table. It should be noted that: (a) It is possible that cases reported contained other charges - for different offences or under other sections of the Licensing (Scotland) Act - that resulted in convictions, which do not show up in the data provided; (b) The data provided does not show how many such charges were prosecuted; (c) The data provided does not show charges in respect of which non-court action was taken, and (d) Some of the cases reported during the period may not yet have reached a conclusion. Period 2002-03 Office | S681 | Conviction | S682 | Conviction | S683 | Conviction | S691 | Conviction | S692 | Conviction | Total Reports | Total Convictions | Aberdeen | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | Airdrie | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | Alloa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Arbroath | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | Ayr | 9 | The tables give information separately for sections 68(1), 68(2) and 68(3) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. However, information on sections 68(5), 69(1), 69(2) and 70(1) cannot be separately distinguished as crimes recorded by the police under these sections are given the same crime classification as crimes under other legislation. Offences Recorded by the Police Under Section 68(1) of the Licensing Scotland Act 1976, 1997 to 2001 Local Authority Area | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | Scotland | 385 | 237 | 195 | 179 | 292 | Aberdeen City | 6 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 22 | Aberdeenshire | 17 | 24 | 18 | 14 | 16 | Angus | 5 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Argyll and Bute | 9 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 6 | Clackmannanshire | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Dumfries and Galloway | 16 | 14 | 23 | 1 | 1 | Dundee City | 21 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | East Ayrshire | 8 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 3 | East Dunbartonshire | 18 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 20 | East Lothian | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | East Renfrewshire | 5 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 4 | Edinburgh, City of | 12 | 7 | The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter and as such the UK Government takes the lead. However, the Scottish Executive maintains close contact with DTI and other UK Government Departments on trade issues, including GATS, and how they may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172941,"EventID":"S2W-00097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations will have on large and small businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations will have on large and small businesses.","AnswerText":"The current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations, which are due to end on 1 January 2005, are aimed at improving market access for exporters of services and should therefore have a positive impact on businesses. Exports of Scottish services, which rose by 13% in 2001, have the potential to play a significant role in increasing the levels of outward trade. The Scottish Executive therefore considers that these negotiations are important and is continuing to work closely with the UK Government on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172942,"EventID":"S2W-00098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reverse its decision not to accept the recommendations of the report by the Office of Fair Trading on entry to NHS pharmaceutical dispensing contracts","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reverse its decision not to accept the recommendations of the report by the Office of Fair Trading on entry to NHS pharmaceutical dispensing contracts.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to reverse the decision.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172943,"EventID":"S2W-00099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government on entry to NHS pharmaceutical dispensing contracts and, if so, what the outcomes were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government on entry to NHS pharmaceutical dispensing contracts and, if so, what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions with the UK Government following the Scottish Executives decision, announced on 26 March, that de-regulation of community pharmacy control of entry arrangements was not the way forward for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172944,"EventID":"S2W-00100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next visit the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Craibstone campus and which minister will visit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next visit the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Craibstone campus and which minister will visit.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to visit the college's campus at Craibstone. However, I have raised a number of concerns with the college in relation to its proposals for rationalisation and have asked it to submit revised proposals. When considering these I will be taking account of the comments and representations I have received in relation to SAC's strategic review.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172945,"EventID":"S2W-00101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the board of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to discuss the proposed closure of the Craibstone campus and, if so, what the ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the board of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to discuss the proposed closure of the Craibstone campus and, if so, what the outcomes were and which ministers attended.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no meetings of the type specified but my officials and I have had a number of meetings with SAC over their rationalisation proposals. I have raised a number of concerns with SAC about its proposals for rationalisation and I expect SAC to address those concerns and submit revised proposals to the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172946,"EventID":"S2W-00102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the current proposed southern route for the Aberdeen western peripheral road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the current proposed southern route for the Aberdeen western peripheral road.","AnswerText":"The proposed route of the western peripheral route between the A90 (South) at Charleston and the A96 has been the subject of public consultation and the proposed corridor has been endorsed by both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils. The Scottish Executive, as trunk roads authority, intends to promote draft orders based on that corridor following a detailed engineering investigation.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172947,"EventID":"S2W-00103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the funding for the Aberdeen western peripheral road will be met by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the funding for the Aberdeen western peripheral road will be met by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils.","AnswerText":"It was announced on 19 March 2003 that Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils would together contribute 19% towards the total costs of the Western Peripheral Route. This sum will be divided equally between the two local authorities, meaning that each will contribute 9.5% of the total costs. The remaining 81% of total costs will be funded by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172948,"EventID":"S2W-00104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable and timescales will be for each task that has to be undertaken before the Aberdeen western peripheral road tender can be let.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable and timescales will be for each task that has to be undertaken before the Aberdeen western peripheral road tender can be let.","AnswerText":"There is much to be done before the tender for the western peripheral route can be let and my officials, with colleagues at Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, have this work in hand. The key milestones ahead of us, with their estimated timings follow: Appoint consultant - October 2003 Complete main ground investigation - July 2004 Publish draft road and compulsory purchase orders for public consultation (showing proposed line of the road and necessary land purchase) - spring 2005 Hold a public local inquiry - winter 2005 Make orders (confirming the final route of the road and acquiring land) - autumn 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172949,"EventID":"S2W-00105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil and public servants it estimates that it and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies will require in each of the next four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil and public servants it estimates that it and its executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies will require in each of the next four years.","AnswerText":"The full-time equivalent number of permanent staff employed in the core departments of the Scottish Executive, executive agencies and associated departments are provided in the following table. Information on staffing levels for each non-departmental public body (NDPB) can be found on the Scottish Executive website (www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies) under the Scottish Public Bodies Directory. There are no plans to increase capacity in the Scottish Executive core departments beyond existing staffing levels over the Spending Review 2002 period. The focus for the period ahead will be to prioritise what the organisation does, and where necessary to reshape the organisation to ensure resources are aligned with the key delivery priorities. It will be for executive agencies, associated departments and NDPBs to decide what staffing levels are appropriate for their own particular circumstances and within their approved budgets. Civil Servants (Full-Time Equivalents) in the Scottish Executive Core Departments, Agencies and Associated Departments, as at 1 April 2003 Total | 15,333.1 | Scottish Executive Core Departments | 4,332.6 | Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal | 1,449.3 | Agencies and Associated Departments | 9,551.2 | Accountant in Bankruptcy | 80.3 | Communities Scotland | 379.5 | Fisheries Research Service | 325.7 | General Register Office for Scotland | 213.6 | Historic Scotland | 735.2 | HMI Education | 150.2 | National Archive of Scotland | 147.2 | Registers of Scotland | 1,338.5 | Scottish Agricultural Science Agency | 134.9 | Scottish Court Service | 941.1 | Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | 259.2 | Scottish Prison Service | 4,483.2 | Scottish Public Pensions Agency | 232.4 | Student Awards Agency for Scotland | 130.2 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172950,"EventID":"S2W-00106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the volume of paperwork that livestock farmers are required to complete and what measures it will take to amend the sheep tagging scheme to a comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the volume of paperwork that livestock farmers are required to complete and what measures it will take to amend the sheep tagging scheme to a compulsory tagging only scheme when stock leaves a farm.","AnswerText":"My department is already working to reduce the burden of paperwork on farmers. Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department forms and guidance are regularly reviewed to ensure that unnecessary questions are deleted and remaining questions simplified; all Common Agricultural Policy subsidy forms are scrutinised by a panel of farmer and industry representatives before being finalised.The current system of sheep tagging was introduced in February 2002, following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with the full support of the industry in Scotland. It does not require tagging to take place until the time of the first move. The EC has since published proposals for a new system which includes tagging within one month of birth. I am committed to working towards changes to the EC proposal which are closer to our existing system in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172951,"EventID":"S2W-00107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a review of the maintenance of roads in rural areas and publish the results of such a review, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will conduct a review of the maintenance of roads in rural areas and publish the results of such a review, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the maintenance of non-trunk roads lies with each council as the local roads authority for each area. The Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland is carrying out a rolling survey of the condition of all local roads on behalf of COSLA and local authorities in Scotland. The findings of the first year's survey work will be reported to these bodies in the first instance. The Scottish Executive has no proposals to carry out a review of the type referred to.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172952,"EventID":"S2W-00108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to cease moving any further staff to Edinburgh in advance of the Parliament having an opportunity to debate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to cease moving any further staff to Edinburgh in advance of the Parliament having an opportunity to debate the future of the college, given the position of the college management that no decision will be taken without the Parliament having considered the issue, and whether it will intervene to prevent any further action being taken that would have the effect of implementing any decision by the college management in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"The current position is that SAC is addressing concerns that have been raised by me and others about its proposals for rationalisation. It will be submitting revised proposals to the Executive. No decision has been taken on a preferred option. Against that background I do not expect SAC to take any action that would pre-empt or prejudice the final outcome of its strategic review.