| Pollack Vb, VI, XII, XIV | 563 | -20","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185976,"EventID":"S2W-13261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to use the opportunity of the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union in 2005 to change the timescale and nature of the decision-mak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to use the opportunity of the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union in 2005 to change the timescale and nature of the decision-making process in respect of the annual fisheries negotiations which currently take place in late December.","AnswerText":"At present, there are no suchplans. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185977,"EventID":"S2W-13262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of the contract documents in respect of the Skye Bridge contract in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of the contract documents in respect of the Skye Bridge contract in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Copies of the contract documents have been made available today in the Parliament’s Reference Centre. The documents lodged are as follows:The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 199- Assignation Statement (Bib. number 35164) Concession Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Skye Bridge Tolls Limited (Bib. number 35162) Minute of Variation of Concession Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Skye Bridge Limited (Bib. number 35165) Second Minute of Variation of Concession Agreement between the Scottish Ministers and Skye Bridge Limited (Bib. number 35166) VAT Compensation Agreement between the Scottish Ministers and Skye Bridge Limited (Bib. number 35163). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185978,"EventID":"S2W-13263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding was allocated in respect of the Skye Bridge and how much funding Skye Bridge Limited received in (a) tolls and (b) subsidies in each year since th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding was allocated in respect of the Skye Bridge and how much funding Skye Bridge Limited received in (a) tolls and (b) subsidies in each year since the bridge was opened.","AnswerText":"The total cost of the Skye Bridge project was £39 million, of which some £15 million was publicly funded. Both these figures are quoted at 1991 prices.Toll receipts totalled £33,370,829 in cash terms between October 1995 and September 2004. This includes compensation payments, totalling £7,564,517 in cash terms, in respect of the costs of increased frequent user discounts from 1998, the freeze on toll levels from 2000 and the imposition of VAT on tolls from February 2003. A breakdown of these totals is set out in the following table: | Year | Toll Revenue (£) | Compensation Payments (£) | | 1995 | 397,599 | 0 | | 1996 | 3,178,385 | 0 | | 1997 | 3,253,993 | 0 | | 1998 | 3,579,642 | 637,482 | | 1999 | 3,666,434 | 712,723 | | 2000 | 3,755,373 | 801,483 | | 2001 | 3,641,085 | 858,414 | | 2002 | 4,003,881 | 1,028,589 | | 2003 | 4,137,522 | 1,623,888 | | 2004 | 3,756,915 | 1,901,938 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185979,"EventID":"S2W-13264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Auditor General for Scotland to investigate the implications of the Skye Bridge contract for future public finance initiatives and whether the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Auditor General for Scotland to investigate the implications of the Skye Bridge contract for future public finance initiatives and whether the public funding allocated under the contract represented good use of public money.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185980,"EventID":"S2W-13265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the legal advice it received in relation to whether EU law or rules require the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services proposed by Cl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the legal advice it received in relation to whether EU law or rules require the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services proposed by Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services: Service Specification - A Consultation Paper and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not normally disclose legal advice which it receives.In any event, I raised the issue of the requirement to tender with the European Transport Commissioner, M. Barrot, when I met him in Brussels on 9 December. Following that meeting I wrote to M. Barrot asking whether there was any way, within the terms of European law, to allow the Clyde and Hebrides services to continue to be delivered on a subsidised basis without the need to tender. The Executive is still in discussion with the Commission on the issue. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185981,"EventID":"S2W-13266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of work carried out in connection with the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, showing the cost of civil servants' time and other c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of work carried out in connection with the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, showing the cost of civil servants' time and other costs, such as costs of consultants and advisers.","AnswerText":"The breakdown of direct costs incurred by the Executive (to end January 2005) in connection with the EU requirements in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services is set out in the table below. It does not include the cost of senior officials in Transport Group, specialist officials or ministers as their time cannot be separately accounted for. Neither does it include a proportion of the overheads which the Executive accrues generally. The figures have been calculated in cash terms. | Staffing (Note1) | £ 800,000 (approx) | | Travel and Subsistence Expenses for Officials (Note 2) | £12,000 (approx) | | Consultation Exercises (Note 3) | £40,000 (approx) (incl. VAT) | | External Advice (Note 4) | £286,000 (approx) (incl. VAT) | | Total | £1,138 million | Notes: 1. A dedicated team of officials has been in place to deal with the EU requirements in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services since November 1999. Individual staff costs (including pension and NI contributions) are complex to calculate. This figure is derived from the structure of the team from November 1999 to the present and average full staff costs for each relevant grade for each financial year. 2. Travel and Subsistence incurred by the dedicated team of officials. It does not include a proportion for ministers. 3. This includes design, printing and postage. It does not include staff time which is accounted for separately. 4. The Executive has commissioned external advice, totally approximately £286,000, where the expertise was not available internally: -research to provide additional evidence to the Commission on the uniqueness of the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet. This supported the Executive’s proposals to retain the fleet in public ownership and to bind the successful bidder to those vessels. -technical advice on the service specifications for the Clyde and Hebrides services and the Gourock to Dunoon route. -technical advice on the proposed restructuring of Caledonian MacBrayne -research into the application of the EU rules in other member states. This research is due to be completed shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185982,"EventID":"S2W-13267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of the tender process of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, showing costs of any external consultants to be used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of the tender process of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services, showing costs of any external consultants to be used.","AnswerText":"I refer to the response to S2W-13266 on 24 January 2005 in relation to the cost of the work carried out to the end of January 2005 in connection with the EU requirements in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.There is no formal estimate of the future cost to the Executive of the tender process. However, if the tendering goes ahead, I expect that a similar team of officials to that which is currently working on the tendering proposals would be in place until contract handover date. On the basis that contract handover takes place in late 2007 staff costs would be approximately £550,000 in current prices. As with the reply to S2W-13266 this figure does not include the cost of senior officials in Transport Group, specialist officials or ministers as their time cannot be separately accounted for. Neither does it include a proportion of the overheads which the Executive accrues generally. Further external technical advice would be commissioned to finalise the service specification, to assist in the Executive’s evaluation of bids and to support the Executive in monitoring and managing the contract handover and implementation. I would anticipate that this will cost in the region of £200,000 to 300,000. These costs are, of course, estimates and would depend on a number of factors, for example, the number of bidders, the complexity of tender negotiations and issues arising during contract handover. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185983,"EventID":"S2W-13268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to obtain agreement from the European Union to any alternative proposals to tendering the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to obtain agreement from the European Union to any alternative proposals to tendering the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.","AnswerText":"During the parliamentary debate on ferry services on 8 December 2004 the Parliament expressed concerns regarding the tendering process. I agreed to discuss these concerns with the European Commission and raised this issue with the European Transport Commissioner, M Barrot, when I met him in Brussels on 9 December 2004. Following that meeting I wrote to M Barrot asking whether there was any way, within the terms of European law relating to maritime cabotage, to allow the Clyde and Hebrides services to continue to be delivered on a subsidisedbasis without the need to tender. Further discussions are taking place between the Executive and the European Commission and I will report back to Parliament on thisissue as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185984,"EventID":"S2W-13269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs will be incurred as a result of any failure to tender the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services; how any such costs are calculated, and what information it has on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs will be incurred as a result of any failure to tender the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services; how any such costs are calculated, and what information it has on any costs being incurred by other EU member states in respect of lifeline ferry services in areas where opportunities for competition between ferry operators is limited or non-existent.","AnswerText":"If the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services were not tendered and the European Court of Justice were subsequently to find that such an action was in breach of EU rules the consequences could be severe. In particular, following on from sucha ruling, the Commission could order the immediate cessation of subsidy to Caledonian MacBrayne and that the Executive recover from Caledonian MacBrayne all subsidy that had been declared to be illegal state aid.I understand that all member states with lifeline ferry services have either tendered them, are in the process of doing so or are in discussion with the Commission about how to bring those services into line with EU rules. In relation to Public Service Obligations the Commission investigated, in 1998, aid given to the Spanish state owned ferry company Trasmediterranea (Trasmed). When the Commission began the investigation it required the Spanish authorities to suspend payment of state aid to Trasmed until the Commission’s examination of the case had been concluded. The case took three years to complete at which time the Commission found that the tender process had been flawed and breached the non-discrimination principle. Following the investigation, Spain was obliged by the Commission to terminate the existing contract with Trasmed, to suspend any payment of aid and to comply with the Cabotage Regulation in respectof any successor contract. The Commission also required that any subsequent contract enter into force “only after adequate time and publicity have been given to allow all Community shipping companies a fair opportunity to prepare their bids”. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185985,"EventID":"S2W-13270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on concessionary travel on 22 December 2004, how much the proposed smart card scheme will cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on concessionary travel on 22 December 2004, how much the proposed smart card scheme will cost.","AnswerText":"Current estimates indicate that the cost of providing appropriate bus infrastructure to support the use of Smartcards for concessionary travel will be in the region of £9 million.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185986,"EventID":"S2W-13271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on concessionary travel on 22 December 2004, whether it will provide detailed estimates in respect of the cost of the concessionary ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on concessionary travel on 22 December 2004, whether it will provide detailed estimates in respect of the cost of the concessionary travel scheme for (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08.","AnswerText":"As indicated in my statement, the maximum payment for the national free bus scheme for older and disabled people will be £159 million in 2006-07 and £163 million in 2007‑08. Actual expenditure within that cap will depend on the number of concessionary passengers and the cost of the journeys carried out. As also indicated in my statement, payment will be at the rate of 73.6% of the average adult fare.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185987,"EventID":"S2W-13272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report dated September 2004 by Turner and Townsend, project management consultants for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), evaluating the four te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report dated September 2004 by Turner and Townsend, project management consultants for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), evaluating the four tenders received for the new SNH headquarters in Inverness.","AnswerText":"This is an operationalmatter which is the responsibility of Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185988,"EventID":"S2W-13273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on whether Berebriggs Road, Strathaven, will be closed, as proposed by South Lanarkshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on whether Berebriggs Road, Strathaven, will be closed, as proposed by South Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerText":"South Lanarkshire Council promoted the South Lanarkshire Council (Berebriggs Road, Strathaven) (Stopping Up Order) 2004 under Section 68 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. Several objections were received to this Order and, as required by legislation, it was forwarded to Scottish ministers for theirdetermination on 16 December 2004.The matter is currently under consideration and every effort will be made to reach an early decision on the order. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185989,"EventID":"S2W-13274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the bank holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the bank holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows: | Holidays | 2004 | 2005 | | New Year’s Day (or in lieu of) | Thurs | 1 Jan | Tues | 4 Jan | | 2 January (or in lieu of) | Fri | 2 Jan | Mon | 3 Jan | | Good Friday | Fri | 9 Apr | Fri | 25 Mar | | Early May Bank Holiday | Mon | 3 May | Mon | 2 May | | Spring Bank Holiday | Mon | 31 May | Mon | 30 May | | Summer Bank Holiday | Mon | 2 Aug | Mon | 1 Aug | | Christmas Day (or in lieu of 25 Dec) | Tues | 28 Dec | Mon | 26 Dec | | Boxing Day (or in lieu of 26 Dec) | Mon | 27 Dec | Tues | 27 Dec | More information on bankholidays can be found on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library4/JD/CL/00018329.aspx?mode=view. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185990,"EventID":"S2W-13275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the public holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the public holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","AnswerText":"There is no legal orstatutory definition of public holiday in the United Kingdom.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185991,"EventID":"S2W-13276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the local holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the local holiday (a) days and (b) dates (i) were in 2004 and (ii) will be in 2005.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldby the Scottish Executive. Local holidays are determined by individual councilswho are able to advise on the dates of local holidays in their areas. Datesare set which reflect local traditions and consultation with local businessinterests, and may vary between local authority areas.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185992,"EventID":"S2W-13277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status is of (a) local, (b) public and (c) bank holidays.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status is of (a) local, (b) public and (c) bank holidays.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory basis forlocal or public holidays. Scottish ministers are responsiblefor setting bank holidays in Scotland. The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 providesthe statutory basis for UK bank holidays. Schedule 1 prescribes Scottish bank holidays.Section 1(2) of the act provides for alternative days to be appointed as bank holidaysby Royal Proclamation where a day specified in schedule 1 to the act is inexpedientin any particular year. Section 1(3) of the act provides that special days may beappointed as bank holidays by Royal Proclamation either throughout the United Kingdomor in any place or locality in the United Kingdom. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185993,"EventID":"S2W-13278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the upgrade of the A74 from Gretna to Carlisle and what the outcome was of these discussions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the upgrade of the A74 from Gretna to Carlisle and what the outcome was of these discussions.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a range of transport issues in England which have implications for Scotland, including construction of the M6 from Carlisle to Guards Mill at Gretna.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185994,"EventID":"S2W-13279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has that local authorities may have moved funding from handyman services and aids and adaptations for tenants in the socially-rented sector in order to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has that local authorities may have moved funding from handyman services and aids and adaptations for tenants in the socially-rented sector in order to provide the required contributions to funding the Care and Repair Scheme.","AnswerText":"Aids and adaptations andhandyman services for tenants in the social rented sector are funded from rentsand specific grants from Communities Scotland. This funding would not beeligible to be used to support Care and Repair services, which work to improvehousing conditions in the private sector.Additional information onCare and Repair funding is available in the report “Care and Repair NationalIndicators 2003-04” published by Communities Scotland: http://www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk/web/FILES/carerepair2004.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185995,"EventID":"S2W-13280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether providing capital funding for works undertaken by the Care and Repair Scheme, which may include aids and adaptations and a handyman service, through the private ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether providing capital funding for works undertaken by the Care and Repair Scheme, which may include aids and adaptations and a handyman service, through the private sector housing grant disadvantages those in the socially-rented sector from accessing such services.","AnswerText":"We are committed to meetingthe housing needs of people in all tenures across Scotlandincluding owner occupiers. Care and Repair projects help older owner-occupiersand private sector tenants to arrange repairs and adaptations to their homes,and may also provide handyman services for small household jobs. Clients mayapply for grants from the local authority, funded by Private Sector Housing Grant,to help with the capital costs of major works.In the social rented sector,repairs and adaptations will be arranged by the landlord, and are funded fromrents and specific grants available from Communities Scotland. RegisteredSocial Landlords can provide handyman services for their older tenants if theywish, to help with jobs that would normally be the tenant’s responsibility. Insome areas agreement may be reached for one agency to provide handyman servicesto people in all tenures. This should be arranged with appropriate financialcontributions from all partners. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185996,"EventID":"S2W-13281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is has on the incidence of accidents in the home, broken down by age group, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03, (e) 2003-04 and (f) 2004-05","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is has on the incidence of accidents in the home, broken down by age group, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03, (e) 2003-04 and (f) 2004-05, expressed also as a percentage of all accidental injury admissions to accident and emergency departments in each year.","AnswerText":"NHS treatment for unintentional injuries may be provided in a number of health settings, including general practice, accident and emergency departments and as an in-patient in a hospital. Data available nationally, at a level of detail that would allow the place of the injury (e.g. home) to be identified, are only available for those patients admitted as an inpatient to a hospital. In general, it is likely that patients admitted to hospital will have a more serious injury than those treated in general practice or within accident and emergency departments.Information on the number of those admitted as an in-patient to hospital in the period 1999-2000 to 2003-04 by age group is shown in the following table. Full information for 2004-05 is not yet available. The Scottish Executive has procured a national accident and emergency system for recording unintentional injury that is presently being rolled out across NHSScotland. Table 1. Number of Emergency In-Patient Hospital Admissions as a Result of an Unintentional Injury by Age Group, Year Ending 31 March | Type of Injury 1 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | Home Injuries 2 | 18,809 | 17,962 | 17,963 | 17,312 | 16,676 | | <1 | 494 | 476 | 485 | 447 | 440 | | 1-4 | 2,544 | 2,346 | 2,338 | 2,097 | 1,905 | | 5-9 | 939 | 842 | 822 | 776 | 732 | | 10-14 | 471 | 434 | 444 | 408 | 380 | | 15-24 | 819 | 881 | 827 | 694 | 650 | | 25-44 | 2,166 | 2,132 | 1,995 | 1,814 | 1,694 | | 45-64 | 2,624 | 2,533 | 2,461 | 2,449 | 2,417 | | 65-74 | 2,160 | 2,074 | 2,123 | 2,020 | 2,032 | | 75+ | 6,592 | 6,244 | 6,468 | 6,607 | 6,426 | | All Injuries 3 | 66,090 | 66,251 | 67,199 | 64,642 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185997,"EventID":"S2W-13282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent data are that it has on the incidence of accidents in the home, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) local authority ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent data are that it has on the incidence of accidents in the home, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) local authority ward.","AnswerText":"NHS treatment for unintentional injuries may be provided in a number of health settings including general practice, accident and emergency departments and as an inpatient in a hospital. Data available nationally at a level of detail that would allow the place of the injury (e.g. home) to be identified are only available for those patients admitted as an inpatient to a hospital. In general, it is likely that patients admitted to hospital will have a more serious injury than those treated in general practice or within accident and emergency departments. Information on the number of those admitted as an inpatient to hospital in the period 2003-04 by council area is shown in the following table. Information split by council ward area is not held centrally. Table 1. Number of Emergency In-Patient Hospital Admissions as a Result of anUnintentional Injury by Council Area, Year Ending 31 March 20041 | Council Area | | Home | All | | | Injuries2 | Injuries3 | % | | Total | 16,676 | 60,339 | 27.6 | | 1 | Aberdeen City | 1,031 | 3,529 | 29.2 | | 2 | Aberdeenshire | 864 | 3,015 | 28.7 | | 3 | Angus | 376 | 1,092 | 34.4 | | 4 | Argyll and Bute | 371 | 1,383 | 26.8 | | 5 | Scottish Borders | 461 | 1,075 | 42.9 | | 6 | Clackmannanshire | 220 | 519 | 42.4 | | 7 | West Dunbartonshire | 169 | 1,264 | 13.4 | | 8 | Dumfries and Galloway | 526 | 1,198 | 43.9 | | 9 | Dundee City | 609 | 1,824 | 33.4 | | 10 | East Ayrshire | 599 | 1,802 | 33.2 | | 11 | East Dunbartonshire | 148 | 914 | 16.2 | | 12 | East Lothian | 161 | 752 | 21.4 | | 13 | East Renfrewshire | 248 | 868 | 28.6 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185998,"EventID":"S2W-13283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3103,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why West Kilbride has been omitted from directional informatory signage on the A78 Three Towns Bypass and what action it will take to address the position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why West Kilbride has been omitted from directional informatory signage on the A78 Three Towns Bypass and what action it will take to address the position.","AnswerText":"With effect from 19 January 2005, West Kilbride has been signed, both in terms of direction and distance, from the northern section of the new A78 Three Towns Bypass.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":185999,"EventID":"S2W-13284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to persuade the UK Department of Trade and Industry to locate additional energy-related civil service jobs in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to persuade the UK Department of Trade and Industry to locate additional energy-related civil service jobs in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the potential to relocate UK civil service jobs in Scotland.Decisions about the deployment of civil service staff in UK departments are an operational matter for the department concerned. However, Scottish Development International is in discussions with a range of UK Government departments about the advantages of Scottish locations for specific projects as part of its role to seek to attract high-quality jobs and investment to Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186000,"EventID":"S2W-13285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any discussions within the UK Department of Trade and Industry on the possibility of transferring energy-related civil service posts to Aberdeen; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any discussions within the UK Department of Trade and Industry on the possibility of transferring energy-related civil service posts to Aberdeen; whether its views were sought on any such proposal and, if so, whether it will provide details of any such discussions or views.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13284, on 19 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186001,"EventID":"S2W-13286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by the UK Department of Trade and Industry, or any other UK government department, on plans to disperse posts from London to elsewhere in the Un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by the UK Department of Trade and Industry, or any other UK government department, on plans to disperse posts from London to elsewhere in the United Kingdom and, if so, whether it will give details.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not been consulted directly by the UK Department of Trade and Industry, or any other UK Government Department, on plans to disperse civil service posts from London. However, I have been assured that the UK Government is keen to see a share of the posts relocated from London and SouthEast England coming to Scotland.Specific decisions about the deployment of civil service staff in UK departments are an operational matter for the department concerned. Scottish Development International (SDI) is in discussion with individual UK Government Departments, including the Department of Trade and industry, about specific projects as part of its role to attract high quality jobs and investment to Scotland. SDI keeps Scottish Executive ministers fully informed of developments. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186002,"EventID":"S2W-13287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are held regarding the names and dates of attendance of pupils at primary and secondary schools during the 1950s and 1960s and how this information can be a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are held regarding the names and dates of attendance of pupils at primary and secondary schools during the 1950s and 1960s and how this information can be accessed.","AnswerText":"The Schools General (Scotland) Regulations 1975, which replaced similar, earlier, provisions, require education authorities to preserve registers of attendance for five years. If any records still exist for the 1950s and 1960s,they would be held by the relevant school or authority, to whom requests for access should be made. Individual records of pupil attendance are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186003,"EventID":"S2W-13288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responses it has received to Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 16: Opencast Coal Public Consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responses it has received to Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 16: Opencast Coal Public Consultation.","AnswerText":"The Executive received 291 responses to the consultation paper. These are currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186004,"EventID":"S2W-13289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sports co-ordinators are employed by each local authority, expressed also as a ratio to the number of (a) primary and (b) secondary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sports co-ordinators are employed by each local authority, expressed also as a ratio to the number of (a) primary and (b) secondary school children.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily identifiable. The Active Schools staffing network of managers and co-ordinators is still growing. There are now approximately 340 Active School co-ordinators in secondary schools and approximately 190 covering clusters of primary schools. Recruitment is ongoing. Co-ordinators in primary schools are employed on a full-time basis. Those in secondary schools are employed for one day per week with some local authorities choosing to deploy co-ordinators for two days in some schools.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186005,"EventID":"S2W-13290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of assistance is provided to local authority sports co-cordinators to ensure that their sports programmes are not adversely affected due to higher costs of tra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of assistance is provided to local authority sports co-cordinators to ensure that their sports programmes are not adversely affected due to higher costs of transportation, particularly in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have been allocated an operational budget of £1,500 for each secondary school cluster by sportscotland to be used to support activities provided through Active Schools, part of which can be allocated against transport costs, particularly in rural areas.Funding of £2,000 per secondary school is also available through the Out of School Hours/School Sport Co-ordinator Programme managed by sportscotland on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund, part of which can also be allocated to offset transport costs. We also anticipate that Active Schools funding will help to unlock additional local funding from relevant local authority and other budgets in order to support extra transport needs in all local authority areas. Sportscotland’s Partnership managers encourage all local authorities and other local bodies to adopt a co-ordinated approach to Active Schools including in relation to transport provision. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186006,"EventID":"S2W-13291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure when it has met its Closing the Opportunity Gap target H to "by 2008, improve service delivery in rural areas so that agreed improvements to acces","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure when it has met its Closing the Opportunity Gap target H to "by 2008, improve service delivery in rural areas so that agreed improvements to accessibility and quality are achieved for key services in remote and disadvantaged areas".","AnswerText":"For target H, the Executive isworking with an Advisory Group of representatives from key delivery agencies andrural communities to agree the rural areas to be targeted, to consult with localcommunities to identify the key services to be improved, and, later in 2005, toagree with the relevant community planning partnerships the specific targets forimprovements to be achieved in terms of accessibility and quality. For each areaand target, measurements will be made at baseline and in 2008 and changes from baselinecalculated. Research will shortly be commissioned to establish local views on keyservices and how they might be improved and to collect data to measure baselineservice provision. As target improvements for access and quality are agreed withcommunity planning partnerships, further details of the measurement process willbe made available on the Scottish Executive Closing the Opportunity Gap website:www.scotland.gov.uk/closingtheopportunitygap. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186007,"EventID":"S2W-13292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the building of the Fochabers bypass will commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the building of the Fochabers bypass will commence.","AnswerText":"The report of the Public Local Inquiry into the A96(T) Fochabers Mosstodloch Bypass is currently under consideration. Every effort is being made to reach an early decision on whether or not the scheme should proceed.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186008,"EventID":"S2W-13293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12989 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 24 December 2004, how it will ensure that the new tourism hubs have an adequate cash flow in the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12989 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 24 December 2004, how it will ensure that the new tourism hubs have an adequate cash flow in the period between membership fees ending and the new funding arrangements taking effect.","AnswerText":"Membership fees will end on 31 March 2005 with thewinding up of the Area Tourist Boards, and the new funding arrangements which VisitScotlandis discussing with the Executive will come into effect on 1 April. Part of thesediscussions is about the scale of the savings which are expected to result fromachieving efficiencies from network integration. The positionremains that, once these efficiencies are achieved during the course of 2005-06,the tourism network is expected to be sustainable.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186009,"EventID":"S2W-13294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board regarding the consideration of options for relocating the toll-collecting stations to the Fife end of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board regarding the consideration of options for relocating the toll-collecting stations to the Fife end of the road bridge to help reduce the level of congestion and pollution in the Dundee city centre area.","AnswerText":"We hold regular discussions with Tay Road Bridge Joint Board on a range of issues, and are aware that the board is considering the possible relocation of the tolling booths as part of a range of measures to improve toll collection and reduce congestion at the bridge. Decisions on such a move are a matter for the joint board.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186010,"EventID":"S2W-13295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available the Vital Events data, provided by the General Register Office for Scotland, broken down by calendar month and week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available the Vital Events data, provided by the General Register Office for Scotland, broken down by calendar month and week.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland is currently reviewing the range of statistical information made available on its website. One outcome of this review is likely to be the inclusion of regularly updated provisional information on birth and death registrations. Though the precise details have yet to be finalised, it is expected that weekly and monthly counts will both be provided.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186011,"EventID":"S2W-13296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12308 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 December 2004, why the period of 30 years is used in comparing the relative cost of lease and purchas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12308 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 December 2004, why the period of 30 years is used in comparing the relative cost of lease and purchase of the new Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) headquarters to be built in Inverness when the required life span of the building is expected to be 75 years; what account is taken of the costs of leasing a building for the remainder of the period and whether a calculation of the net values using lease or outright purchase, using the Treasury guidance referred to, will be published; what consideration is given to the fact that, by outright purchase, SNH would be the owners of the building at the end of the lease period and, if such consideration has been given, what estimate has been made in respect of the value of the building as a fixed asset at that time.","AnswerText":"The period of 30 years adoptedfor the appraisal is appropriate since it matches the rental period specified inthe Invitation To Tender documentation issued to developers. This is consistentwith the guidance on economic appraisals published by HM Treasury in the so calledGreen Book. The decision whether to rent or purchase the building will dependon an appraisal of costs and benefits which will include a residual value for theasset at the end of the 30 year period. This decision will not be taken until theend of the construction phase at which time details of the appraisal will be published.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186012,"EventID":"S2W-13297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the action that it intends to take to improve road safety at the A90 junctions around Laurencekirk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the action that it intends to take to improve road safety at the A90 junctions around Laurencekirk.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intends to introduce the following measures to improve road safety on the A90 at the Laurencekirk/Marykirk junctions: - The introduction of a 50mph speed limit over a 1,600 metre length of the A90 between Oatyhill and Johnstone Lodge.
- The installation of a safety camera
- The introduction of a 50mph speed limit over a 1,600 metre length of the A90 between Oatyhill and Johnstone Lodge.
- The installation of advanced warning signs
- The extension of high friction surfacing
- Renewal and relocation of the direction signs to Marykirk to assist visibility
- Installation of verge markers
- Renewal of lining
- The clearance of vegetation.