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172953,"EventID":"S2W-00109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it or any of its agencies contributed to the Burns An' A' That Festival 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it or any of its agencies contributed to the Burns An' A' That Festival 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland and the Scottish Arts Council have invested resources totalling £365,000 to the Burns An' A' That Festival in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172954,"EventID":"S2W-00110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what stretches of road in the south of Scotland fatal and serious road accidents have been recorded in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what stretches of road in the south of Scotland fatal and serious road accidents have been recorded in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Central Statistical Database contains information on the road class and number (if any), the grid reference of the locations of road accidents, local authority area and police force area. Figures for the numbers of accidents on individual roads can only be produced from the central statistical database in cases where the roads are of class M, A(M), A or B, and in cases where figures are sought for particular stretches (rather than their full lengths within Scotland), the start and end points are specified. The following table gives the number of fatal and serious road accidents by road class and number in the South of Scotland Scottish Parliament Region in each of the years from 1999 to 2001. Information for 2002 is not yet available. Fatal and Serious Road Accidents in South of Scotland Scottish Parliament Region Road Class and Number | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | M74 | 18 | 14 | 6 | A74(M) | 1 | 7 | 7 | A1 | 14 | 12 | 7 | A1107 | 2 | 2 | 2 | A198 | 3 | 5 | 6 | A199 | 6 | 5 | 2 | A6088 | 0 | 1 | 0 | A6089 | 2 | 1 | 1 | A6091 | 1 | 0 | 0 | A6093 | 3 | 0 | 1 | A6094 | 2 | 3 | 0 | A6105 | 4 | 4 | 3 | A6137 | 1 | 0 | 1 | A68 | 8 | 10 | 6 | A697 | 3 | 4 | 2 | A698 | 5 | 4 | 5 | A699 | 1 | 1 | 4 | A7 | 8 | 14 | s.4(1) driving, or attempting to drive, while under unfit through drink or drugs s.4(2) being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs s.5(1)(a) driving, or attempting to drive, while over the legal limit s.5(1)(b) being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit s.6(1) failing to provide a breath test while suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or to have committed a traffic offence s.6(2) failing to provide a breath test after being involved in an accident s.7(6) failing to provide a specimen for analysis Information for the period before 1 April 1999 is not available. The answer given to question S1W-34889 on 31 March 2003 included data in relation to year 2001-02 - please note that the following includes additional data unavailable at the time of the answer to question S1W-34889. The data previously provided did not include data in relation to the Glasgow area, which was unavailable at the time due to upgrading of the computer system in Glasgow. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. 1. FY 1999-2000 | | Section | Grand Total | Sect: 4(1) | Sect: 4(2) | Sect: 5(1)(a) | Sect: 5(1)(b) | Sect: 6(1) | Sect: 6(2) | Sect: 7(6) | Aberdeen | 52 | 7 | 419 | 23 | 46 | 4 | 78 | 629 | Airdrie | 13 | 2 | 214 | 21 | 38 | 5 | 75 | 368 | Alloa | 3 | | 51 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 14 | 79 | Arbroath | 6 | | 108 | 7 | 10 | | 18 | 149 | Ayr | 22 | 2 | 212 | April 2002 to March 2003 | Timebar | Delay by Police/Other Agency | Lack of Court Resources | PF Staff Shortage | Delay by PF | Total \"No Proceedings\" | Aberdeen | 19 | 156 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1,274 | Airdrie | 200 | 2,379 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3,564 | Alloa | 17 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 511 | Arbroath | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 249 | Ayr | 8 | 281 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 868 | Banff | 0 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 267 | Campbeltown | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 | Cupar | 0 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 459 | Dingwall | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 121 | Dornoch | Crimes Recorded by the Police by Council Area, Scotland, 2002 Council area | Illegal importation of drugs | Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs | Supply, possession with intent to supply of drugs | Scotland | 3 | 185 | 10,139 | Aberdeen City | 0 | 4 | 615 | Aberdeenshire | 0 | 1 | 161 | Angus | 0 | 2 | 116 | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 1 | 80 | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 1 | 79 | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 6 | 342 | Dundee City | 0 | 5 | 296 | East Ayrshire | 0 | 6 | 299 | East Dunbartonshire | 0 | 0 | 122 | East Lothian | 0 | 5 | 147 | East Renfrewshire | 0 | 3 | 43 | Edinburgh, City of | 0 | 20 | 1,329 | Eilean Siar | 0 | 2 | 14 | Falkirk | 0 | 1 | 230 | ","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172959,"EventID":"S2W-00115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports procurators fiscal received from HM Customs and Excise in 2002-03 and, of these, how many (a) were marked \"no proceedings\" on account of delay on the pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports procurators fiscal received from HM Customs and Excise in 2002-03 and, of these, how many (a) were marked \"no proceedings\" on account of delay on the part of HM Customs and Excise and (b) proceeded to trial","AnswerText":"During the financial year April 2002 to March 2003 HM Customs and Excise submitted 22 reports to procurators fiscal. (a) None of these cases were marked "no proceedings" on account of delay on the part of HM Customs and Excise, and (b) nine cases proceeded to court, all of which resulted in a conviction. One case proceeded to a full trial and the remaining eight were dealt with by way of a guilty plea. Twelve cases are currently pending before the courts but proceedings have not yet concluded. One case was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for an opinion only, and proceedings were not considered.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172960,"EventID":"S2W-00116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33923 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 10 March 2003, how many cases have been marked \"no proceedings\" in 2002-03 because of a non-court d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33923 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 10 March 2003, how many cases have been marked \"no proceedings\" in 2002-03 because of a non-court disposal, broken down into warnings, conditional offers, fiscal fines and diversions from prosecution","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-34894 on 27 March 2003, cases in which there has been a non-court disposal are not marked "no proceedings" and do not form part of any no proceedings data provided by Crown Office. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The number of cases in which there were non-court disposals in the categories listed, broken down as requested, for the period 2002-03 are as follows: Total Reports Received | Cases Closed as Warnings | Cases Closed as Conditional Offers | Cases Closed as Fiscal Fines | Cases Closed as Diversions from Prosecution | 306,148 | 15, 923 | 5,932 | 23, 631 | 1,116 | As % of Total Reports | 5% | 2% | 8% | 0.3% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172961,"EventID":"S2W-00117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29801 by Colin Boyd QC on 7 October 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the non-court costs for the Crown Office in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29801 by Colin Boyd QC on 7 October 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the non-court costs for the Crown Office in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"As the answer given to question S1W-29801 explained, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service records the nature of case costs, but does not attribute this to individual cases. Staff time spent on individual cases is not recorded but costing calculations are based on standard weightings derived from past analysis of staff time spent on the full range of different cases handled by the department.This produces a broad indication of relative costs rather than precise measures. Final figures for the year 2002-03 are not yet available but non-court costs are estimated to be as follows: Non-Court Costs | £000 | No Proceedings | 2,046 | No Further Proceedings | 5,021 | Warnings | 610 | Conditional Offer | 351 | Fiscal Fine | 1,556 | Diversion | 119 | Reporter | 70 | Transfer | 26 | Associate | 291 | Total | 10,090 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172962,"EventID":"S2W-00118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24605 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 April 2002, when the study on the impact and resource implications of the working time regulations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24605 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 April 2002, when the study on the impact and resource implications of the working time regulations on the NHS will be complete.","AnswerText":"The Partnership Working Group carried out a detailed study looking at the wider HR aspects of the working time regulations, their impact on staff groups in NHSScotland and their resource implications for the service. The report, which included a framework employers could use to assess the impact of regulations, was published in February 2003 under cover of NHS HDL (2003) 3.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172963,"EventID":"S2W-00119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS trust spent in 2002-03 on paying consultants to cover junior doctors' shifts and how this compares to the cost had the shifts been covered by junior do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS trust spent in 2002-03 on paying consultants to cover junior doctors' shifts and how this compares to the cost had the shifts been covered by junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172964,"EventID":"S2W-00120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS operations were cancelled in 2002-03 as a result of a consultant being unavailable through having covered a junior doctor's shift the previous night.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS operations were cancelled in 2002-03 as a result of a consultant being unavailable through having covered a junior doctor's shift the previous night.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of operations cancelled by NHSScotland for the reasons asked is not available. However, data is collected centrally on the number of planned admissions to hospital for in-patient/day case treatment (including non-surgical treatment) which are cancelled. In 2001-02 the number of cancelled planned admissions by NHSScotland was 15,572.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172965,"EventID":"S2W-00121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with the royal colleges how the impact on patient care of implementing the working time regulations in the NHS can be minimised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with the royal colleges how the impact on patient care of implementing the working time regulations in the NHS can be minimised.","AnswerText":"The working time regulations currently apply to all NHS staff, except doctors in training, who will start to come under the terms of the regulations from August 2004.On 4 April 2003, the Scottish Executive Health Department hosted a meeting of key stakeholders which representatives from trusts, Scottish Junior Doctors Committee and the Royal Colleges were invited to attend. The stakeholders engaged in a one-day facilitated discussion exercise, which encouraged the sharing of views and ideas about achieving compliance with the New Deal for junior doctors and working time regulations. A report of the findings on the day has been produced and will be circulated to all key stakeholders including the Royal Colleges.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172966,"EventID":"S2W-00122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its review of area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its review of area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"No decision has been taken yet.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172967,"EventID":"S2W-00123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory registration scheme for accommodation providers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory registration scheme for accommodation providers.","AnswerText":"Work is under way to look at the issue of an industry-led national tourism registration scheme, but it will be some time before we are ready to assess whether such a scheme should be compulsory.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172968,"EventID":"S2W-00124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory quality assurance scheme for accommodation providers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a compulsory quality assurance scheme for accommodation providers.","AnswerText":"Work is under way to look at the issue of an industry-led national tourism registration scheme to guarantee quality service and facilities, but it will be some time before we are ready to assess whether such a scheme should be compulsory.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172969,"EventID":"S2W-00125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give responsibility for tourism to its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give responsibility for tourism to its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for tourism rests with the Tourism, Culture and Sports Group, which is part of the Education Department. The group reports directly to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mr Frank McAveety. The co-ordination of activity and close working relationships between that group and the Enterprise,Transport and Lifelong Learning Department and between the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning will continue.