These safety measures will be introduced as soon as possible and we are starting the necessary statutory procedures to reduce the speed limit to 50mph between Oatyhill and Johnstone Lodge immediately. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186013,"EventID":"S2W-13298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) mental health problems, (b) physical health problems, (c) homelessness, (d) unemployment and (e) social and financial problems are addressed, where appropriate, d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) mental health problems, (b) physical health problems, (c) homelessness, (d) unemployment and (e) social and financial problems are addressed, where appropriate, during treatment and rehabilitation interventions for drug misuse.","AnswerText":"Decisions on treatment interventionsand options for addressing other needs are for individual patients and their medicaland social care professionals. The evidence shows that the keyto addressing the multiple problems experienced by many drug misusers is to planand deliver services in an integrated way. The Executive’s Effective InterventionsUnit has produced evidence based guidance on integrated care for drug users. DrugAction Teams, in collaboration with partner agencies, are developing models of integratedcare relevant and appropriate to their local needs and circumstances. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186014,"EventID":"S2W-13299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people live an alcohol-free lifestyle (a) eight and (b) 16 months following alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people live an alcohol-free lifestyle (a) eight and (b) 16 months following alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation programmes.","AnswerText":"Information on the percentage of people living an alcohol–free lifestyle following alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation programmes is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186015,"EventID":"S2W-13300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for drug treatment in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for drug treatment in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Average waiting times are not regarded as a particularly effective measure of the availability and efficiency of drugs services.The national framework collects information on the length of wait that clients experience from referral to assessment, and from an agreed care plan to one or more of four different types of intervention (i.e. preparatory and motivational intervention, prescribed drug treatment, community rehabilitation, and residential detoxification). The length of wait is collated in blocks of time i.e. the number of people who wait for less than one week, less than two weeks, and so forth. The first set of provisional reports from the information available is shown on the Drug Misuse Information Scotland website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/wtpilot/waiting.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186016,"EventID":"S2W-13301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the new GP contract will have if GPs choose not to offer an enhanced service for drug users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the new GP contract will have if GPs choose not to offer an enhanced service for drug users.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are under a duty to provide primary medical services for the patients in their area and free to commission enhanced services, such as the treatment of patients suffering from drug misuse, from those providers which they consider most appropriate to meet local health needs. This means that an enhanced service for drug misusers could be provided by a GP practice or another NHS provider or even the board itself. A model specification for the delivery of a National Enhanced Service (NES) for patients suffering from drug misuse has been published. The specification sets out the service elements which the provider must already have in place, such as safe and secure premises, and details the elements which the commissioned provider must then deliver to its patients such as, developing and co-ordinating the care of drug users. The new General Medical Services contract comes with a patient services guarantee which ensures that patients continue to receive at least the level of services they received previously, although these may not necessarily be delivered in the same way. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186017,"EventID":"S2W-13302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the growth in cocaine and crack use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the growth in cocaine and crack use.","AnswerText":"Drug Action Teams and their localpartners assess the level of need in their areas and have to ensure that the treatmentneeds of their local drug using population are met. Guidance on the developmentof service provision for psychostimulant users, including cocaine and crack cocainewas issued in October 2002 by the Executive’s Effective Interventions Unit, basedon the work of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drugs Misuse.Training modules on dealing withthose with psychostimulant problems have been available from Scottish Training onDrugs and Alcohol (STRADA) since November 2002. A pilot service for cocaine andcrack cocaine users in the Aberdeen area is currently being evaluated. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186018,"EventID":"S2W-13303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient crisis and respite beds for drug users to access treatment programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient crisis and respite beds for drug users to access treatment programmes.","AnswerText":"As set out in the National Strategy, Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership, it is for local drug action teams and constituent partners to plan and deliver the full range of drug treatment and care services in line with identified need and local priorities, and to spend available resources accordingly. Whilst it is not for the Executive to direct local plans, nor to make a judgement on whether or not there are “sufficient” crisis beds, or any other specific intervention in an area, a key element of the action plan published in the Summary and Actions of the Drug Treatment and RehabilitationReview is to widen and improve the range of interventions available locally, toimprove outcomes for drug misusers. In support of this an additional £6 million per annum has been identified to develop and enhance a full range of drug treatment and rehabilitation services from 2005-06 to 2007-08.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186019,"EventID":"S2W-13304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that current and future investment for drug treatment gets to frontline services and leads to successful outcomes. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that current and future investment for drug treatment gets to frontline services and leads to successful outcomes. ","AnswerText":"Corporate Action Plans form the annual accountability framework between the Scottish Executive and Drug Action Teams (DATs). In these, DATs are currently expected to account fully for all drug treatment and rehabilitation funding allocations, including underspend.Additional funding, announced in October 2004, will be allocated according to proposals submitted from each DAT on the basis of projected improvements in numbers into treatment, waiting times and the range of services available locally. From 2005-06, Performance Contracts between DATs and the Scottish Executive will detail the impact that additional resources will be expected to have on these three key priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186020,"EventID":"S2W-13305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the quality and consistency of treatment intervention for drug addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the quality and consistency of treatment intervention for drug addiction.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is implementingthe full range of actions to improve service quality and consistency outlined inthe Review of Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Summary, published in October2004. In the last four years the Executive’sEffective Interventions Unit has produced and widely disseminated to Drug ActionTeams, agencies and service providers a body of evidence about effective practicein addressing the problems arising from drug misuse. The unit is now focusing onpromoting and supporting the implementation of that evidence at local level. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186021,"EventID":"S2W-13306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Naloxone is now being offered to heroin addicts as an alternative to methadone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Naloxone is now being offered to heroin addicts as an alternative to methadone.","AnswerText":"Naloxone, primarily used as an antidote in opioid overdose rather than an alternative maintenance therapy, is currently only available to appropriate practitioners and paramedics. The Executive will follow the recommendations from the current consultation by the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on extending the use of Naloxone to include ambulance technicians.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186022,"EventID":"S2W-13307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning applications have been received in connection with the nuclear industry in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning applications have been received in connection with the nuclear industry in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"There have been no applications from the nuclear industry to construct, extend or operate a generating station in any of the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186023,"EventID":"S2W-13308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether the UK Department of Trade and Industry has taken a decision not to locate additional energy-related posts to its Aberdeen office and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether the UK Department of Trade and Industry has taken a decision not to locate additional energy-related posts to its Aberdeen office and whether it intends to raise the matter with that department.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13284, on 19 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186024,"EventID":"S2W-13309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the option of reopening the Airdrie to Bathgate route as a light rail line has been investigated and, if so, what the results of the investigation were and, if no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the option of reopening the Airdrie to Bathgate route as a light rail line has been investigated and, if so, what the results of the investigation were and, if no such investigation has been undertaken, what the reasons are for its position on the matter, given that Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance requires relevant alternative solutions to be developed for all schemes.","AnswerText":"Transport solutions in Scotland are assessed in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). This guidance requires that solutions be considered for all modes of transport against criteria for the environment, economy, safety, accessibility and social inclusion and integration. The Airdrie to Bathgate scheme been assessed in accordance with that guidance.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186025,"EventID":"S2W-13310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been conducted on the appropriateness of railway or tram options (a) as part of the Edinburgh tram proposals, (b) as part of the Airdrie to Bathgate reo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been conducted on the appropriateness of railway or tram options (a) as part of the Edinburgh tram proposals, (b) as part of the Airdrie to Bathgate reopening plans or (c) in any other capacity.","AnswerText":"Transport solutions in Scotland are assessed in accordance with the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). This guidance requires that solutions be considered for all modes of transport against criteria for the environment, economy, safety, accessibility and social inclusion and integration. The Edinburgh tram proposals and the Airdrie to Bathgate railway have both been assessed in accordance with that guidance.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186026,"EventID":"S2W-13311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has now been paid out in ex gratia payments to the former members of the Scottish Transport Group Pension funds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has now been paid out in ex gratia payments to the former members of the Scottish Transport Group Pension funds.","AnswerText":"A total of £125.65 million has been paid as at 17 January 2004.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186027,"EventID":"S2W-13312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4557 by Nicol Stephen on 16 December 2004 regarding the Scottish Transport Group Pension funds, how much of the £250,000 set a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4557 by Nicol Stephen on 16 December 2004 regarding the Scottish Transport Group Pension funds, how much of the £250,000 set aside has now been paid out in late claims; how long it intends to retain the remainder of the set aside sum, and whether it intends paying out the remainder to those who have already submitted valid claims.","AnswerText":"A total of £9,000 has been paid from the £250,000 set aside as at 17 January 2004.It will be retained for as long as is reasonable to allow valid claims to be met. We will monitor the situation on a continuing basis before reaching a conclusion about what to do with any remaining balance. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186028,"EventID":"S2W-13313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not make a ministerial statement or lodge a motion for debate on the future of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and, in particular, the issue of ten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not make a ministerial statement or lodge a motion for debate on the future of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and, in particular, the issue of tendering and whether tendering is necessary, until such time as there has been a reasonable opportunity for those MSPs who wish to hold a meeting with the European Commission officials to do so and whether the Minister for Transport will discuss the timing of any such statement or debate with MSPs from opposition parties.","AnswerText":"During the parliamentary debate on ferry services on 8 December 2004, the Parliament expressed concerns regarding the tendering process. I agreed to discuss these concerns with the European Commission and raised this issue with the European Transport Commissioner, M Barrot, when I met him in Brussels on 9 December. Following that meeting I wrote to M Barrot asking whether there was any way, within the terms of European law to allow the Clyde and Hebrides services to continue to be delivered on a subsidised basis without the need to tender. Further discussions are taking place between the Executive and the European Commission and I will report back to Parliament on this issue as soon as possible. I appreciate members’ concerns on this issue and propose to hold appropriate consultations with all MSPs with an interest. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186029,"EventID":"S2W-13314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to alleviate the financial hardship experienced by many cancer patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to alleviate the financial hardship experienced by many cancer patients.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-9760, on 16 August 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186030,"EventID":"S2W-13315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still able to fund all its transport commitments and, if not, which commitments will not be met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still able to fund all its transport commitments and, if not, which commitments will not be met.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186031,"EventID":"S2W-13316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement regarding the future viability, without further public funding, of eTourism Limited.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement regarding the future viability, without further public funding, of eTourism Limited.","AnswerText":"Visitscotland.com continues toact as a highly-effective shop window for Scottish tourism. The joint venture continuesto generate significant business for the tourism industry in Scotland, with over£23 million worth of business generated since its inception. Due to the nature of the jointventure, it was always anticipated that it would take a number of years for visitscotland.comto become profitable. However, as a shareholder in the company, VisitScotland hasreported that it is currently performing well against business plan targets andis projected to achieve profitability in the next three to four years. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186032,"EventID":"S2W-13317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement in respect of how many redundancies it expects there to be as a result of the restructuring of Area Tourist Boards and, if no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement in respect of how many redundancies it expects there to be as a result of the restructuring of Area Tourist Boards and, if not, which positions will be made redundant and whether there will be compulsory redundancies.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland recently issueda proposed organisational structure for the new tourism network to all Area TouristBoards (ATB) and VisitScotland staff, which included an initial analysis of thecurrent number of posts in the ATBs and VisitScotland (1,062), and a proposed numberof posts for the new network (1,025). The difference, of around 35 to 40 posts,includes some posts which are already vacant. Most of the other reductions are expectedto be achieved by means of voluntary severance.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186033,"EventID":"S2W-13318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any part of the funding spent on quality assurance schemes within VisitScotland would be more effectively deployed in marketing, in particular through increasing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any part of the funding spent on quality assurance schemes within VisitScotland would be more effectively deployed in marketing, in particular through increasing funding for Events Scotland.","AnswerText":"High-quality in every aspectof Scottish tourism is vital to ensure that the expectations of our visitors arefulfilled during their visits to Scotland. That is why the Executive has given VisitScotland anadditional £3 million over two years to work with the tourism and related sectorsto widen and enhance the impact of its current voluntary Quality Assurance schemes.In 2004-05 EventScotland hasa budget of £3 million and this will rise to £5 million in 2005-06 as it strivesto secure a viable portfolio of events to attract visitors to Scotland. VisitScotlandwill use the many opportunities that arise from hosting major events to promoteall that Scotland has to offer as a great place to visit throughout theyear. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186034,"EventID":"S2W-13319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support will be provided for the Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William in 2007, and from which sources, and whether there will be one person or group who","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support will be provided for the Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William in 2007, and from which sources, and whether there will be one person or group who will be taking charge of co-ordinating the public sector role in maximising the benefits of this event for Scotland and the local economy of Lochaber.","AnswerText":"A number of partners have beenidentified as investors in the 2007 World Mountain Bike Championships to be stagedin Fort William. EventScotland (£207,000), VisitScotland (£50,000) sportscotland(£50,000), Highland Council (£50,000) and UK Sport (£250,000) have agreed, in principleand subject to completion of contracts, to invest in the event. EventScotland iscurrently taking a leading role in co-ordinating negotiations in relation to thestaging of the event and maximising the benefits to the area and Scotland as awhole.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186035,"EventID":"S2W-13320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports Lochaber's bid to become the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports Lochaber's bid to become the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"As part of its “Active” marketing brand, VisitScotland aims to promote Scotland as the outdoor capital of Europe, and I welcome industry initiatives which help to highlight the range and quality of outdoor activities that Scotland has to offer. The Lochaber initiative is an excellent example of how public and private organisations can work together to develop this valuable market.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186036,"EventID":"S2W-13321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of children who have the opportunity, through school-organised trips, to participate in outdoor activity and whether it considers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of children who have the opportunity, through school-organised trips, to participate in outdoor activity and whether it considers that National Park boards should play a role in facilitating such activity.","AnswerText":"I want more young people to experience the far reaching benefits and opportunities which outdoor activities can bring, and school organised excursions provide an important means of encouraging that. I have asked Learning and Teaching Scotland to take forward the development of outdoor education.It would be for the National Park Boards themselves to consider, in association with local authorities and other relevant interests, what role the boards might have in facilitating school organised excursions and I would welcome their active interest and actions to support expanding outdoor education. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186037,"EventID":"S2W-13322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of its international development budget for non-governmental agencies or organisations has been allocated to support the relief work being undertaken in a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of its international development budget for non-governmental agencies or organisations has been allocated to support the relief work being undertaken in areas of South Asia affected by the tsunami and which agencies and organisations have received such funds.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated any portion of its international development budget for non-governmental agencies (NGOs) or organisations to support the relief work being undertaken in areas of South Asia affected by the tsunami.We have, however, offered assistance in kind, as requested by NGOs who were supporting the emergency relief effort. Eleven Scottish Executive staff in total, were seconded to meet immediate needs for administrative assistance at the British Red Cross, SCIAF and Mercy Corp. As the First Minister indicated to the Parliament on 12 January 2005, the Scottish Executive will be prepared to assist in the longer term reconstruction effort as necessary, as the assessment of needs becomes clearer. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186038,"EventID":"S2W-13323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special initiatives will be undertaken by Lothian and Borders Police in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04; how many are being undertaken in 2004-05, and h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special initiatives will be undertaken by Lothian and Borders Police in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04; how many are being undertaken in 2004-05, and how many are planned for 2005-06, broken down by divisional area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186039,"EventID":"S2W-13324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which divisions within Lothian and Borders Police have implemented an overtime ban in the last 12 months and what plans there are for extending, or implementing, a ban on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which divisions within Lothian and Borders Police have implemented an overtime ban in the last 12 months and what plans there are for extending, or implementing, a ban on overtime for the next 12 months.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for working hours are a matter for the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186040,"EventID":"S2W-13325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the unanticipated use of the reallotment provisions within the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 regarding the transfer of feudal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to the unanticipated use of the reallotment provisions within the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 regarding the transfer of feudal superiority over certain domestic properties.","AnswerText":"The Abolition of Feudal Tenureetc. (Scotland) Act made provision for former superiors to preservecertain rights. The Scottish Executive is not aware that these are being used ina way which was not anticipated.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186041,"EventID":"S2W-13326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the recent economic analysis produced by Marie Curie Cancer Care of the potential cost benefits arising from a larger number of termi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the recent economic analysis produced by Marie Curie Cancer Care of the potential cost benefits arising from a larger number of terminally-ill patients spending their last days in their own homes and what implications this has for acute and palliative care services.","AnswerText":"Our policy is to support the development of specialist palliative care, including at home where appropriate. Substantial resources have been invested in palliative care through the Cancer in Scotland strategy.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186042,"EventID":"S2W-13327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local authorities and voluntary sector providers regarding the development of better support for carers when the person being cared","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local authorities and voluntary sector providers regarding the development of better support for carers when the person being cared for is terminally ill and spending their last days in their own home.","AnswerText":"Since our Carers Strategy was introduced in November 1999, the Executive has worked, and will continue to work, in close partnership with national carers’ organisations and key agencies in order to address priority issues for Scotland’s 600,000 plus carers. This issue has not been highlighted for specific discussion within the context of our national Carers Strategy. At a local level, we expect individual authorities, NHS boards and the voluntary sector to work in partnership to ensure that appropriate support is provided to patients,carers and families at this particularly difficult time.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186043,"EventID":"S2W-13328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce national eligibility criteria for access to palliative care to prevent any anomalies arising due to different criteria being applied by differen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce national eligibility criteria for access to palliative care to prevent any anomalies arising due to different criteria being applied by different NHS boards and local authorities.","AnswerText":"Our policy is that palliative care should be available to everyone who needs it. A number of Managed Clinical Networks are already in place to plan and provide palliative care services and they would be expected to ensure fair and consistent access to palliative care within their areas.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186044,"EventID":"S2W-13329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish hospices will benefit in the same way as hospices in England and Wales from additional central government funding for palliative care and, if so, whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish hospices will benefit in the same way as hospices in England and Wales from additional central government funding for palliative care and, if so, whether the transition arrangements will be similar north and south of the border.","AnswerText":"The funding arrangements for voluntary hospices in Scotland are not the same as those in England. Voluntary hospices already receive an average of 36.7% of their funding from NHS boards and we expect this proportion to increase to 50% of agreed costs by the start of the 2006-07 financial year. These arrangements are set out in the Health Department letter: HDL(2003)18 available at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/HDL2003_18.pdf. NHS boards also provide their own palliative care services alongside voluntary hospices, and meet the costs of these services entirely from within their allocated funding. Since 2002, NHS boards have invested £2.4 million a year from the additional Cancer in Scotland investment to support and develop palliative care services and this benefits the services provided by both NHS boards and voluntary hospices. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186045,"EventID":"S2W-13330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the shortfall in palliative care consultants is and what steps are being taken to address this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the shortfall in palliative care consultants is and what steps are being taken to address this issue.","AnswerText":"The latest published data is derived from the medical census on 30 September 2003. On this date, there was an establishment of 21 consultant posts in palliative care, all of which were filled.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186046,"EventID":"S2W-13331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been made available for specialist palliative care services in (a) NHS Greater Glasgow, (b) NHS Argyll and Clyde and (c) Scotland as a whol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been made available for specialist palliative care services in (a) NHS Greater Glasgow, (b) NHS Argyll and Clyde and (c) Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"Since 2001-02, a portion of the Cancer Strategy funding has been used to provide additional support for palliative care services such as medical, nursing andpharmacy staffing, training and equipment for use in the community. The value ofthese additional resources in 2004-05 is (a) £360,000 in Greater Glasgow (b) £100,000 in Argyll and Clyde, and (c) £2.4 million in Scotland as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186047,"EventID":"S2W-13332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to replicate Operation Youth Advantage, operated by the army in conjunction with the Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police; whether it considers tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to replicate Operation Youth Advantage, operated by the army in conjunction with the Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police; whether it considers that schemes which provide diversionary experience for younger people, with a residential course including physical exercise and classes on drugs, alcohol and good citizenship, are the most effective way of turning younger people away from a life of crime, and what action it has taken, or will take, on these matters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed to effectively addressing youth crime. As indicated in the answers to questions S2W-2071 (on 5 September 2003), S2W-679 (on 17 June 2003) and S1W-32193 (on 12 December 2002). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the searchfacility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/wa.search. It is for individual police forces to determine the extent of their involvement in initiatives such as Operation Youth Advantage. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186048,"EventID":"S2W-13333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote shinty; in particular, whether it has any plans to support the establishment of shinty as an internationally-recognised sport with its own fe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote shinty; in particular, whether it has any plans to support the establishment of shinty as an internationally-recognised sport with its own federation and, if not, how the sport can achieve such recognition.","AnswerText":"As the governing body for the sport, the Camanachd Association is responsible for promoting shinty. One of the targets in the Association’s Development Plan is to promote shinty and its cultural history to as broad an audience as is possible. It is for the association to seek to identify other areas where shinty is played and then explore with interested parties there the possible formation of an international governing body for the sport.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186049,"EventID":"S2W-13334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to dual the A9.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to dual the A9.","AnswerText":"We are continuing to develop our proposals to extend the dual carriageway at Crubenmore by around 2km at a cost of £5.4 million and to provide 4km of additional overtaking opportunities between Kincraig and Dalraddy at a cost of £4.3 million. I expect to publish draft orders for these schemes this year. A number of other improvements are planned and work has begun on a route improvement study which will report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186050,"EventID":"S2W-13335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expedite the publication of the route action plan for the A82.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expedite the publication of the route action plan for the A82.","AnswerText":"We are taking forward the work on the A82 Route Action Plan as a matter of priority. I expect the study to report in October of this year, and the findings will be made public as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186051,"EventID":"S2W-13336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Project ATLAS has been a successful use of public funding and if so, whether it will identify the benefits which have been derived from it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Project ATLAS has been a successful use of public funding and if so, whether it will identify the benefits which have been derived from it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s broadband strategy is facilitating the rollout and uptake of broadband technology across Scotland. Project ATLAS fits within this overall strategy but is led and funded by Scottish Enterprise. Issues about use of public funding and the benefits achieved are, in the first instance, operational matters for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186052,"EventID":"S2W-13337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the creation of a new building for Lochaber High School.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the creation of a new building for Lochaber High School.","AnswerText":"It is for The Highland Council to decide on the priorities for the provision of new schools in their area, within the resources available to them. These resources include the financial support we have offered the council for a schools PPP project with a capital value of around £100 million; direct capital grant in the form of a Schools Fund allocation of £4.332 million in 2005-06 rising to £4.751 million by 2007-08, and the substantial resources which the Council can generate within the level they can afford, principally through borrowing, under the prudential framework.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186053,"EventID":"S2W-13338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide recognition for rural general hospitals; how it will ensure that there are hospitals located outwith Scotland's cities that provide 24\u001eho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide recognition for rural general hospitals; how it will ensure that there are hospitals located outwith Scotland's cities that provide 24\u001ehour acute services in the long term, and what measures it will take in respect of recruitment training practice to meet these objectives.","AnswerText":"Hospitals in rural areas, including district general hospitals and community hospitals, make an important contribution to the well-being of populations in these areas. Maintaining high quality services in rural hospitals provides a number of challenges to NHS boards, who are responsible for planning sustainable services for the whole population of their area. Many boards are looking at strengthening linkages between rural hospitals and hospitals in larger population centres. The Executive has commissioned Professor David Kerr to undertake a review of NHS services, including how best to provide services in rural areas. The result of Professor Kerr’s work is expected in late spring.Clearly the recruitment, retention and training of clinical staff is vital to the provision of safe and sustainable services. Several initiatives are under way. These include: · the establishment of a chair of remote and rural medicine in Stornoway, jointly between Western Isles NHS Board and the University of the Highlands and Islands; - fellowships in remote and rural general practice;
- an intercollegiate group of the Scottish Medical Royal Colleges is developing plans for specific training programmes in remote and rural medicine, and
a short-life working group is currently assessing a range of retention initiatives aimed at all categories of staff. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186054,"EventID":"S2W-13339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in relation to road maintenance of trunk roads has been satisfactory and whether the working practices of BEAR Scotland Ltd, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in relation to road maintenance of trunk roads has been satisfactory and whether the working practices of BEAR Scotland Ltd, including drivers' hours and conditions, are sufficient, and acceptable, for the carrying out of their functions in respect of gritting routes.","AnswerText":"BEAR Scotland Ltd’s performance on trunk road maintenance, which is monitored by the independent Performance Audit Group, has been generally satisfactory. Following an audit by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, it is understood that the Traffic Commissioner proposes to hold a Public Inquiry to hear evidence from Bear Scotland Ltd. In relation to drivers’ hours during bad winter weather. It is possible that any ruling from the Traffic Commissioner following the public inquiry could affect the current interpretations regarding drivers’ hours during winter maintenance operations and in these circumstances it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186055,"EventID":"S2W-13340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement following completion of the consultation process in respect of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement following completion of the consultation process in respect of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link.","AnswerText":"No, this is not normal procedure for such projects. We have been advised by Strathclyde Passenger Transport that the Consultation Exercise for the Glasgow Airport Rail link does not conclude until 28 February 2005. The Scottish Executive looks forward to receiving a copy of the Consultation Report when it is published.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186056,"EventID":"S2W-13341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement following completion of the consultation process in respect of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a ministerial statement following completion of the consultation process in respect of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link.","AnswerText":"No this is not normal procedure for such projects. We look forward to receiving a copy of the Consultation Report from Transport Initiatives Edinburgh Ltd when it is published.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186057,"EventID":"S2W-13342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the provision of a new sports centre for Grantown-on-Spey; whether it will provide assistance to sports centres in rural parts of Scotland; what arran","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the provision of a new sports centre for Grantown-on-Spey; whether it will provide assistance to sports centres in rural parts of Scotland; what arrangements it makes regarding access for children to sports centres, and whether there is a national policy on access for children to sports centres to ensure that as many children as possible participate in outdoor activities.","AnswerText":"The Executive fully supports the development of the new sports centre for Grantown-on-Spey and is delighted that the project has been awarded funding of £300,000 from sportscotland’s lottery-funded Building for Sport programme.Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure adequate provision of sport and leisure facilities for their residents. As in the case of the sports centre in Grantown-on-Spey, funding may be available from sportscotland through the Building for Sport programme. Applications are assessed by sportscotland against set criteria for the programme and ministers have no role to play in considering individual applications. With regard to access for children to sports centres, many local authorities already have strategies in place to encourage increased access. However, this is an issue which has been identified as important in achieving targets 1 and 2 of Sport 21. The strategy to deliver these targets is seeking to create or amend existing discount schemes and also consider the provision of transport subsidies to ensure that potential barriers are removed which restricts access to sports facilities and participation in sports programmes. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186058,"EventID":"S2W-13343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that hospices that provide services for NHS patients receive funding that reflects the different needs of such patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that hospices that provide services for NHS patients receive funding that reflects the different needs of such patients.","AnswerText":"NHS boards should be providing 50% of the costs of services that hospices provide on their behalf by no later than the beginning of the financial year 2006-07. There is an understanding that the 50% commitment should apply only to the elements of hospices’ running costs that have been agreed by both partners and these elements should be specified in the service agreement between the board and the hospice.Full details of this arrangement are set out in the Health Department letter: HDL(2003)18 available at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/HDL2003_18.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186059,"EventID":"S2W-13344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether opportunities are provided in the school curriculum to deal with issues surrounding death and bereavement and whether such issues are included in teacher training","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether opportunities are provided in the school curriculum to deal with issues surrounding death and bereavement and whether such issues are included in teacher training.","AnswerText":"There is scope in the curriculum to address the issues of death and bereavement within the context of the National 5-14 Guidelines, principally in the guidance on personal and social development which is essentially concerned with the development of life skills. Decisions on what and how to teach rest with education authorities and schools in response to local circumstances.The Scottish Executive has no information to suggest that issues relating to death and bereavement are specifically covered within teacher training. Continuing professional development courses covering social and personal issues include guidance on effective counselling skills. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186060,"EventID":"S2W-13345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is being given to introducing an NHS code of practice on the recruitment of health workers that explicitly prevents the targeting of developing coun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is being given to introducing an NHS code of practice on the recruitment of health workers that explicitly prevents the targeting of developing countries for active recruitment.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive is currently considering a Code of Practice for International Recruitment for NHSScotland health care personnel.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186061,"EventID":"S2W-13346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health workers from developing countries are currently employed by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health workers from developing countries are currently employed by the NHS.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present. However, work is currently underway to improve the quality of information we hold about health care workers.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186062,"EventID":"S2W-13347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since 1999 departmental special advisers have travelled (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since 1999 departmental special advisers have travelled (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited, and how much each visit cost.","AnswerText":"Since 1999 Scottish Executive special advisers have made over 715 journeys within the UK and 52 journeys abroad in an official capacity. The information requested about each visit is provided in the table which has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35351).The following is a corrected answer (published on 13 June 2005); see below. Mr Tom McCabe: Since 1999 Scottish Executive special advisers have made over 700 journeys within the UK and 52 journeys abroad in an official capacity. The updated information is now provided in tables copies of which have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35351).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186063,"EventID":"S2W-13348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the First Minister's official engagements were in the last year; who was present at each engagement; what the (a) date and (b) location was of each engagement, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the First Minister's official engagements were in the last year; who was present at each engagement; what the (a) date and (b) location was of each engagement, and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The table (Bib. number 35350) which has been made available in Parliament Reference Centre sets out the First Minister’s official public engagements for 2004. It includes, where readily available, information about people present at each engagement. Information about what issues were discussed at every engagement could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186064,"EventID":"S2W-13349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding bingo.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding bingo.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been and continues to be in regular discussion with the UK Government regarding the proposed new gambling legislation and the implications for Scotland. The Scottish Parliament has now agreed that the relevant provisions in the Gambling Bill which confer powers on Scottish ministers, including the power to set fees and make regulations on the conditions to be attached to gambling premises’ licensing and permits, should be considered by the UK Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186065,"EventID":"S2W-13350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding levels of fuel tax in the Highlands and Islands. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding levels of fuel tax in the Highlands and Islands. ","AnswerText":"The level of fuel tax is a reserved matter. The Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including fuel duty. Scottish ministers will continue to ensure that Scotland’s interests are placed firmly on the agenda in Whitehall on tax, as on other matters, through direct contact with Treasury Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186066,"EventID":"S2W-13351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty"s Government regarding payment to the Executive of income from the Crown Estate Commission in respect of salmon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty"s Government regarding payment to the Executive of income from the Crown Estate Commission in respect of salmon farming.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made no representations to Her Majesty’s Government regarding payment to the Executive of income from the Crown Estate. Any Crown Estate surplus is paid in full into the Consolidated Fund, no part of which is hypothecated or ring fenced.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186067,"EventID":"S2W-13352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty"s Government regarding provision of access in all parts of Scotland to 3G telecoms services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty"s Government regarding provision of access in all parts of Scotland to 3G telecoms services.","AnswerText":"The Executive has regular discussions with the UK Government on a wide range of issues. The requirements for 3G coverage were set in the conditions of the licences auctioned in April 2000 and now administered by the UK-wide regulator, OFCOM. Each 3G operator must be capable of offering a service to cover 80% of the UK population by the end of 2007. Provision beyond this figure is a commercial decision for operators.