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172970,"EventID":"S2W-00126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what train operating companies have indicated an interest in running the passenger rail franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what train operating companies have indicated an interest in running the passenger rail franchise.","AnswerText":"A pre-qualification exercise has identified a shortlist of four companies (Arriva Trains Ltd, First Group plc, National Express Group plc and Serco Rail/Netherlands Railways) which will be invited to bid for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172971,"EventID":"S2W-00127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the oil and gas industry about the number of job losses in the offshore contracting sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the oil and gas industry about the number of job losses in the offshore contracting sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the oil and gas industry about a wide range of matters. We work with the sector as a whole through PILOT, the government and industry task force of which I am vice-chair, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172972,"EventID":"S2W-00128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet (a) Aberdeenshire Council and (b) Aberdeen City Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet (a) Aberdeenshire Council and (b) Aberdeen City Council.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to meet at present. However, I met with both councils during 2002 and would be happy to consider requests to meet again.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172973,"EventID":"S2W-00129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the fish processing industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of the fish processing industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive frequently meets with representatives of the fish processing industry and I intend to meet with the Scottish Fishmerchants' Federation Ltd in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172974,"EventID":"S2W-00130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what commissions for art or photographic work to be displayed in the new Parliament building have been, or are in the process of being, awarded.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what commissions for art or photographic work to be displayed in the new Parliament building have been, or are in the process of being, awarded.","AnswerText":"A dedicated Art Steering Group was established in the first session of Parliament by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) to consider commissions, purchases and loans of art works for the new building. A progress report on the group's decisions is due to be made to the new SPCB, following which any announcement will be made.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172975,"EventID":"S2W-00131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements have been made with Scottish museums and galleries for the display of artefacts and paintings in their care in the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements have been made with Scottish museums and galleries for the display of artefacts and paintings in their care in the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"A dedicated Art Steering Group was established in the first session of Parliament by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) to consider commissions, purchases and loans of art works for the new building. A progress report on the group's decisions is due to be made to the new SPCB, following which any announcement will be made.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172976,"EventID":"S2W-00132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1988,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Fife Council to ensure that urgent consideration is given to the creation of a new secondary school at Tay Bridgehead in north-east F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Fife Council to ensure that urgent consideration is given to the creation of a new secondary school at Tay Bridgehead in north-east Fife.","AnswerText":"Consideration of the provision of new schools in any local area is a matter for the education authority rather than the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172977,"EventID":"S2W-00133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a full-time fire station in Penicuik to provide fire cover for the increase in population in the area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a full-time fire station in Penicuik to provide fire cover for the increase in population in the area.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Lothian and Borders Fire Board.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172978,"EventID":"S2W-00134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will introduce to limit the number of agency nurses working in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will introduce to limit the number of agency nurses working in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Executive remains committed to building the capacity of NHSScotland. A range of recruitment and retention measures have been introduced to help build capacity within the nursing and midwifery workforce. As part of our on-going commitment to this improvement agenda, we will increase our programme to train, recruit and retain nurses and midwives, bringing 12,000 into the NHS by 2007. We will continue to support new ways of working that reflect best practice and offer innovative solutions to workforce issues. We will also implement nationally co-ordinated nursing bank arrangements to assist nurse placement across Scotland. Combined, these measures will reduce the reliance on the use of agency nurses.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172979,"EventID":"S2W-00135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports reassessing council tax bands in the City of Edinburgh Council area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports reassessing council tax bands in the City of Edinburgh Council area. ","AnswerText":"Following consultation with COSLA we will establish an independent review into local government finance.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172980,"EventID":"S2W-00136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal against planning applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal against planning applications.","AnswerText":"On 28 March I launched the White Paper Your Place Your Plan, containing measures for strengthening and enhancing public involvement in the planning system. In the paper, we announced an intention to issue a consultation paper during 2003 on the subject of a third party right of appeal against planning decisions. This commitment to consult has been reiterated in our Partnership Agreement. An announcement about the consultation will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172981,"EventID":"S2W-00137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were issued in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; how many such orders were breached, and how the effectiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were issued in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; how many such orders were breached, and how the effectiveness of such orders was monitored.","AnswerText":"The latest figures for Community Service Orders (CSOs) relate to the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002: CSOs Issued | 4,564 | Breach Applications | 1,154 | Terminations due to Breach | 957 |
Monitoring of CSOs is regulated through provisions set out in National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System. These include general compliance with the conditions of the order, work performance and personal conduct. The standards set out in detail the disciplinary procedures to be followed when an offender fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the requirements of the order","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172982,"EventID":"S2W-00138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pairs of spectacles with tinted lenses were dispensed through Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board and, of these, how many were dispensed by each registered optician in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pairs of spectacles with tinted lenses were dispensed through Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board and, of these, how many were dispensed by each registered optician in the board's area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The number of optical voucher supplements for tints paid in respect of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board area for the financial years 1996 to 2003 is shown in table 1. The number of optical voucher supplements for tints paid in respect of each ophthlamic dispenser in the board's area in 2003 is shown in table 2. Information for previous years is not available. Table 1 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Number of Tint Supplements Paid | 6,535 | 5,212 | 4,616 | 4,886 | 3,230 | 2,787 | 2,074 | 1,472 |
Note: For year ended 31 March. Table 2 Ophthalmic Dispenser | Number of Tint Supplements Paid | 1 | 1 | 2 | 52 | 3 | 21 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 54 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 43 | 11 | 26 | 12 | 42 | 13 | 4 | 14 | 30 | 15 | 12 | 16 | 5 | 17 | Nil | 18 | 3 | 19 | 1 | 20 | 19 | 21 | Nil | 22 | Nil | 23 | 50 | 24 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 7 | 27 | 18 | 28 | 23 | 29 | 50 | 30 | Table 1 Year | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Number of Optical Vouchers for Bifocals Paid | 8183 | 8071 | 7831 | 8403 | 6710 | 6926 | 7611 | 6867 |
Note: For year ending 31 March. Table 2 Ophthalmic Dispenser | Number of Optical Vouchers for Bifocals Paid | 1 | 10 | 2 | 238 | 3 | 110 | 4 | 30 | 5 | 244 | 6 | 41 | 7 | 50 | 8 | 99 | 9 | 107 | 10 | 105 | 11 | 49 | 12 | 85 | 13 | 44 | 14 | 102 | 15 | 52 | 16 | 74 | 17 | 2 | 18 | 91 | 19 | 42 | 20 | 94 | 21 | 63 | 22 | 40 | 23 | 122 | 24 | 48 | 25 | 163 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 53 | 28 | 76 | 29 | 96 | Table 1Year | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Number of Small Glasses Supplements Paid | 105 | 99 | 118 | 53 | 44 | 24 | 24 |
Note: For year ending 31 March. Table 2 Ophthalmic Dispenser | Number of Small Glasses Supplements Paid | 1 | Nil | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6 | Nil | 7 | 1 | 8 | Nil | 9 | Nil | 10 | Nil | 11 | Nil | 12 | Nil | 13 | 1 | 14 | Nil | 15 | 1 | 16 | Nil | 17 | Nil | 18 | Nil | 19 | Nil | 20 | Nil | 21 | 1 | 22 | 1 | 23 | 1 | 24 | Nil | 25 | Nil | 26 | Nil | 27 | 4 | 28 | Nil | 29 | 1 | 30 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172988,"EventID":"S2W-00144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisms were dispensed through Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board and, of these, how many were dispensed by each registered optician in the board's area in each year si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisms were dispensed through Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board and, of these, how many were dispensed by each registered optician in the board's area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The number of optical vouchers with supplements for prisms paid in respect of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board area for the financial years 1997 to 2003 is shown in table 1. A robust estimate is not available for 1996. The number of optical voucher with supplements for prisms paid in respect of each ophthalmic dispenser in the board's area for the year 2003 is shown in table 2. Information for previous years is not available. Table 1 Year | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | Number of Prism Supplements Paid | 590 | 537 | 563 | 515 | 563 | 611 | 477 |
Note: For year ending 31 March. Table 2 Ophthalmic Dispenser | Number of Prism Supplements Paid | 1 | Nil | 2 | 10 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 13 | 16 | 14 | 6 | 15 | Nil | 16 | 2 | 17 | Nil | 18 | 6 | 19 | 5 | 20 | 4 | 21 | 7 | 22 | 5 | 23 | 3 | 24 | 11 | 25 | 16 | 26 | 2 | 27 | 8 | 28 | 5 | 29 | 6 | 30 | 5 | Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership. The Executive has supported the development of drug treatment services and rehabilitation facilities by providing additional funding of £13.1 million and £20.4 million respectively, over the three years from 2001-02. A Partnership for a Better Scotland commits the Executive to reviewing the provision of drug rehabilitation across Scotland, and investing still further resources in drug treatment and rehabilitation services. The planning, design and delivery of local drugs services, including decisions on residential facilities, are the responsibility of Drug Action Teams (DATs) and their constituent partners. The DATs are required to report to the Executive on the range of drugs services in their area through the annual Corporate Action Plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172992,"EventID":"S2W-00148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for another road crossing over the River Don in Aberdeen have implications for the Aberdeen western peripheral route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for another road crossing over the River Don in Aberdeen have implications for the Aberdeen western peripheral route.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to building the Aberdeen western peripheral route, which includes a new crossing of the River Don. I am aware of the report prepared by Aberdeen City Council in April 2003, outlining possible options for a new local road crossing of the River Don. Any such road would be a matter for the local authority. If Aberdeen City Council were to take forward a proposal then it would need to consider how the road would impact on their regional transport strategy, of which the western peripheral route is part.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172993,"EventID":"S2W-00149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any applications for support from the route development fund to create new services from Aberdeen Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any applications for support from the route development fund to create new services from Aberdeen Airport.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Executive and Scottish Enterprise, together with consultants appointed to support the Interim Route Development Fund, have discussed a number of possible routes from Aberdeen. Whilst none of these discussions has led to an agreement as yet, negotiations are continuing.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172994,"EventID":"S2W-00150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the owners of Aberdeen Airport and what discussions took place with regard to the airport's development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the owners of Aberdeen Airport and what discussions took place with regard to the airport's development.","AnswerText":"The Executive and its agencies meet BAA Scottish Airports Ltd on a regular basis to discuss a range of aviation matters, including developments at Aberdeen Airport.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172995,"EventID":"S2W-00151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been made with regard to re-establishing a sheriff court in Peebles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been made with regard to re-establishing a sheriff court in Peebles.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172996,"EventID":"S2W-00152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the public consultation on the provision of sheriff court services in Peebles will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the public consultation on the provision of sheriff court services in Peebles will take place.","AnswerText":"The public consultation in relation to delivery of court services in the Peebles area will commence when discussions between the Scottish Court Service, Scottish Borders Council and Lothian and Borders Police on the relocation of the court to council buildings at Rosetta Road, Peebles have concluded.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172997,"EventID":"S2W-00153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether transferring sheriff court business arising in Penicuik from Edinburgh Sheriff Court to a sheriff court in Peebles has been considered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether transferring sheriff court business arising in Penicuik from Edinburgh Sheriff Court to a sheriff court in Peebles has been considered.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172998,"EventID":"S2W-00154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on provision of legal services for Peebles and district if the sheriff court in Peebles is not re-established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on provision of legal services for Peebles and district if the sheriff court in Peebles is not re-established.","AnswerText":"There is no information currently available on the future provision of legal services in Peebles. It is hoped that the on-going discussions between Scottish Court Service, Scottish Borders Council and Lothian and Borders Police will culminate in court services being re-established in Peebles. If court services cannot be re-established in Peebles, provision of legal services could be considered as part of the consultation process on the delivery of court services.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":172999,"EventID":"S2W-00155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in making social inclusion funding available to further education (FE) colleges and whether different criteria apply to urban and rural colleges","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in making social inclusion funding available to further education (FE) colleges and whether different criteria apply to urban and rural colleges.","AnswerText":"Formulaic funding for social inclusion is provided by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) via the three strands shown as follows: Entry Costs Social Inclusion Premium: This element reflects SFEFC's on-going commitment to support the development of further education as a means of giving new opportunities to people from socially deprived areas. The premium supports the extra costs colleges bear when engaging with socially excluded groups and provides an incentive for colleges to increase their provision for these groups. Colleges will receive a premium worth £57.95 in 2003-04 for students domiciled within the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland. Retention and Achievement Social Inclusion Premium: This element acknowledges the difficulty in meeting the on-going support needs of students from under-represented groups as they progress through their courses. Colleges will receive a premium for 2003-04 worth £9.94 per unit of funding generated by students domiciled within the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland. Remoteness Element: SFEFC has a duty, on behalf of the Scottish ministers, to ensure that there is adequate and efficient provision of FE in Scotland. It is recognised that there are additional costs, for what are often small colleges, associated with operating in remote and island areas of Scotland. The remoteness element aims to reflect the additional costs which these colleges necessarily bear. Each qualifying remote college receives an institutional element (£191,359 for 2003-04), and the sum of £30.70 per head based on the number of students whose home address is in a sparsely populated area. It is also recognised that colleges operating on islands or in extremely remote locations can face even higher financial burdens due to their location. Therefore, both the above institutional and student based elements are uplifted by a further 30% for island locations and 15% for extremely remote mainland locations.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173000,"EventID":"S2W-00156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to assess social exclusion in a rural context.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to assess social exclusion in a rural context.","AnswerText":"Social Exclusion can take many forms and is often complex and multi-dimensional. The Social Justice Milestones are used throughout Scotland to measure a range of issues that can lead to social exclusion. The Scottish Executive is ensuring that the needs of rural areas are identified through urban/rural disaggregation of social statistics. For example, the Social Justice Annual Report's technical report disaggregated 12 of the social justice milestones on an urban and rural basis. A compendium of rural statistics - Social Focus on Urban Rural Scotland - was published on 22 May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173001,"EventID":"S2W-00157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social inclusion funding was available for further education (FE) colleges in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what social inclusion funding was available for further education (FE) colleges in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Figures across the whole of the time period requested are not available on a consistent basis. This is because the method of funding FE colleges changed when responsibility for the methodology transferred to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) from 2000-01. Because of the fundamental role that FE colleges have in encouraging people of all ages and from different backgrounds to participate in post-school learning, a large proportion of the resources made available to FE colleges by SFEFC are associated in some way with the promotion of social inclusion. The Scottish Executive expects SFEFC to exercise its the judgement and expertise in allocating the resources placed at its disposal, and does not instruct SFEFC on the proportion of funding which must be applied to social inclusion initiatives. The figures in the following table show, from 2000-01, the sums which SFEFC made available to further education colleges to cover the additional costs of social inclusion over and above the standard funding per student place. Year | £ | 2000-01 | 5,208,896 | 2001-02 | 9,891,576 | 2002-03 | 10,986,126 |
Source: Scottish Further Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173002,"EventID":"S2W-00158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been received by each further education college for social inclusion in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been received by each further education college for social inclusion in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Figures across the time period requested are not available on a consistent basis. This is because the method of funding further education (FE) colleges changed when responsibility for the methodology responsibility transferred to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) from 2000-01. Because of the fundamental role that FE colleges have in encouraging people of all ages and from different backgrounds to participate in post-school learning, a large proportion of the resources available to FE colleges are associated in some way with the promotion of social inclusion. However, the amounts cannot be determined separately. The figures provided in the following table relate to the specific elements that cover the additional costs of social inclusion over and above the standard funding per student place. College | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Aberdeen College | £115,257 | £279,914 | £313,326 | Angus College* | £72,942 | £97,586 | £105,396 | Anniesland College | £256,365 | £504,858 | £530,400 | Ayr College | £82,338 | £194,423 | £228,091 | Banff and Buchan College of Further Education* | £87,403 | £109,942 | £115,083 | The Barony College* | £27,636 | £24,557 | £24,486 | Borders College* | £101,806 | £92,915 | £95,721 | Cardonald College | £256,339 | £507,839 | £549,134 | Central College of Commerce | £134,295 | £312,708 | £383,692 | Clackmannan College of Further Education | £39,253 | £71,797 | £71,157 | Clydebank College | £210,907 | £352,497 | £362,290 | Coatbridge College | £120,543 | £249,642 | £277,925 | Cumbernauld College | £25,657 | £60,515 | £85,598 | Dumfries and Galloway College* | £116,836 | £186,400 | £177,781 | Dundee College | | Water Authorities' Published Accounts | Scottish Parliament Information Centre - Bib. Numbers | NoSWA | ESWA | WoSWA | 1999-2000 | 8790 | 7898 | 7925 | 2000-01 | 16464 | 17792 | 16463 | 2001-02 | 24607 | 24610 | 24612 |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173005,"EventID":"S2W-00161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected average salary of Scottish Water staff is for (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected average salary of Scottish Water staff is for (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water's pay remit year on year is controlled within the public sector pay guidelines applied to all public bodies. The total wage bill for each year will depend upon the rate at which planned reductions in the workforce through the voluntary severance programme are achieved.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173006,"EventID":"S2W-00162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #200 million set aside for Scottish Water to help with redundancy payments has been utilised specifically for meeting redundancy payments; how much has be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #200 million set aside for Scottish Water to help with redundancy payments has been utilised specifically for meeting redundancy payments; how much has been allocated to other budget headings, and what the purpose of any such budget heading is.","AnswerText":"The information sought will be contained in the 2002-03 accounts for Scottish Water. Ministers will lay these before Parliament, together with any report sent to them by the Auditor General for Scotland, once audited. A budget of £200 million was set aside over the four-year Strategic Review period for Scottish Water to use on a range of spend to save measures, including redundancy payments.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173007,"EventID":"S2W-00163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of net new borrowings Scottish Water will incur in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of net new borrowings Scottish Water will incur in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The level of net new borrowings available to Scottish Water will not exceed the levels published in table 9.02 in The Scottish Executive: Draft Budget 2003-04, which may be found on the Scottish Executive's website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/dbd03-15.asp","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173008,"EventID":"S2W-00164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency targets were set for Scottish Water for 2002-03 and how its performance compared with these targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency targets were set for Scottish Water for 2002-03 and how its performance compared with these targets.","AnswerText":"For 2002-03, Scottish Water were set an operating efficiency target within a range that extended from the level of performance achieved by the former water authorities to the target advised in the Water Industry Commissioner's Strategic Review of Charges 2000-2002. On capital efficiency, Scottish Water is required to meet the capital efficiency target set out in the Strategic Review of Charges 2000-2002 over the four-year period to 2006. Scottish Water's performance for 2002-03 can only be determined once audited accounts are available.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173009,"EventID":"S2W-00165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of Scottish Water drinking water pipes are in need of replacement or repair and when this work will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of Scottish Water drinking water pipes are in need of replacement or repair and when this work will be completed.","AnswerText":"Information about the conditions of assets and the scheduling of repair work is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: Based on Scottish Water's assessment of their assets as of June 2002, it is estimated that 62% of the length of the water pipe network is in need of replacement or repair. The 2003 review is currently being carried out and more updated information will be available later this year. Between 2002 and 2006, Scottish Water is replacing in excess of 3,000 kilometres of water mains.