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186068,"EventID":"S2W-13353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the First Minister has entertained with (a) refreshments and (b) dinner in (i) Bute House and (ii) Edinburgh Castle in (1) 2003-04 and (2) 2004-05; what the total co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the First Minister has entertained with (a) refreshments and (b) dinner in (i) Bute House and (ii) Edinburgh Castle in (1) 2003-04 and (2) 2004-05; what the total cost was of such events, and what the budget is for these purposes for 2004-05 and 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The following tables set out the details of the events hosted by the First Minister at Bute House and Edinburgh Castle in 2003-04 and 2004 to date. The tables also include the cost of each event and the total cost for both years at each venue.The budget for ministerial hospitality for 2004-05 is £100,000; the budget for 2005-06 has not yet been decided. The ministerial hospitality budget covers the hospitality requirements of all ministers. While the First Minister agrees which events will be funded and comprise the programme, he does not host every event Events Held at Edinburgh Castle and Hosted by The First Minister 2004 to 18 January 2005 | Date | Type of Event | Organisation/Occasion | Cost of Event | | 6/10/03 | Reception | First Minister’s Heroes | £1,260.00 | | 27/10/03 | Reception | The 15th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers | £1,113.00 | | 4/11/03 | Reception | MTV Awards | £7,666.00 | | 9/03/04 | Reception | Children’s Panel | £3,731.00 | | 16/03/04 | Reception | National Youth Orchestra of Scotland | £2,335.00 | | Total cost of 2003-04 Castle Events | £16,105.00 | Events Held At Edinburgh Castle And Hosted By The First Minister: 2004 to 18 January 2005 | Date | Type of Event | Organisation/Occasion | Cost of Event | | 4/10/04 | Breakfast | First Minister’s Heroes | £2,080.00 | | 29/11/04 | Dinner | 5th Conference of the Regions with Legislative Powers | £11,268.00 | | 22/12/04 | Reception | Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Youth Team | £3,872.00 | | Total cost of 2004-05 (So Far) Castle Events | £17,220.00 | First Minister Bute House Events 2003-04 | Date | Type of Event | Organisation/Occasion | Cost of Event | | 30/06/2003 | Lunch | Bavarian European Minister Rheinhold Bocket | £714.00 | | 10/08/2003 | Reception | Home Reading Initiatives Champions | £685.00 | | 12/08/2003 | Reception | Edinburgh International Festival | £586.00 | | 03/11/2003 | Reception | Scottish Parliamentarians | £511.00 | | 14/11/2003 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186069,"EventID":"S2W-13354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to comment directly, or via the Department of Trade and Industry, on plans for the future management of the internet as set out in the Internet Corpora","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to comment directly, or via the Department of Trade and Industry, on plans for the future management of the internet as set out in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Strategic Plan released on 16 November 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to comment directly, or via the Department of Trade and Industry, on the ICANN Strategy Plan of 16 November 2004. This is a matter for industry rather than Government.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186070,"EventID":"S2W-13355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next publish the Social Justice Annual Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next publish the Social Justice Annual Report.","AnswerText":"Our new Closing the Opportunity Gap approach has refocused our social justice strategy, and set out new objectives and targets, and action to deliver those targets. The targets were announced in the Scottish Parliament on 9 December 2004 S2W-12888, and more information can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/closingtheopportunitygap. The Social Justice Annual Report which reported against the social justice milestones will not be published again. Data on the social justice milestones continues to be available, however, at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Social-Inclusion/17415/milestones#top. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186071,"EventID":"S2W-13356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether it is possible for the handcuffs used by Reliance staff to be purchased, complete with keys, on the internet and whether Reliance staff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether it is possible for the handcuffs used by Reliance staff to be purchased, complete with keys, on the internet and whether Reliance staff are required to purchase these handcuffs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:A wide range of security equipment used by the Scottish Prison Service and others is available on the open market including on the internet. The manner in which Reliance staff are equipped to discharge their responsibilities, is entirely a matter for the company. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186072,"EventID":"S2W-13357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are now serving on the beat as a direct result of the prison escort service having been taken up by Reliance, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are now serving on the beat as a direct result of the prison escort service having been taken up by Reliance, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The table below gives information provided by police forces for the number of police officers redeployed from court duties. Information on the number of officers freed up from escorting has not been quantified by the police but it is estimated to run to some 100 officers. Also the next phase, implementation of non-core tasks such as inter-force and UK custody transfers, which is scheduled to commence this month, will result in further officers being released.Number of Officers Redeployed from Court Duties | Central Scotland | 14 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 6 | | Fife | 4 | | Grampian | 3 | | Lothian and Borders | 35 | | Northern | 1 | | Strathclyde | 134 | | Tayside | 12 | | Scotland | 209 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186073,"EventID":"S2W-13358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of construction of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link on the basis of the proposals currently being consulted on and, in particular, what the estima","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of construction of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link on the basis of the proposals currently being consulted on and, in particular, what the estimated cost is of each of the options for the playing fields at St James Park, Paisley.","AnswerText":"Based on the current proposals, the estimated cost of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link is £140 million. Strathclyde Passenger Transport’s consultation gives two options for the St James Spur: building the line either on a viaduct or an embankment. A comparative cost estimate has been made between the two, giving indicative costs of £11,000 and £9,500 per linear metre respectively. For robustness, the estimated total figure of £140 million assumes that the viaduct - the more expensive option - will be implemented. However, no decision has been made about the preferred spur option at this stage, reflecting on-going public consultation and consideration of a number of issues, such as severance of playing fields and the visual impact of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186074,"EventID":"S2W-13359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now publish the estimated total cost of the relocation of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to Inverness and, if not, when it expects to be in a position to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now publish the estimated total cost of the relocation of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to Inverness and, if not, when it expects to be in a position to publish these costs.","AnswerText":"SNH is currently finalising its relocation project plan to include up to date cost estimates. The plan will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre as soon as possible (Bib. number 35157).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186075,"EventID":"S2W-13360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when relocation of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) was originally due to have been fully implemented and when it now expects full implementation to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when relocation of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) was originally due to have been fully implemented and when it now expects full implementation to take place.","AnswerText":"In line with Scottish Executive Policy, SNH undertook a relocation review as a result of one of its buildings reaching a lease break in March 2005. Since Scottish ministers issued a direction to SNH in September 2003, SNH has been working to a timetable of procuring a new HQ building in Inverness by April 2006 with relocation taking place shortly thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186076,"EventID":"S2W-13361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional financial provision will be provided to the NHS prior to the end of the financial year and, if so, whether, as last year, it will be provided subje","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional financial provision will be provided to the NHS prior to the end of the financial year and, if so, whether, as last year, it will be provided subject to the implementation or fulfilment of certain conditions and, if so, whether these conditions may supersede the clinical judgement of surgeons.","AnswerText":"A small number of additional allocations are to be made to the NHS prior to the end of the financial year. This will include additional provision to assist NHS boards make progress towards delivery of national waiting time commitments and enable boards to reduce the number of outpatients waiting more than six months from 52,000 to 25,000 and the number of in-patients/day cases waiting more than six months from 7,000 to 3,500 by 31 March 2005. The funds will be allocated on the basis of achievement of milestones for delivery of agreed targets.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186077,"EventID":"S2W-13362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of ending child poverty in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of ending child poverty in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"No. This is a complex issue for which costs cannot be estimated.However, significant Executive programmes address aspects of child poverty, including the Community Regeneration Fund and Working for Families. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186078,"EventID":"S2W-13363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of child poverty were in Glasgow and what monies were allocated to address this issue, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of child poverty were in Glasgow and what monies were allocated to address this issue, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the numbers and proportion of children living in low income households are available at Scotland level only, not by local authority or ward area. Estimates on the full range of income thresholds and explanation of how these estimates are calculated are published in Households Below Average Income 1994-95 – 2002-03, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 32212).We do not have information on monies allocated in Glasgow at ward level to address child poverty. Glasgow has received £110.4 million funding through the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund over the period 1999-2004 (1999-2000 - £16.7 million; 2000-01- £19.9 million; 2001-02 - £22.4 million; 2002-03 - £24.7 million, and 2003-04 - £26.7 million). This funding supports a range of anti-poverty initiatives, including measures to address child poverty. Glasgow has also received £37.2 million funding through the BetterNeighbourhood Services Fund over the period 2001-04 (2001-02 - £6 million; 2002-03- £9 million; 2003-04 - £12 million, and 2004-05 - £10.2 million). This has primarily been targeted at children and families on income support. Glasgow will receive £5 million (£2.5 million – 2004-05; £2.5 million – 2005-06) Working for Families funding over 2004-06 which aims to tackle child poverty by providing child care which enables parents in deprived or groups access education, training or employment. Information on the allocation of these funds at ward level is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186079,"EventID":"S2W-13364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of youth crime were in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the levels of youth crime were in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186080,"EventID":"S2W-13365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people in Glasgow left school at 16, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people in Glasgow left school at 16, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to supply this information in the requested format as we do not hold data on home postcodes of school leavers for these years. The figures for Glasgow City as a whole are as follows:% of Pupils Leaving School as Soon as Reaching School Leaving Age, 1999-2004 | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | Glasgow City | 44 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 41 | 42 | | Scotland | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | Data refers to publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland, including pupils in special units. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186081,"EventID":"S2W-13366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in Glasgow lived in overcrowded housing, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in Glasgow lived in overcrowded housing, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Table 1: Percentage of People in Glasgow Who Live in Overcrowded Households | Year | % | Base | | 1999 | 12 | 2,896 | | 2000 | 11 | 3,765 | | 2001 | 9 | 3,559 | | 2002 | 10 | 3,218 | | 2003 | 10 | 3,241 | Source: The Scottish Household Survey, 1999-2003. Notes: 1. Year-on-year changes are not statistically significantly different. Statistics produced for different time periods may differ due to, for example, sampling variability. 2. For the purposes of this parliamentary question, “overcrowded households” are defined as being households which are below the bedroom standard. The calculation of the number of bedrooms required is based on the assumption that a separate bedroom is required for: · each cohabiting couple; · any other person aged 21 years or over; · each pair of young persons of the same sex aged 10 to 20 years, and · each pair of children under 10 years (regardless of sex). Unpaired young persons aged 10 to 20 are paired with a child under 10 of the same sex if possible or allocated a separate bedroom. Any unpaired children under 10 are also allocated a separate bedroom. 3. The results are given for calendar years as the survey is not designed to be representative for any council area for a financial year. 4. The results are not provided by council wards as the sample is not designed to be representative for council wards. 5. The base numbers show the size of the population sub-group questioned in the survey (i.e. people examined in Glasgow) but cannot be used to calculate how many respondents gave a certain answer. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186082,"EventID":"S2W-13367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of recorded burglary was per thousand population in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of recorded burglary was per thousand population in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Information at council ward area is not available centrally.The Number of Offences of Housebreaking per 1,000 Population Recorded in the City of Glasgow, 1999-2000 to 2003-04 | Year | Rate Per 1,000 population | | 1999-2000 | 17.1 | | 2000-01 | 15.6 | | 2001-02 | 14.9 | | 2002-03 | 13.1 | | 2003-04 | 10.6 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186083,"EventID":"S2W-13368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children in Glasgow lived in non-working families, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children in Glasgow lived in non-working families, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Table 1: Percentage of Children in Glasgow who Live in Households with No Adults in Paid Employment | Year | % | Base | | 1999 | 43 | 617 | | 2000 | 34 | 798 | | 2001 | 37 | 712 | | 2002 | 38 | 624 | | 2003 | 35 | 604 | Notes: 1. Source: The Scottish Household Survey, 1999-2003. 2. Year-on-year changes from 2000 are not statistically significantly different. Statistics produced for different time periods may differ due to, for example, sampling variability. 3. For the purposes of this parliamentary question, “adults in paid employment” are defined as being people aged 16 or over who are in full- or part-time employment, or who are self-employed. 4. Children are defined here as being people aged less than 16 years. 5. The results are given for calendar years as the survey is not designed to be representative for any council area for a financial year. 6. The results are not provided by council wards as the sample is not designed to be representative for council wards. 7. The base numbers show the size of the population sub-group questioned in the survey (i.e. children examined in Glasgow) but cannot be used to calculate how many respondents gave a certain answer. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186084,"EventID":"S2W-13369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered disabled people there are in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered disabled people there are in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory register of disabled people. The table gives the number recorded as having a limiting long-term illness in the 2001 Census of Population in each ward in Glasgow City. Persons with Limiting Long Term Illness are those who answered “Yes” to the question “Do you have any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits your daily activities or the work you can do? Include problems which are due to old age.” | | Persons with a Limiting Long-Term Illness | | Total for Glasgow City | 151,145 | | Drumry | 2,028 | | Summerhill | 1,813 | | Blairdardie | 2,225 | | Knightswood Park | 2,622 | | Knightswood South | 2,370 | | Yoker | 2,158 | | Anniesland | 1,902 | | Jordanhill | 1,300 | | Kelvindale | 1,109 | | Scotstoun | 1,985 | | Victoria Park | 1,729 | | Hayburn | 1,311 | | Hyndland | 792 | | Hillhead | 618 | | Partick | 1,288 | | Kelvingrove | 1,082 | | Anderston | 1,633 | | Woodlands | 1,491 | | North Kelvin | 1,187 | | Wyndford | 2,279 | | Maryhill | 2,062 | | Summerston | 1,664 | | Milton | 2,495 | | Ashfield | 2,645 | | Firhill | 1,741 | | Keppochhill | 2,165 | | Merchant City | 1,881 | | Royston | 2,506 | | Cowlairs | 1,767 | | Springburn | 2,354 | | Wallacewell | 2,354 | | Milnbank | 2,134 | | Dennistoun | 2,006 | | Calton | 1,877 | | Bridgeton/Dalmarnock | 2,087 | | Parkhead | 2,443 | | Carntyne | 2,363 | | Robroyston | 1,722 | | Gartcraig | 2,541 | | Queenslie | 1,852 | | Green","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186085,"EventID":"S2W-13370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average income is of disabled people living in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average income is of disabled people living in Glasgow, broken down by council ward area.","AnswerText":"Average income estimates are not currently available at local authority level. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186086,"EventID":"S2W-13371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families living with a registered disabled person in Glasgow receive free school meals or clothing grants for dependent children, broken down by council ward ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families living with a registered disabled person in Glasgow receive free school meals or clothing grants for dependent children, broken down by council ward area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold information on the number of families living with a registered disabled person in Glasgow who receive free school meals. Clothing grants are given at the discretion of the local authority, and no information is held centrally on such grants.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186087,"EventID":"S2W-13372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the suicide rate in Glasgow was, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the suicide rate in Glasgow was, broken down by council ward area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the latest available information. It combines deaths from intentional self-harm with deaths from events of undetermined intent, as the majority of the latter are likely to have been suicides. Because of the small numbers involved, rates have not been calculated for the ward data.Deaths from Intentional Self-Harm and Events of Undetermined Intent | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Glasgow City | | | | | | | Intentional self-harm | 94 | 117 | 92 | 81 | 91 | | Undetermined intent | 40 | 43 | 49 | 41 | 26 | | Total | 134 | 160 | 141 | 122 | 117 | | Rate per 100,000 pop. | 23.0 | 27.7 | 24.4 | 21.1 | 20.3 | | Ward | | | | | | | Anderston | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | | Anniesland | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | | Ashfield | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | | Baillieston | - | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | | Barlanark | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | | Battlefield | 2 | 3 | - | - | 1 | | Blairdardie | 3 | 2 | - | 3 | 1 | | Braidfauld | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | | Bridgeton/Dalmarnock | 3 | 2 | www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies. The Executive does not, however, record this information in terms of location. The total number of disabled people appointed by ministers to regulated public bodies in each year has been published in the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Annual Report since the year 1999-2000. These Reports can be accessed at: www.ocpa.gov.uk. The number and associated percentage of appointments (including reappointments) made to regulated public bodies in Scotland in each of the last four years where the appointee has declared a disability are as follows: Number and Percentage of Appointees who Declared a Disability | Year | | | 1999-2000 | 2 (0.9%) | | 2000-01 | 1 (0.6%) | | 2001-02 | 4 (1.5%) | | 2002-03 | 11 (4.3%) | | 2003-04 | 12 (5.5%) | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186089,"EventID":"S2W-13374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with a learning disability had regular contact with social work and health services, broken down by local authority area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with a learning disability had regular contact with social work and health services, broken down by local authority area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Statistical information on the number of adults with learning disabilities known to local authorities was first collected in 2003. This showed that at May 2003 18,066 adults with learning disabilities were known to local authorities in Scotland. Information by local authority area can be found on page 7 of the statistics release Adults with learning disabilities: Implementation of ‘The same as you?’ Scotland 2003 on the Scottish Executive website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00326-00.asp. Information from 2004 is still being collated and will be published in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186090,"EventID":"S2W-13375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for increasing the percentage of homes that are barrier-free, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for increasing the percentage of homes that are barrier-free, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Throughthe Partnership Agreement, ministers have given a commitment to ensure that morehouses are barrier free. In 2003-04, 96% of the new buildhouses approved for Housing Association Grant funding through Communities Scotlandcomplied with Housing for Varying Needs standards. In addition, where the Executivehas a role to play in private sector housing developments, 99.4% of all new buildhousing funded was barrier free. In all other properties, private developers haveto address the implications of barrier free building required by the current BuildingStandards (Scotland) Regulations. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186091,"EventID":"S2W-13376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Community Regeneration Fund awarded to Glasgow for the next three years will be allocated to the 28 council wards identified by the Joseph Rowntree","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Community Regeneration Fund awarded to Glasgow for the next three years will be allocated to the 28 council wards identified by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, Strategies Against Poverty, as having the highest deprivation levels in the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Guidance issued by Communities Scotland to Community Planning Partnerships in August 2004 states that the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) should be targeted primarily at the most deprived 15 per cent of areas (data zones) identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004. At least 80 per cent of a Community Planning Partnership’s CRF allocation should be targeted at the most deprived 15% of data zones. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186092,"EventID":"S2W-13377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made either directly, via the Department of Trade and Industry consultation, UK Government Consultation on ICANN and the Management of the Intern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made either directly, via the Department of Trade and Industry consultation, UK Government Consultation on ICANN and the Management of the Internet Domain Name System, or otherwise, to the consultation on the future management of the internet, as subsequently published as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Strategic Plan released on 16 November 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no contribution either directly or via the UK Government to the ICANN Strategy Plan of 16 November 2004. This is a matter for industry rather than Government.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186093,"EventID":"S2W-13378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the statement in section 17 of the Transport (Scotland) Bill that "The Scottish Road Works Commissioner shall keep a register, to be known as the Scottish Road Wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the statement in section 17 of the Transport (Scotland) Bill that "The Scottish Road Works Commissioner shall keep a register, to be known as the Scottish Road Works Register" is consistent with its agreement of 1 March 2000 with Susiephone Ltd to allow it to be the sole keeper of the Scottish Road Works Register.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Transport (Scotland) Bill, it is proposed that the Scottish Road Works Commissioner shall become the keeper of the Scottish Road Works Register. The Scottish Executive is in discussion with Susiephone Ltd about the contractual arrangements associated with the register.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186094,"EventID":"S2W-13379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a tribunal service for tribunals with a Scotland-only remit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a tribunal service for tribunals with a Scotland-only remit.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to establish a tribunal service for tribunals with a Scotland‑only remit. However, we are in regular contact with the Department for Constitutional Affairs about the creation of the new Tribunals Service, which will include a number of reserved tribunals operating in Scotland, and we shall consider carefully whether there are any areas where our administrations can work together to provide improvements for tribunal users across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186095,"EventID":"S2W-13380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government in respect of the establishment of a UK-wide tribunal service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government in respect of the establishment of a UK-wide tribunal service.","AnswerText":"We have had various discussions with the Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) as policy has developed on the creation of the new Tribunals Service. The first phase of the service will incorporate the seven most used tribunals, which operate on a GB-wide basis. Our most recent discussions have centred on issues relating to tribunal appointments and making of rules.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186096,"EventID":"S2W-13381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what percentage of full-time students held a part-time job during the university academic ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what percentage of full-time students held a part-time job during the university academic year from May 2003 to March 2004.","AnswerText":"The percentage of full-time students holding a part-time job during the period May 2003 to March 2004 is not available. However, the proportion of full-time students at university or college who were in part-time employment for the spring quarter in 2004 is 39%. The 2004 spring quarter runs from March 2004 to May 2004. The percentage is estimated from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186097,"EventID":"S2W-13382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what the average number of hours worked by full-time students holding a part-time job while ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what the average number of hours worked by full-time students holding a part-time job while attending university has been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The table below gives the average number of hours worked in a week by full-time students at university or college who were in part-time employment for the spring quarter in years 1999 to 2004. The spring quarter runs from March to May in each year. These figures are estimated from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics. Average Number of Hours Worked in a Week by Full-Time Students Holding a Part-Time Job 1999–2004, Scotland | Year | Average Hours1 | | 1999 | 14 | | 2000 | 15 | | 2001 | 14 | | 2002 | 15 | | 2003 | 14 | | 2004 | 15 | Source: Labour Force Survey, Spring Quarters, 1999-2004. Note: 1. Average hours includes overtime worked. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186098,"EventID":"S2W-13383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what the average wage earned by full-time students holding a part-time job while attending u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what the average wage earned by full-time students holding a part-time job while attending university has been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The table below gives the median basic hourly rate for full-time students at university or college who were in part-time employment for the spring quarter in years 1999 to 2004. The spring quarter runs from March to May in each year. These figures are estimated from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics.Median1 Basic Hourly Rate Earned by Full-Time Students Holding a Part-Time Job 1999-2004, Scotland | Year | Median Basic Hourly Rate (£) | | 1999 | 4.00 | | 2000 | 4.20 | | 2001 | 4.34 | | 2002 | 4.30 | | 2003 | 4.50 | | 2004 | 4.62 | Source: Labour Force Survey, Spring Quarters, 1999-2004. Note: 1. The median is the value below which 50 per cent of workers fall. It is preferred over an arithmetic average for earnings data as it is influenced less by large or extreme values. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186099,"EventID":"S2W-13384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what percentage of full-time students held a part-time job while attending university in eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7885 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 May 2004, what percentage of full-time students held a part-time job while attending university in each year since 1999, broken down by higher education institution.","AnswerText":"The percentage of full-time students with a part-time job while attending university in each year since 1999, broken down by specific higher education institution is not available.However, the table below gives the proportion of full-time students at university or college who were in part-time employment for the winter quarter in years 1999 to 2003 by type of institution attended. The winter quarter runs from December to February in each year. These figures are estimated from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics. Percentage of Full-time Students Holding a Part-time Job by Institution Type, 1999–2003, Scotland | Year | University, College of Higher Education | College of Further Education | | 1999 | 36% | 36% | | 2000 | 40% | 36% | | 2001 | 38% | 34% | | 2002 | 41% | 44% | | 2003 | 39% | 30% | Source: Labour Force Survey, Winter Quarters, 1999-2003. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186100,"EventID":"S2W-13385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sportscotland awards were made in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (c) 2003 and (d) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sportscotland awards were made in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (c) 2003 and (d) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The nature of a number of programmes operated by sportscotland means that it is not possible to identify which local authority area has benefited from a particular award. Those awards readily attributable to a particular local authority area are set out in the following table and cover the Sports Facilities programme, Awards for All, Major Events programme, TOP programme, School Sports Co-ordinator programme, social inclusion partnership programme and Talented Athlete programme although information on this programme is not included in year 2003-04 as Governing Bodies now submit group applications for athletes. Information is given by financial year. | Local Authority | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | No | Value | No | Value | No | Value | No | Value | | Aberdeen City | 15 | 215,105 | 19 | 183,540 | 22 | 319,815 | 9 | 1,309,696 | | Aberdeenshire | 27 | 250,961 | 33 | 415,409 | 28 | 384,257 | 18 | 241,827 | | Angus | 16 | 423,474 | 12 | 58,075 | 15 | 94,324 | 7 | 156,456 | | Argyll and Bute | 22 | 563,743 | 28 | 260,595 | 35 | 440,787 | 9 | 735,508 | | City Of Edinburgh | 86 | 578,734 | 100 | 936,132 | 116 | 2,898,187 | 26 | 730,031 | | Clackmannanshire | 5 | 510,695 | 7 | 52,131 | 4 | 44,501 | 5 | 105,053 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 20 | 745,283 | 36 | 521,379 | 33 | 670,856 | 16 | 608,902 | | Dundee City | 21 | 122,525 | 24 <","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186101,"EventID":"S2W-13386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of sportscotland awards made in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value was of sportscotland awards made in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13385 on 26 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186102,"EventID":"S2W-13387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for sportscotland awards were received in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for sportscotland awards were received in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186103,"EventID":"S2W-13388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5284 by Hugh Henry on 14 January 2004, how many babies were born with a drug addiction in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04, broken down ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5284 by Hugh Henry on 14 January 2004, how many babies were born with a drug addiction in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04, broken down by NHS board area and expressed also per capita.","AnswerText":"The available information on babies discharged from Neonatal Units with a diagnosis involving drug misuse is shown in Tables 1a and 1b . Data for 2003-04 is not yet available.Table 1a All Births1,2,3 and Neonatal Discharges4 Recording Drug Misuse5,6; Numbers and Rates Per 1,000 Births | | All Births 2002-03P | Neonatal Discharges Recording Drug Misuse 2002-03P | Rate Per 1,000 Births Within NHS Board Area 2002-03P | | Argyll and Clyde | 3,987 | 33 | 8.28 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 3,453 | 21 | 6.08 | | Borders | 971 | ** | ** | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,313 | 10 | 7.62 | | Fife | 3,498 | 18 | 5.15 | | Forth Valley | 2,832 | 15 | 5.30 | | Grampian | 5,305 | 72 | 13.57 | | Greater Glasgow | 9,194 | 26 | 2.83 | | Highland | 1,962 | 6 | 3.06 | | Islands | 628 | - | - | | Lanarkshire | 5,945 | 27 | 4.54 | | Lothian | 7,976 | 22 | 2.76 | | Tayside | 3,730 | 19 | 5.09 | PProvisional. Source: SMR02, SBR and SMR11. Notes: 1. Excludes home births and births at non-NHS hospitals. 2. Includes all live births and stillbirths. 3. From 1998, where four or more babies are involved in a pregnancy, birth details are recorded for the first three babies. Prior to 1998, birth details were recorded only for the first two babies delivered. 4. A baby may be admitted to and discharged from neonatal care more than once. Figures relate to the total number of discharges, not to the number of individual babies. 5. Drug misuse is defined using the following International Classification of Disease (10th Revision) codes : P04.4 - Fetus and newborn affected by maternal use of drugs of addiction P96.1 - Neonatal withdrawal symptoms from maternal use of drugs of addiction 6. Care should be taken when interpreting these data as recording practice of drug misuse diagnosis may vary between hospitals. In addition, the Scottish Birth Record (which replaces SMR11) is currently being incrementally implemented throughout Scotland and therefore should be treated with ca","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186104,"EventID":"S2W-13389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-2022 by Cathy Jamieson on 25 September 2003, what the average waiting period was (a) nationally and (b) in each district court area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-2022 by Cathy Jamieson on 25 September 2003, what the average waiting period was (a) nationally and (b) in each district court area between pleading and trial diets in (i) 2002-03 and (ii) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Average Waiting Time (Weeks) Between Pleading and Trial Diets in District Courts, 2002-03 and 2003-04 | Commission Area | 2002-03 | 2003-041 | | Aberdeen City | n/a | n/a | | Aberdeenshire | 9 | 10 | | Angus | 12 | 11 | | Argyll and Bute | 12 | 12 | | Clackmannanshire | 10 | 13 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 7 | 10 | | Dundee City | 10 | 10 | | East Ayrshire | 9 | 9 | | East Dunbartonshire | 9 | 14 | | East Lothian | 9 | 9 | | East Renfrewshire | 10 | 6 | | Edinburgh, City of | 10 | 10 | | Eilean Siar | n/a | n/a | | Falkirk | 9 | 11 | | Fife | 10 | n/a | | Glasgow City (average) | n/a | n/a | | - District Court | n/a | n/a | | - Stipendiary Magistrate | n/a | n/a | | Highland | 9 | 10 | | Inverclyde | 10 | 8 | | Midlothian | 8 | 12 | | Moray | 9 | 10 | | North Ayrshire | 8 | 10 | | North Lanarkshire | 9 | 11 | | Perth and Kinross | 10 | 14 | | Renfrewshire | 10 | 10 | | Scottish Borders | 8 | 9 | | South Ayrshire | 10 | 11 | | South Lanarkshire | 9 | 10 | | Stirling | n/a | n/a | The new agency will be based in Glasgow. This will allow closer working with the other major transport organisations already based in Glasgow. Glasgow was chosen as the preferred location following a comprehensive appraisal of all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. A site is expected to be identified in the next few months. Full relocation will be completed by April 2007 to allow for the smooth continuation of business. A copy of the appraisal report which informed ministers’ decision is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34887). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186106,"EventID":"S2W-13392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4807 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 January 2004, what the difference in median wait and mean wait was for the quarter ended (a) 31 Dece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4807 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 January 2004, what the difference in median wait and mean wait was for the quarter ended (a) 31 December 2003, (b) 31 March 2004, (c) 30 June 2004 and (d) 30 September 2004. ","AnswerText":"The differences between the median wait and mean wait for in-patient/day case treatment and new out-patient appointments for the quarters ending: 31 December 2003, 31 March 2004, 30 June 2004 and 30 September 2004 were as follows:Difference in Median and Mean Wait (Days) | | In-Patient/Day Case Waiting Time | First Out-patient Appointment Waiting Time | | Quarter Ended | Median | Mean | Difference | Median | Mean | Difference | | 31-Dec-03 | 40 | 83.2 | -43.2 | 53 | 87.8 | -34.8 | | 31-Mar-04 | 43 | 83.0 | -40.0 | 54 | 89.5 | -35.5 | | 30-Jun-04P | 41 | 78.5 | -37.5 | 51 | 85.6 | -34.6 | | 30-Sep-04P | 43 | 81.3 | -38.3 | 55 | 89.8 | -34.8 | PProvisional. Sources: ISD, SMR00 & SMR01. The distributions of both out-patients and in-patients/day cases and outpatients are very skewed making the median the more appropriate measure. The mean is highly sensitive to the small number of unusually high values in the long tail of the distribution. A significant number of those waiting for a long time will have been delayed due to failing to attend, cancelling an offer of anappointment or having medical/social constraints that prevent admission fortreatment. Neither the mean nor the median are targets for NHSScotland and they are only summary measures for patients awaiting in-patient/day case hospital care where reducing maximum waiting times is the Scottish Executive’s priority. They take no account of the annual 465,000 emergency admissions, where patients are admitted immediately and they take no account of the annual 26.5 million face-to-face contacts with the primary care team. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186107,"EventID":"S2W-13393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4807 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 January 2004, what the difference in median wait and mean wait was for the quarter ended (a) 30 June","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4807 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 January 2004, what the difference in median wait and mean wait was for the quarter ended (a) 30 June 1997, (b) 30 June 1999, and (c) 30 September 2004, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"The differences between the median wait and mean wait for in-patient/day case treatment and new out-patient appointments for the quarters ending: 30 June 1997,30 June 1999 and 30 September 2004, by NHS board of residence were asfollows: | | | Difference in Median and Mean Wait (days) | | NHS Board (Residence) | Quarter end | In-patient/Day Case Waiting Time | First Out-patient Appointment Waiting Time | | | | Median Wait | Mean Wait | Difference | Median Wait | Mean Wait | Difference | | Scotland | 30-Jun-97 | 34 | 59.7 | -25.7 | 40 | 53.7 | -13.7 | | | 30-Jun-99 | 30 | 53.5 | -23.5 | 46 | 64.0 | -18.0 | | | 30-Sep-04p | 43 | 81.3 | -38.3 | 55 | 89.8 | -34.8 | | Argyll and Clyde | 30-Jun-97 | 36 | 61.1 | -25.1 | 39 | 59.0 | -20.0 | | | 30-Jun-99 | 29 | 50.9 | -21.9 | 42 | 58.5 | -16.5 | | | 30-Sep-04p | 45 | 76.2 | -31.2 | 55 | 81.3 | -26.3 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 30-Jun-97 | 33 | 57.1 | -24.1 | 35 | 44.4 | -9.4 | | | 30-Jun-99 | 34 | 55.4 | -21.4 | 37 | 48.4 | -11.4 | | | 30-Sep-04p | 52 | 86.1 | -34.1 | 51 | 80.5 | -29.5 | | Borders | 30-J","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186108,"EventID":"S2W-13394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be spent on trunk road repairs and maintenance in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be spent on trunk road repairs and maintenance in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The funding allocated to the Transport Portfolio was published in the Draft Budget 2005-06, a copy of which is available in the Parliaments Reference centre (Bib. number 34133) The level of funding that has been allocated to be spent on trunk road repairs and maintenance, which includes structural maintenance, in the next three financial years is as follows: | Financial Year | Funding Level (£ Million) | | 2005-06 | 97 | | 2006-07 | 118 | | 2007-08 | 118 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186109,"EventID":"S2W-13395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of journeys made by passengers on (a) trains and (b) buses in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of journeys made by passengers on (a) trains and (b) buses in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There were 66.1 million rail passenger journeys originating in Scotland, and 449 million passenger journeys (boardings) on local bus services in Scotland, in 2003-04. The equivalent figures for earlier years appear in table 8.1 (rail) and table 2.2 (bus) of Scottish Transport Statistics no. 23, 2004 edition, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 33706). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186110,"EventID":"S2W-13396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of passengers who travelled on (a) trains and (b) buses in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of passengers who travelled on (a) trains and (b) buses in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information held by the Executive on passenger numbers relates to passenger journeys. The total numbers of journeys made by train and bus passengers (which count each person once for each journey made as a passenger) are given in my answer to question S2W-13395 answered on 27 January 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. The Scottish Household Survey provides some information about adults' use of train services, and local bus services, in the previous month. This is given in table 10 of Household Transport in 2003: some Scottish Household Survey results, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34410). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186111,"EventID":"S2W-13397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7188 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 April 2004, what level of funding it has provided to Caledonia Youth in 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7188 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 April 2004, what level of funding it has provided to Caledonia Youth in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided funding of £454,574 to Caledonia Youth so far in the year 2004-05. A further £246,548 is expected to be provided before the end of March 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186112,"EventID":"S2W-13398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated to ASH Scotland in each year since 1999 and whether it has any plans to discontinue this funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated to ASH Scotland in each year since 1999 and whether it has any plans to discontinue this funding.","AnswerText":"Funding allocations for ASH Scotland in each year since 1999 are as follows:- | Funding Allocation | 1999-2000 £ | 2000-01 £ | 2001-02 £ | 2002-03 £ | 2003-04 £ | 2004-05 £ | | 16b Core Funding | 117,000 | 120,400 | 120,400 | 170,500 | 179,000 | 227,500 | | Tobacco Inequalities Project | 71,000 | 97,500 | 70,000 | 41,000 | 72,000 | 73,000 | | ASH Information Service | | | | 57,000 | 56,000 | 56,000 | | Admin costs for lottery funded project | | | | | 11,000 | 10,000 | | Capital Funding | | | 6,500 | 1,000 | 35,000 | 17,500 | | Tobacco Control Alliance Co‑ordinator | | 15,000 | | | | | | Website Development | | 40,700 | | | | | | Evaluation Resource Pack | | | 55,000 | | | | In addition the Partnership Action on Tobacco and Health was established by the Scottish Executive in 2002 to establish national training standards for smoking cessation services; identify best practice and advise on data collection for services. PATH is currently housed in the offices of ASH Scotland. ASH (Scotland) is the only voluntary sector agency dealing with tobacco control issues in Scotland. Tobacco control remains a key priority for the Executive and there are no plans to discontinue funding to ASH Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186113,"EventID":"S2W-13399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7679 by Hugh Henry on 6 May 2004, what the most recent figures are for the number of advisory visits made by the fire service to re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7679 by Hugh Henry on 6 May 2004, what the most recent figures are for the number of advisory visits made by the fire service to registered care homes and, of these, how many were reported to the Care Commission by the fire service as being unsatisfactory, broken down by fire brigade.","AnswerText":"The eight Scottish Fire Brigades have confirmed that they have completed visits to all eligible registered care home premises as set out in the table. | Brigade | Number of Visits | | Central Scotland Fire Brigade | 84 | | Dumfries and Galloway Fire Brigade | 71 | | Fife Fire and Rescue Service | 123 | | Grampian Fire and Rescue Service | 255 | | Highland and Islands Fire Brigade | 157 | | Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade | 256 | | Strathclyde Fire Brigade | 643 | | Tayside Fire Brigade | 164 | | Total | 1,753 | This represents approximately 97% of care premises registered by the Care Commission in Scotland. The remaining 3% were not visited because they no longer offer overnight residential care, have closed, or have had some other change in status which means they did not require a visit. In approximately 76% of the visits, reports were raised about potential fire hazards but these were mainly of a minor nature. The Care Commission has moved to formal enforcement action in only one case. However, for all visits which resulted in reports being raised, the Care Commission wrote to the care provider requiring them to complete an action plan within 10 days detailing the remedial action to be taken. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186114,"EventID":"S2W-13400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to efficiency in awarding funding allocations to further and higher education institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to efficiency in awarding funding allocations to further and higher education institutions.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils, however, I understand that funding is based on a units of resource applied to a fixed target of activity. This provides a strong incentive for institutions to be efficient. If costs are too high then management must produce efficiencies since the Council will not condone poor quality or volume below target.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186115,"EventID":"S2W-13401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any announcement regarding funding for a consultation on patient and client involvement and, if so, when the announcement was made; how much funding e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any announcement regarding funding for a consultation on patient and client involvement and, if so, when the announcement was made; how much funding each NHS board will receive, and what guidance has been given to boards regarding criteria to be used to assess whether applications for this funding would be eligible.","AnswerText":"Informing, engaging and consulting with patients and the public in the design and delivery of health services must be a fundamental part of a modern, 21st century NHS.We carried out a consultation during 2004 on involving, engaging and consulting the public on health policy and service change, and further guidance will be issued by the Scottish Executive Health Department shortly. The development of patient-centred health services, as a core activity of NHS boards, should be funded from within each board’s financial allocation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186116,"EventID":"S2W-13402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undisputed invoices it paid within 30 days of receipt, expressed also as a percentage of all undisputed invoices, for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undisputed invoices it paid within 30 days of receipt, expressed also as a percentage of all undisputed invoices, for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The figures are given in the following table: | Financial Year | Total Number of Invoices | Number Paid Late | %age Paid within 30 days of receipt or contract terms if different | | * 2003/4 – SE Core | 84,518 | 19,391 | 77 | Note: *Total includes SE Core, Consolidated Invoice Transactions and Government Procurement Card Transactions (where applicable). The core Scottish Executive’s payment performance in 2003-04 was unacceptably low (although it showed significant improvement over the previous year). The Executive has taken a range of steps over the past year to improve performance, and I am confident that our payment performance in 2004-05 will show further substantial improvement. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186117,"EventID":"S2W-13403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invoices it has received that have been disputed, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of invoices received, in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invoices it has received that have been disputed, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of invoices received, in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":" | Financial Year | FY 1999 | FY 2000 | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 | FY 2004 (Apr-Dec) | | *%age Disputed – Total | 0.47 | 0.48 | 0.40 | 0.08 | 0.52 | 0.65 | | *Total Number of Invoices – Total | 192,292 | 172,649 | 130,862 | 174,364 | 140,162 | 138,481 | | *Number Disputed – Total | 899 | 821 | 521 | 143 | 726 | 894 | Note: *Total includes SE Core, Agencies (including Registers of Scotland), Consolidated Invoice Transactions and Government Procurement Card Transactions (where applicable). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186118,"EventID":"S2W-13404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the collection rates were for council tax for 2003-04, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the collection rates were for council tax for 2003-04, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information can be found on Audit Scotland’s website:http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/publications/pdf/2005/05pi02ac.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186119,"EventID":"S2W-13405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties there are within each council tax band, broken down by local authority area and expressed also as a percentage of all properties within each area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties there are within each council tax band, broken down by local authority area and expressed also as a percentage of all properties within each area.","AnswerText":"The information is contained in the following tables.Table 1 Number of Properties on the Valuation List on 6 September 2004 Total number of Dwellings | | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D | Band E | Band F | Band G | Band H | Total | | Scotland | 578,020 | 583,154 | 371,705 | 290,100 | 294,383 | 151,155 | 98,957 | 11,129 | 2,378,603 | | Aberdeen City | 21,858 | 27,906 | 17,447 | 11,932 | 12,866 | 7,404 | 6,603 | 738 | 106,754 | | Aberdeenshire | 20,840 | 15,540 | 13,133 | 15,360 | 17,587 | 11,327 | 7,132 | 438 | 101,357 | | Angus | 15,468 | 12,241 | 6,534 | 7,337 | 6,374 | 2,283 | 1,167 | 146 | 51,550 | | Argyll and Bute | 8,076 | 9,528 | 9,201 | 5,574 | 6,760 | 3,510 | 2,375 | 222 | 45,246 | | Clackmannanshire | 6,466 | 7,065 | 1,773 | 2,219 | 2,672 | 1,209 | 631 | 41 | 22,076 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 11,484 | 22,552 | 10,756 | 8,995 | 9,311 | 4,044 | 1,949 | 151 | 69,242 | | Dundee City | 31,877 | 16,541 | 7,621 | 7,817 | 5,640 | 1,882 | 790 | 42 | 72,210 | | East Ayrshire | 27,001 | 9,391 | 4,15","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186120,"EventID":"S2W-13406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants there have been in each of its departments in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were on secondment from non-departmental public bodies,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants there have been in each of its departments in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were on secondment from non-departmental public bodies, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of civil servants in each department.","AnswerText":"The number of full-time equivalent permanent staff employed in each of the Scottish Executive core departments as at 1 April of each year since 1999 is set out in table A. The number of people who were on inward secondment and known to have come from non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to Scottish Executive core departments is set out in table B. Information for the years 1999 and 2000 is not availableas no individual records have been retained for any inward secondees from NDPBs. These secondees are not civil servants and are not generally included in Scottish Executive staffing figures and are therefore not included in table A. If the number of secondees were expressed as a percentage of the total of civil servants plus secondees then due to the small numbers involved the percentage of secondees in each department would be less than 1% in each department Table A: Number of Permanent Full-Time Equivalent Staff in Scottish Executive Core Departments | | April 99 | April 00 | April 01 | April 02 | April 03 | April 04 | | SE Core Total | 3,706.5 | 3,929.3 | 3,985.6 | 4,144.6 | 4,332.6 | 4,411.0 | | Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries | 940.6 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | | Environment and Rural Affairs | .. | 963.7 | 1,017.2 | 1,074.1 | 1,086.1 | 1,086.2 | | Central Services | .. | 1,081.8 | .. | .. | .. | .. | | Corporate Services | .. | .. | 705.5 | 640.8 | 624.9 | | | Office of the Permanent Secretary | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 745.0 | | Executive Secretariat | .. | .. | 283.6 | 341.1 | .. | .. | | Finance | .. | .. | 128.3 | 143.1 | .. | .. | | Finance and Central Services | .. | .. | .. | .. | 556.1 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186121,"EventID":"S2W-13407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the 2007-08 local authority settlement so that local authorities are able not to reduce services or raise council taxes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the 2007-08 local authority settlement so that local authorities are able not to reduce services or raise council taxes.","AnswerText":"There are no plans in place to reopen the outcome of Spending Review 2004 which provided the funding for the 2007-08 local authority settlement. In my statement to Parliament on 8 December setting out the Local Government Finance Settlement, I announced a robust funding package for local authorities for the next three years. This package included an increase in funding through Aggregate External Finance (AEF) of 10.4% over the three years 2005-08. This package is designed to provide a level of Executive funding which, together with a contribution from council tax income, will not only maintain existing levels of service but provide growth in key areas like care in the community and roads maintenance. The council tax contribution assumes increases of around only 2.5% in both 2006-07 and 2007-08. In making my statement, I did acknowledge that the 2007-08 package is perceived by some to be tight but I will continue the dialogue with COSLA and individual local authorities on the matter of the 2007-08 funding package and this dialogue will be undertaken in the context of the overall Scottish budget and local government’s progress in implementing the Scottish Executive’s efficient government plan that expects overall savings from local government of £325 million. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186122,"EventID":"S2W-13408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12862 by Lewis McDonald on 16 December 2004, in circumstances where Scottish Water and the owners of property, in this case a local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12862 by Lewis McDonald on 16 December 2004, in circumstances where Scottish Water and the owners of property, in this case a local authority, cannot co-operate to identify the source of a leak and repair it, who will decide who is responsible.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities for the repair of water pipes and sewerage pipes are set out in Water (Scotland) Act 1980, as amended, and the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968, as amended. In the event of an unresolved dispute, it is a matter for the aggrieved parties to seek legal advice.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186123,"EventID":"S2W-13409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12428 by Rhona Brankin on 24 December 2004, how many dental practices in the Scottish Borders provided NHS treatment in (a) 1999-20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12428 by Rhona Brankin on 24 December 2004, how many dental practices in the Scottish Borders provided NHS treatment in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04, expressed also as a percentage of all practices for each year.","AnswerText":"The number of dental practices in the Scottish Borders providing NHS treatment at 31 March in the relevant years is shown in the table.It is not possible to express this number as a percentage of all practices in the Scottish Borders, as information on non-NHS dental practices is not held centrally. Number of General Dental Practices in NHS Borders Providing NHS Treatment1; at 31 March | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | 17 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 20 | Source: MIDAS (Management Information and Dental Accounting System). Note: 1. Dental practices with at least one dentist within the practice providing NHS general dental services. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186124,"EventID":"S2W-13410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12428 by Rhona Brankin on 24 December 2004 and given that the Scottish Borders accounts for 2% of the Scottish population, why 22% ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12428 by Rhona Brankin on 24 December 2004 and given that the Scottish Borders accounts for 2% of the Scottish population, why 22% of all NHS dental patients deregistered in 2002-03 and 37% deregistered in 2003-04 were from the Scottish Borders; what inquiries it has made to determine the reasons for these percentages and what additional information it has gathered as a result; what measures it has taken to address this situation; what interim guidance it has issued to deregistered patients in respect of obtaining NHS dental treatment; whether travel costs will be available for patients who are required to seek treatment furth of the Scottish Borders, and what its statutory duties are in respect of the accessible provision of NHS dental services.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the overall provision of NHS dental services in the area rests with NHS Borders. NHS Borders has advised that the increase in the number of de-registrations in 2002-03 and 2003-04 was due to dental practices in Duns, Eyemouth, Peebles and Hawick reducing their commitment to NHS general dental services. NHS Borders has established an advice line, staffed by a dental nurse who is able to offer advice on pain relief, advice on access issues and make arrangements for unregistered patients who require urgent treatment. The Executive continues to support NHS Borders by approving salaried general dental practitioner posts where required. Approval was given to NHS Borders in August 2004 to appoint a further two whole-time equivalent salaried dentists for Hawick and in January 2005 for a senior salaried dentist with a special interest in oral surgery. I understand these posts are currently vacant but that one of the Hawick posts will be filled in March 2005. NHS Borders has not issued any formal interim guidance to deregistered patients in respect of obtaining NHS dental treatment. However, general dental practitioners, GP out-of-hours, NHS24 and hospitals are aware of the Borders advice line and are able to direct patients to this. NHS board can apply to Scottish ministers for approval of schemes to assist eligible patients with travel expenses to access primary care NHS dental treatment. The funding for such schemes comes from within the board’s unified budget. It is a duty of Scottish ministers to secure the provision of general dental services in accordance with Part II of the NHS (Scotland) act 1978. It is a duty, under section 25 of Part II of the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978, of every health board, in accordance with regulations, to make as respect their area arrangements with dental practitioners under which any person for whom a dental practitioner undertakes in accordance with the arrangements to provide dental treatment and appliances shall receive such treatment and appliances. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186125,"EventID":"S2W-13411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students over 16 are in (a) full-time and (b) part-time further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students over 16 are in (a) full-time and (b) part-time further and higher education.","AnswerText":"The following tables give thenumbers of students or enrolments aged over 16 in further and higher education forthe year 2002-03. This is the most recent year for which data are available at present.(a) Full-Time Study Full-Time Students Aged Over16 at Scottish Higher Education Institutions1 2002-03 | Level of study | Number | | Higher Education | 144,982 | | Further Education | 211 | Source: Higher Education StatisticsAgency. Note: 1. Does not include OpenUniversity students in Scotland. Full-Time Enrolments2Aged Over 16 at Scottish Further Education (FE) Colleges 2002-03 | Level of study | Number | | Higher Education | 26,730 | | Further Education | 34,199 | Source: Scottish Further EducationFunding Council (SFEFC). Note: 2. SFEFC data are for enrolmentsat FE Colleges. As individuals may enrol on more than one course in an academicyear, the number of enrolments is higher than the number of students. Data providedare for vocational enrolments only. (b) Part-Time Study Part-Time Students Aged Over16 at Scottish Higher Education Institutions1 2002-03 | Level of study | Number | | Higher Education | 62,022 | | Further Education | 234 | Source: Higher Education StatisticsAgency. Note: 1. Does not include OpenUniversity students in Scotland. Part-Time Enrolments2Aged Over 16 at Scottish Further Education Colleges 2002-03 | Level of Study | Number | | Higher Education | 32,343 | | Further Education | 283,602 | Source: Scottish Further EducationFunding Council. 2. SFEFC data are for enrolmentsat FE Colleges. As individuals may enrol on more than one course in an academicyear, the number of enrolments is higher than the number of students. Data providedare for vocational enrolments only. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186126,"EventID":"S2W-13412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many students in full-time and part-time further and higher education use the HC1 form to apply for help with the cost of prescription char","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many students in full-time and part-time further and higher education use the HC1 form to apply for help with the cost of prescription charges, dental charges and charges for eye tests and spectacles.","AnswerText":"During 2003-04, 7,407 full‑timestudents applied for and received help under the NHS Low Income Scheme using theHC1 form. Part‑time students and students in higher education are classifiedwith the Prescription Pricing Authority under the occupation they hold.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186127,"EventID":"S2W-13413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the means by which students in further and higher education are informed that they can apply for help with some healthcare costs through the HC","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the means by which students in further and higher education are informed that they can apply for help with some healthcare costs through the HC1 form.","AnswerText":"The HC1 form is used to claim help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Forms are widely available from community pharmacies, GP and dental practices, Citizen Advice Scotland Offices and Local Authority One Stop Shops. An explanatory booklet Help with Health Costs is produced by the NHS and gives guidance about NHS charging arrangements. In addition NHS Scotland produces A Quick Guide to Help with Health Costs and also provides information and general advice through a helpline and on its website www.show.scot.nhs.uk. The Scottish Executive does not produce specific information for students on help with healthcare costs. However, colleges and universities often provide this information to students in their student handbook, and through their student welfare services. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186128,"EventID":"S2W-13414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many high profile, from a police perspective, visits there were to Edinburgh in 2004 and how many such visits are anticipated in 2005; what additional resources to Lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many high profile, from a police perspective, visits there were to Edinburgh in 2004 and how many such visits are anticipated in 2005; what additional resources to Lothian and Borders Police have been earmarked as a result of such visits, and what additional funding will be provided to Lothian and Borders Police in respect of the G8 Summit and any related high profile visitors to Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of high profile visits to Edinburgh is not held centrally and is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.In 2004, following recommendations made by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Lothian and Borders Police were allocated an additional £600,000 per annum in recognition of Edinburgh’s capital city status. No decision has been taken on the level of additional funding will be provided to the police in respect of the G8 Summit. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186129,"EventID":"S2W-13415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether powers of attorney obtained prior to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 coming into force are still legally valid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether powers of attorney obtained prior to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 coming into force are still legally valid.","AnswerText":"Yes. The coming into force of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 will not affect the validity of powers of attorney registered under the 2000 act. Continuing and welfare powers of attorney are regulated by the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. For a power of attorney to have authority,it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian under section 19 of the 2000 act.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186130,"EventID":"S2W-13416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2142,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish-domiciled students are attending universities in England and Wales in the academic year 2004-05 and what the cost to it would be of meeting their tuiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish-domiciled students are attending universities in England and Wales in the academic year 2004-05 and what the cost to it would be of meeting their tuition fees in the same way as for those attending universities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In 2002-03, there were 6,303 Scottish-domiciled students studying for first degrees in higher education institutions in England and Wales. This is the most recent year for which data are available at present. Tuition fees in England were£1,150 per student for the year 2004-05.It is difficult to accurately estimate the additional total cost of providing non-means tested free tuition to Scottish students studying in England. The actual cost for the individual can vary depending on the family income levels of students The possible liability for meeting the cost of providing free tuition to EU students studying in England would be a significant addition. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186131,"EventID":"S2W-13417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much domestic waste was collected in each local authority area in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much domestic waste was collected in each local authority area in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"Data available from the Accounts Commission are:Total Number of Tonnes of Household Waste Collected | Local Authority | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Aberdeen City | 124,094.9 | 102,117.1 | 93,312.0 | 106,201.3 | | Aberdeenshire | 104,789.7 | 107,052.2 | 105,041.0 | 129,220.6 | | Angus | 48,126.48 | 42,363.5 | 46,553.3 | 59,309.4 | | Argyll and Bute | 50,331.84 | 44,249.0 | 48,907.3 | 55,473.1 | | Clackmannanshire | 27,126.25 | 27,300.0 | 29,843.0 | 29,264.4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 68,000.54 | 69,452.0 | *70,885.0 | 73,111.0 | | Dundee City | 74,397.21 | 61,043.1 | 63,596.0 | 69,356.0 | | East Ayrshire | 50,802.2 | 49,457.9 | 50,654.4 | 53,628.6 | | East Dunbartonshire | 53,270.08 | 57,290.0 | 61,376.0 | 59,408.0 | | East Lothian | 51,399.44 | 48,525.5 | 50,168.5 | 51,779.0 | | East Renfrewshire | 49,133.06 | 46,524.0 | 51,599.8 | 53,714.2 | | Edinburgh, City of | 221,750.8 | 200,484.0 | 200,973.0 | 208,986.2 | | Eilean Siar | 14,866 | 14,796.7 | 13,565.2 | 14,661.3 | | Falkirk | 76,371.05 | 73,261.0 | 74,365.0 | 70,233.0 | | Fife | 167,624.3 | 168,029.3 | 199,247.3 | 210,768.0 | | Glasgow City | 236,012 | 229,132.4 | 227,775.0 | 232,940.3 | | Highland | 101,535.5 | 102,152.5 | www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/pi2002/documents/report/servicespdf/EnvSer.pdf. Data on the percentage of household waste recycled by each authority in 2002-03 are available on page 11 of the Audit Scotland report on Environmental Services available at: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/pi2003/documents/2003Report/servicespdf/EnvSer.pdf. Audit Scotland data for 2003-04 has not yet been published. The Scottish Environment Protection Agenct figures detailing the amount of household waste recycled by each local authority in 2003-04 are available in Part D of the individual Local Authority Summary Reports at: www.sepa.org.uk/nws/data/local.htm. Figures for 2004-05 are not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186133,"EventID":"S2W-13419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of domestic waste collected in each local authority area went to landfill in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of domestic waste collected in each local authority area went to landfill in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"Data on the percentage of household waste sent to landfill by each local authority from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 are available on page 13 of the Audit Scotland report on Environmental Services available at: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/pi2002/documents/report/servicespdf/EnvSer.pdf Data on the percentage of household waste sent to landfill by each authority in 2002-03 are available on page 12 of the Audit Scotland report on Environmental Services available at: www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/pi2003/documents/2003Report/servicespdf/EnvSer.pdf. Audit Scotland data for 2003-04 has not yet been published. SEPA figures detailing the amount of household waste sent to landfill by each local authority in 2003-04 are available in Part D of the individual Local Authority Summary Reports at www.sepa.org.uk/nws/data/local.htm. Figures for 2004-05 are not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186134,"EventID":"S2W-13420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out on pyrolysis or gasification as a means of disposing of domestic and commercial waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out on pyrolysis or gasification as a means of disposing of domestic and commercial waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out research specifically on pyrolysis or gasification technologies. However, the National Waste Plan 2003 recognises the potential role these technologies could play in delivering diversion from landfill. Information on these technologies, including case studies, can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wtd.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186135,"EventID":"S2W-13421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out on mechanical biological treatment as a means of disposing of domestic and commercial waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out on mechanical biological treatment as a means of disposing of domestic and commercial waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out research specifically on mechanical and biological treatment technologies. However, the National Waste Plan 2003 recognises the role these technologies could play in delivering diversion from landfill. Information on these technologies, including case studies, can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wtd.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186136,"EventID":"S2W-13422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the legislation covering the burning of commercial and domestic waste by conventional power stations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the legislation covering the burning of commercial and domestic waste by conventional power stations.","AnswerText":"No. The main relevant legislationis the Waste Incineration (Scotland) Regulations 2003. These are consistent with the WasteFramework Directive (75/442/EEC) and the Waste Incineration Directive (2000/76/EC).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186137,"EventID":"S2W-13423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources it gave to each local authority to expand recycling and composting in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources it gave to each local authority to expand recycling and composting in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has awarded over £126 million in grant support between all 32 Scottish local authorities for financial years 1999-2000 to 2004-05. These awards are summarised in the following table: | Council | 1999- 2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Aberdeen City | 0 | 106,000 | 69,697 | 331,770 | 1,895,614 | 1,691,243 | | Aberdeenshire | 0 | 188,000 | 74,962 | 1,272,608 | 3,350,000 | 4,890,000 | | Angus | 0 | 75,000 | 36,022 | 231,138 | 359,000 | 1,706,000 | | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 80,000 | 1,131,767 | 1,896,816 | 1,653,710 | 2,880,710 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 25,000 | 15,990 | 182,531 | 1,148,700 | 235,243 | | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | 0 | 29,000 | 8,970 | 52,379 | 125,000 | 1,943,000 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 123,000 | 48,105 | 128,295 | 130,000 | 3,613,000 | | Dundee City | 0 | 72,000 | 47,085 | 224,212 | 0 | 973,000 | | East Ayrshire | 0 | 66,000 | 39,802 | 205,469 | 324,000 | 2,560,000 | | East Dunbartonshire | 0 | 53,000 | 36,547 | 166,281 | 212,400 | 2,147,600 | | East Lothian | 0 | 53,000 | 30,120 | 164,555 | 195,696 | 721,000 | | East Renfrewshire | 0 | 42,000 | 29,625 | 552,717 | 665,0","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186138,"EventID":"S2W-13424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation to reduce the amount of packaging used by manufacturers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation to reduce the amount of packaging used by manufacturers.","AnswerText":"Legislation to encourage manufacturersto reduce packaging already exists. Under the Packaging (Essential Requirements)Regulations 2003, anyone may complain to their local authority trading standardsofficer if they believe a product uses excessive packaging. The Producer ResponsibilityObligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 require businesses with a turnoverof £2 million and making or using over 50 tonnes of packaging a year to recycleor recover certain proportions of packaging waste. This acts as an incentive onthem to minimise their packaging use. In addition, we support the InnovationFund, run by the Waste and Resources Action Programme, to help retailers minimisewaste from packaging and products. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186139,"EventID":"S2W-13425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is on track to meet the 2013 target for the reduction of landfill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is on track to meet the 2013 target for the reduction of landfill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with local authorities to put resources and measures in place to assist in meeting this target.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186140,"EventID":"S2W-13426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated, or intends to allocate, to local authorities for capital projects such as mechanical biological treatment plants and gasification/pyrolys","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated, or intends to allocate, to local authorities for capital projects such as mechanical biological treatment plants and gasification/pyrolysis plants.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has allocated funding to three capital projects of this nature to date as detailed in the following table: | Local Authority | Type of Project | Year Allocated | Amount Allocated (to end of SR2006) | | Argyll and Bute Council | Composting | 2001 | £11,024,733 | | Dumfries and Galloway Council | Mechanical/Biological Treatment | 2004 | £12,316,000 | | Western Isles Council | Anaerobic Digestion | 2004 | £10,138,000 | In addition, we are in discussions with a range of local authorities regarding possible Strategic Waste Fund applications which may include capital projects of this type in the future. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186141,"EventID":"S2W-13427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People has met Aberdeen City Council to discuss its children's services budget and, if so, what the outcome was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People has met Aberdeen City Council to discuss its children's services budget and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"No. However, my colleague Tavish Scott, Deputy Minister for Finance, Public Service Reform and Parliamentary Business met with them on 1 October 2004. I have also had subsequent correspondence with them and suggested that they explore their concerns about the grant distribution formula with COSLA as any changes to that formula would impact on other authorities.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186142,"EventID":"S2W-13428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which science centres received grants from it in 2004-05; how much each centre received; which centres will receive grants in 2005-06, and what the value of each grant wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which science centres received grants from it in 2004-05; how much each centre received; which centres will receive grants in 2005-06, and what the value of each grant will be. ","AnswerText":"The latest estimates for Scottish Executive funding to Scottish science centres in 2004-05 are: | Glasgow Science Centre | £127,000 | | Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh | £838,256 | | Satrosphere, Aberdeen | £630,945 | | Sensation, Dundee | £544,000 | | Total | £2,140,201 | Planned expenditure by the Scottish Executive in 2005-06 for the Science Centres Programme is £2.9 million. The allocation of this budget to individual centres will be decided on the basis of business plans yet to be submitted. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186143,"EventID":"S2W-13429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social inclusion partnership board members have registered their membership of registered political parties, broken down by party affiliation and local authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social inclusion partnership board members have registered their membership of registered political parties, broken down by party affiliation and local authority area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Full records are not available as there is no obligation on board members to declare political affiliations. The following table provides details in respect of those board members who have voluntarily declared their political affiliations. | | Aberdeen City | Aberdeenshire | Angus | Argyll and Bute | City of Edinburgh | City of Glasgow | | Conservative | | | | | | | | Green | | | | | | | | Labour | 1 | | | | 14 | 23 | | Lib Dem | 1 | | | 2 | | | | SNP | 2 | | | 2 | | 1 | | SSP | | | | | | 1 | | Independent | | | | 1 | | | | | Clackmannanshire | Dumfries and Galloway | Dundee City | East Ayrshire | East Dunbartonshire | East Lothian | | Conservative | | | | | | | | Green | | | | | | | | Labour | 1 | | | 2 | | 1 | | Lib Dem | | | | | | | | SNP | 2 | | | 1 | | | | SSP | | | I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13112 on 21 January 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament'swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186145,"EventID":"S2W-13431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will evaluate the work of community planning partnerships following the introduction of the Community Regeneration Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will evaluate the work of community planning partnerships following the introduction of the Community Regeneration Fund.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are currently developing a performance framework to monitor the development and delivery of Regeneration Outcome Agreements which Community Planning Partnerships are required to have in place. The development of that framework will include consideration of appropriate evaluation procedures. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186146,"EventID":"S2W-13432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5639 on 3 February 2004 by Cathy Jamieson, what the total transportation costs were for judges for 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5639 on 3 February 2004 by Cathy Jamieson, what the total transportation costs were for judges for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The cost of the car hire service conveying judges on circuit was £194,100 in the financial year 2003-04. In addition, judges may use public transport or private car to undertake journeys for which actual costs or standard mileage rates (agreed with the Inland Revenue) are reimbursed. Information on the expenditure in these categories is not held centrally and the cost of collating it would exceed the upper limit under the freedom of information arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186147,"EventID":"S2W-13433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be available to support the commencement of a ferry service from Scotland to Norway; what criteria will be attached to such funding; what discussions it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be available to support the commencement of a ferry service from Scotland to Norway; what criteria will be attached to such funding; what discussions it has had regarding such a ferry service; what information it has on the number of Norwegian visitors to Scotland and their method of travel to Scotland; what information it has on freight and trade links between Scotland and Norway, and what information it has on the value of Norwegian visitors and trade to the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"A new ferry service from Scotland to Norway may be eligible for Freight Facility Grant (FFG) to help with any additional capital expenditure required to upgrade terminal facilities in Scotland. It may also qualify for a Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) to help the operator with operational costs in the first three years of the service. Any support would depend on the environmental and economic benefits of transferring lorry miles from the roads to the sea route to qualify. Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland may also be able to support such a project, subject to State aid considerations.Latest figures from VisitScotland show 17,000 trips to Scotland from Norway valued at £4 million during 2003, with 57% trips being by air and 43% by sea. 69% of those trips were for holidays, with the balance being for business and other reasons. The estimated value of exports from Scotland to Norway is £699 million per year and Norway is ranked as 8th in Scotland’s top markets for export. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186148,"EventID":"S2W-13434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy development it is undertaking relevant to the housing of older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy development it is undertaking relevant to the housing of older people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland aims to deliver good quality, sustainable and affordable housing and housing support across various tenures to all client groups, including older people. While there are various initiatives, grant-funded programmes and advice services in operation assisting older people in identifying and maintaining suitable housing we continue to develop new, and deliver current policies in order to meet our commitment to better housing for all including: Supporting People Programme – provides revenue funding for housing support services which helps older people remain in their own home and communities longer; Fuel poverty/central heating programme - provides central heating systems to householders over 60 in private rented or owner occupied accommodation where there is no central heating system or the system has irretrievably broken down, and to householders over 80 in this sector who have partial or inefficient systems; improvement and repair grants/private sector housing grants - are available to help older people to carry out work on their homes, and Care and Repair services – provides direct revenue funding to local care and repair projects, and capital funding (via local authority housing improvement and repair grants), to deliver a range of services to older people so they can improve and/or adapt their homes in order to remain there longer. More generally, the Executive is involving stakeholders, including older people representative groups and bodies, in developing policies on a range of housing issues which are specifically relevant to older people. These include: measures in the forthcoming legislation on private housing, for example to strengthen the rights of tenants and to enable financial assistance to be targeted to householders who need it most, and; to improve assessment of the need for affordable housing. In addition to delivering the above policies the Executive requires, local authorities to identify and meet the housing needs of older people within their local housing strategies. These strategies ensure that the housing needs of older people are effectively met at a local level. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186149,"EventID":"S2W-13435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned for the A75 over the next five years; what the estimated cost of each improvement is, and what the planned date for the start of constructio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned for the A75 over the next five years; what the estimated cost of each improvement is, and what the planned date for the start of construction is in each case.","AnswerText":"The following improvements to the A75 are currently being prepared. | Scheme | Cost £ Million1 | Earliest PossibleStart Date2 | | Barfil to Bettyknowes | 2.8 | 2005-06 | | Cairntop to Barlae | 5.4 | 2005-06 | | Newton Stewart | 2.2 | 2005-06 | | Planting End to Drumflower | 3.5 | 2005-06 | | Dunragit Realignment | 12.1 | 2006-07 | | Hardgrove to Kinmount | 9.5 | 2006-07 | Notes: 1. At 2005 levels. 2. Subject to satisfactory completion of statutory procedures without recourse to Public Local Inquiry. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186150,"EventID":"S2W-13436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many petrol retailers there are in operation outwith rural areas and how many of these it anticipates will close in the next 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many petrol retailers there are in operation outwith rural areas and how many of these it anticipates will close in the next 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186151,"EventID":"S2W-13437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12963 by Mr Tom McCabe on 24 December 2004, what the percentage increase will be from 2004-05 to 2005-06 in non-domestic rates paid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12963 by Mr Tom McCabe on 24 December 2004, what the percentage increase will be from 2004-05 to 2005-06 in non-domestic rates paid by a business whose rateable value increases by the Scottish average and which does not make an appeal against any revised valuation or does not make such an appeal successfully.","AnswerText":"The percentage increase in rates paid by a hypothetical tenant occupying a property whose rateable value has risen by the “Scottish average” at the 2005 Revaluation will be 7.0%. This takes no account of the impact of the small business rate relief scheme which will vary according to the rateable value of the subject occupied.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186152,"EventID":"S2W-13438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce two-view mammography as the standard breast-screening method.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce two-view mammography as the standard breast-screening method.","AnswerText":"The current practice within the Scottish Breast Screening Programme involves a two view mammography (two x-rays from different angles) at the first screening visit with a single view mammography every three years thereafter.The Breast and Cervical Screening National Advisory Group are currently considering the impact of introducing two view screening at every screening visit and are expected to make a recommendation to ministers towards the end of 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186153,"EventID":"S2W-13439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with autistic spectrum disorders living in residential care had to pay for their personal care costs in each of the last five years, broken down by local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with autistic spectrum disorders living in residential care had to pay for their personal care costs in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally. However, the Scottish Executive provides funding for the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability’s eSay project which is developing a national learning disability and autistic spectrum disorder database. The database will be able to be interrogated for this type of information in future.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186154,"EventID":"S2W-13440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with autistic spectrum disorders in hospital and residential care who have been sectioned paid for their personal care costs in each of the last five year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with autistic spectrum disorders in hospital and residential care who have been sectioned paid for their personal care costs in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on people detained under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 is recorded only on the basis of mental impairment or severe mental impairment. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-13439, answered on 24 January 2005. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186155,"EventID":"S2W-13441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population was in (a) 1999 and (b) 2004 and what the projected population figures are for 2010, broken down by Scottish parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population was in (a) 1999 and (b) 2004 and what the projected population figures are for 2010, broken down by Scottish parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Sub-national population estimates and projections are not calculated for Scottish parliamentary constituencies. Information for local authority and health board areas is available on the General Register Office for Scotland website at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/library/index.html.Results from the 2001 Census, published by the Registrar General on 25 March 2003, show that the resident population at 29 April 2001 for each Scottish parliamentary constituency was: | Parliamentary Constituency | Total Population | | Aberdeen Central | 70,104 | | Aberdeen North | 69,935 | | Aberdeen South | 72,086 | | Airdrie and Shotts | 77,762 | | Angus | 77,083 | | Argyll and Bute | 63,443 | | Ayr | 71,382 | | Banff and Buchan | 76,871 | | Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross | 52,405 | | Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley | 81,388 | | Central Fife | 75,092 | | Clydebank and Milngavie | 67,517 | | Clydesdale | 81,888 | | Coatbridge and Chryston | 66,789 | | Cumbernauld and Kilsyth | 64,552 | | Cunninghame North | 69,124 | | Cunninghame South | 66,693 | | Dumbarton | 76,074 | | Dumfries | 80,595 | | Dundee East | 76,557 | | Dundee West | 68,512 | | Dunfermline East | 70,115 | | Dunfermline West | 65,508 | | East Kilbride | 83,893 | | East Lothian | 76,365 | | Eastwood | 89,311 | | Edinburgh Central | 74,270 | | Edinburgh East and Musselburgh | 74,555 | | Edinburgh North and Leith | 75,571 | | Edinburgh Pentlands | 73,963 | | Edinburgh South | 81,413 | | Edinburgh West | 82,575 | | Falkirk East | 75,956 | | Falkirk West | 69,235 | | Galloway and Upper Nithsdale | 67,170 | | Glasgow Anniesland | 63,385 | | Glasgow Baillieston | 64,106 | | Glasgow Cathcart | 61,847 | | Glasgow Govan | 61,555 | | Glasgow Kelvin | 64,472 | | Glasgow Maryhill | 64,628 | | Glasgow Pollok | 62,756 | | Glasgow Rut","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186156,"EventID":"S2W-13442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in its criminal justice strategy to reduce reoffending by (a) children and (b) adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has in its criminal justice strategy to reduce reoffending by (a) children and (b) adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive report On the Borderline? People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Secure, Forensic and other Specialist Settings (2004) looked into the number of people with learning disabilities in prison or in secure accommodation and the arrangements for assessing and providing them with care. The two main aims of the research were to: Explore the number of people in secure settings in Scotland who are known to have a learning disability and/or ASD. Explore the means used to identify, assess their needs and provide services for people with a learning disability and/or ASD while in a secure setting. The findings show that, in practical terms, there is scope for raising awareness about people with learning disabilities and/or ASD across the different disciplines in non-health care settings. Subsequent action includes the Education Department seeking reports from Secure Units on how they intend to take forward the findings of the report and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) taking steps to identify and address the needs of people with learning disabilities. The SPS will set up a Learning Disabilities Working Group to review its overall approach. Processes, are now in place for systematic assessment of offenders’ needs on reception into prison, which will assist in an overall screening process. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186157,"EventID":"S2W-13443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve identification of the number of (a) children and (b) adults with an autistic spectrum disorder in secure settings following the public","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve identification of the number of (a) children and (b) adults with an autistic spectrum disorder in secure settings following the publication of On the Borderline? People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Secure, Forensic and other Specialist Settings.","AnswerText":"On the Borderline found that there is scope for raising awareness aboutpeople with learning disabilities and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) acrossthe different disciplines in non-health care settings, including health, socialwork, social care, education and security staff.Secure Units have been asked how they intend to take forward the report’s findings. However, the Integrated Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need will lead to the development of a single framework where all workers and services involved with children use similar language and tools up to and including the point of comprehensive assessment. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is taking steps to identify and address the needs of people with learning disabilities and people with ASD. Through the Scottish Network for Forensic Mental Health Care in Secure Settings, it has begun work on a screening tool, with a view to piloting it. The SPS is setting up a Learning Disabilities Working Group to review its overall approach. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186158,"EventID":"S2W-13444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major transport projects were completed from 1987-88 to 1996-97, broken down by parliamentary constituency within the Highlands and Islands, North East Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major transport projects were completed from 1987-88 to 1996-97, broken down by parliamentary constituency within the Highlands and Islands, North East Scotland and Mid Scotland and Fife.","AnswerText":"The following table details those projects funded directly by the Scottish Office with a cost of £3 million or more along with other major projects we are aware of.Highlands and Islands Argyll and Bute None Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross A9 Dornoch Bridge Approach Roads; A9 Dunbeath Bridge and Mound Bridges; A9 Dornoch Firth Bridge; A9 Broomhill to Logie Easter Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber A830 Mallaig-Kinsadel; A830 Polnish Lochailort; A830 Morar Bypass Moray A96 Forres Bypass; A96 Lhanbryde Bypass Orkney None Ross, Skye and Inverness West A87 Dornie Bypass; A87 Skye Bridge Approach Roads; A87 Skye Bridge Crossing Shetland None Western Isles (Eilean Siar) None North East Scotland Aberdeen Central None Aberdeen North A96 Bucksburn to Tyrebagger Aberdeen South None Angus None Banff and Buchan None Dundee East None Dundee West A929 Kingsway-Powrie Gordon A92 (now A90) Murcar to Balmedie; A92 (now A90) Ellon Bypass/Tipperty; A96 Inverurie Bypass West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine A94 (now A90) Candy Stonehaven;A94 (now A90) Upper Northwater Bridge-Oatyhill Mid Scotland and Fife Central Fife A92 Bankhead Interchange Dunfermline East A92 East Fife Regional Road II; A92 East Fife Regional Road III and IV Dunfermline West None Kirkcaldy None North East Fife None North Tayside A94 (now A90) Forfar Bypass; A94 (now A90) Parkford-Balnabreich; A929 (now A90) Tarbrax-Forfar; A94 (now A90) Brechin Bypass Ochil None Perth A9 Greenloaning-Blackford Stirling A9 Dunblane Bypass. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186159,"EventID":"S2W-13445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major transport projects have been, or will be, completed between 1997-98 and 2006-07, broken down by parliamentary constituency within the Highlands and Island","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major transport projects have been, or will be, completed between 1997-98 and 2006-07, broken down by parliamentary constituency within the Highlands and Islands, North East Scotland and Mid Scotland and Fife.","AnswerText":"Those projects funded directly by the Scottish Executive, or the former Scottish Office, with a cost of £3 million or more are as follows:Highlands And Islands Argyll and Bute Oban Terminal and 2nd Linkspan; Redevelopment of Port Askaig; Rothesay Pier; A848 Salen to Tobermory; Dunoon Harbour Breakwater and Linkspan; A828 Creagan Bridge Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross A9 Logie Easter-Garrick Bridge; A9 Helmsdale Phase 2 Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber Eigg Pier; Rhum/Muck Pier; A830 Polnish Bridge-Loch nan Uamh; A86 Rubha na Magach-Aberarder; A830 Arisaig-Kinsadel Inverness Airport Terminal Moray None Orkney Hatston/Stromness Pier and Terminal; Scrabster Pier and Passenger Facilities Ross, Skye and Inverness West A890 Achnasheen to Glen Carron Shetland Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal Western Isles (Eilean Siar) Eriskay Causeway; Sound of Barra Ferry Infrastructure In addition, the Scottish Executive provided funding for 29 new trains which will benefit services to Inverness. North East Scotland Aberdeen Central None Aberdeen North A944 Lang Stracht Aberdeen South None Angus None Banff and Buchan None Dundee East None Dundee West None Gordon A96 Blackburn-Kintore; A96 Newton Garry/Adamston West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine None In addition, the Scottish Executive provided funding for 29 new trains which will benefit services to Aberdeen. Funding was also provided to: Aberdeen City Council for Bus Priority and Park and Ride, and Dundee City Council for Smart Bus Mid Scotland And Fife Central Fife None Dunfermline East Ferrytoll Expansion; M90 Halbeath Interchange Dunfermline West A876 Kincardine Eastern Link Kirkcaldy None North East Fife None North Tayside A90 Forfar Grade Separation Ochil None Perth A90 Inchmichael Interchange; A90 Inchture Interchange; A90 Kinfauns and Glendoick Stirling All Change - Point - Forthside In addition, the Scottish Executive provided funding for 29 new trains which will benefit services to Fife. Funding was also provided for platform lengthening at a number of stations on the Fife Circle line. Freight Facilities Grant was awarded to provide facilities at Rosyth for ferry services to Zeebrugge. Funding was also provided to: Clackmannanshire Council for Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway; Fife Council for Fife Circle Capacity and Access Improvements; Stirling Council for Park and Ride/Access to Stirling, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, and Fife Council for Interchange and Bus Corridors. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186160,"EventID":"S2W-13446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients prescribed stoma devices have a choice of the available devices or are restricted to a single specified device and, if they are so restricted, how the pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients prescribed stoma devices have a choice of the available devices or are restricted to a single specified device and, if they are so restricted, how the particular device is chosen and how often the device is reviewed.","AnswerText":"The choice of device and frequency of review is a matter for the clinical discretion of the prescriber. Patients who are prescribed stoma devices may present the prescription to any NHS community pharmacy or appliance supplier of their choice.Current arrangements have been the subject of review and consultation and detail on the way forward now decided upon by the Executive is provided in the answer to S2W-13447, on 24 January 2005. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186161,"EventID":"S2W-13447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the prescription of stoma appliances is under review and, if so, what aspects of the provision of such appliances are being reviewed and what options are under co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the prescription of stoma appliances is under review and, if so, what aspects of the provision of such appliances are being reviewed and what options are under consideration.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-6327, answered on 8 March 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/wa.search. Following the consultation, the Executive has decided, subject to enactment of the relevant provisions of the Smoking, Health and Community Care (Scotland) Bill in their present form, to discontinue from April 2006 the option of supply of appliances on a prescription basis directly from appliance contractors. From that date, appliances would be supplied at health board discretion by either an enhanced prescription led service with prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacy contractors or provision of a locally contracted servicewith appropriate providers, which might include existing appliance suppliers. Inboth cases the service will be provided through staff suitably qualified to assesspatients’ needs directly answerable to the NHS board, and will be the subject ofcommon service standards that will be developed in conjunction with stakeholders. Further details are provided in the letter of 11 January 2005 to the convenor of the Health Committee from the Minister of Health and Community Care, a copy of which is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35131). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186162,"EventID":"S2W-13448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider adding asthma to the list of chronic conditions exempt from prescription charges, given that 390,000 people in Scotland have asthma.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider adding asthma to the list of chronic conditions exempt from prescription charges, given that 390,000 people in Scotland have asthma.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to extend the current list of chronic conditions that are exempt from NHS prescription charges. Any decisions to change the current exemption criteria will not be taken until the Executive’s review of exemption policies, for patients with chronic conditions and people in full time education or training, is complete.Patients who are not exempt and need a lot of prescription medicines can cap their prescription charge liability by using Prescription Pre-payment Certificates. Patients can save money with a four months certificate costing £33.40 if they need more than five items during that period. Twelve month certificates cost £91.80 and are cost effective for patients who need more than 14 items per year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186163,"EventID":"S2W-13449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of research undertaken by Asthma UK that found that 71% of people with asthma say that free prescriptions will do the most to improve their lives; whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of research undertaken by Asthma UK that found that 71% of people with asthma say that free prescriptions will do the most to improve their lives; when it expects the consultation on prescription charges to be completed, and what consideration it has given to adding asthma to the list of exempt conditions.","AnswerText":"We are aware of research undertaken by Asthma UK. Any published reports may well feature in the literature research project that is currently underway and which forms part of the Executive’s review of NHS prescription charge exemption policies. The public consultation phase is expected to begin around summer this year and run for a minimum of three months to allow all stakeholders to submit their views. The Executive will, thereafter, consider the responses in detail before taking any decision on possible policy changes. In the meantime, the Executive has no plans to change the list of chronic medical conditions that are currently exempt from NHS prescription charges.Patients who are not exempt and need a lot of prescription medicines can cap their prescription charge liability by using Prescription Pre-payment Certificates. Patients can save money with a four months certificate costing £33.40 if they need more than five items during that period. Twelve month certificates cost £91.80 and are cost effective for patients who need more than 14 items per year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186164,"EventID":"S2W-13450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in consideration of changes to the calf registration scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in consideration of changes to the calf registration scheme.","AnswerText":"This is a complex issue with set European legislative deadlines for registering and tagging calves. My aim is to find a pragmatic approach which does not jeopardise approval of our Cattle Tracing System or the credibility of our beef industry particularly in relation to export. Discussions are on-going with key interests to agree a sensible outcome as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186165,"EventID":"S2W-13451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the advice issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the risk of heart attack following the use of celecoxib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the advice issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the risk of heart attack following the use of celecoxib.","AnswerText":"On 21 December 2004, the Executive alerted health professionals in Scotland to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advice, which provided prescribing guidance on the use of celecoxib (Celebrex) and other selective Cox-2 inhibitors in light of concerns about cardiovascular safety. The advice is available on the MHRA website www.mhra.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186166,"EventID":"S2W-13452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sexual Health and Relationships Strategy, referred to by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 4 November 2004 as due to be published before the end of 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sexual Health and Relationships Strategy, referred to by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 4 November 2004 as due to be published before the end of 2004 (Official Report c 11579), will be published.","AnswerText":"The strategy and action plan are being published today. Copies are being placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 35112).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186167,"EventID":"S2W-13453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level C within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 7 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level C within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 7 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Due to the volume of information requested, a table showing the percentage of pupils not attaining level C for reading/writing/mathematics by end of P7, by authority: 1998-99 to 2003-04 has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34953).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186168,"EventID":"S2W-13454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level B within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of S2 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level B within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of S2 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Due to the volume of information requested, a table showing the percentage of pupils not attaining level B for reading/writing/mathematics by end of S2, by authority: 1998-99 to 2003-04 has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34954)","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186169,"EventID":"S2W-13455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 6 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not attain Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 6 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Due to the volume of information requested, a table showing the percentage of pupils not attaining level D for reading/writing/mathematics by end of P6, by authority: 1998-99 to 2003-04 has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34955).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186170,"EventID":"S2W-13456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils 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 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils 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 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Due to the volume of information requested, a table showing the percentage of pupils not attaining level A for reading/writing/mathematics by end of P4, by authority: 1998-99 to 2003-04 has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34956).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186171,"EventID":"S2W-13457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school with no qualifications in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school with no qualifications in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-9895 on 3 September 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186172,"EventID":"S2W-13458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of claims was made in cash terms in respect of deficient road maintenance on trunk roads in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of claims was made in cash terms in respect of deficient road maintenance on trunk roads in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The level of claims made in cash terms in each year from 1999 is as follows: | Financial Year | Level of Claims (£000) | | 1999-2000 | 136 | | 2000-01 | 93 | | 2001-02 | 763 | | 2002-03 | 321 | | 2003-04 | 360 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186173,"EventID":"S2W-13459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) resource budgets, (b) staffing levels and (c) administration costs of each of its departments (i) were in each year since 2000 and (ii) will be in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) resource budgets, (b) staffing levels and (c) administration costs of each of its departments (i) were in each year since 2000 and (ii) will be in each year to 2007.","AnswerText":"The resource budgets are set out in the Consolidated Resource Accounts for each of the years 2000-01 to 2003-04 and are available on the Scottish Executive website. The resource budgets for departments in 2004-05 are set out in the 2004-05 Autumn Budget Revision Supporting Document and for 2005-06 in the Budget Bill Supporting Document for the year ending 31 March 2006. The resource budgets for each Ministerial Portfolio up to 2007-08 are set out in the Draft Budget 2005-06.For the staffing levels of each department in the years 2000 to 2004 I refer the member to the question S2W-12292 answered on 6 December 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/wa.search. The staffing levels for permanent and fixed-term temporary staff at January 2005 are as follows: | | All Staff | | Total | 4,517.7 | | Centrally Managed Staff | 88.1 | | Development Department | 317.9 | | Education Department | 317.5 | | Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department | 550.2 | | Environment and Rural Affairs Department | 1,127.5 | | Finance and Central Services Department | 466.1 | | Health Department | 381.2 | | Justice Department | 257.9 | | Legal and Parliamentary Services | 185.9 | | Office of the Permanent Secretary | 825.4 | Staffing levels for future years up to 2007 have yet to be determined. The 2000-01 to 2003-04 administration costs of each of the Scottish Executive’s core departments are set out in the table below. Restructuring of departments in the Scottish Executive over the period affects some of the year on year comparisons. The 2004-05 administration budgets for each core department are set out in the 2004-05 Autumn Budget Revision Supporting Document. The 2005-06 and 2006-07 budgets will be considered in the light of departmental commitments and priorities. | Department | 2000-01 (£000) | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | | Development | 17,051 | 16,513 | 17,068 | 12,326 | | Education1 | 15,897 | 9,670 | 10,755 | 11,604 | | Enterprise and Lifelong Learning | 9,800 | 11,039 | 11,401 | 20,008 | | Environment and Rural Affairs | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186175,"EventID":"S2W-13461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20130, S1W-25599 and S2O-493 by Ms Wendy Alexander, Iain Gray and Mr Jim Wallace on 4 December 2001, 17 May 2002 and 25 September","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20130, S1W-25599 and S2O-493 by Ms Wendy Alexander, Iain Gray and Mr Jim Wallace on 4 December 2001, 17 May 2002 and 25 September 2003 respectively, what the reasons were for it not meeting its national adult literacy and numeracy target of enabling 80,000 people to be helped in 2004.","AnswerText":"The main reasons for not achieving the 80,000 new adult literacy and numeracy learners during the period 2001 to 2004 are as follows: Community Learning and Development partnerships found it difficult to engage new learners. Delay in establishing the “development engine” within Communities Scotland. A shortage of suitably trained ALN tutors. Campaign to engage employers not yet in place. The above issues are all currently being addressed. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186176,"EventID":"S2W-13462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it set in respect of raising levels of adult literacy and numeracy for (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it set in respect of raising levels of adult literacy and numeracy for (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area and what the actual performance was.","AnswerText":"A target of helping 80,000 new adult literacy and numeracy learners in Scotland for the period 2001-04 was recommended in the Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland report, published in July 2001. The target number was not broken down by local authorities.The following table gives a breakdown of new learners helped in each local authority area during the period 2001- 2004 as shown in their end year reports. | Local Authority | Actual | Actual | Actual | New Deal/ Job Centre+ | Total | | | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2001-04 | 2001-04 | | Aberdeen City | 1,737 | 2,526 | 551 | 0 | 4,814 | | Aberdeenshire | 984 | 168 | 595 | 11 | 1,758 | | Angus | 1,173 | 618 | 821 | 0 | 2,612 | | Argyll and Bute | 484 | 312 | 208 | 23 | 1,027 | | Borders | 98 | 117 | 356 | 0 | 571 | | Clackmannanshire | 118 | 174 | 268 | 120 | 680 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 357 | 360 | 623 | 59 | 1,399 | | Dundee | 621 | 795 | 913 | 77 | 2,406 | | East Ayrshire | 85 | 462 | 262 | 7 | 816 | | East Dunbartonshire | 193 | 209 | 247 | 0 | 649 | | East Lothian | 136 | 529 | 780 | 0 | 1,445 | | East Renfrewshire | 87 | 14 | 49 | 0 | 150 | | Edinburgh | 2,762 | 2,189 | 4,815 | 0 | Local Authority | Forecast | Forecast | Total | | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2004-06 | | Aberdeen City | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 | | Aberdeenshire | 1,100 | 898 | 1,998 | | Angus | 880 | 605 | 1,485 | | Argyll and Bute | 350 | 546 | 896 | | Borders | 409 | 406 | 815 | | Clackmannanshire | 327 | 346 | 673 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 630 | 902 | 1,532 | | Dundee | 1,237 | 1,607 | 2,844 | | East Ayrshire | 367 | 258 | 625 | | East Dunbartonshire | 291 | 355 | 646 | | East Lothian | 780 | 626 | 1,406 | | East Renfrewshire | 86 | 103 | 189 | | Edinburgh | 5,100 | 4,397 | 9,497 | | Falkirk | 560 | 662 | 1,222 | | Fife | 2,398 | 2,433 | 4,831 | | Glasgow | 4,746 | 5,250 | 9,996 | | Highland | 760 | 891 | 1,651 | | Inverclyde | 760 | 947 | 1,707 | | Midlothian | 589 | 557 | 1,146 | | Moray | 175 | 128 | 303 | | North Ayrshire | 1,032 | 875 | 1,907 | | North Lanarkshire | 3,000 | 3,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186178,"EventID":"S2W-13464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to its news release of 8 September 2004 on the Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, what the breakdown of the £51 million invested over a f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to its news release of 8 September 2004 on the Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, what the breakdown of the £51 million invested over a five-year period is by (a) local authority and (b) year.","AnswerText":"Of the £51 million allocated, £41.7 million is being routed through local authorities to Community Learning and Development Partnerships. The attached table shows the allocation of funding to local authorities for 2001-06. The balance of funding was allocated to learning connections within Communities Scotland to support the partnerships.Allocation of Resources to Local Authorities for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (2001-06) | | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | Total | | Aberdeen City | 78,305 | 156,611 | 301,621 | 316,122 | 357,000 | 1,209,659 | | Aberdeenshire | 80,237 | 160,474 | 309,062 | 323,920 | 366,000 | 1,239,693 | | Angus | 44,585 | 89,171 | 171,736 | 179,993 | 203,000 | 688,485 | | Argyll and Bute | 39,482 | 78,964 | 152,078 | 159,390 | 180,000 | 609,914 | | Clackmannanshire | 28,178 | 56,355 | 108,536 | 113,754 | 129,000 | 435,823 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 74,235 | 148,470 | 285,943 | 299,690 | 339,000 | 1,147,338 | | Dundee City | 95,732 | 191,465 | 368,747 | 386,475 | 437,000 | 1,479,419 | | East Ayrshire | 95,530 | 191,059 | 367,966 | 385,657 | 436,000 | 1,476,212 | | East Dunbartonshire | 28,447 | 56,894 | 109,574 | 114,842 | 130,000 | 439,757 | | East Lothian | 29,122 | 58,244 | 112,173 | 117,566 | 133,000 | 450,105 | | East Renfrewshire | 27,356 <","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186179,"EventID":"S2W-13465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20130, S1W-25599 and S20-493 by Ms Wendy Alexander, Iain Gray and Mr Jim Wallace on 4 December 2001, 17 May 2002 and 25 September","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20130, S1W-25599 and S20-493 by Ms Wendy Alexander, Iain Gray and Mr Jim Wallace on 4 December 2001, 17 May 2002 and 25 September 2003 respectively and with reference to its news release of 8 September 2004 on the Scottish Adult Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, whether the remaining £28.5 million will still be allocated for literacy and numeracy in 2005 and 2006 and, if so, whether this funding will (a) form part of the aggregate external finance allocated to local authorities and (b) be ring-fenced.","AnswerText":"We have allocated GAE provision of £12.32 million and £12.38 million for the years 2005-07.This funding is not ring-fenced. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186180,"EventID":"S2W-13466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the recruitment of special constables in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the recruitment of special constables in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is a matter for individual chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186181,"EventID":"S2W-13467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there have been in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table.Number of Special Constables Available for Duty | As at: | 31 December | | Force | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | Central | 60 | 53 | 49 | 69 | 75 | 57 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 162 | 135 | 109 | 97 | 102 | 105 | | Fife | 90 | 101 | 96 | 93 | 105 | 117 | | Grampian | 125 | 120 | 117 | 99 | 104 | 131 | | Lothian and Borders | 139 | 148 | 126 | 101 | 50 | 86 | | Northern | 229 | 233 | 213 | 212 | 198 | 246 | | Strathclyde | 338 | 340 | 315 | 302 | 249 | 261 | | Tayside | 162 | 143 | 111 | 118 | 98 | 114 | | Total | 1,305 | 1,273 | 1,136 | 1,091 | 981 | 1,117 | Source: Quarterly Strength Returns from forces. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186182,"EventID":"S2W-13468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a statement on the actions it plans to take following the completion in 2004 of the consultation, Modernising NHS Dental Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make a statement on the actions it plans to take following the completion in 2004 of the consultation, Modernising NHS Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We now expect to make the Executive response in the coming weeks.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186183,"EventID":"S2W-13470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding protecting Scottish regional air routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding protecting Scottish regional air routes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s response to the UK Government’s consultation on the protection of regional access to London reflects our long-standing view that protection should be on the basis of well defined criteria which recognise Scotland’s peripherality; the economic importance of maintaining access, and that the protection of access should be airport specific. The Executive has long taken the view that the role played by the London hub airports should be to the benefit of all of the UK and that Scotland should not be penalised by having to pay extra to maintain access. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186184,"EventID":"S2W-13471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or will take, to ensure that Scotland has strong air links with the capitals of Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or will take, to ensure that Scotland has strong air links with the capitals of Europe.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s Route Development Fund has a key objective of improving Scotland’s air connectivity. It aims to develop new direct routes which increase business links and encourage in-bound tourism. The fund supports routes which connect to important regional centres as well as to Europe’s capitals. The fund is investing in 15 new routes to European destinations which have either commenced or will commence in the first half of 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186185,"EventID":"S2W-13472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications would be for Scotland's air links if changes are made to the weight charge formula for airlines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications would be for Scotland's air links if changes are made to the weight charge formula for airlines.","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s Service Provision Regulation, as part of its Single European Sky legislative package, requires the development of a common charging scheme covering all phases of flight for the recovery of costs of the provision of air navigation services. The implementing rule to specify the details of the new charging scheme is under development but has not yet been finalised.The Scottish Executive is supporting the UK Government’s continuing pressure on the European Commission to ensure that any adopted common charging regime does not place a disproportionate regulatory burden on domestic and short haul flights such as intra Scotland services. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186186,"EventID":"S2W-13473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it expects the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill to bring; how these benefits will be measured, and how it will demonstrate the effectiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits it expects the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill to bring; how these benefits will be measured, and how it will demonstrate the effectiveness of these provisions.","AnswerText":"The road works provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Bill are intended to improve the planning, co-ordination and execution of utility company road works in Scotland. The Scottish Road Works Commissioner will monitor the effectiveness of the new arrangements and the Executive will continue to liaise closely with the Roads Authorities and Utilities Committee Scotland (RAUC(S)) on all related matters.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186187,"EventID":"S2W-13474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the costs for utilities of the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the costs for utilities of the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"There should be no additional cost to utility companies if they work within the legislative framework.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186188,"EventID":"S2W-13475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made in respect of any impact on fuel poverty of costs incurred by utility companies under the Transport (Scotland) Bill being passed on to the con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made in respect of any impact on fuel poverty of costs incurred by utility companies under the Transport (Scotland) Bill being passed on to the consumer.","AnswerText":"There should be no additional costs incurred by utility companies operating within the provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Bill and therefore there should be no impact on fuel poverty.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186189,"EventID":"S2W-13476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the impact of the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill on urban regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the impact of the roadworks provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill on urban regeneration.","AnswerText":"The provisions within the Transport (Scotland) Bill are intended to improve the quality and co-ordination of utilities road works. There will be no direct impact on urban regeneration.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186190,"EventID":"S2W-13477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Transport (Scotland) Bill will be on utilities' infrastructure investment programmes, including water and gas mains replacement and renewal and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Transport (Scotland) Bill will be on utilities' infrastructure investment programmes, including water and gas mains replacement and renewal and upgrading of electricity cables.","AnswerText":"Provisions in the Transport (Scotland) Bill should benefit utility companies’ investment programmes by improving the planning and co-ordination of road works.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186191,"EventID":"S2W-13478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure the correct and timely implementation of EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC in light of the decision by the European ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure the correct and timely implementation of EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC in light of the decision by the European Commission on 12 January 2005 to send the United Kingdom a final written warning ordering it to comply with the requirements of the directive in relation to the waste water treatment plant in Lerwick.","AnswerText":"Discussions are ongoing regarding required investment at the Lerwick waste water treatment plant. The Scottish Executive is contributing to the United Kingdom response to the European Commission’s reasoned opinion.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186192,"EventID":"S2W-13479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) serious accidents and (b) fatalities have occurred on the A77 between Kilmarnock and Newton Mearns in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) serious accidents and (b) fatalities have occurred on the A77 between Kilmarnock and Newton Mearns in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows: | Year | Serious Accidents | Fatalities | | 1999 | 12 | 0 | | 2000 | 5 | 0 | | 2001 | 2 | 2 | | 2002 | 3 | 3 | | 2003 | 5 | 1 | | 2004* | 2 | 3 | Note: *2004 figures cover period to 31 October 2004 only. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186193,"EventID":"S2W-13480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) serious accidents and (b) fatalities have occurred on the A77 between Ayr and Stranraer in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) serious accidents and (b) fatalities have occurred on the A77 between Ayr and Stranraer in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows: | Year | Serious Accidents | Fatalities | | 1999 | 21 | 2 | | 2000 | 16 | 2 | | 2001 | 12 | 0 | | 2002 | 20 | 3 | | 2003 | 9 | 7 | | 2004* | 9 | 5 | Note: *2004 figures cover period to 31 October 2004 only. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186194,"EventID":"S2W-13481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been (a) received and (b) approved for regional selective assistance (RSA) in each Scottish parliamentary constituency; what the value was of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been (a) received and (b) approved for regional selective assistance (RSA) in each Scottish parliamentary constituency; what the value was of the total investment in each constituency; what total amount of funding was (a) applied for and (b) approved in each constituency; what the estimate was of the number of jobs to be (a) created and (b) safeguarded as a result of the assistance in each constituency, and how many jobs have actually been (a) created or (b) safeguarded in each constituency, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following tables provide the information requested in the first seven elements of the question for the last five calendar years to end December 2004. However, information on the number of jobs actually created or safeguarded is not readily available. This is because RSA projects usually take several years to complete and not all proceed as planned. Some projects may create more jobs than anticipated, some are scaled down and some are abandoned before payment of RSA is made.RSA is a discretionary scheme and each grant is negotiated individually on the basis of the minimum necessary to secure the project concerned. RSA is only available in those areas of Scotland designated for regional aid by the European Commission, which also sets the maximum limits on the aid that can potentially be offered towards each project. It should also be noted that the figures for grant offered in the attached tables include projects where grant was based on the related capital investment and those where the grant was based on the salary costs of new jobs created. Calendar Year 2000 | Scottish Parliamentary Constituency | Applications | Offers Made | Grant Applied For | Grant Offered | Planned Capital Expenditure at Offer | Planned New Jobs | Planned Safeguarded Jobs | | Unallocated * | 5 | 0 | £467,000 | £0 | | | | | Airdrie and Shotts | 2 | 2 | £100,000 | £75,000 | £387,745 | 10 | 0 | | Angus | 1 | 1 | £178,000 | £178,000 | £775,000 | 17 | 0 | | Ayr | 1 | 1 | £20,000 | £20,000 | £66,000 | 5 | 0 | | Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley | 2 | 0 | £90,000 | £0 | | | | | Central Fife | 13 | 10 | £9,832,531 | £9,250,000 | £46,355,000 | 754 | 41 | | Clydebank and Milngavie | 3 | 2 | £2,812,000 | £1,462,000 | £4,966,000 | 187 | 0 | | Clydesdale | 3 | 2 | £84,200 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186196,"EventID":"S2W-13483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the changes that have been made since 10 September 2002, or are in the process of being made, to Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the changes that have been made since 10 September 2002, or are in the process of being made, to Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Since 10 September 2002, one order has been made to amend schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, which is as follows. A further two draft orders to amend schedule 5 are currently being considered by both the Scottish and UK Parliaments: S.I. 2004/3329 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2004. A copy of this order can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib.Number 34968). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186197,"EventID":"S2W-13484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent during the current financial year by each of the three intermediate technology institutes; whether it anticipates that the institutes will undersp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent during the current financial year by each of the three intermediate technology institutes; whether it anticipates that the institutes will underspend their £15 million budgets and, if so, by how much, and how any monies resulting from any underspend will be reallocated within the enterprise network budgets.","AnswerText":"Questions relating to spend by the Intermediary Technology Institutes are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186198,"EventID":"S2W-13485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish its group to look into bioethoanol and biodiesel as alternative sources of energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will establish its group to look into bioethoanol and biodiesel as alternative sources of energy.","AnswerText":"The Executive is already represented on the Official Low Carbon Group and the Ministerial Low Carbon Group. These groups oversee the implementation of the UK Powering Vehicles Strategy, which aims to promote the development and take-up of new vehicle technologies and cleaner fuels, including biofuels in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186199,"EventID":"S2W-13486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a Vulnerable Adults Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a Vulnerable Adults Bill.","AnswerText":"Some preparatory work for a Vulnerable Adults Bill has been completed, and we will consult on further elements of a bill soon.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186200,"EventID":"S2W-13487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a national review of chiropody services for older people, including into whether the existing criteria for the availability of free services are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a national review of chiropody services for older people, including into whether the existing criteria for the availability of free services are adequate to meet the needs of older people on low incomes.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to carry out a national review of chiropody services for older people. The planning and provision of NHS podiatry services is a matter for NHS boards. The issue of access to NHS podiatry services is a matter for clinical decision in the light of the health needs of individual patients. As part of NHS service provision there is no charge for patients who receive NHS podiatry services.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186201,"EventID":"S2W-13488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it estimates have asthma, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it estimates have asthma, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally in the form requested. An estimate derived from information collected under NHS National Services Information and Statistics Division’s Continuous Morbidity Recording system suggest that over the whole of Scotland in the 12 months ended in March 2004 approximately 213,500 people with asthma were seen by GPs, practice nurses, community nurses and health visitors. This figure is based on the activity of 59 Scottish general practices with a combined patient population of 375,539.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186202,"EventID":"S2W-13489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it estimates have been diagnosed with asthma in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it estimates have been diagnosed with asthma in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The table below gives estimates of the number of patients newly diagnosed with asthma by GPs in the five years from 1999 to 2003, the last year for which figures are available. These are derived from information collected under NHS National Services Information and Statistics Division’s Continuous Morbidity Recording system and are based on the activity of sample GP practices. | Year | Estimated Number of Patients | | 1999 | 36,500 | | 2000 | 34,600 | | 2001 | 29,000 | | 2002 | 29,700 | | 2003 | 26,600 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186203,"EventID":"S2W-13490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new practices or procedures it intends to implement to help reduce the number of people who commit suicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new practices or procedures it intends to implement to help reduce the number of people who commit suicide.","AnswerText":"“Choose Life” the national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide was launched by the Scottish Executive in December 2002. Good progress is being made in implementing the main objectives and milestones set out in the strategy. In relation to new practices and procedures, a number of areas are worth highlighting. A national suicide prevention training strategy is being developed, the main component of this is a training programme called ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) training. There are now 90 accredited trainers across Scotland, this will rise to 150 trainers by March 2005. These trainers then cascade the training in their local areas and relevant organisationsand networks. Progress is being made in developing partnerships with key agencies to help target suicide prevention work at particular target and high-risk groups. Such groups include the Scottish Prison Service, Samaritans and Childline. Further to this work, all 32 local authority areas now have in place a local Choose Life co-ordinator and local action plan. Work on implementing these action plans has now begun. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186204,"EventID":"S2W-13491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical help it intends to provide to help people in Stirlingshire who have been affected by recent flooding events.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical help it intends to provide to help people in Stirlingshire who have been affected by recent flooding events.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the misery and distress flooding can bring and has, therefore, ensured that local authorities have the powers and resources necessary to reduce flood risk and to address flood prevention. It is also local authorities that lead on practical recovery measures, co-ordinating the work of local agencies, local responders being best placed to address and decide upon local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186205,"EventID":"S2W-13492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to provide technical advice on appropriate flood prevention measures to people in the Mid Scotland and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to provide technical advice on appropriate flood prevention measures to people in the Mid Scotland and Fife region who are affected by flooding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) already provides technicaladvice to local authorities in connection with flood prevention. It also providespractical advice to the public on flood risk and what to do before, during and after a flood via the 24 hour Floodline 0845 988 1188. SEPA will also provide information in response to public queries on flood risk areas and properties, and has published a booklet giving details of flood alleviation products. This information is also available via the SEPA website www.sepa.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186206,"EventID":"S2W-13493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is to be offered to Inverness Airport to address issues relating to the PFI contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is to be offered to Inverness Airport to address issues relating to the PFI contract.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has recently undertaken a full review of the PFI contract at Inverness Airport Terminal and the impact of a buy-out on the airport and the wider economy. With the support of the Executive, HIAL is now seeking to secure the buy-out of the contract. HIAL will be aiming to secure best value for the taxpayer in these sensitive negotiations and an announcement will be made at their conclusion.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186207,"EventID":"S2W-13494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on meeting the Partnership Agreement commitment to review student bursaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on meeting the Partnership Agreement commitment to review student bursaries.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce today that in 2005-06 the maximum support provided through the Young Students’ Bursary will increase by 11% to £2,395. We have also reviewed the parental income thresholds which determine eligibility to receive the bursary. From 2005-06 these will also increase so that maximum bursary support will be provided to students whose parents earn up to £17,500 (the equivalent figure for 2004-05 is £10,740) and students will qualify for some bursary support up to parental income of £31,000 (the equivalent figure for 2004-05 is £28,000).These changes mean that eligible young Scottish students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland will be able to receive up to half of their living cost support in the form of a non-repayable grant. This will substantially reduce the level of student debt they would otherwise accrue during their studies. Approximately 3,000 additional students will now be able to receive the bursary each year and, more significantly, approximately 20,000 students will receive the maximum bursary (an increase of 63% on the current figure). I am also able to announce today that the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) will be extended to Scottish postgraduate students who fund their own tuition and living costs. From 2005-06, postgraduate students who are not supported under the Postgraduate Student Allowances Scheme or receiving an award from a Research council or the Scottish Social Services Council, will be able to apply for DSA at the same levels as undergraduate students. Support will be paid on a pro-rata basis for part-time students. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186208,"EventID":"S2W-13495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12956 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 December 2004 regarding the committee of the National Framework for Service Change, what the geographic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12956 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 December 2004 regarding the committee of the National Framework for Service Change, what the geographical base is of each member of the sub-group.","AnswerText":" | Name | Designation | Area | | Prof David Kerr | Rhodes Professor of Cancer Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford | Oxford | | Mr Peter Bates | Chairman, NHS Tayside | Dundee | | Dr Roger Gibbins | Chief Executive, NHS Grampian | Inverness | | Dr Lesley Holdsworth | Clinical Effectiveness Co-Ordinator | Forth Valley | | Ms Alexis Jay | Director of Social Work, West Dunbartonshire Council | West Dunbartonshire | | Prof Nora Kearney | Professor of Cancer Nursing and Director of Cancer Care Research, University of Stirling | Stirling | | Mr James Kennedy | Chairman of Scottish Partnership Forum | Edinburgh | | Prof Jillian Morrison | Prof of General Practice and Deputy Associate Dean of Education, University of Glasgow | Glasgow | | Mrs Lesley Summerhill | Director of Nursing, NHS Tayside | Dundee | | Dr Charles Swainson | Medical Director, NHS Lothian | Edinburgh | | Prof Graham Teasdale | President of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow | Glasgow | | Prof Gillian Needham | Post Graduate Dean, University of Aberdeen | Aberdeen | | Mrs Irene Sweeney | Chair of Scottish Pensioners Forum | Glasgow | | Mrs Jae Ferguson | Chair of Mid Argyll Maternity Users Forum | Argyll | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186209,"EventID":"S2W-13496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Annual Report of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Annual Report of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.","AnswerText":"As has been the case since it was established in 1995, publication of annual reports is a matter for the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186210,"EventID":"S2W-13497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of the draft Annual Report of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre along with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a copy of the draft Annual Report of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre along with correspondence between it and the SCRA relating to the annual report.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are required to lay copies of the Annual Report in the Parliament and this will be done for the 2003-04 report as has been done with all previous reports. Although my officials saw an early draft of the report, this was indicative only and was withdrawn by SCRA on the basis that it was undergoing further development including validation of the data. Consequently, there was no correspondence relating to its publication.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186211,"EventID":"S2W-13498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been reported for committing 10 or more offences in each of the last five years and this year to date and, in respect of these offences, how many d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been reported for committing 10 or more offences in each of the last five years and this year to date and, in respect of these offences, how many disposals there were in each year.","AnswerText":"The number of children referred for 10 or more offence grounds was reported in Scottish Children's Reporter Administration annual reports as 785 (2000-01), 797 (2001-02) and 904 (2002-03). The reports can be found at www.scra.gov.uk.Information about the number of disposals made for these children has not been collected centrally. At the end of 2002, a persistent young offender was defined as a young person reported for five offending episodes within six months. While the figure of 904 for the period up to 31 March 2003 was calculated on the original methodology, thereafter in subsequent financial years the number referred for 10 or more offending episodes has not been collated. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186212,"EventID":"S2W-13499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referrals have been made to children's panels in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referrals have been made to children's panels in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Detailed information on the number of children referred by Children’s Reporters to a Children’s Hearing has only been available since 2002 with the roll-out of the Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration’s national database (the Referrals Administration Database). Prior to 2002 data was collated on grounds of referral considered at Children’s Hearings rather than the number of children referred. The most recent data available is set out in the following table: Number of Children Referred to Children’s Hearings | | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Non-Offence Grounds | 3,330 | 3,318 | | Offence Grounds | 1,446 | 1,334 | | Both | 699 | 748 | | Total | 5,475 | 5,400 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186213,"EventID":"S2W-13500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for reducing youth crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for reducing youth crime.","AnswerText":"A target of a 10% reduction in the number of persistent young offenders by 2006 was published in our 2002 Spending Review proposals (Bib. number 24102).In our 2004 Spending Review proposals (Bib. number 33956) we announced a target of a further 10% reduction in persistent offenders by March 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186214,"EventID":"S2W-13501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have been reported for committing five or more offences within a six-month period in each of the last five years and this year to date and, in respe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have been reported for committing five or more offences within a six-month period in each of the last five years and this year to date and, in respect of these offences, how many disposals there were in each year.","AnswerText":"We do not have any numbers on those who have committed five offences within a six month period. This has never been measured. For five referrals in a six month period (the definition of a persistent young offender proposed by the “Improving the Effectiveness of the Youth Justice System” Working Group and accepted by ministers at the end of 2002) we know that the number for 2003-04 is 1,201. This is the first time this information has been available. It was reported to Parliament in a statement on 4 November 2004 and is shown in the baseline report which can be found at: http://www.scra.gov.uk/documents/Scottish_Youth_Justice_Baseline.pdf. Data for the first quarter of 2004-05 is also available on the SCRA website and the Scottish Executive website at http://www.childrens-hearings.co.uk/youthjusticePublications.asp. As I also announced in November 2004 future quarterly and annual data will be released. The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration will be responsible for future data and will also publish future numbers on their website. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186215,"EventID":"S2W-13502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each local authority area pupils have been sent home from school because of a shortage of teachers in (a) 2002, (b) 2003, (c) 2004 and (d) 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each local authority area pupils have been sent home from school because of a shortage of teachers in (a) 2002, (b) 2003, (c) 2004 and (d) 2005.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186216,"EventID":"S2W-13503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are in each local authority area for teachers in (a) primary schools, (b) English, (c) modern languages, (d) mathematics, (e) science subjects, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are in each local authority area for teachers in (a) primary schools, (b) English, (c) modern languages, (d) mathematics, (e) science subjects, (f) technical subjects, (g) art, (h) geography, (i) history (j) computer studies and (k) physical education.","AnswerText":"The latest information available from the teacher vacancies survey returned by local authorities is at February 2004 which is in the Parliament’s Reference Centre, Bib. number 32903. The next survey will be undertaken at February 2005 and the results will be available in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186217,"EventID":"S2W-13504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the needs of (a) children and (b) adults with autistic spectrum disorders who have gastrointestinal disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the needs of (a) children and (b) adults with autistic spectrum disorders who have gastrointestinal disorders.","AnswerText":"It is recognised that gastrointestinal disorders are amongst the health concerns of people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Three strands of activity addressing this are: a conference on medical interventions; a draft quality standard for ASD diagnosis, and the SIGN Council’s Guideline on assessment, diagnosis and interventions for children and young people with ASD.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186218,"EventID":"S2W-13505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is given to clinical (a) psychiatrists and (b) psychologists on diagnosing autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is given to clinical (a) psychiatrists and (b) psychologists on diagnosing autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).","AnswerText":"Through the implementation of the Public Health Institute of Scotland’s Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report, the ASD Reference Group’s diagnostic subgroup is currently considering a range of training opportunities to improve autistic spectrum disorder diagnosis across Scotland, with particular reference to psychiatric and psychological input.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186219,"EventID":"S2W-13506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many serious assaults were reported between 24 December 2004 and 5 January 2005 and how many arrests were made relating to such assaults, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many serious assaults were reported between 24 December 2004 and 5 January 2005 and how many arrests were made relating to such assaults, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. The information available centrally comes from quarterly recorded crime returns from the police. These returns provide only aggregate figures for the numbers of serious assaults recorded by the police in the relevant quarter and do not distinguish the dates that these crimes were reported to the police. Information on arrests made by the police is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186220,"EventID":"S2W-13507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent police officers (a) were employed in each of the last five years and (b) are currently employed, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent police officers (a) were employed in each of the last five years and (b) are currently employed, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. | Force | At 31 December 2004: | | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | Central | 717 | 710 | 728 | 756 | 795 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 463 | 473 | 469 | 486 | 478 | | Fife | 845 | 886 | 914 | 956 | 987 | | Grampian | 1,238 | 1,256 | 1,248 | 1,311 | 1,373 | | Lothian and Borders | 2,640 | 2,618 | 2,667 | 2,717 | 2,785 | | Northern | 647 | 672 | 691 | 676 | 705 | | Strathclyde | 7,169 | 7,226 | 7,294 | 7,431 | 7,615 | | Tayside | 1,147 | 1,154 | 1,161 | 1,150 | 1,169 | | Total | 14,863 | 14,995 | 15,170 | 15,482 | 15,908 | Source: Quarterly Strength Returns from forces. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186221,"EventID":"S2W-13508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it intends to bring forward a revised code of practice for the safe use of plant protection products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it intends to bring forward a revised code of practice for the safe use of plant protection products.","AnswerText":"We expect to introduce a revised code of practice later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186222,"EventID":"S2W-13509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many priority one calls were received by NHS 24 over the Christmas and New Year period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many priority one calls were received by NHS 24 over the Christmas and New Year period.","AnswerText":"On those occasions when a significant number of calls are being received by NHS 24, the organisation will implement a system of call-back. Calls are prioritised as follows: | Life Threatening | Calls go straight through to the Scottish Ambulance Service for a 999 dispatch | | Red Calls | Calls which are urgent and go straight through to a nurse for immediate assessment | | Priority 1 | Call back target within 60 minutes (as agreed by clinicians working within NHS 24) | | Priority 2 | Call back target within 120 minutes (as agreed by clinicians working within NHS 24) | NHS 24 clinicians have agreed a target of 60 minutes within which nurse advisers should call back priority one calls. Where it is clear that the target is not going to be met, a call handler will call back to check that the patient’s condition has not changed or deteriorated in any way, and any information coming back from the caller is fed into the system which is constantly monitored by clinicians. If the patient’s condition has worsened, the caller is immediately passed to a nurse adviser. The festive period – the first in which NHS 24 had been fully operational and provided the access point for out of hours services across Scotland - was very busy with more than double the usual number of calls being handled and call-back arrangements were implemented on a number of occasions. Between Christmas Day and 4 January, NHS 24 received 89,700 calls, with 13,473 of these being dealt with as priority one call backs. The average time taken by nurse advisers to call back priority one calls over the period was 25 minutes. The longest time to call back a priority one call over the period was 274 minutes, on 28 December, although safety calls were made to that caller to check on the patient’s condition. As well as receiving daily status reports over the festive period on the position of NHS 24 and the Out of Hours services it supported, the Health Department also received a report on how the service had performed at the end of the period. A further wash-up report is expected once NHS 24 and the health boards have identified learning points coming out of the performance over the winter period. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186223,"EventID":"S2W-13510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time was by NHS 24 to priority one calls over the Christmas and New Year period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time was by NHS 24 to priority one calls over the Christmas and New Year period.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13509, on 1 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186224,"EventID":"S2W-13511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum waiting time was for a priority one call to be dealt with by NHS 24 over the Christmas and New Year period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum waiting time was for a priority one call to be dealt with by NHS 24 over the Christmas and New Year period.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13509, on 1 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186225,"EventID":"S2W-13512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended maximum waiting time is for NHS 24 to deal with priority one calls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended maximum waiting time is for NHS 24 to deal with priority one calls.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13509, on 1 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186226,"EventID":"S2W-13513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the cost to be of removing the requirement for people with asthma to pay prescription charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the cost to be of removing the requirement for people with asthma to pay prescription charges.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate because prescription data is not condition specific. However, an indication of the upper level of prescription charges can be derived from an analysis of the prescriptions for medicines that can be used in the management of asthma and those that attracted a prescription charge.Drugs used in the management of asthma are given in chapter 3 of the British National Formulary (BNF), specifically sections 3.1 to 3.3. The table below shows the number of drugs in these categories that were dispensed in 2003-04. The data covers prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors, but do not take into account medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics. Of the 4,328,655 prescribed items below, 440,222 were charged at the point of sale, raising £2.83 million for direct patient care. This figure does not include “Asthma” patients who buy a pre‑payment certificate to pay for their prescriptions. Table – Volume of Asthma Drugs – 2003-04 | BNF Sub Section Code | Description | No of Prescribed items | | 30101 | Adrenoceptor agonists | 2,254,828 | | 30102 | Antimuscarinic bronchodilators | 259,426 | | 30103 | Theophylline | 109,537 | | 30104 | Compound bronchodilators | 185,168 | | 30200 | Corticosteroids | 1,424,114 | | 30301 | Cromoglicate and related therapy | 9,224 | | 30302 | Leukotriene receptor antagonists | 86,358 | | Total | | 4,328,655 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186227,"EventID":"S2W-13514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy on social capital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy on social capital.","AnswerText":"The importance of promoting and developing social capital: broadly defined as the skills, confidence, support networks and resources of local people, was highlighted as part of the Scottish Executive’s community regeneration statement, Better Communities in Scotland: closing the gap.Since then, the Executive has provided resources to support a wide range of community engagement activity which can contribute to building social capital in the most disadvantaged communities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186228,"EventID":"S2W-13515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that social capital can be developed in an area that lacks the infrastructure and the will of the community to support it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that social capital can be developed in an area that lacks the infrastructure and the will of the community to support it.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Infrastructure and the confidence and desire of people to engage are important elements of social capital. The Scottish Executive has provided resources of around £3 million per year since 2001 specifically to help support the development of infrastructure in our most disadvantaged communities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186229,"EventID":"S2W-13516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken to address social exclusion within vulnerable communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken to address social exclusion within vulnerable communities.","AnswerText":"Joined-up action on employment, education, health, community safety and other issues is required to address social exclusion within vulnerable communities. Each of Scotland’s 32 Community Planning Partnerships is developing a Regeneration Outcome Agreement (ROA) to set out how the Executive’s Community Regeneration Fund and partner’s own resources will be used in the most deprivedcommunties to deliver the most appropriate actions. The Executive is complementingthe actions set out in ROAs through a range of activities and resources. Furtherdetail on these can be found at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Social-Inclusion/17415/targetj#top. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186230,"EventID":"S2W-13517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a definition of a "model citizen".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a definition of a "model citizen".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a definition of a “model citizen”.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186231,"EventID":"S2W-13518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what indicators are used in relation to (a) social exclusion, (b) urban regeneration and (c) social capital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what indicators are used in relation to (a) social exclusion, (b) urban regeneration and (c) social capital.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive measures (a) social exclusion through its Closing the Opportunity Gap targets. Further details of the targets and the indicatorsused can be found at:www.scotland.gov.uk/closingtheopportunitygap/ The Executive’s guidance on Regeneration Outcome Agreements provides a menu of indicators which can be used in relation to (b) regeneration, depending on local circumstances and priorities. A copy of the guidance is available at: http://www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk/upload/CRF-guidanceonROAsAugust2004.doc. Scotland’s three Pathfinder Urban Regeneration Companies are alsodeveloping appropriate indicators to assess their progress and learn lessons. The Scottish Executive does not have agreed indicators of (c) social capital. However, in the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) leads a SocialCapital Working Group whose remit it is to examine and develop a framework for themeasurement and analysis of social capital, including agreeing a harmonised setof questions for use in government surveys. Further details can be found at: www.statistics.gov.uk/socialcapital/. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186232,"EventID":"S2W-13519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of "community".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of "community".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive uses the commonly held definition that community can mean either communities of place or communities of interest. The important thing is to ensure that the practical application of our definition is wide enough to cover the diverse range of communities which we serve.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186233,"EventID":"S2W-13520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role social capital plays in social inclusion and what impact any such role has on the role of the state in social inclusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role social capital plays in social inclusion and what impact any such role has on the role of the state in social inclusion.","AnswerText":"The concept of social capital continues to be the subject of active debate. Leading social scientists such as Putman define it in general terms as relating to “connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trust that arise from them”. Expressed in this way, claims have been made that social capital is influential in explaining a wide range of factors in society including educational performance, performance in the labour market, and civic participation, all of which relate to social inclusion.Yet the mechanisms by which social capital may operate to produce these effects is far from clear. Progress is being made in research to put the concept onto a more rigorous footing, for example to identify categories of social capital and to understand the significance of formal and informal networks and local and wider processes of social attachment, for different social groups in the community. Until this is clearer it is not possible to properly assess the role of the state in promoting social capital as a mechanism for increasing social inclusion. Researchers in the Scottish Executive are actively engaged with those developing the knowledge base in this important area. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186234,"EventID":"S2W-13521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the Granton waterfront consultation to be an example of a grass-roots community consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the Granton waterfront consultation to be an example of a grass-roots community consultation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The redevelopment of the Granton waterfront is being led by Waterfront Edinburgh Limited. This is a Joint Venture Company created by the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian. The Board of Waterfront Edinburgh Limited includes three elected members from the City of Edinburgh Council. This is major industrial and brownfield redevelopment project which is expected to span over 12 to 15 years. The development plans for the area are based on a masterplan that was published in December 2000. The masterplan was developed in consultation with various stakeholders and community groups. In addition to this, development in the area is subject to the usual planning requirements with regards to public consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186235,"EventID":"S2W-13522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community or communities were involved in the Granton waterfront consultation or will be affected by its development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community or communities were involved in the Granton waterfront consultation or will be affected by its development.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:The redevelopment of the Granton waterfront is being led by Waterfront Edinburgh Limited. This is a Joint Venture Company created by the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian. The Board of Waterfront Edinburgh Limited includes three elected members from the City of Edinburgh Council. This representation includes the elected members forGranton and the neighbouring Pilton ward, in addition to the elected member withexecutive responsibility for economic development and social inclusion. This is major industrial and brownfield redevelopment project which is expected to span over 12 to 15 years. The development plans for the area are based on a masterplan that was published in December 2000. The masterplan was developed in consultation with various stakeholders and community groups and included in excess of 15 separate workshops sessions. In addition to this, development in the area is subject to the usual planning requirements with regards to public consultation. The three major landowners that make up the waterfront site have all arranged public exhibitions of their proposals. It is recognised that a development of this scale and nature will have a significant impact, both on the communities immediately adjacent to the waterfront area, and also to the city and city region as a whole. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186236,"EventID":"S2W-13523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of community participation and the extent to which it increases democratic accountability and empowers communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of community participation and the extent to which it increases democratic accountability and empowers communities.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Communities Scotland monitors the effectiveness of community participation in different ways depending on circumstances. For example, Regeneration Outcome Agreements being prepared by Community Planning Partnerships will need to set out the nature and extent of community participation in key decisions. Also, Communities Scotland’s regulation and inspection function looks at tenant participation as part of its inspection process. It is widely accepted that effective community engagement builds capacity and enriches the democraticprocess. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186237,"EventID":"S2W-13524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that community consultation is conducted as effectively as possible and is seen as a priority over the need to meet short deadlines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that community consultation is conducted as effectively as possible and is seen as a priority over the need to meet short deadlines.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Communities Scotland is currently developing National Standards for Community Engagement. These have been developed in a highly participatory way involving people from communities, the voluntary sector and statutory agencies. They set out good practice in engaging communities in the planning and delivery of services, including the need to agree timescales for engagement. The final version of the standards will be available in the near future. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186238,"EventID":"S2W-13528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the new consultant contract within the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the new consultant contract within the NHS.","AnswerText":"Good progress has been made in implementing the new consultant contract within NHSScotland.NHS boards were asked to complete the job planning process by the end of May. This has taken slightly longer than anticipated but the majority of boards have now completed this process. Around 98% of consultants in Scotland gave a formal commitment to the new contract by 31 December 2003. Information shows that by September 2004, 95% of consultants, who gave a formal commitment to the contract by that date had received final job plan offers, 2% had decided not to move on to the new contract with a further 3% in the mediation process or had not a job plan offer. Further progress has been made since September but final figures are not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186239,"EventID":"S2W-13529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants have yet to reach agreement on the new consultant contract, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants have yet to reach agreement on the new consultant contract, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Final figures are not yet available.However, in September 2004, 83% of consultants had reached agreement on the contract and signed off their job plans. 12% of consultants had been offered job plans by their employer but not yet agreed them at the time of the data collection. 2% of consultants had decided not to move to the new contract and 3% of consultants were in mediation about their job plan or had not received an offer of a job plan. NHS boards have made progress since then and a data collection is currently being undertaken by boards. The final figures are not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186240,"EventID":"S2W-13530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants have agreed contracts to work more than 48 hours per week and on what basis, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants have agreed contracts to work more than 48 hours per week and on what basis, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected centrally.Information is available by NHS board on the average number of programmed activities (i.e. four hour blocks of work) contained in consultants’ job plans. The average figure for Scotland is 11.6, which indicates that on average consultants are contracting to working less than 48 hours per week. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186241,"EventID":"S2W-13531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS consultants have agreed remuneration packages for sessions worked beyond 48 hours per week and, if so, how many and on what basis, broken down by NHS boar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS consultants have agreed remuneration packages for sessions worked beyond 48 hours per week and, if so, how many and on what basis, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"No information about the terms and conditions of service for individual consultants has been collected by the Scottish Executive Health Department. This is confidential to NHS boards and the consultants.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186242,"EventID":"S2W-13532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy on the remuneration of NHS consultants for work done beyond 48 hours per week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy on the remuneration of NHS consultants for work done beyond 48 hours per week.","AnswerText":"No. The new consultant contract includes a mechanism for prospective job plans to be agreed to reflect the service needs of the organisation and the requirements of the European Working Time Directive.Employers therefore have to consider how they will deliver services in line with the European Working Time Directive, using service re-design or the recruitment of additional staff as options according to local need. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186243,"EventID":"S2W-13533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for in-patient treatment for maxillofacial specialties, broken down NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for in-patient treatment for maxillofacial specialties, broken down NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is currently being validated by the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and will arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186244,"EventID":"S2W-13534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for out-patient appointments for maxillofacial specialties, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for out-patient appointments for maxillofacial specialties, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is currently being validated by the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and will arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186245,"EventID":"S2W-13535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many maxillofacial units there are in the NHS and where they are located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many maxillofacial units there are in the NHS and where they are located.","AnswerText":"A list of the 41 hospitals undertaking maxillofacial in-patient and day case treatment during the year to 30 September 2004 is provided in the following table.NHSScotland: Hospital Undertaking Maxillofacial1 In-Patient and Day Case Treatment During the Year Ending 30 September 2004P | NHS Board | Location | | Argyll and Clyde: | Inverclyde Royal Hospital | | Lorn and Islands District General Hospital | | Royal Alexandra Hospital | | Vale of Leven District General Hospital | | Ayrshire and Arran | Crosshouse Hospital | | The Ayr Hospital | | Borders | Borders General Hospital | | Dumfries and Galloway | Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | | Garrick Hospital | | Fife | Queen Margaret Hospital | | Victoria Hospital | | Forth Valley | Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary | | Stirling Royal Infirmary | | Grampian | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | | Dr Gray’s Hospital | | Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital | | Greater Glasgow | Canniesburn Hospital | | Glasgow Dental Hospital and School | | Glasgow Royal Infirmary | | Royal Hospital for Sick Children | | Southern General Hospital | | Stobhill Hospital | | Victoria Infirmary | | Western Infirmary/Gartnavel General | | Highland | Belford Hospital | | Caithness General Hospital | | Raigmore Hospital | | Lanarkshire | Hairmyres Hospital | | Monklands Hospital | | Wishaw General Hospital | | Lothian | Roodlands General Hospital | | Royal Hospital for Sick Children | | Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France | | St John's Hospital At Howden | | Western General Hospital | | Orkney | Balfour Hospital | | Shetland | Gilbert Bain Hospital | NHSScotland: Hospital Undertaking Maxillofacial1 In-Patient and Day Case Treatment During the Year Ending 30 September 2004P | Tayside | Ninewells Hospital | | Perth Royal Infirmary | | Stracathro Hospital | | Western Isles | Western Isles Hospital | PProvisional. Note: 1. Operations defined using the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys 4th Revision Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures (OPCS4). Maxillofacial surgery is defined using OPCS4 F08-F18 AND V01-V21 recorded as primary operations. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186246,"EventID":"S2W-13536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase its smoking cessation programmes as part of its proposed ban on smoking in public places, particularly in the period between enactmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase its smoking cessation programmes as part of its proposed ban on smoking in public places, particularly in the period between enactment of the proposed bill and its implementation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced an additional £4 million for smoking cessation services for 2005-06. This more than doubles the funding available for cessation services and will allow smoking cessation programmes to expand to meet the increased demand for services which is likely to stem from the implementation of the ban on smoking in public places.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186247,"EventID":"S2W-13537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families were living below the accepted poverty level in Glasgow in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04, broken down by council ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families were living below the accepted poverty level in Glasgow in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04, broken down by council ward area.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the numbers and proportion of families living in low income households are available at Scotland level only, not by local authority or ward area. Estimates on the full range of income thresholds and explanation of how these estimates are calculated are published in Households Below Average Income 1994-95 – 2002-03, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 32212).","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186248,"EventID":"S2W-13538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the allocation of the Community Regeneration Fund was calculated for Glasgow and what representations it received from Glasgow City Council prior to that allocation b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the allocation of the Community Regeneration Fund was calculated for Glasgow and what representations it received from Glasgow City Council prior to that allocation being made.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Glasgow’s allocation reflects ministers’ determination to target the Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) on our most disadvantaged communities. Two-thirds of the CRF has been allocated to the most deprived 15 per cent of data zones identified through the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004. Of these 976 zones, 373 are in Glasgow. The remaining funds have been allocated to those Community Planning Partnerships, including Glasgow, with above average (i.e. more than 15 per cent) concentration of deprivation in their area. We received no written representations from Glasgow City Council prior to the allocation being made. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186249,"EventID":"S2W-13539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the establishment of maxillofacial consultant posts is and how many such consultants are currently in post, broken down by maxillofacial unit and expressed also per ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the establishment of maxillofacial consultant posts is and how many such consultants are currently in post, broken down by maxillofacial unit and expressed also per 100,000 head of population.","AnswerText":"Data is not available by maxillofacial unit. However, tables 1 and 2 provide figures for consultants in maxillofacial specialties (Surgery and Radiology) by NHS board. These figures are likely to be an undercount of all maxillofacial consultants because maxillofacial consultants working in oral surgery cannot be explicitly identified.Table 1: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Consultants Employed in NHSScotland by NHS Board (as at 30 September 2003) | | Establishment | Staff in Post | Population | Whole-Time Equivalent Consultants in Post Per 100,000 Population | | Headcount | Whole-Time Equivalent | Headcount | Whole-Time Equivalent | | Scotland | 10 | 10.0 | 7 | 7.0 | 5,057,400 | 0.14 | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 2.0 | 367,140 | 0.54 | | NHS Forth Valley | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 2.0 | 279,680 | 0.72 | | NHS Grampian | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 523,390 | 0.00 | | NHS Lanarkshire | 1 | 1.0 | 1 | 1.0 | 553,440 | 0.18 | | NHS Lothian | 4 | 4.0 | 2 | 2.0 | 780,010 | 0.26 | Source: ISD Scotland. Table 2: Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology Consultants Employed in NHSScotland by NHS Board (as at 30 September 2003) | | Establishment | Staff in Post | Population | Whole-Time Equivalent Consultants in Post Per 100,000 Population | | | Headcount | Whole-Time Equivalent | Headcount | Whole-Time Equivalent | | | | Scotland | 2 | 1.6 | 2 | 1.6 | 5,057,400 | 0.03 | | NHS Greater Glasgow | 1 | 0.6 | 1 | 0.6 | 866,370 | 0.07 | | NHS Tayside | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186250,"EventID":"S2W-13540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been allocated to Barrhead Housing Association in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been allocated to Barrhead Housing Association in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows: Since 1999 Barrhead Housing Association has received £7.124 million in public funding. This is broken down as follows: | Year | Funding | | 1999-2000 | £0.940 | | 2000-2001 | £1.725 | | 2001-2002 | £0.528 | | 2002-2003 | £1.077 | | 2003-2004 | £2.360 | | 2004-2005 | £0.494* | | Total | £7.124 | Note: * Projected to 31 March 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186251,"EventID":"S2W-13541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many socially-rented units have been completed by Barrhead Housing Association in each year since 1999; which contractors were involved, and how many units were compl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many socially-rented units have been completed by Barrhead Housing Association in each year since 1999; which contractors were involved, and how many units were completed by each contractor.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Barrhead Housing Association has completed 188 units for social rent since 1999. The contractors involved and the number of units completed is set out in the table below. | | Contractor | Units | | 1999-2000 | Alfred McAlpine Adam Birch Properties | 83 29 | | 2000-01 | Carville Scotland Ltd | 30 | | 2001-02 | Ballast | 46 | | 2002-03 | | nil | | 2003-04 | | nil | | 2004-05 | | nil | | Total | | 188 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186252,"EventID":"S2W-13542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accounts of Barrhead Housing Association have been passed without reservation or comment in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accounts of Barrhead Housing Association have been passed without reservation or comment in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Ms Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:The annual financial statements of Barrhead Housing Association Ltd have received an unqualified external audit opinion each year since 1999. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186253,"EventID":"S2W-13543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been made available to Barrhead Housing Association for the construction of new housing units at Barnes Street, Barrhead, and when this fundin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding has been made available to Barrhead Housing Association for the construction of new housing units at Barnes Street, Barrhead, and when this funding was paid to Barrhead Housing Association.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:The association was given Tender Approval and an offer of Housing Association Grant in the amount of £1,929,677.50 on 28 March 2002. Prior to this grant, offers were issued to meet acquisition, pre-tender and demolition costs. The Tender Approval offer represents the total scheme costs at tender and incorporated prior offers of grant. As a result of the original sub contractor going into liquidation, a revised Tender Approval and offer of Housing Association Grant in the amount of £2,257,330.06 was issued to the association on 9 December 2004 to allow the completion of the scheme and to protect the investment already made on this project. In addition to Housing Association Grant, a separate offer of grant was issued on 9 December 2004 to the association in the amount of £528,327 in respect of provision of a Domestic Abuse Refuge which was being included in the Barnes Street Development. This was a change to the original tender approval for the development. Payments were made to the association between 26 March 2001 and 16 December 2003 on submission of valid claim certificates in respect of completed works. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186254,"EventID":"S2W-13544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many units have been completed at Barnes Street, Barrhead, for Barrhead Housing Association; how many remain incomplete, and when work on these units commenced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many units have been completed at Barnes Street, Barrhead, for Barrhead Housing Association; how many remain incomplete, and when work on these units commenced.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:The development at Barnes Street will provide 37 units for social rent and six units for refuge provision. Work began on the development in June 2002. However, as a result of the original sub contractor going into liquidation, the development is not yet complete. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186255,"EventID":"S2W-13545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements were placed on Barrhead Housing Association to secure private sector finance for the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project; how much private sector funding w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements were placed on Barrhead Housing Association to secure private sector finance for the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project; how much private sector funding was involved; by which date was the finance to have been secured, and whether it was secured.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:It is a condition of the Housing Association Grant offer that the association obtains written confirmation regarding the availability of all other funding required for the project, in addition to the grant. The association was required to provide a private finance contribution of £896,710.50. In principle availability of funding was confirmed by its lender in June 2002 with final confirmation being provided in September 2003. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186256,"EventID":"S2W-13546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any adjudication decisions lost by Barrhead Housing Association in relation to the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project and, if so, whether it will pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any adjudication decisions lost by Barrhead Housing Association in relation to the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project and, if so, whether it will provide details of any such decision.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are aware of adjudication decisions in respect of this matter. However, as the association is currently involved in a legal process relating to the matter we are unable to provide further comment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186257,"EventID":"S2W-13547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any outstanding legal actions against Barrhead Housing Association in relation to the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any outstanding legal actions against Barrhead Housing Association in relation to the Barnes Street, Barrhead, project.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are aware that the association is currently engaged in the legal process in relation to Barnes Street. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186258,"EventID":"S2W-13548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial liability Communities Scotland has in respect of legal actions against the Barrhead Housing Association should Barrhead Housing Association lose any civil ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial liability Communities Scotland has in respect of legal actions against the Barrhead Housing Association should Barrhead Housing Association lose any civil legal action.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Barrhead Housing Association is a Limited Company responsible for its own financial liability. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186259,"EventID":"S2W-13549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal obligations Barrhead Housing Association has in respect of tendering procedures and what the role of Communities Scotland is in ensuring that such obligations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal obligations Barrhead Housing Association has in respect of tendering procedures and what the role of Communities Scotland is in ensuring that such obligations are met.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Communities Scotland expects Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to meet a set of published Performance Standards which include provisions for ensuring RSLs find the most cost effective way of securing goods and services through procurement. RSLs are subject to regulation by Communities Scotland whose role is to examine how these Performance Standards are met. These standards can be found on the Communities Scotland website at www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186260,"EventID":"S2W-13550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to identify the extent of unidentified hepatitis C infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to identify the extent of unidentified hepatitis C infection.","AnswerText":"As part of its response to the challenges of hepatitis C, the Executive is developing, in consultation with stakeholders, an action plan which will identify the main issues and the specific actions needed. The plan will be supported by appropriate education and training materials for health professionals and measures to raise public awareness, with the focus on groups most at risk and their families.The measures to be used to raise public awareness and to identify those people who may not know they carry the hepatitis C infection will be developed, taking account of evidence based social research and using any available evaluations from similar communication strategies. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186261,"EventID":"S2W-13551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis C infection and to encourage those most at risk to come forward for screening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to tackle stigma and discrimination associated with hepatitis C infection and to encourage those most at risk to come forward for screening.","AnswerText":"These are issues, which are being considered in the context of the action plan, to which the answer to question S2W-13550 on 24 January 2005 refers. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186262,"EventID":"S2W-13552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of hepatitis C infection it estimates there are and on what evidence this estimate has been based.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of hepatitis C infection it estimates there are and on what evidence this estimate has been based.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland estimates that approximately 50,000 persons in Scotland have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) of whom some 20,000 have been diagnosed. The estimate of 50,000 is based on a wide range of HCV prevalence data which were generated through surveys of high and low-riskpopulations during 1996-2004. Numerous surveys of injecting drug users throughoutScotland have been performed and these indicate prevalences of between 30% and 80%. Other populations surveyed include pregnant women, genito-urinary medicine clinic attenders, prisoners, health care workers and blood donors.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186263,"EventID":"S2W-13553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which population groups are at greatest risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection and what plans it has to test or screen these groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which population groups are at greatest risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection and what plans it has to test or screen these groups.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland estimates that approximately 90% of the estimated 50,000 persons in Scotland, who have been infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), are either former or current injecting drug users, and this population group is thus at greatest risk.In consequence, since HCV testing became available in 1991, thousands of injecting drug users in Scotland have been tested for HCV in the context of guidelines, distributed by the Scottish Executive Health Department, which recommend that all injecting drug users should be offered an HCV test. Steps are being taken to increase awareness of HCV and HCV testing among current and former injecting drug users, and healthcare workers who would be involved in the HCV testing process. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186264,"EventID":"S2W-13554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to identify how many prison inmates are infected with hepatitis C and how many inmates are infected in each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to identify how many prison inmates are infected with hepatitis C and how many inmates are infected in each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:An anonymous study was carried out by the Scottish Centre for the Infection of Environmental Health (SCIEH) at HM Prison, Shotts in 2001 which indicated a prevalence of 20% of the population being infected with hepatitis C. The SPS expects these figures broadly represent the prison population. Figures in individual establishments are not known. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186265,"EventID":"S2W-13555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to prevent any further increase in the number of people infected with hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to prevent any further increase in the number of people infected with hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"A range of measures have been taken, including – · allocating over £8 million annually to NHS boards for action to prevent the spread of bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C; · revising the Lord Advocate’s guidelines to permit a substantial increase in the number of needles and syringes, which can be supplied to drug misusers; · issuing a range of information materials to drug services and prisons across Scotland to highlight the risks from injecting, including from hepatitis C; · an additional £6 million, announced in October 2004, linked to Spending Review 2004. This brings the funding for drug treatment and rehabilitationto £32.5 million per annum from 2005-06; · issuing hepatitis C materials for professionals and patients; · funding the establishment of a national clinical database of patients diagnosed with hepatitis to help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment; · giving grant towards the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre Scotland, which is based in Glasgow and offers support and advice on testing and treatment to those affected by hepatitis C, and · a number of research studies have been commissioned by the Executive’s Drug Misuse Research Programme which have increased our knowledge of injecting practices among drug users. The evidence produced by these studies will support the development of more effective interventions to prevent the transmissionof hepatitis C. In addition, an action plan is being developed for issue in spring 2005, which will set out the action in train and proposed to tackle hepatitis C. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186266,"EventID":"S2W-13556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awareness or education measures it has in place, or are planned, to highlight the dangers of hepatitis C, particularly to high risk groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awareness or education measures it has in place, or are planned, to highlight the dangers of hepatitis C, particularly to high risk groups.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13555 on 24 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186267,"EventID":"S2W-13557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it will take of feedback from the hepatitis C awareness campaign in England in any plans for a similar campaign in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it will take of feedback from the hepatitis C awareness campaign in England in any plans for a similar campaign in Scotland.","AnswerText":"These are issues, which are being considered in the context of the Action Plan, to which the answer given to question S2W-13550 on 24 January 2005 refers. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186268,"EventID":"S2W-13558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C have been treated with antiviral agents to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C have been treated with antiviral agents to date.