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173010,"EventID":"S2W-00166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gallons of water per annum are estimated to be lost through leakage as a result of Scottish Water drinking water pipes not being in a satisfactory state of repa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gallons of water per annum are estimated to be lost through leakage as a result of Scottish Water drinking water pipes not being in a satisfactory state of repair.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows: Scottish Water is currently implementing a programme to develop a better understanding of the impact and scale of leakage on the water network, but based on our assessment in June 2002 it is estimated that the leakage rate is about 80,000 million gallons per annum.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173011,"EventID":"S2W-00167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency targets have been set for Scottish Water for (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06 and what the projection is of how its performance will compare with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency targets have been set for Scottish Water for (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06 and what the projection is of how its performance will compare with these targets.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have asked Scottish Water to aim to meet the Water Industry Commissioner's targets as set out in his Strategic Review of Charges 2002 - 2006, without putting at risk environmental compliance or public health. It is for Scottish Water to make an assessment of what its performance will be and how this compares with the targets set.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173012,"EventID":"S2W-00168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available for the installation of rail loops at Reston and, if so, when it will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available for the installation of rail loops at Reston and, if so, when it will be made available.","AnswerText":"I understand that there are no current plans for funding rail loops at Reston. The Strategic Rail Authority are the lead body for the enhancement of the east coast main line.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173013,"EventID":"S2W-00169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is giving to a feasibility study into the restoration of a station at Reston.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is giving to a feasibility study into the restoration of a station at Reston.","AnswerText":"No funding has been sought from the Scottish Executive for such a study. The opening or re-opening of railway stations is generally considered a local transport issue and as such we would expect the relevant local authority to take a project forward. It is a matter for Scottish Borders Council to determine whether the restoration of a station at Reston is one of its transport priorities and to identify appropriate funding for a feasibility study. Any proposal to re-open a station at Reston would also require the Scottish Borders Council to consult the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173014,"EventID":"S2W-00170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26687 by Hugh Henry on 26 June 2002, how many compulsory purchase orders were instigated and successfully completed by each local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26687 by Hugh Henry on 26 June 2002, how many compulsory purchase orders were instigated and successfully completed by each local authority in 2002, broken down by categories where appropriate.","AnswerText":"The information held by the Executive is to be found in the following table. The Executive holds information only on those compulsory purchase orders submitted to the Scottish ministers as confirming authority. We do not hold information on those orders instigated by a local authority but not submitted for confirmation or on the outcome of the order following confirmation by ministers. The table shows compulsory purchase orders submitted by local authorities to the Scottish ministers and those confirmed by them. The table also shows the purposes for which the orders were made. Number of Local Authority Compulsory Purchase Orders Received and Confirmed in 2002 Council | Purpose | 2002 | Received | Confirmed | Aberdeen | Roads | 1 | 1 | Planning | 4 | 3 | East Renfrewshire | Planning | 1 | 1 | Edinburgh | Roads | 1 | 0 | Planning | 1 | 1 | Housing | 1 | 0 | Falkirk | Housing | 1 | 0 | Fife | Roads | 1 | 0 | Planning | 1 | 0 | Housing | 1 | 0 | Inverclyde | Planning | 0 | 3 | Midlothian | Roads | 1 | 0 | Perth and Kinross | Planning | 1 | 0 | Renfrewshire | Listed Buildings | 1 | 0 | Housing | 3 | 0 | Scottish Borders | Roads | 2 | 0 | South Lanarkshire | Roads | 4 | 1 | Planning | 0 | 1 | Stirling | Plannin","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173015,"EventID":"S2W-00171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any information showing the location of compulsory purchase orders on a more detailed geographical basis than by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any information showing the location of compulsory purchase orders on a more detailed geographical basis than by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedures) Scotland Act 1947 requires that a compulsory purchase order should be on a prescribed form and shall describe by reference to a map the land to which it applies. However, the Scottish Executive does not collate information about local authority promoted compulsory purchase orders on any more detailed geographical basis.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-09-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173016,"EventID":"S2W-00172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was for compulsory purchase orders referred to it by local authorities to be processed in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was for compulsory purchase orders referred to it by local authorities to be processed in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173017,"EventID":"S2W-00173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average length of time taken by local authorities to process planning applications, broken down by category where appropriate in each of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average length of time taken by local authorities to process planning applications, broken down by category where appropriate in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The statistics which planning authorities provide to the Executive every six months provide the basis for monitoring their performance against time thresholds and the targets set down by the Executive in paragraphs 85-87 of Scottish Planning Policy 1: The Planning System, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/planning/spp1-00.asp. The Executive does not collect the raw data that would enable us to provide averages of time taken. A copy of the planning application data showing planning authority performance from 1 April 1996 to 30 September 2002 has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 27631). Prior to April 1996, data was collected from each district authority and would not therefore be comparable. Detailed statistics of recent planning authority performance are available for public scrutiny in the Audit section of the Executive's Planning website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/Planning/audit.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173018,"EventID":"S2W-00174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average length of time taken by local authorities to process compulsory purchase orders, broken down by category where appropriate in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average length of time taken by local authorities to process compulsory purchase orders, broken down by category where appropriate in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173019,"EventID":"S2W-00175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will submit a response to the European Commission's green paper on Procedural Safeguards for Suspects and Defendants in Criminal Proceedings throughout the Eur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will submit a response to the European Commission's green paper on Procedural Safeguards for Suspects and Defendants in Criminal Proceedings throughout the European Union by the deadline of 15 May 2003 and, if so, whether it will publish that response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-34 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173020,"EventID":"S2W-00176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy guidelines it issues to local authorities regarding criteria for primary school placing requests by parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy guidelines it issues to local authorities regarding criteria for primary school placing requests by parents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not issue such policy guidelines. Education authorities are under a statutory duty (set out in section 1 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980) to ensure that they make adequate and efficient provision of school education for their area. Setting criteria for the allocation of places in schools under their management and for determining priority admissions are matters to be determined by education authorities in meeting their duties under this section. Authorities can only turn down a placing request on one of the grounds set out in law.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173021,"EventID":"S2W-00177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether children who have attended a nursery attached to a primary school should be transferred to that school or another school on reaching prima","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether children who have attended a nursery attached to a primary school should be transferred to that school or another school on reaching primary school age.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local education authorities. Subject to the terms of sections 28A and 28B of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, it is for the local education authority to set out and make available guidelines indicating how they will place children in schools under their management.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173022,"EventID":"S2W-00178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines there are for local authorities on priority admissions to primary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines there are for local authorities on priority admissions to primary schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-176 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173023,"EventID":"S2W-00179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publicity is given to procedures for placement requests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publicity is given to procedures for placement requests.","AnswerText":"Section 28 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 requires each education authority to publish or otherwise make available their arrangements for the placing of children in schools under their management. In addition, each year the Scottish Executive publishes a guide for parents entitled Choosing a School, which includes within it information on the placing request system. This booklet is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/casg-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173024,"EventID":"S2W-00180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money is guaranteed for \"supporting construction of the Borders Rail Line\" as referred to in the transport section of A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money is guaranteed for \"supporting construction of the Borders Rail Line\" as referred to in the transport section of A Partnership for a Better Scotland.","AnswerText":"For capital infrastructure projects over 10 years, we have £3 billion of investment moneys, within which we have the necessary resources to implement a Borders railway project, subject to the appraisal being conducted under the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173025,"EventID":"S2W-00181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the transport section of A Partnership for a Better Scotland, whether re-instatement of the Borders railway line remains subject to the test of a \"busi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the transport section of A Partnership for a Better Scotland, whether re-instatement of the Borders railway line remains subject to the test of a \"business case\".","AnswerText":"All transport projects for which funding is sought from the Scottish Executive are subject to appraisal under the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173026,"EventID":"S2W-00182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority education appeals committees are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and, in particular, with Article 6.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority education appeals committees are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and, in particular, with Article 6.","AnswerText":"Education authority committees are not concerned with the determination of \"civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge\" and therefore ECHR, and in particular Article 6, is not applicable. We consider that the system for dealing with cases considered by the committees, which includes the availability of a further appeal to the sheriff court, is nonetheless compatible with the requirements of the convention.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173027,"EventID":"S2W-00183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make legal aid available in respect of local authority education appeal committee proceedings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make legal aid available in respect of local authority education appeal committee proceedings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to make legal aid available in respect of local authority education appeal committee proceedings. Legal aid is available for appeals from the committees to the sheriff court.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173028,"EventID":"S2W-00184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what occasions HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland has visited Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what occasions HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland has visited Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","AnswerText":"HM Chief Inspector of Prisons has not visited Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre. However, representatives from HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland visited the centre during the inspection of that establishment by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales between 7 and 10 October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173029,"EventID":"S2W-00185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what control and restraint training the Scottish Prison Service has provided to the operator of Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what control and restraint training the Scottish Prison Service has provided to the operator of Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: None. The centre provides services to the Home Office and is therefore a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173030,"EventID":"S2W-00186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child psychologists are employed in each NHS board and local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child psychologists are employed in each NHS board and local authority area.","AnswerText":"Data on child psychology specialists in the NHS has not in the past been routinely collected. However, a special study has been made of the contribution that is made by clinical psychologists and the following table shows the headcount of NHS employed psychologists working with children, young people and families by board as at 30 September 2002. These data are provisional and final figures are due for publication later this year in a forthcoming report by the Clinical Psychology Workforce Planning Group. Health Board | Headcount as at 30 September 2002 | Argyll and Clyde | 6 | Ayrshire and Arran | 8 | Borders | 4 | Dumfries and Galloway | 2 | Fife | 11 | Forth Valley | 7 | Grampian | 12 | Greater Glasgow | 36 | Highland | 4 | Lanarkshire | 1 | Lothian | 13 | Orkney | 0 | Shetland | 0 | Tayside | 3 | Western Isles | 0 | Total | 107 |
Information on child psychologists employed by local authorities is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173031,"EventID":"S2W-00187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were referred to child psychologists in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were referred to child psychologists in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, the Improving Mental Health Information Programme of NHSScotland Information and Statistics Division (ISD) is working with agencies to improve access to nationally consistent information and to explore ways of closing such information gaps. Further information is available on the ISD website: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/mental_health/mhipbase.htm. The recently published NHS Health Scotland SNAP review of child and adolescent mental health services has provided a timely foundation on which to base development of support for children with mental health problems. The Scottish Executive Health Department has asked the national advisory Child Health Support Group to work with the NHS and partner agencies to act on the findings and implement recommendations in that report. Partnership for Care also confirmed that early attention will be given to the development of the child and adolescent mental health workforce. The Scottish Executive is also working with NHS Education for Scotland to increase training capacity for clinical psychologists as part of a broader programme with NHSScotland to assess and reshape psychology services to meet local demand.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173032,"EventID":"S2W-00188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is for an appointment with a child psychologist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is for an appointment with a child psychologist.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173033,"EventID":"S2W-00189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to increase the number of child psychologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to increase the number of child psychologists.","AnswerText":"The availability of psychological interventions in general needs to be increased. Work is in hand to increase the number of clinical psychologists, improve the training of other professionals who can contribute and develop best practice for the most effective delivery structures. A new 'pathfinder' workforce group for mental health will assist with developing capacity and skills on a multi-agency basis. The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme review of child and adolescent mental health services provides a timely foundation on which to base development of support for children with mental health problems. The Scottish Executive Health Department has asked the national advisory Child Health Support Group to work with the NHS and partner agencies to act on the findings and implement recommendations in that report.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173034,"EventID":"S2W-00190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal obligations there are on bus operators to plan bus routes to serve key public services such as hospitals and clinics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal obligations there are on bus operators to plan bus routes to serve key public services such as hospitals and clinics.","AnswerText":"There are no statutory obligations on bus operators to plan bus routes to serve key public services. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 provides a framework, which allows local transport authorities to enhance the provision of bus services. The act provides a "toolkit" of options including Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts. Transport authorities also have powers under the Transport Act 1985 to provide socially necessary services.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173035,"EventID":"S2W-00191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions for providing bus services on loss-making routes are adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions for providing bus services on loss-making routes are adequate.","AnswerText":"The Transport Act 1985 gives local transport authorities wide powers to secure the provision of subsidised public transport services.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173036,"EventID":"S2W-00192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of local community consultation process is required to determine the frequency and location of bus services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of local community consultation process is required to determine the frequency and location of bus services.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirement for local consultation to determine the frequency and location of bus services. The provision of local bus services is generally a matter for individual bus operators who use their own commercial judgement as to the level and frequency of services to be provided. Beyond the commercial decisions of bus operators, it is the responsibility of the local transport authority to identify where there is a social need for a particular bus service and to make subsidy available, if it so chooses, so that appropriate additional services are provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173037,"EventID":"S2W-00193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Nicholson Committee review on licensing laws will be published. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Nicholson Committee review on licensing laws will be published. ","AnswerText":"An announcement will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173038,"EventID":"S2W-00194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of specialist training places in dermatology is being reviewed and, if so, whether any consideration is being given to increasing the number of such pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of specialist training places in dermatology is being reviewed and, if so, whether any consideration is being given to increasing the number of such places to provide qualified candidates for any existing consultant vacancies and for any future consultant posts that may be needed over the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"The numbers of higher specialist training posts (i.e. Specialist Registrars) in all specialties are regularly reviewed and adjusted. In 2000 there were 15.3 (whole-time equivalent) Specialist Registrars in dermatology; in 2002 there were 19.8. Decisions on the numbers required in training are informed by anticipated turnover, service need and local service developments. We are reviewing the arrangements for medical workforce planning so that decisions are better informed and taken in a proper context. The Scottish Executive has committed to 375 more junior doctors by 2004 and 600 more consultants by 2006.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173039,"EventID":"S2W-00195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing core dermatology education for all medical and nursing undergraduates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider providing core dermatology education for all medical and nursing undergraduates.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for determining the educational requirements for all medical and nursing undergraduates rests with the General Medical Council (GMC) for medical undergraduates and the Nursing and Midwifery Council for nursing undergraduates. These professional bodies decide the standard of expertise to be maintained, in partnership with the higher education institutions, and their advice underpins the content of the courses.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173040,"EventID":"S2W-00196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education and training in dermatology that reflect the workload of GPs in respect of that condition is offered by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education and training in dermatology that reflect the workload of GPs in respect of that condition is offered by the NHS.","AnswerText":"Education and training in dermatology is currently offered by the NHS to GPs. At present, general practitioners are expected to identify their own personal learning needs to better provide the health needs of their patients and to seek training accordingly. Guidance and assistance is available to GPs from NHS Education for Scotland (NES) via the Postgraduate Directors of General Practice Education.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173041,"EventID":"S2W-00197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, in particular in respect of communication with visually impaired people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, in particular in respect of communication with visually impaired people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is a Disability Symbol user and is committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities by providing reasonable adjustments to the workplace, equipment, working hours or patterns on either a permanent or temporary basis. Staff with a visual impairment are supplied with adaptive software, large-screen monitors and information can be provided in large type, Braille or on audio cassette. As part of the European Year of Disabled People, the Executive is currently undertaking a programme of initiatives to raise awareness amongst staff, including the issue of an information leaflet on disability matters and a series of information seminars on particular disabilities. A development programme for potential employees with a disability will be piloted through our Outreach Project this autumn. The Executive has also, for a number of years, produced alternative format publications when the subject matter affected basic rights or was specifically aimed at the disabled community. Such documents have been made available in Braille, large print and audio tape formats. Scottish Executive websites containing its publications similarly accommodate disabled users through appropriate design and accessibility and are compatible with talking browser technology. Employers and service providers across Scotland must also meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and we expect this to be part of their normal planning process. The Executive has provided significant funding to improve access to public services, including access for disabled people. For example: In 2002, £36 million was allocated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council for further education institutions in three tranches - for upgrading college equipment; for urgent estates repairs; for financial security; to comply with disability legislation in general, and to implement improvements in accessibility to comply with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Capital investment in NHSScotland property, including IT and equipment, currently stands at £310 million and is planned to increase to £432 million by 2005-06. This investment is not targeted specifically at DDA compliance but all new facilities must comply with statutory requirements, including the DDA.