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Scottish Executive has funded the establishment of a database, which will hold information on all hepatitis C virus infected persons in clinical care throughout Scotland. It is anticipated that this database will be functioning by late 2005. The database will hold information on numbers of persons in clinical care, eligible for antiviral therapy and being administered antiviral therapy, and on waiting times for antiviral therapy.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186269,"EventID":"S2W-13559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C are on waiting lists to be treated with antiviral agents and what the average waiting time is for such treatment is, broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C are on waiting lists to be treated with antiviral agents and what the average waiting time is for such treatment is, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer to the question S2W-13558 answered on 31 January 2005. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186270,"EventID":"S2W-13560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many centres are treating patients infected with hepatitis C using antiviral agents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many centres are treating patients infected with hepatitis C using antiviral agents.","AnswerText":"I refer to the question S2W-13558 answered on 31 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186271,"EventID":"S2W-13561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C are currently not being treated with antiviral agents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients infected with hepatitis C are currently not being treated with antiviral agents.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186272,"EventID":"S2W-13562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to Highland Council to assist with the maintenance of all bridges in its area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to Highland Council to assist with the maintenance of all bridges in its area.","AnswerText":"Funding for local roads and bridges forms part of the general Local Government Finance settlement. As part of this Highland Council will receive above inflation increases in revenue support of £18.8 million (5.3%), £19.5 million (5.2%) and £10.9 million (2.8%) over 2005-06 to 2007-08. It is for the council to decide how this funding is spent.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186273,"EventID":"S2W-13563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of "computer system" is used in the drafting of its legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of "computer system" is used in the drafting of its legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not use a single, specific definition of “computersystem” in the drafting of legislation. Where the term “computer” is used, the definition will normally depend on the context and the circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186274,"EventID":"S2W-13564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition of "computer system" in the European Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of chi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition of "computer system" in the European Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (Official Journal L 013/45) is more restrictive or less restrictive than its own internal definition or effectively identical to it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a single, specific definition of “computer system”. The current legislation which deals with indecent pictures of children is section 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. This covers pictures “produced by computer graphics or otherwise howsoever”. It also covers “data stored on a computer disc or by other electronic means” that is capable of being converted into a picture. The provisions of the 1982 act are wide enough to cover what is included within the definition of “computersystem” in the Framework Decision.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186275,"EventID":"S2W-13565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is to promote inclusion of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is to promote inclusion of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream schools.","AnswerText":"Under Section 15 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000, local authorities have a duty to educate all children and young persons, including those with autistic spectrum disorders, in mainstream schools unless certain exceptional circumstances apply.Over £50 million is being provided in 2005-06 to local authorities to promote inclusive practice in mainstream schools; to increase school staff development and training opportunities, and to improve accessibility to schools and the curriculum for children with disabilities, including those with autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, during 2005-06 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education will undertake a specific inspection of educational provision for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders across Scotland. The outcome will be a report which outlines the current position, highlights good practice and provides recommendations for moving forward. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186276,"EventID":"S2W-13566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address unauthorised absence from schools by pupils with a record of needs or individualised education plan, in light of their absence rates f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address unauthorised absence from schools by pupils with a record of needs or individualised education plan, in light of their absence rates from mainstream schools as highlighted in Attendance and Absence in Scottish Schools 2003-2004.","AnswerText":"In 2003-04 the Scottish Executive was able to publish more comprehensive data than ever before on the nature of absence from school and the kinds of pupils involved. I am considering the findings and I take all absence from school seriously.Home school link workers can and do improve attendance for the most vulnerable pupils and families. I have recently announced £34 million funding for additional support staff in schools and I have encouraged education authorities to consider the engagement of more home school link workers among their new staff. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186277,"EventID":"S2W-13567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers hepatitis C and hepatitis B to be major public health issues and what plans it has to address these issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers hepatitis C and hepatitis B to be major public health issues and what plans it has to address these issues.","AnswerText":"The Executive considers all bloodborne viruses including hepatitis and HIV/AIDS to be major public health issues. Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C.Action on this front will reflect recommendations from the Advisory Group on Hepatitis, which provides the UK Health Departments with expert advice on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. At present, immunisation for hepatitis B is recommended in individuals who are at increased risk because of their lifestyle, occupation or other factors, such as close contact with a case or carrier. With reference to the Executive’s plans to address hepatitis C, I refer the member to the question S2W-13550 answered on 24 January 2005. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186278,"EventID":"S2W-13568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to estimate how many people have hepatitis C but have not yet been diagnosed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to estimate how many people have hepatitis C but have not yet been diagnosed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers to questions S2W-13550 and S2W-13552, on 24 January 2005. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186279,"EventID":"S2W-13569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hepatitis C patients there were in (a) Scotland as a whole and (b) each NHS board area in 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hepatitis C patients there were in (a) Scotland as a whole and (b) each NHS board area in 2004.","AnswerText":"The latest information available from Health Protection is as follows: | NHS Board | Reports | | Argyll and Clyde | 1,154 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 920 | | Borders | 89 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 389 | | Fife | 456 | | Forth Valley | 730 | | Grampian | 2,483 | | Greater Glasgow | 6,484 | | Highland | 355 | | Lanarkshire | 1,080 | | Lothian | 2,461 | | Orkney | 12 | | Shetland | 28 | | Tayside | 1,465 | | Western Isles | 3 | | Scotland | 1,8109 | Source: Health Protection Scotland, as at 31 December 2003. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186280,"EventID":"S2W-13570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all new doctors from other countries are placed in overseen appointments for an appropriate period prior to practising independently to ensure that they are fully","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all new doctors from other countries are placed in overseen appointments for an appropriate period prior to practising independently to ensure that they are fully aware of all NHS protocols, procedures and administrative requirements.","AnswerText":"Any doctor wishing to work in Scotland or the rest of the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council. Qualifications, skill, and experience will dictate whether the doctor is eligible for full or limited registration. All doctors with limited registration are eligible only for supervised posts, until they meet the criteria for full registration All appointment procedures are designed to ensure that doctors are fit for purpose for the particular post to which they are appointed. It is an essential component of the recruitment process by NHS Scotland boards to ensure that all doctors have a full and complete induction process which would embrace NHS protocols and administrative procedures.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186281,"EventID":"S2W-13571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Scottish Prison Service to meet its promise and obligations to the people of Upperton village in respect of contributing towards the funding fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Scottish Prison Service to meet its promise and obligations to the people of Upperton village in respect of contributing towards the funding for upgrading roads and lighting.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is not responsible for the roads and lighting at Upperton village. When the former Longriggend Remand Unit was sold in October 2003 the purchaser assumed shared responsibility, together with the individual owners of the residential properties, for the repair and maintenance of the roads and lighting system. Although the SPS had no statutory or other obligation to do so, it had carried out routine repairs and maintenance to the street lighting system within the village on a goodwill basis. On being advised, shortly before selling the land, that a number of the lights were not working, SPS agreed to repair them as its final contribution prior to the transfer of obligations to the new owner. This work was completed as promised. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186282,"EventID":"S2W-13572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing legislation to extend the powers of the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider introducing legislation to extend the powers of the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently progressing proposals, by way of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Bill, to provide the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman with powers to consider complaints about further and higher education bodies. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186283,"EventID":"S2W-13573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in local authorities were women in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in local authorities were women in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Information held by the Executive on local government staffing matters is contained in the Joint Staffing Watch which is published on a quarterly basis and is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/jointstaffingwatch.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186284,"EventID":"S2W-13574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on promoting gender equality in local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on promoting gender equality in local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186285,"EventID":"S2W-13575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in non-departmental public bodies were women in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in non-departmental public bodies were women in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by organisation.","AnswerText":"Information on the Directors (Chief Executives) of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) is contained in the Public Bodies and Appointments website at www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies. Prior to the website’s establishment in 2002, detailed information on public bodies, including Chief Executives was published in the annual Cabinet Office document Public Bodies. Copies of this document are available from www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/agencies-publicbodies.Directors are employees of NDPBs and data is not collected centrally to the same level of detail as for ministerial appointments. There is no centrally held information on the gender of NDPB Directors (Chief Executives). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186286,"EventID":"S2W-13576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in local authorities were registered disabled people in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of directors in local authorities were registered disabled people in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Information held by the Executive on local government staffing matters is contained in the Joint Staffing Watch which is published on a quarterly basis and is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/jointstaffingwatch.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186287,"EventID":"S2W-13577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on promoting disability equality in local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on promoting disability equality in local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186288,"EventID":"S2W-13578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance issued to Scottish Water on sustainable development is made available to the Water Industry Commissioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance issued to Scottish Water on sustainable development is made available to the Water Industry Commissioner.","AnswerText":"The Water Services etc. (Scotland) Bill will require the Water Industry Commission to have regard to any guidance issued to Scottish Water. The Executive is currently revising the guidance on sustainable development to incorporate changes in legislation proposed under the Bill. Scottish Water, the Water Industry Commissioner and the Water Customer Consultation Panels are being consulted.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186289,"EventID":"S2W-13579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers of the Tayside force were assigned to the functions (a) uniformed, (b) mobile support, (c) CID, (d) drugs and (e) headquarters in each year from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers of the Tayside force were assigned to the functions (a) uniformed, (b) mobile support, (c) CID, (d) drugs and (e) headquarters in each year from 1994 to 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Tayside Police.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186290,"EventID":"S2W-13580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults were reported against police officers in each year from 1994 to 2004, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults were reported against police officers in each year from 1994 to 2004, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information is shown in the following table.Total Number of Assaults on Police Officers | Force | Central | Dumfries and Galloway | Fife | Grampian | Lothian and Borders | Northern | Strathclyde | Tayside | Total | | Year | | | 1994 | 210 | 149 | 200 | 427 | 328 | 216 | 7,736 | 496 | 9,762 | | 1995 | 262 | 174 | 233 | 485 | 373 | 188 | 8,035 | 322 | 10,072 | | 1995-96 | 262 | 174 | 233 | 485 | 373 | 188 | 8,035 | 322 | 10,072 | | 1996-97 | 204 | 112 | 233 | n/k | 191 | 190 | 8,892 | 330 | 10,152 | | 1997-1998 | 241 | 86 | 257 | 259 | 172 | 202 | 8,609 | 329 | 10,155 | | 1998-99 | 234 | 47 | 55 | 172 | 264 | 194 | 8,970 | 204 | 10,140 | | 1999-2000 | 267 | 14 | 53 | 68 | 304 | 215 | n/k | 276 | | | 2000-01 | 42 | 11 | 9 | 279 | 299 | 223 | n/k | 270 | | | 2001-02<","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186291,"EventID":"S2W-13581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it interprets section 25 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 in respect of their application to the u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it interprets section 25 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 in respect of their application to the upper Border Esk.","AnswerText":"Section 25 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 imposes a duty on the Environment Agency to, by a system of licences, regulate fishing for salmon and trout and, except where excused by a Minister of the Crown, apply the same system to regulate fishing for all freshwater fish or eels. Section 25 applies to England and Wales and to so much of the Esk as is situated in Scotland. Article 4 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 provides the relevant framework for the Esk to be regulated by the Environment Agency, with any proposals having to be agreed by both Westminster and Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186292,"EventID":"S2W-13582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will request that the surplus of approximately £10 million held by Ofgem from the Scottish fossil fuel levy fund be transferred to the Scottish Consolidated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will request that the surplus of approximately £10 million held by Ofgem from the Scottish fossil fuel levy fund be transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund for the purpose of promoting renewables and what information it has on why this surplus has not been transferred previously.","AnswerText":"The Fossil Fuel Levy surplus only became available following the enactment of the provisions of the Energy Act 2004. In accordance with the provisions of the act, we will bring forward in due course for the consideration of the Parliament proposals for using this funding for further supporting renewable energy projects. If these proposals are approved, we will request Ofgem to release the amount of funding required into the Scottish Consolidated Fund.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186293,"EventID":"S2W-13583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for traffic management and transportation infrastructure projects in each of the last five years and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for traffic management and transportation infrastructure projects in each of the last five years and what criteria applied to receipt of these funds.","AnswerText":"No funding has been given by the Scottish Executive to local authorities for specific traffic management projects. The only Executive funding awarded to Dumfries and Galloway Council for specific public transport projects has been from the Public Transport Fund, in line with the guidance issued to local authorities for the relevant bidding round. The following table sets out the total value of allocations awarded to the council from the fund, for those projects involving public transport infrastructure construction and enhancement.The table also gives the allocations received by the Council for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets (CWSS) projects. Whilst it is for local authorities to determine what specific projects should be supported with these allocations, we understand that most of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s allocations have gone towards infrastructure construction and enhancement. | | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | Total Value of PTF Allocations(£ million | 0.400 | 0.320 | 2.008 | 2.008 | 0.513 | | CWSS Allocations | 0.000 | 0.140 | 0.079 | 0.121 | 0.211 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186294,"EventID":"S2W-13584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it expects to make available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for traffic management and transportation infrastructure projects in each of the next three fin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it expects to make available to Dumfries and Galloway Council for traffic management and transportation infrastructure projects in each of the next three financial years and what criteria will apply to receipt of these funds.","AnswerText":"Under existing financial commitments, Dumfries and Galloway Council has an allocation in 2005-06 of £412,000 from the Public Transport Fund for its southern sector access strategy. The council will also receive cycling, walking and safer streets allocations of £252,000, £256,000 and £262,000 in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively, which may be used towards infrastructure projects.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186295,"EventID":"S2W-13585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on the Environment Agency"s proposals to impose rod licenses on the Scottish section of the Border Esk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on the Environment Agency"s proposals to impose rod licenses on the Scottish section of the Border Esk.","AnswerText":"The duty to regulate fishing on the Border Esk was placed upon the Environment Agency by Section 25 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The Environment Agency has notified the Scottish Executive of how it intends to carry out this obligation.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186296,"EventID":"S2W-13586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to the Environment Agency's proposals to impose rod licenses on the Scottish section of the Border Esk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to the Environment Agency's proposals to impose rod licenses on the Scottish section of the Border Esk.","AnswerText":"The Environment Agency has a duty under the provisions of Section 25 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 to regulate fisheries for salmon and trout by a system of licensing, and this duty extends to so much of the Border Esk as lies within Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186297,"EventID":"S2W-13587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to businesses of retail crime has been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority area, (b) town/city and (c) police force ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to businesses of retail crime has been in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) local authority area, (b) town/city and (c) police force area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly collect data on the cost to business of retail crime.The Scottish Retail Consortium has conducted an annual survey of retail companies since 2000 which estimates the cost to businesses of retail crime. The report from this survey can be obtained from the SRC (src@brc.org.uk). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186298,"EventID":"S2W-13588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of retail crime is drug related.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of retail crime is drug related.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Recorded crime statistics do not distinguish “retail crimes” or provide information on the motivation for crimes. The only available information on retail crime comes from an annual survey of retail companies conducted since 2000 by the Scottish Retail Consortium, which estimates the cost to businesses of retail crime. However, the results from this survey do not identify the proportion of retail crime which is drug related.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186299,"EventID":"S2W-13589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat retail crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat retail crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Business Crime Centre (SBCC) is a partnership involving the Executive as principal sponsors, Association of Chief Police Officers of Scotland and leading retail, business and commerce organisations. The SBCC has for a number of years provided advice and guidance on crime reduction and prevention to all types and scale of business in all parts of the community.The Scottish Executive has provided £1 million over three years for the establishment of Safe City Centre Initiatives in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness and Perth. We have agreed to extend the Initiative to other towns in Scotland and a decision on the towns which will be invited to participate will be made soon. Retail businesses have also benefited from public space CCTV systems funded by the Scottish Executive. In Partnership for a Better Scotland, the Scottish Executive committed to expand CCTV in shopping and other areas, supporting businesses and others to reduce crime. £1 million has been allocated in 2005-06 for this and decisions will be made soon on how this commitment will be delivered. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186300,"EventID":"S2W-13590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female births there were in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female births there were in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the table:Number of Births Registered 2000-04 | | Males | Females | | 2000 | 27,196 | 25,880 | | 2001 | 26,786 | 25,741 | | 2002 | 26,218 | 25,052 | | 2003 | 26,906 | 25,526 | | 2004* | 27,768 | 26,186 | *Provisional. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186301,"EventID":"S2W-13591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage share of (a) male and (b) female births were children registered with (i) a single forename, (ii) two forenames, (iii) three forenames, (iv) four forenam","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage share of (a) male and (b) female births were children registered with (i) a single forename, (ii) two forenames, (iii) three forenames, (iv) four forenames, (v) more than four forenames and (vi) no forename in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the table:Male births registered 2000-04 | | Number of Forenames | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ | None | | 2000 | 16.83% | 66.76% | 15.14% | 1.14% | 0.13% | - | | 2001 | 16.74% | 66.64% | 15.45% | 1.03% | 0.13% | 0.00%1 | | 2002 | 16.65% | 66.18% | 15.93% | 1.09% | 0.14% | - | | 2003 | 16.55% | 66.17% | 16.00% | 1.14% | 0.13% | - | | 20042 | 16.64% | 65.36% | 16.63% | 1.21% | 0.16% | - | Female Births Registered 2000-04 | | Number of Forenames | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ | None | | 2000 | 24.45% | 63.35% | 11.29% | 0.76% | 0.14% | - | | 2001 | 25.01% | 63.35% | 10.81% | 0.73% | 0.10% | - | | 2002 | 24.53% | 63.47% | 11.12% | 0.79% | 0.08% | - | | 2003 | 23.94% | 63.41% | 11.64% | 0.88% | 0.13% | - | | 20042 | 23.94% | 63.20% | 11.90% | 0.84% | 0.12% | - | Notes: 1. For one birth, no forename was reported. 2. Provisional. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186302,"EventID":"S2W-13592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum number is of (a) forenames, (b) characters in all forenames combined, (c) characters in surnames, (d) characters in forenames and surnames combined that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum number is of (a) forenames, (b) characters in all forenames combined, (c) characters in surnames, (d) characters in forenames and surnames combined that computer systems can record when births are registered.","AnswerText":"The answers are as follows:(a) no maximum; (b) 200 characters, including spaces; (c) 50 characters, including spaces, and (d) 250 characters. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186303,"EventID":"S2W-13593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the eco schools programme continues to expand with the support of the eco schools team within Keep Scotland Beautiful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the eco schools programme continues to expand with the support of the eco schools team within Keep Scotland Beautiful.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to continue funding the eco schools programme with £125,000 per year, for the next three years, from the Education Department and £100,000 per year, for the next three years, through the Environment and Rural Affairs Department. This represents significant funding for a programme that has the potential to make an important contribution to the development of active citizenship and informing young people about the importance of sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186304,"EventID":"S2W-13594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to meet its Closing the Opportunity Gap financial inclusion target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to meet its Closing the Opportunity Gap financial inclusion target.","AnswerText":"Financial inclusion is a key objective of the Executive’s Closing the Opportunity Gap approach to tackling poverty, by enabling people to use bank accounts, build savings and increasing access to affordable credit. To encourage the development of activities which achieve these aims, we are publishing the Financial Inclusion Action Plan. This document sets out what action the Executive will take to initiate and support such activities, as well as giving direction to other organisations which have a part to play in tackling financial exclusion. I am also announcing funding of £5 million per annum from 2006-07 to support the development of such activities.Copies of the Financial Inclusion Action Plan can be found in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34879). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186305,"EventID":"S2W-13595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3103,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it considers acceptable for a person to wait before receiving non-emergency treatment from an NHS dentist; how many people have not received treatment with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale it considers acceptable for a person to wait before receiving non-emergency treatment from an NHS dentist; how many people have not received treatment within this timescale in each of the last five years, and what action it is taking to ensure that people can receive such treatment from an NHS dentist within this timescale.","AnswerText":"Acceptable waiting times for non-emergency dental treatment are subject to individual patient needs and are dependent on a range of factors including patient age, previous dental disease levels and future risks, and existing levels of oral self care.No information is held on the timescale patients require to wait before receiving non-emergency treatment. The Executive has introduced a range of measures over the last few years aimed at the recruitment and retention of dentists within NHS general dental services and is currently considering its response to the consultation Modernising NHS Dental Services in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186306,"EventID":"S2W-13596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the term "public benefit" in the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill can be interpreted more broadly than as a material benefit and whether the b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the term "public benefit" in the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill can be interpreted more broadly than as a material benefit and whether the benefit can be spiritual or moral.","AnswerText":"It is well-established in existing charity case law that public benefit can mean spiritual and moral benefit rather than merely material benefit and the Executive intends this to continue under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland)Bill.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186307,"EventID":"S2W-13597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is available for the treatment of brain injuries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is available for the treatment of brain injuries.","AnswerText":"Treatment of brain injury is usually considered in terms of acute medical or surgical management and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation has both in-patient, out-patient and community based components.There are neurosurgical centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow that provide specialist acute care for severe head injuries requiring intensive care or neurosurgery. Those not requiring specialist neurosurgery are treated in short stay accident and emergency wards or within orthopaedic or general surgery services in the general hospital. There are hospital in-patient rehabilitation medicine services in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and Greenock. There are also limited in-patient facilities in Dumfries, Inverness and Stirling. These centres cater for a range of neurological conditions in addition to acquired brain injury (ABI). These centres also provide variable levels of out-patient services. There are a number of community-based initiatives aimed at brain injured patients, not necessarily with rehabilitation medicine specialist input. Community rehabilitation involves many other services than health – particularly social work, education, employment and housing – and the voluntary sector. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186308,"EventID":"S2W-13598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many brain injury specialist consultants are employed in Scottish hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many brain injury specialist consultants are employed in Scottish hospitals.","AnswerText":"Brain injury is not recognised as a specialty in its own right in the UK. Most neurosurgeons and neuroanaesthetists would be regarded as specialists in acute treatment of head injury. In terms of rehabilitation, there are 11 consultants in rehabilitation medicine whose work involves a significant element of brain injury rehabilitation. Most rehabilitation centres that deal with brain injury have consultant neuropsychologist support. Information on the number of consultant neuropsychologists whose work involves a significant element of brain injury rehabilitation is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186309,"EventID":"S2W-13599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist centres are available for the treatment of brain injuries in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist centres are available for the treatment of brain injuries in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are three specialist centres in Scotland: The Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh (Scottish Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service); Murdostoun Castle (Central Scotland Brain Injury Centre), and the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (ScottishNeurobehavioural Service).Murdostoun Castle is in the private sector but accepts patients funded by NHS boards or social work departments. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186310,"EventID":"S2W-13600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to ensure that prisoners who are infected with hepatitis C and who are receiving treatment continue their treatment when they are moved between p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to ensure that prisoners who are infected with hepatitis C and who are receiving treatment continue their treatment when they are moved between prisons or are released.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Prisoners known to have hepatitis C are referred to specialist NHS services for assessment and treatment. Prison health professionals ensure that hepatitis C status, when confirmed in prison and for those established on treatment, is known to their next health care provider, whether in prison or the community following release. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186311,"EventID":"S2W-13601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement lifestyle modification programmes aimed at alcohol reduction and dietary education for people diagnosed with hepatitis C to improve their morbid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement lifestyle modification programmes aimed at alcohol reduction and dietary education for people diagnosed with hepatitis C to improve their morbidity and long-term treatment prospects.","AnswerText":"Under good clinical practice individual clinicians will consider and discuss with their patients the implications of aspects of lifestyle for their well-being and long-term treatment prospects. This should include discussion of both diet and alcohol intake.Although there are no plans at present to implement programmes aimed at alcohol reduction or dietary education specifically for people diagnosed with hepatitis C, the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems commits the Executive to a programme of culture change. This involves a range of activities including communications, the role of which is to prompt the general public to think about their drinking and to encourage a sense of personal responsibility for the negative cost of alcohol problems. The wider Healthy Living campaign aims to encourage and motivate everyone to take on the challenge of making daily health improving decisions about their dietand physical activity. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186312,"EventID":"S2W-13602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a review to determine the optimal configuration of services, including treatment for drug misuse, that is required to provide an effective care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission a review to determine the optimal configuration of services, including treatment for drug misuse, that is required to provide an effective care pathway for hepatitis C positive individuals from different risk groups and, if so, whether it will produce a comparison with the current service configuration and outline how current services can be developed to provide such an optimal service configuration.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned hepatitis C clinicians, working in association with Health Protection Scotland, to establish a hepatitis C Clinical Database. Data managers have started to enter retrospective and prospective data, held in different clinical settings throughout Scotland, onto a dedicated database. It is anticipated that data will be ready for analysis in late 2005. These data, when examined together with laboratory diagnoses data held at Health Protection Scotland, will allow us to understand better the effectiveness of care pathways relating to hepatitis C positive individuals from different risk groups and will help us to determine the optimal configuration of services for such persons. A Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network for Hepatitis C has been established to determine evidence-based optimal approaches to hepatitis C care and proposals for a Managed Clinical Network for Hepatitis are also being developed. On the treatment of drug misuse, the Executive published a summary of our Review of Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services on 27 October 2004 in the form of an Action Plan which contains several recommendations aimed at Improving Service Quality and Consistency. It is for local Drug Action Teams and constituent partners to plan and deliver the full range of drug treatment and care services in line with identified need and local priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186313,"EventID":"S2W-13603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will address the difficulties of hepatitis C individuals who have to travel long distances to attain treatment when they are unwell.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will address the difficulties of hepatitis C individuals who have to travel long distances to attain treatment when they are unwell.","AnswerText":"Decisions on where hepatitis C treatment is provided are clinically based and are agreed between doctor and patient. As far as possible and dependent on treatment requirements, arrangements are made to treat patients as close to home as possible.When it is necessary for patients to travel to receive treatment, assistance with reasonable costs may be available through patient travel schemes or through reimbursement from the NHS board. Further information is available in the leaflet Help with health cost available on the website www.show.scot.nhs.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186314,"EventID":"S2W-13604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in line with recommendations from the UK Consensus Conference on Hepatitis C, it plans to open more treatment centres or develop nurse-led outreach clinics to ad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in line with recommendations from the UK Consensus Conference on Hepatitis C, it plans to open more treatment centres or develop nurse-led outreach clinics to address the ongoing difficulty of hepatitis C positive individuals having to travel long distances to attain treatment when they are unwell and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"Decisions about health care service provision and the staff needed to deliver them are the responsibility of NHS boards, within national priorities and guidelines and the resources provided by the Scottish Executive.When it is necessary for patients to travel to receive treatment, assistance with reasonable costs may be available through patient travel schemes or through reimbursement from the NHS board. Further information is available in the leaflet Help with health cost available on the website www.show.scot.nhs.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186315,"EventID":"S2W-13605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to use patient groups to support the clinical process and hepatitis C positive individuals receiving, or waiting for, treatment and what the reasons are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to use patient groups to support the clinical process and hepatitis C positive individuals receiving, or waiting for, treatment and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s aim is to create a patient-focussed NHS in which the Executive works “with the NHS to ensure that a patient focus is embedded in the culture”. Informing, engaging and consulting with patients, carers and the public are key to the development of health policy and service development. The Executive will continue to work with the patient groups and voluntary organisations involved in hepatitis C.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186316,"EventID":"S2W-13606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has put in place audit processes to measure outcomes for hepatitis C testing and treatment services in order to determine if the current service configuration ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has put in place audit processes to measure outcomes for hepatitis C testing and treatment services in order to determine if the current service configuration and resources are effective at identifying and managing hepatitis C individuals through their care pathway to successfully access anti-viral treatment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Viral Hepatitis Group is currently considering a Managed Clinical Network approach which would help to develop effective care pathways for all hepatitis C positive individuals. All Managed Clinical Networks are expectedto participate in audit and are committed to ensuring equity of access to services.The Hepatitis C Clinical Database, funded by the Executive, will also help clinicians to measure the outcomes of testing and treatment from those identified as having hepatitis C and those who are eligible for treatment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186317,"EventID":"S2W-13607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure equal access to services to support and treat hepatitis C individuals across NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure equal access to services to support and treat hepatitis C individuals across NHS boards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13606 answered on 31 January 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at website http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186318,"EventID":"S2W-13608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ring-fence sufficient funding to address the hepatitis C epidemic, as it did at the outset of the HIV epidemic, and what the reasons are for its position ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ring-fence sufficient funding to address the hepatitis C epidemic, as it did at the outset of the HIV epidemic, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive already gives over £8 million per year to NHS boards in earmarked resources for work to prevent bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C. NHS boards use these resources in a variety of ways taking account of local need, including awareness-raising initiatives and needle exchange schemes.In addition to the specific allocation for blood-borne viruses, NHS boards are given a unified budget to meet the health care needs of their resident population. It is a decision for NHS boards how best to utilise this funding to meet local and national priorities including the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186319,"EventID":"S2W-13609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will secure funding to treat all individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C as soon as possible after diagnosis with chronic viral infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will secure funding to treat all individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C as soon as possible after diagnosis with chronic viral infection.","AnswerText":"The Executive already gives over £8 million each year to NHS boards in earmarked resources for work to prevent bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C. NHS boards use these resources in a variety of ways taking account of local need, including awareness-raising initiatives and needle exchange schemes.In addition to this specific allocation, NHS boards are given a unified budget to meet the health care needs of their resident population. It is for NHS boards to decide how best to utilise this funding to meet local and national priorities, including the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C. The suitability of treatment options is considered by clinicians, taking into account the disease status of each individual patient and any contraindication for therapy: for example pregnancy is currently a contraindication for combination therapy. The guidance available to NHSScotland on which patient groups have access to treatment for hepatitis C can be found at: http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/qis_Publications3.jsp?pContentID=1187&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186320,"EventID":"S2W-13610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a detailed review of the resources and finance needed to address the hepatitis C epidemic which includes a comparison with the current level of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a detailed review of the resources and finance needed to address the hepatitis C epidemic which includes a comparison with the current level of resources.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned Health Protection Scotland to estimate the current and future burden of hepatitis C virus-related disease in Scotland over the next two decades. Further work is also being commissioned to identify how much it will cost NHSScotland to care for individuals infected with hepatitis C and how cost-effective different approaches to hepatitis C case finding and treatment would be.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186321,"EventID":"S2W-13611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to Alex Salmond MP"s letter of 18 November 2004 regarding the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to Alex Salmond MP"s letter of 18 November 2004 regarding the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"A full reply to Mr Salmond’s letter of 18 November was sent on 19 January 2005.The reply was delayed so that it could reflect the outcome of further consideration of the implementation of the 2003 Act on which final announcements were made on 22 December 2004.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186322,"EventID":"S2W-13612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders have been applied for and granted in each year since 2001, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders have been applied for and granted in each year since 2001, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on numbers of antisocial behaviour orders applied for and granted in each local authority area in the period 1 December 2000 to 31 March 2004 is provided in the following table. | Local Authority | 01/12/00 – 30/11/01 | 01/12/01 – 30/11/02 | 01/12/02 – 31/03/031 | 01/4/03 – 31/03/042 | | Applied | Granted | Applied | Granted | Applied | Granted | Applied | Granted | | Aberdeen City | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 12 | | Aberdeenshire | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Angus | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | City of Edinburgh | 16 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 6 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 14 | | Dundee City | 10 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 26 | 20 In relation to children, we have recently published for consultation Children and Young People's Mental Health: A Framework for Promotion, Prevention and Care. This is intended to assist local health, education and social work services in planning and delivering integrated approaches to children and young people's mental health, including for those children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder. In addition, a national conference on medical interventions for people with autistic spectrum disorders is being planned for later this year. The conference will consider a range of health issues, including mental health problems. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186324,"EventID":"S2W-13614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for improving services for adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for improving services for adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The Public Health Institute of Scotland’s Autistic Spectrum (ASD) Disorders Needs Assessment Report is the strategy for the development of ASD services in Scotland. Last week I launched a key component of this as it relates to adults with ASD, by opening the Glasgow Autism Resource Centre. This is one of three pilot projects designed to develop multi-agency models of service delivery, the lessons of which will be rolled out across Scotland in due course.