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173042,"EventID":"S2W-00198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to ensure that patient information leaflets are available in accessible formats such as Braille and large print to comply with the Disability ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to ensure that patient information leaflets are available in accessible formats such as Braille and large print to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 places obligations on providers of goods and services to ensure that when they provide goods and services a disabled person is not treated less favourably by being refused a service, having it provided on worse terms or to a lower standard. It is also unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by failing to change a policy, procedure or practice, or to provide an auxiliary aid or service where the result is that it would be impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to use the service. Providing information about medicines would be regarded as an auxiliary service. To be a provider of goods and services covered by the act, a provider must provide either goods or services direct to the public. The manufacturers of medicines are therefore not covered and are not obliged to produce information in alternative formats. Title V of Council Directive 2001/83/EEC, which covers the information which is required to be provided with all medicines, permits the use of formats other than written text to be used. The UK Government encourages medicines manufacturers to make available large print, audio and Braille versions of patient information leaflets to those patients who request them. In addition, many companies run telephone helplines and other support services for users of their products which may increase the accessibility of information to visually impaired patients.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173043,"EventID":"S2W-00199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to ensure that executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to ensure that executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"No central funding is specifically earmarked to help executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies comply with employment and anti-discrimination legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). We would expect compliance to be part of the normal planning process of the executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies concerned. Funding provided by the Executive to meet these organisation's running costs will already have been used to enable them to comply with the DDA. Some Executive departments have identified significant funding to improve access of all people (including disabled people) to public services. For example: In 2002, £36 million was allocated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council for further education institutions in three tranches - for upgrading college equipment; for urgent estates repairs; for financial security; to comply with disability legislation in general, and to implement improvements in accessibility to comply with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Capital investment in NHSScotland property, including IT and equipment, currently stands at £310 million and is planned to increase to £432 million by 2005-06. This investment is not targeted specifically at DDA compliance but all new facilities must comply with statutory requirements, including the DDA.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173044,"EventID":"S2W-00200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been made to ensure that the emergency services are able to communicate with people with hearing impairment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been made to ensure that the emergency services are able to communicate with people with hearing impairment.","AnswerText":"All the emergency services take seriously communication with people with hearing impairment and are taking a range of steps to improve accessibility to the services they provide. In support of the provisions in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and other legislation, the Scottish Executive endorsed the publication in 2002 of The Scottish Translation, Interpreting and Communications Forum - Good Practice Guidelines, for use by public bodies, including the emergency services. A Partnership for a Better Scotland also contains commitments "to introduce a national language strategy to guide the development and support of Scotland's languages, including British Sign Language and ethnic community languages" and to "give local authorities and other public bodies a responsibility to draw up a languages plan which reflects the communities they serve". Examples of measures which the emergency services have in place include: - Equipment in police main operations rooms that allow those with hearing impairment to contact their local force by typing enquiries on a telephone keypad - the service is advertised in local telephone directories. Forces can also be contacted via the internet using the national policing portal. The roll-out of a single non-emergency telephone number across Scotland will allow people to send text messages to a force using a single number.
- Induction loops in public access areas of police stations for those with hearing aids.
- Training, as appropriate, for police officers and support staff in the use of sign language, with one force issuing cards portraying the \"sign\" alphabet.
Liaison between fire brigades and community and special needs groups about the availability of smoke alarms with vibrating pads and flashing lights. Brigades also provide fire safety literature on specialist alarms on request as well as contact points for specialist agencies who supply and fit such alarms.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173045,"EventID":"S2W-00201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the rise in cases of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the rise in cases of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).","AnswerText":"As a result of increases in the reported cases of measles, mumps and rubella in 2002 the Executive will continue to work with health professionals to reinforce the importance of vaccination, and the protection it provides to individuals and the population as a whole. Expert advice from around the world confirms that MMR remains the most effective way to protect children from these very serious, and potentially fatal, diseases.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173046,"EventID":"S2W-00202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any brains have been removed from people with mental illness following their deaths in the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any brains have been removed from people with mental illness following their deaths in the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. Where a post-mortem examination is carried out to establish the cause of death the removal of the brain may be necessary for diagnostic purposes. This would happen whether or not someone was suffering from a mental illness. The whole issue of retention of organs following post-mortem examination has been examined in detail by the Independent Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem. The group has looked at both types of post-mortem examination: hospital post-mortem examinations undertaken for the purposes of diagnosis, and post-mortem examinations instructed by the procurator fiscal, who has a duty to investigate all sudden, suspicious, accidental and unexplained deaths. I expect to receive a report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173047,"EventID":"S2W-00203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts are on course to meet the proposed 56-hour week for junior doctors by August 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS trusts are on course to meet the proposed 56-hour week for junior doctors by August 2003.","AnswerText":"The latest compliance figures are shown in the following table: August 2002 - Compliance Figures (Scotland) Trust | PRHO | SHO | SpR | Other | Total | Posts | Comp% | Posts | Comp % | Posts | Comp % | Posts | Comp% | Posts | Comp | Comp% | Argyll and Clyde | 51 | 100% | 133 | 43% | 23 | 52% | 17 | 12% | 224 | 122 | 54% | Ayrshire Acute | 36 | 100% | 130 | 21% | 18 | 17% | 23 | 13% | 207 | 69 | 33% | Ayrshire PC | | | 15 | 100% | | | | | 15 | 15 | 100% | Borders Acute | 15 | 93% | 29.6 | 7% | 10 | 10% | 7 | 29% | 61.6 | 19 | 31% | Borders PC | | | 6 | 100% | | | 6 | 100% | 12 | 12 | 100% | Carstairs | | | 9 | 100% | | | | | 9 | 9 | 100% | CSA | ","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173048,"EventID":"S2W-00204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to ensure that sufficient staff are recruited to enable compliance with the 56-hour week rule for junior doctors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to ensure that sufficient staff are recruited to enable compliance with the 56-hour week rule for junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The move to full, and sustainable, compliance requires more imaginative solutions than are been applied at present and a greater degree of urgency. The answer involves staff working in teams and thinking more creatively about new roles and responsibilities as part of the wider reform agenda. Nonetheless, some additional capacity will be required. As part of Workforce Planning for Doctors, there has been a commitment to recruit an additional 375 more junior doctors by 2004. The Partnership for a Better Scotland: Partnership Agreement, May 2003, identifies a target of 600 extra consultants to be recruited across NHSScotland by 2006 and increases in other staffing groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173049,"EventID":"S2W-00205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection and support will be given to any doctor accused of negligence who had been required to work excessive hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection and support will be given to any doctor accused of negligence who had been required to work excessive hours.","AnswerText":"The New Deal is a contractual agreement between the trusts and junior doctors, designed to protect staff and patients. The Scottish Executive fully supports the New Deal, and our role is to encourage trusts to meet their contractual obligations. The Scottish Executive works in partnership with the BMA Scottish Junior Doctors Committee and NHS trust representatives on implementation of the New Deal.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173050,"EventID":"S2W-00206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been referred to child psychologists by (a) GPs, (b) care homes and (c) any other method of referral in each year since 1999","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been referred to child psychologists by (a) GPs, (b) care homes and (c) any other method of referral in each year since 1999","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-187 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173051,"EventID":"S2W-00207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are for child psychologists in each NHS board and local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are for child psychologists in each NHS board and local authority area.","AnswerText":"Data on child psychology specialists in the NHS has not in the past been routinely collected. However, a special study has been made and information on vacancies will be analysed later this year. Information on child psychologist vacancies in local authorities is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173052,"EventID":"S2W-00208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish fully devolved collective bargaining machinery in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish fully devolved collective bargaining machinery in the NHS.","AnswerText":"No. We will continue to undertake collective bargaining within a UK framework.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173053,"EventID":"S2W-00209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish negotiations with professional organisations and trade unions to reach an agreement on Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish negotiations with professional organisations and trade unions to reach an agreement on Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been fully involved in the UK-wide negotiations on Agenda for Change undertaken over the last three years. These have already resulted in an agreement with professional organisations and trade unions to put the Agenda for Change proposals to staff throughout the UK, including Scotland. These proposals are currently out for consultation with staff and in most cases the outcome of the ballots are still awaited.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173054,"EventID":"S2W-00210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to the organisational change policy in the NHS and, in particular, the no detriment and lifetime protection aspects of the agreement with the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to the organisational change policy in the NHS and, in particular, the no detriment and lifetime protection aspects of the agreement with the Scottish Partnership Forum.","AnswerText":"The organisational change policy was the first document agreed within the Scottish Partnership Forum and all NHSScotland employers are obliged to implement it. The Scottish Executive Health Department is fully supportive of NHSScotland in its implementation of the policy.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173055,"EventID":"S2W-00211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider making single vaccines for mumps, measles and rubella available on the NHS as an alternative to the triple MMR vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider making single vaccines for mumps, measles and rubella available on the NHS as an alternative to the triple MMR vaccine.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173056,"EventID":"S2W-00212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school- and nursery-age children are being accommodated in Dungavel House immigration removal centre and whether these children are being educated in local schoo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school- and nursery-age children are being accommodated in Dungavel House immigration removal centre and whether these children are being educated in local schools.","AnswerText":"Immigration and asylum issues, including the educational provision for children at Dungavel, are reserved matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173057,"EventID":"S2W-00213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it selected the Inverness option for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage, in the light of the conclusion in the report by the DTZ Group, R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it selected the Inverness option for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage, in the light of the conclusion in the report by the DTZ Group, Relocation Study for Scottish Natural Heritage, that, on the basis of primary non-financial parameters, \"the only location which can be discounted is Inverness\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's relocation policy is intended to ensure that public sector jobs, and the economic benefits that they bring, are shared across all of Scotland. The co-location of the two current Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) headquarter buildings to a single site away from the extremely competitive Edinburgh labour market will realise significant efficiency gains in the long term. SNH already has over 200 staff based in the Highlands and Islands and 50 staff located in Inverness. The move would therefore allow potential synergies to be explored. In addition, due to the profile and nature of its work, SNH is a better candidate than other organisations for location in the Highland area.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173058,"EventID":"S2W-00214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs will be incurred specifically as a result of relocating the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness instead of to one of the options found to be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs will be incurred specifically as a result of relocating the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness instead of to one of the options found to be more cost-effective in the report by the DTZ Group, Relocation Study for Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerText":"The figures included in the report by DTZ Pieda represent the discounted values of a stream of costs and benefits of the various relocation options for Scottish Natural Heritage over a 30-year period. The figures contained in the DTZ Pieda report and subsequent analysis by officials have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. In the context of the wider relocation policy objectives to enable the economic benefits of public sector jobs to be shared around all of Scotland's communities, ministers took the view that relocation to Inverness would bring benefits in terms of the development of the policy which would outweigh purely financial considerations.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173059,"EventID":"S2W-00215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Inverness option for relocating the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage compared with other possible options in respect of \"economic development need\" in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Inverness option for relocating the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage compared with other possible options in respect of \"economic development need\" in the assessment by the DTZ Group.","AnswerText":"The assessment of economic development need of the relocation options considered in the DTZ Pieda study is shown in the table. | | Edinburgh | West Lothian | Stirling | Perth | Inverness | Economic Development Need | Low | High | Low | Low | Medium |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173060,"EventID":"S2W-00216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of staff in (a) the Executive as a whole, (b) its Environment and Rural Affairs Department, (c) the environment group of its Environment and Rural Affairs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of staff in (a) the Executive as a whole, (b) its Environment and Rural Affairs Department, (c) the environment group of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and (d) Scottish Natural Heritage is not based in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table for civil servants of the Scottish Executive and staff of Scottish Natural Heritage:Scottish Executive (Core Departments) | 22% | Environment and Rural Affairs Department (ERAD) | 46% | ERAD Environment Group | 0% | Scottish Natural Heritage | 72% |
","AnswerDate":"2003-06-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173061,"EventID":"S2W-00217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to improve the local provision of surgical and accident and emergency services to patients who live to the north and west of the Vale of Leven Distri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to improve the local provision of surgical and accident and emergency services to patients who live to the north and west of the Vale of Leven District General Hospital, given the planned closure and reduction respectively of these services at that hospital.","AnswerText":"It is primarily for NHS Argyll and Clyde to ensure that their health care services meet the needs of the local population.I am aware of the board's decision to engage the contingency plans for surgical services at the Vale of Leven Hospital. I understand that this decision was not taken lightly and was necessary to preserve local access and clinical safety. NHS Argyll and Clyde are currently working on a new clinical services strategy for the whole NHS board area and I have been assured that comprehensive public engagement and consultation will inform this.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173062,"EventID":"S2W-00218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a target for economic growth in 2003-04 and 2004-05 and what the reasons are for its position on the matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a target for economic growth in 2003-04 and 2004-05 and what the reasons are for its position on the matter. ","AnswerText":"Scotland is an open economy, and our economic performance is inextricably linked to global economic conditions, therefore setting a target for growth over a limited period of time cannot take account of circumstances beyond our control and will not aid the delivery of longer term growth and prosperity. We want to avoid simplistic targets and focus on the fundamental conditions which are critical to maximising our sustainable growth in the medium and long term.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173063,"EventID":"S2W-00220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to close the gap in economic growth rates between Scotland and the rest of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to close the gap in economic growth rates between Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"Growing the economy is our top priority and we outlined our overarching approach in the Framework for Economic Development. Our Enterprise Strategy, A Smart, Successful Scotland, is crucial in delivering this, giving strategic direction to the Enterprise Networks (Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise) and highlighting the priority areas in which Scotland must succeed to maximise our sustainable economic growth over the medium- and long-term. The differing shares of individual sectors within the Scottish and UK economies mean that the two growth rates will often diverge as the various sectors perform differently - Scottish GDP grew faster than that of the UK in each year between 1989 and 1993. As the electrical and instrument engineering accounts for a larger share of Scottish GDP than in the UK as a whole, the recent global downturn and restructuring in this sector had a greater impact on the Scottish Economy in 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173064,"EventID":"S2W-00221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to close the gap in average weekly incomes between Scotland and the rest of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to close the gap in average weekly incomes between Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to pursuing an approach to achieving sustainable economic development based upon the strategic priorities contained in A Smart, Successful Scotland. This includes improving productivity and competitiveness to enhance the long-term growth rate of the Scottish economy, to generate greater prosperity and employment and reduce poverty. The Executive and the Enterprise Networks measure the performance of Scottish industry in improving competitiveness relative to other Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development countries including the UK and seek to learn lessons from these comparisons.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173065,"EventID":"S2W-00222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a target date by which average weekly incomes in Scotland will converge with those in the rest of the UK and, if so, what that date is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a target date by which average weekly incomes in Scotland will converge with those in the rest of the UK and, if so, what that date is","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173066,"EventID":"S2W-00223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned in promoting economic development in 2002-03 and what new and remedial measures arising from any such lessons are now being taken. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned in promoting economic development in 2002-03 and what new and remedial measures arising from any such lessons are now being taken. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is well aware that the Scottish Economy did not grow in 2002. There are no quick fixes and we are committed to creating the conditions to maximise sustainable economic growth in the medium and long term. A Smart, Successful Scotland, our strategy for the Enterprise Networks, is crucial in delivering this and it is no coincidence that its focus on growing businesses, skills and learning and global connections is so similar to that advocated by Professor Michael Porter's recent report to the DTI entitled UK Competitiveness, moving on to the next stage.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173067,"EventID":"S2W-00224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring information it has from HM Prison Kilmarnock regarding the number of staff in post and applicants for employment, training and promotion by reference to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring information it has from HM Prison Kilmarnock regarding the number of staff in post and applicants for employment, training and promotion by reference to their racial group.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows: None. Premier Prison Services is solely responsible for such matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173068,"EventID":"S2W-00225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that animal welfare services are available in the light of possible closure of seven of the 13 animal welfare centres run by the Scottish Soci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that animal welfare services are available in the light of possible closure of seven of the 13 animal welfare centres run by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173069,"EventID":"S2W-00226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet the board of management of the Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals in order to discuss the possible closure of seven of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet the board of management of the Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals in order to discuss the possible closure of seven of the society's animal welfare centres.","AnswerText":"The society has not sought a meeting with the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173070,"EventID":"S2W-00227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance could be given by national and local government for the statutory services provided by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance could be given by national and local government for the statutory services provided by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.","AnswerText":"I understand the society has taken certain actions towards improving its financial position and will be considering the results of these actions shortly. The society has not made any application to the Executive for financial assistance. It is not known whether any applications have been made to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173071,"EventID":"S2W-00228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are in fuel poverty and what criteria it uses to define fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households are in fuel poverty and what criteria it uses to define fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"According to the 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey, 738,000 households in Scotland were estimated to be in fuel poverty. The definition for fuel poverty is \"a household is in fuel poverty if, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10% of its income (including Housing Benefit or ISMI (Income Support for Mortgage Interest)) on all household fuel use\".","AnswerDate":"2003-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-06-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":173072,"EventID":"S2W-00229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2003-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of households that have benefited from the Warm Deal initiative and the Central Heating Installation Programme since 1999 contain (a) older people and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of households that have benefited from the Warm Deal initiative and the Central Heating Installation Programme since 1999 contain (a) older people and (b) dependent children.","AnswerText":"Information is held by household and so it is not possible to identify the number of individuals that have received measures. The number of households to benefit from each of the programmes is as follows: Warm Deal | | 1999-2000* | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | Total | Local Authority Programme | 22,318 | 22,600 | 18,549 | 8,578 | 72,045 | Eaga Managed Programme | 16,131 | 26,555 | 22,328 | 21,755 | 86,769 | Total | 38,449 | 49,155 | 40,877 | 33,333 | 158,814 |
Note: *The Warm Deal commenced in July 1999 as the successor to the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. Central Heating Installation Programme |
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