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186325,"EventID":"S2W-13615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in relation to the Edinburgh International Festival in response to the announcement of a new international festival to commence in Manchester in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in relation to the Edinburgh International Festival in response to the announcement of a new international festival to commence in Manchester in 2007.","AnswerText":"The Executive, in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, EventScotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Association of Edinburgh’s Festivals, had already agreed to commission a study to consider the future development and growth of the Edinburgh Festivals. This is intended to lead to the identification of a strategy to maintain Edinburgh’s competitive advantage as the leading Festivals City by the year 2020.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186326,"EventID":"S2W-13616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, and intends to take, to implement the obligations on it arising from the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in relation to (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, and intends to take, to implement the obligations on it arising from the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in relation to (a) Gaelic and (b) Scots.","AnswerText":"The UK government has signed up for Part II (general principles) of the charter with regard to Scots and Gaelic and Part III which seeks to translate the general principles into specific undertakings, for Gaelic. The Scottish Executive is committed to policies which will assist the UK government to meet the charter obligations for which it has responsibility in relation to Gaelic and Scots. The Scottish Executive considers Gaelic and Scots to be important aspects of Scotland’s distinctive linguistic and cultural heritage and seeks to give expression to the general principles in its policies. In relation to Gaelic the Scottish Executive is also taking action in areas such as education, media, public services and cultural activities. These actions include the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill and a National Languages Strategy. The UK government will provide a detailed report to the Council of Europe on Charter compliance in 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186327,"EventID":"S2W-13617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the study carried out in line with the National Cultural Strategy and funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland into the feasi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the study carried out in line with the National Cultural Strategy and funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland into the feasibility of an institute for the languages of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The proposal for an Institute for the Languages of Scotland was made by a group of Scottish language interest groups and universities on the basis of an opinion survey. The proposal is uncosted and assessing its feasibility and value for money would require substantial further work. The Executive will consider how best to proceed in the context of its commitment to develop a National Language Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186328,"EventID":"S2W-13618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the claim by Homes for Scotland that less than 50% of the land currently approved for new housing can be developed due to lack of investment by Scottish Wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the claim by Homes for Scotland that less than 50% of the land currently approved for new housing can be developed due to lack of investment by Scottish Water, what action the Executive will take to address this issue.","AnswerText":"The issue of constraints on new development was addressed in the Executive’s recent consultation Investing in Water Services 2006-2014 (Bib. number 33325), and it will be addressed in the next investment programme commencing in April 2006. A Ministerial Statement outlining priorities for this programme will be made in the Parliament shortly.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186329,"EventID":"S2W-13619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide any information concerning the outcomes of discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the financial aspects of the UK rail review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide any information concerning the outcomes of discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the financial aspects of the UK rail review.","AnswerText":"The Secretary of State for Transportwill transfer to the Scottish Executive funding sufficient to cover all the responsibilitiestransferred to Scottish ministers by virtue of the Railways Bill currently beforethe UK Parliament.the Scottish Executive will receive a Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) transferfrom Department for Transport of £7.5 million to accompany the transfer of the majorityof the Strategic Rail Authority’s functions to the Scottish Executive. TheExecutive will assume responsibility for specifying (via the Office of Rail Regulation)the network outputs in Scotland. The Scottish Executive will receive a DEL transferfrom Department for Transport of around £300 million to fund Network Rail’s Operation,Maintenance and Renewals activities in Scotland to deliver the network outputs in Scotland. Allocationof relevant income from track access charges from passenger and freight operatorshas been taken into account. This will take effect from 1 April 2006. Asignificant proportion of this funding relates to a new Scotland elementof Network Rail’s regulatory asset base (RAB). The disagregation of the currentGB RAB into elements for Scotland and for England and Wales will be determined by the Office of Rail Regulation beforethe end of 2005, following joint representations by DfT and the Scottish Executive.The Department for Transport and Scottish Executive will each receive funding preciselysufficient to remunerate their respective RABs. The Scottish Executive and Departmentfor Transport agree that the best estimate that can be made of the RAB for Scotlandin advance of the Office of Rail Regulation’s determination is that it will be veryclose to 10 per cent of the RAB for Great Britain, which is the basis on which theRAB spend above is calculated. TheExecutive will also assume funding responsibility for rail enhancement projects.To fund rail enhancements the Scottish Executive will receive the following: ADEL transfer of £17 million per year from 1 April 2006. Aproportionate increase, via the application of the Barnett Formula, of future increasesin the Department for Transport spending on enhancements in England and Wales. Apaper has been placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number34945) which provides further details. In addition, this agreement enablesus to announce that full funding is now available from the Executive for phase oneof the Waverley Station redevelopment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186330,"EventID":"S2W-13620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12347 by Rhona Brankin on 1 December 2004, how other areas will be considered for "designated area" status in respect of re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12347 by Rhona Brankin on 1 December 2004, how other areas will be considered for "designated area" status in respect of recruitment allowances for dentists.","AnswerText":"If an NHS board wishes consideration to be given to classifying all or part of its area as a “designated area” then the board should make a written request, providing justification for such classification, to my officials.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186331,"EventID":"S2W-13621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage was of (a) women and (b) men employed at board level in each non-departmental public body in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001, (iv) 2002, (v) 2003 and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage was of (a) women and (b) men employed at board level in each non-departmental public body in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001, (iv) 2002, (v) 2003 and (iv) 2004.","AnswerText":"Information in relation to the gender of public appointees is not available in the form requested. However, a breakdown by gender of people appointed by Ministers to regulated public bodies during each financial year has been published in the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Annual Report since the year 1999-2000. These reports can be accessed at:www.ocpa.gov.uk and the relevant Scottish figures are set out in the following table. | Year | Percentage and Number of Male Appointees | Percentage and Number of Female Appointees | | 1999-2000 | 64% (147) | 36% (82) | | 2000-01 | 68% (112) | 32% (52) | | 2001-02 | 67% (184) | 33% (89) | | 2002-03 | 65% (165) | 35% (88) | | 2003-04 | 63% (138) | 37% (82) | The Executive now also publishes details of the gender breakdown of all current regulated ministerial appointments on its public appointments website www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies. This information is updated on a monthly basis. As at 31 December 2004, 65% (513) of all regulated public body board members were men and 35% (276) were women. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186332,"EventID":"S2W-13622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hepatitis C centres have been closed due to a lack of resources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hepatitis C centres have been closed due to a lack of resources.","AnswerText":"The Executive is unaware of any closures due to a lack of resources or otherwise.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186333,"EventID":"S2W-13623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with stress by their GP in each of the last five years, broken down by cause of stress.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with stress by their GP in each of the last five years, broken down by cause of stress.","AnswerText":"Data on this subject is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186334,"EventID":"S2W-13624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further guidance for inclusion in the child witness support pack will be issued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when further guidance for inclusion in the child witness support pack will be issued.","AnswerText":"A further two guidance documents for the Child Witness Support Pack are being issued today. These documents are “Information About Child, Young and Vulnerable Adult Witnesses to Inform Decision-Making in the Legal Process” and a “Code of Practice to Facilitate the Provision of Therapeutic Support to Child Witnesses in Court Proceedings”.The guidance on information about child, young and adult vulnerable witnesses aims to ensure that important information about child and adult vulnerable witnesses is captured at an early stage by the police to inform decision making and the provision of appropriate measures of support by procurators fiscal and children’s reporters. The guidance was developed in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Crown Office and ProcuratorFiscal Service and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration. The code of practice on the provision of therapeutic support aims to clarify that the provision of therapeutic support prior to court proceedings should not be discouraged and to provide guidelines on how to provide therapeutic support which avoids the contamination of evidence. The guidance was developed by a multi agency steering group of key stakeholders representing justice, health and welfare agencies. Copies of each document have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. numbers: 34974 Code of Practice to Facilitate the Provision of Therapeutic Support to Child Witnesses in Court Proceedings, 34975 Information about Child, Young and Vulnerable Adult Witnesses to Inform Decision Making in the Legal Process – Good Practice Guidance). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186335,"EventID":"S2W-13625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money has been allocated to non-governmental organisations to support their work following the tsunami.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money has been allocated to non-governmental organisations to support their work following the tsunami.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated funds to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support their work following the tsunami but has taken other actions to respond swiftly and appropriately.We met NGOs in the days after the disaster to ask how we could assist theirefforts to support the emergency relief work. At their request , we immediatelyseconded 11 Scottish Executive staff to meet an urgent need for administrativeassistance at the British Red Cross, SCIAF and Mercy Corp. We also co-ordinatedadvertisements for the Scottish Emergency Appeal, which appeared in a range ofScottish papers. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer’s team has co-ordinated Scottish offers of specialist medical help to the World Health Organisation, including the option to second Scottish Executive specialist medical personnel. Ten Scottish police officers have been deployed in support of the Metropolitan Police casualty bureau. The First Minister indicated to the Parliament on 12 January that the Scottish Executive is committed to assisting the longer term reconstruction effort, as the assessment of need in the affected region becomes clearer. The Scottish Executive has maintained a dialogue with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Departmentfor International Development and public services in Scotland to facilitate assistance from public services to the areas affected by the tsunami. We are in discussion with Scottish based international aid agencies and public service organisations about how this can be taken forward. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186336,"EventID":"S2W-13626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated to public services, including the NHS, to enable them to offer practical assistance in terms of expertise, personnel, equipment and goods ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it has allocated to public services, including the NHS, to enable them to offer practical assistance in terms of expertise, personnel, equipment and goods to the areas affected by the tsunami.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13625, on 2 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186337,"EventID":"S2W-13627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to organise and support assistance from public services to the areas affected by the tsunami.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to organise and support assistance from public services to the areas affected by the tsunami.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13625, on 2 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186338,"EventID":"S2W-13628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to ensure that the assistance offered by government and public organisations is deployed to areas affected by the tsunami in the shortest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made to ensure that the assistance offered by government and public organisations is deployed to areas affected by the tsunami in the shortest time possible and what measures it will take to ensure that all pledges are fulfilled.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-13625, answered on 2 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186339,"EventID":"S2W-13629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 will still come into force in April 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 will still come into force in April 2005.","AnswerText":"Progress towards implementationof the Act has been kept under review on the basis announced in my answer to parliamentary question S2O-4466 on 9 December 2004. Although it would be possible to continue to work tothe original timetable, in my view the risk of slippage of key elements is now suchas to make it prudent to announce a short delay to commencement. Making this decisionnow will give service users, carers, professionals and managers confidence thateach of the elements necessary for successful implementation will be in place whenthe act comes into force and enable them to plan effectively for the new commencementdate which will be in October of this year. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment)(Scotland) Act2003 is world leading legislation and it is our intention that the quality of theimplementation will match the vision set out in its drafting.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186340,"EventID":"S2W-13631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11898 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 November 2004, whether it will provide a breakdown of the sources of the £12.2 million being ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11898 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 November 2004, whether it will provide a breakdown of the sources of the £12.2 million being made available towards the implementation of the Action Plan for Youth Football.","AnswerText":"The £12.2 million to be made available by the Executive and sportscotland towards the implementation of the Action Plan for Youth Football will include £1.2 million of Exchequer funding, £1 million from the Lottery Sports Fund and £6 million from funding made available for community sport from unspent balances of the former New Opportunities Fund. The balance of £4 million will be identified from future lottery income.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186341,"EventID":"S2W-13632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11898 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 November 2004, what the detailed breakdown is of the further £8.9 million to be contributed t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11898 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 November 2004, what the detailed breakdown is of the further £8.9 million to be contributed towards the Action Plan for Youth Football. ","AnswerText":"Based on current levels of investment, the contribution of £8.9 million towards the implementation of the Action Plan for Youth Football, comprises £4.5 million from the SFA and £4.4 million from local authorities to support the local authority community programmes over the ten year period of the plan.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186342,"EventID":"S2W-13633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the number of injuries caused by violence and aggression, as detailed in NHSScotland Workforce Statistics Table A7: Occupational He","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the number of injuries caused by violence and aggression, as detailed in NHSScotland Workforce Statistics Table A7: Occupational Health and Safety — Number of occupational injuries by type of organisation and staff group, against the staff group, Nursing and Midwifery, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of occupational injuries for nursing and midwifery staff is available by type of organisation and is shown in the following table. Data was not published by health board area as at 31 March 2004 due to issues of completeness and quality. We intend to publish the data by health board area in autumn 2005 for the census period 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005.NHSScotland Workforce Statistics, Occupational Health and Safety Number of Occupational Injuries by Type of Organisation for Nursing and Midwifery Staff, at 31 March 2004 Number of Occupational Injuries Per 1,000,000 Available Hours | Type of Organisation | Total Occupational Injuries | Needlesticks/Sharps | Violence and Aggression (inc. verbal abuse) | Musculoskeleta I disorders MSDS – back and lower limbs | Musculoskeleta I disorders MSDS – neck and upper limbs | Slips and trips | Fall from height | | Scotland | 148.97 | 11.73 | 112.02 | 12.75 | 5.35 | 6.83 | 0.29 | | Acute Trusts1 | 85.1 | 13.43 | 55.35 | 5.62 | 3.07 | 7.20 | 0.40 | | Unified Trusts2 | 334.0 | 15.36 | 290.74 | 16.24 | 2.29 | 9.24 | 0.12 | | Primary Care Trusts3 | 156.5 | 7.11 | 111.50 | 22.08 | 10.47 | 5.13 | 0.21 | | Health Boards4 | 37.1 | 27.19 | 0.00 | 9.89 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | Source: ISD Scotland. Notes: 1. Acute Trusts, Islands Boards and Scottish Ambulance Service. 2. Unified Boards prior to 31 march 2004 (NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Argyll and Clyde and NHS Fife. 3. Primary Trusts, State Hospital and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. 4. Health Board Headquarters and Special Health Boards not providing health care. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186343,"EventID":"S2W-13634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13047 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2005, how much of the £28.889 million from the Health Improvement Fund retained by the Ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13047 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2005, how much of the £28.889 million from the Health Improvement Fund retained by the Executive as at 1 October 2001 was allocated to each NHS board and how much was retained centrally.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available at this time. However, I shall write to the member as soon as the information has been collated and a copy of my letter shall be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186344,"EventID":"S2W-13635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital-acquired (a) urinary and (b) chest infections there have been and what the rate of infection has been in each NHS board since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital-acquired (a) urinary and (b) chest infections there have been and what the rate of infection has been in each NHS board since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186345,"EventID":"S2W-13636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the Social Justice Indicators of Progress for 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the Social Justice Indicators of Progress for 2004.","AnswerText":"Our new Closing the Opportunity Gap approach has refocused our social justice strategy, and set out new objectives and targets, and action to deliver those targets. The targets were announced in the Scottish Parliament on 9 December 2004 and are referred to in the answer given to question S2W-12888 (answered on 9 December 2004), and more information can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/closingtheopportunitygap.Data on the social justice milestones continue to be available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Social-Inclusion/17415/milestones#top. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186346,"EventID":"S2W-13637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to advise consumers of the potential risks associated with taking Zocor or Lipitor while drinking cranberry or grapefruit juice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to advise consumers of the potential risks associated with taking Zocor or Lipitor while drinking cranberry or grapefruit juice.","AnswerText":"Information for patients on how to use medicines safely and effectively is provided in the Patient Information Leaflet, which accompanies the medicine. These leaflets are authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency at the time of licensing and updated throughout the life of the product as new information on risks and benefits emerges.The Patient Information Leaflet for Zocor (simvastatin) advises against taking grapefruit juice during treatment as it could increase the risk of muscle damage. This advice is repeated in the Summary of Product Characteristics, which provides doctors and pharmacists with information on how the medicine should be used. Simvastatin 10mg is now available for sale from pharmacies without a prescription. Practice guidance developed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for Great Britain asks pharmacists to warn patients against taking grapefruit juice during treatment with simvastatin. The Patient Information leaflet for Lipitor (atorvastatin) advises against drinking more than one or two small glasses of grapefruit juice each day during treatment. This warning is repeated in the Summary of Product Characteristics. The product information for Zocor and Lipitor does not ask patients to avoid taking cranberry juice, or other cranberry products, during treatment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186347,"EventID":"S2W-13638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland has grant-funded Barrhead Housing Association for the land acquisition and subsequent development and building costs in respect of the new-bu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland has grant-funded Barrhead Housing Association for the land acquisition and subsequent development and building costs in respect of the new-build housing development at Station Road, Neilston.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Communities Scotland has made grant funding available to the association for its development at Station Road, Neilston. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186348,"EventID":"S2W-13639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland is satisfied that all suspensive conditions attached to the land acquisition grant awarded in respect of the new-build housing development at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland is satisfied that all suspensive conditions attached to the land acquisition grant awarded in respect of the new-build housing development at Station Road, Neilston, have been wholly purified.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are aware that the association is currently engaged in the legal process in relation to Barnes Street and we are unable to comment further on this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186349,"EventID":"S2W-13640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland is satisfied that all suspensive conditions attached to the development grant awarded in respect of the new-build housing development at Stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland is satisfied that all suspensive conditions attached to the development grant awarded in respect of the new-build housing development at Station Road, Neilston, have been wholly purified, ensuring valid security of tenure to all tenants.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are aware that the association is currently engaged in legal action in relation to Station Road, Neilston and we are unable to comment further on this matter. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186350,"EventID":"S2W-13641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why eligibility for the Teacher Induction Scheme is restricted to those graduating from a Scottish higher education institution with a teaching qualification whose traini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why eligibility for the Teacher Induction Scheme is restricted to those graduating from a Scottish higher education institution with a teaching qualification whose training has been publicly funded.","AnswerText":"Eligibility is restricted because the number of eligible teachers is controlled by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to match teacher workforce requirements.It would be possible to extend eligibility to include all teacher education institutions elsewhere in the UK, but we would not be able to limit eligibility to individual institutions. We would therefore be opening ourselves to an indeterminate number of applications, for the most part without teaching vacancies being available. We regularly review eligibility for the induction scheme, but it is extremely unlikely it will ever be extended to guarantee places to individuals graduating from elsewhere in the UK. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186351,"EventID":"S2W-13642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of fine defaulters given a custodial sentence served another custodial sentence concurrently in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of fine defaulters given a custodial sentence served another custodial sentence concurrently 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 available information is given in the following table. Total fine default receptions and percentage with an existing custodial sentence by relationship, 1999-2003 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Number of fine default receptions | 8,565 | 7,703 | 7,216 | 7,074 | 6,758 | | Percentage with no existing custodial sentence | 81 | 80 | 79 | 81 | 79 | | Percentage consecutive to existing custodial sentence | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Percentage Concurrent or part concurrent to existing custodial sentence | 18 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 20 | Note: 1. Due to rounding of figures some percentage totals may not add to 100. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186352,"EventID":"S2W-13643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of Scottish Water's capital investment has been directed to providing a service for new housing in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of Scottish Water's capital investment has been directed to providing a service for new housing in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. In the current investment period some £200 million will secure positivebenefits in addressing current constraints and an additional £41 million will address development constraints and firsttime connections in rural areas.We consulted recently on whatScottish Water’s future investment priorities should be, and in February I willannounce next week the objectives we wish Scottish Water to address in the nextregulatory period. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186353,"EventID":"S2W-13644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the share of the cost of water services to new housing developments should be between Scottish Water and housing developers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the share of the cost of water services to new housing developments should be between Scottish Water and housing developers.","AnswerText":"As part of Paying for Water Services 2006-2010, the Executive recently consulted on the principle of developers funding increased local capacity required by their developments. A Ministerial Statement including our decisions on this will be made in the Parliament shortly.Further detailed provision on meeting the costs of new connections to the water services infrastructure will be set out in regulations to be made under the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003. We will consult on the draft regulations later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186354,"EventID":"S2W-13645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding investment in areas facing a high demand for housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding investment in areas facing a high demand for housing.","AnswerText":"I last met the Scottish Water Board on 24 January to discuss a number of matters including those relating to delivery of the current investment programme.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186355,"EventID":"S2W-13646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for selling tobacco products to minors in each of the last five years, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for selling tobacco products to minors in each of the last five years, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The table provides the available data for those police force areas and years where such convictions were recorded.Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts for Selling Tobacco Products to Minors1, by Police Force Area, 1998-2002 | Police Force Area | 1998 | 1999 | 2001 | | Grampian | 1 | 2 | - | | Strathclyde | - | 1 | 1 | | Total | 1 | 3 | 1 | Note: 1. Where main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186356,"EventID":"S2W-13647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste was disposed of by Scottish Water in each calendar year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste was disposed of by Scottish Water in each calendar year since its inception.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186357,"EventID":"S2W-13648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste Scottish Water expects to dispose of in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste Scottish Water expects to dispose of in (a) 2005, (b) 2006, (c) 2007 and (d) 2008.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186358,"EventID":"S2W-13649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods were used by Scottish Water to dispose of sewage in 2004 and what volumes of sewage waste were disposed of through each method.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods were used by Scottish Water to dispose of sewage in 2004 and what volumes of sewage waste were disposed of through each method.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186359,"EventID":"S2W-13650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste was treated by Scottish Water at its Daldowie plant in 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much sewage waste was treated by Scottish Water at its Daldowie plant in 2004.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186360,"EventID":"S2W-13651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of treated sewage waste Scottish Water sold to Scottish Power in 2004 and what the financial value of this waste was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of treated sewage waste Scottish Water sold to Scottish Power in 2004 and what the financial value of this waste was.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186361,"EventID":"S2W-13652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods Scottish Water will use to dispose of sewage waste in 2005 and how many tonnes will be disposed of through each method.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods Scottish Water will use to dispose of sewage waste in 2005 and how many tonnes will be disposed of through each method.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186362,"EventID":"S2W-13653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what locations Scottish Water used to dispose of sewage waste in 2004; what tonnage was disposed of at each location, and what treatment the waste received prior to its d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what locations Scottish Water used to dispose of sewage waste in 2004; what tonnage was disposed of at each location, and what treatment the waste received prior to its disposal.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186363,"EventID":"S2W-13654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review property law to take account of the needs of Sharia law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review property law to take account of the needs of Sharia law.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans to review property law to take account of Sharia law.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186364,"EventID":"S2W-13655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to voluntary organisations to celebrate the UK Year of the Volunteer 2005; who will administer this funding, and when the funding prog","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to voluntary organisations to celebrate the UK Year of the Volunteer 2005; who will administer this funding, and when the funding programme will commence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is investing around £100,000 in the Year of the Volunteer 2005. This is being administered by the Scottish Executive. We expect to fund a small number of organisations to deliver the Scottish aims of the Year and funding has already commenced.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186365,"EventID":"S2W-13656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide statistics in respect of diagnoses of secondary cancers amongst Scottish breast cancer patients in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide statistics in respect of diagnoses of secondary cancers amongst Scottish breast cancer patients in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows numbers of breast cancer cases diagnosed in the years 1997 to 2001, and the numbers and percentages which involved secondary tumours at the time of diagnosis. | Year | Total Number of Cases | Number of Cases with Secondary Tumours | Percentage with Secondary Tumours | | 1997 | 3,459 | 1,312 | 37.9 | | 1998 | 3,620 | 1,338 | 37.0 | | 1999 | 3,681 | 1,375 | 37.4 | | 2000 | 3,691 | 1,403 | 38.0 | | 2001 | 3,563 | 1,334 | 37.4 | Source: Scottish Cancer Registry, ISD. Date extracted: January 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186366,"EventID":"S2W-13657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing employment was in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each quarter since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing employment was in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each quarter since January 2001.","AnswerText":"Table 1 contains data on the level of manufacturing employment in Scotland, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, and Stirling in each quarter since January 2001.Data contained within the table are estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics. The LFS measures all those in employment including employees, family workers and self employed people. The LFS is a household survey, so the estimates reflect where people live rather than where they work. Table 1: Level of Manufacturing Employment, by Specified Local Authority, for each Quarter since January 2001. | | Scotland | Aberdeen | Dundee | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Stirling | | 2001 | Spring | 338,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 21,000 | 23,000 | 5,000 | | Summer | 336,000 | 12,000 | 13,000 | 23,000 | 25,000 | 5,000 | | Autumn | 330,000 | 13,000 | 12,000 | 21,000 | 27,000 | 7,000 | | Winter | 327,000 | 10,000 | 11,000 | 21,000 | 26,000 | 5,000 | | 2002 | Spring | 310,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 17,000 | 26,000 | 3,000 | | Summer | 322,000 | 11,000 | 12,000 | 19,000 | 28,000 | 6,000 | | Autumn | 329,000 | 9,000 | 11,000 | 17,000 | 26,000 | 7,000 | | Winter | 306,000 | 9,000 | 11,000 | 16,000 | 22,000 | 4,000 | | 2003 | Spring | 295,000 | 6,000 | 11,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 | 4,000 | | Summer | 295,000 | 7,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 | 17,000 | 3,000 | | Autumn | 307,000 | However, data is available on the change in the level of manufacturing jobs. Table 1 – Quarterly change in the level of manufacturing jobs. | | Scotland | | Jun 04 - Sep 04 | -2,070 | | Mar 04 - Jun 04 | 690 | | Dec 03 - Mar 04 | -4,670 | | Sep 03 - Dec 03 | -3,210 | | Jun 03 - Sep 03 | -4,910 | | Mar 03 - Jun 03 | -5,300 | | Dec 02 - Mar 03 | -6,430 | | Sep 02 - Dec 02 | -6,750 | | Jun 02 - Sep 02 | -3,830 | | Mar 02 - Jun 02 | -2,820 | | Dec 01 - Mar 02 | -8,210 | | Sep 01 - Dec 01 | -6,700 | | Jun 01 - Sep 01 | -3,580 | | Mar 01 - Jun 01 | -1,480 | | Dec 00 - Mar 01 | -5,300 | | Sep 00 - Dec 00 | -1,790 | | Jun 00 - Sep 00 | -1,550 | | Mar 00 - Jun 00 | -3,520 | Source: Quarterly Employee Jobs. This information is not available quarterly for geographies below Scotland level. However, annual data is available from Annual Business Inquiry, which is carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Table 2: Annual Change in level of manufacturing jobs | | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2002-01 | 2002-03 | | Scotland | -12,980 | -17,020 | -21,640 | -19,860 | | Aberdeen | -610 | 440 | -730 | -2,910 | | Edinburgh | -2,140 | -2,640 | -880 | -2,300 | | Dundee | -260 | 30 | -1900 | 680 | | Glasgow | -1,110 | 300 | -2,710 | -1,900 | | Stirling | -430 | -80 | -660 | -160 | Source: Annual Business Inquiry. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186368,"EventID":"S2W-13659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, and what percentage of the workforce, were employed in the manufacturing industry in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, and what percentage of the workforce, were employed in the manufacturing industry in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each year since 199","AnswerText":"Table 1 reports the number of employees in the manufacturing industry in the areas requested each year since 1999.Table 2 reports the percentage of the workforce employed in the manufacturing industry in the areas requested each year since 1999. The estimates in both tables are from the Annual Business Inquiry employee analysis (1999-2003). Table 1: Number of People Employed in the Manufacturing Industry, 1999-2003 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Scotland | 315,000 | 302,000 | 285,000 | 263,400 | 243,500 | | Aberdeen | 15,400 | 14,800 | 15,200 | 14,500 | 11,600 | | Dundee | 11,300 | 11,100 | 11,100 | 9,200 | 9,900 | | Edinburgh | 22,700 | 20,500 | 17,900 | 17,000 | 14,700 | | Glasgow | 31,100 | 30,000 | 30,300 | 27,600 | 25,700 | | Stirling | 3,500 | 3,000 | 2,900 | 2,300 | 2,100 | Source: Annual Business Inquiry (ABI). Table 2: % of Workforce Employed in the Manufacturing Industry, 1999-2003 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Scotland | 15% | 14% | 12% | 12% | 11% | | Aberdeen | 9% | 9% | 9% | 9% | 7% | | Dundee | 18% | 16% | 15% | 13% | 13% | | Edinburgh | 8% | 7% | 6% | 6% | 5% | | Glasgow | 9% | 8% | 8% | 7% | 7% | | Stirling | 9% | 7% | 7% | 6% | 6% | Source: Annual Business Inquiry (ABI). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186369,"EventID":"S2W-13660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs have been created through inward investment in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow, (f) Inverness and (g) Stirl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs have been created through inward investment in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Dundee, (e) Glasgow, (f) Inverness and (g) Stirling in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"Statistics on the number of jobs created through inward investment are not held centrally. However, data is available on the change in the level of manufacturing jobs.Table 1: Annual change in level of manufacturing jobs | | 2002-03 | | Scotland | -19,860 | | Aberdeen | -2,910 | | Edinburgh | -2,300 | | Dundee | 680 | | Glasgow | -1,900 | | Highland | -1,080 | | Stirling | -160 | Source: Annual Business Inquiry. The most recent year information is available is for 2003 and data is not available for Inverness but is available for Highland Council area. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186370,"EventID":"S2W-13661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing output was in each quarter since January 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing output was in each quarter since January 2003.","AnswerText":"The table details the Gross Value Added (GVA) index for the manufacturing sector. For more detailed information and further explanation of the figures, refer to the GDP website:www.scotland.gov.uk/gdp. GVA in the Scottish Manufacturing Sector: 2003 Q1 – 2004 Q3 | Quarter | Index (2001=100) | % Growth on Previous Quarter | | 2003 Q1 | 90.9 | 0.2% | | 2003 Q2 | 90.2 | -0.7% | | 2003 Q3 | 89.7 | -0.6% | | 2003 Q4 | 90.9 | 1.3% | | 2004 Q1 | 91.1 | 0.2% | | 2004 Q2 | 90.9 | -0.2% | | 2004 Q3 | 89.9 | -1.1% | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186371,"EventID":"S2W-13662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total number of jobs and (b) employment growth rates (i) energy, (ii) water, (iii) manufacturing, (iv) construction, (v) distribution, (vi) hotels, (vii) re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total number of jobs and (b) employment growth rates (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 (1) Scotland and (2) Glasgow in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Table 1 reports the total number of employee jobs in the sectors requested in Scotland from 1998 to 2003.Table 2 reports the total number of employee jobs in the sectors requested in Glasgow from 1998 to 2003. Table 3 reports the annual percentage change in the level of employee jobs in the sectors requested in Scotland from 1998 to 2003. Table 4 reports the annual percentage change in the level of employee jobs in the sectors requested in Glasgow from 1998 to 2003. The estimates for all the tables are from the annual business inquiry employee analysis (1998-2003), which is produced by the Office For National Statistics (ONS). The data are only available from 1998 onwards. The data are for employees only and people who are self employed are not included. Table 1: Total Number of Jobs in Scotland, by specified industrial sector, from 1998-03 | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Energy | 13,300 | 11,100 | 9,500 | 15,100 | 11,100 | 11,400 | | Water# | * | 3,600 | 3,700 | # | # | 3,300 | | Manufacturing | 326,700 | 315,000 | 302,000 | 285,000 | 263,400 | 243,500 | | Construction | 138,500 | 133,800 | 130,300 | 120,100 | 123,300 | 120,600 | | Distribution | 465,200 | 448,800 | 432,300 | 405,200 | 386,700 | 364,100 | | Hotels | 46,400 | 43,700 | 46,900 | 46,400 | 46,700 | 48,000 | | Restaurants | 40,300 | 40,100 | 46,600 | 49,100 | 52,700 | 51,500 | | Transport | 79,100 | 82,500 | 80,700 | 89,500 | 84,200 | 83,500 | | Post and telecommunications | 35,600 | 36,500 | 37,800 | 39,900 | 41,600 | 38,800 | | Banking | 37,100 | 38,100 | 44,000 | 51,100 ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186373,"EventID":"S2W-13664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will ensure that clear advice is provided on the handling of parliamentary questions in the context of developing its guidance on the imple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will ensure that clear advice is provided on the handling of parliamentary questions in the context of developing its guidance on the implementation of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"Parliamentary questions arenot requests for information within the meaning of the act and the handling ofsuch questions is, consequently, not affected by it.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186374,"EventID":"S2W-13665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in identifying the location of existing fish farms and identifying those farms that are inappropriately sited, as recommended by the Transport","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in identifying the location of existing fish farms and identifying those farms that are inappropriately sited, as recommended by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 5th Report 2002: Report on Phase 1 of the Inquiry into Aquaculture. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has established the Location/Relocation Working Group to take forward a number of initiatives associated with the location and relocation of fish farms, an issue which has been identified as a priority for action in the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture. A sub-group has brought wildfish interests and fish farmers together at the local level to identify fish farms that could be relocated. A pilot exercise is currently underway to establish the best approach to facilitate relocation. Further details, including minutes of meetings can be found on the Scottish Executive website at http://194.247.95.102/about/ERADFF/FFAME/00018364/page1323922298.aspx.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186375,"EventID":"S2W-13666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether negotiations have taken place with owners of inappropriately sited fish farms for their removal to more appropriate sites, as recommended by the Transport and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether negotiations have taken place with owners of inappropriately sited fish farms for their removal to more appropriate sites, as recommended by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 5th Report 2002: Report on Phase 1 of the Inquiry into Aquaculture. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13665, on 2 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186376,"EventID":"S2W-13667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place with leading aquaculture companies regarding mechanisms that will enable inappropriately sited fish farms to be phased out or relocat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place with leading aquaculture companies regarding mechanisms that will enable inappropriately sited fish farms to be phased out or relocated to more appropriate sites.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13665, on 2 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186377,"EventID":"S2W-13668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in standardising and making more rigorous the Environmental Impact Assessment for new fish farms or significant extensions of existing fish fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in standardising and making more rigorous the Environmental Impact Assessment for new fish farms or significant extensions of existing fish farms, as recommended by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 5th Report 2002: Report on Phase 1 of the Inquiry into Aquaculture.","AnswerText":"COSLA is currently undertaking a review of the quality of fish farm Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The Review of EIAs is a priority for action in the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture. COSLA hopes to publish a report for wider consultation in the Spring of this year, and thereafter to issue guidance to developers and regulators on the minimum standards expected from fish farm EIAs.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186378,"EventID":"S2W-13669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the recommendation in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution' (RCEP) 25th report, Turning the Tide — Addressing the Impact of Fisher","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the recommendation in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution' (RCEP) 25th report, Turning the Tide — Addressing the Impact of Fisheries on the Marine Environment, that the code of containment for fish farms should be strengthened and made mandatory.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes the RoyalCommission’s report as a useful contribution to debate. Developing guidance on containmentis one of the 33 Priorities for Action in the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture.The containment working group has drafted an improved Containment Code of Practicethat will be included in the Industry Code of Practice. This will be subject topublic consultation. We are currently consideringthe contents of the Royal Commission’s report and will submit a formal responseto the RCEP later this year. My officials will lodge our response with the Environmentand Rural Development Committee as well as the Parliament’s Reference Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186379,"EventID":"S2W-13670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the recommendation in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution—s (RCEP) 25th report, Turning the Tide — Addressing the Impact of Fis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the recommendation in the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution—s (RCEP) 25th report, Turning the Tide — Addressing the Impact of Fisheries in the Marine Environment, that an environmental impact assessment should be carried out for every application for a new or significantly modified fish farm. ","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes the RoyalCommission’s report as a useful contribution to debate. COSLA is currently undertakinga review of the quality of fish farm Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Thereview of EIAs is a priority for action in the Strategic Framework for ScottishAquaculture. COSLA hopes to publish a report for wider consultation in the springof this year, and thereafter issue guidance to developers and regulators on theminimum standards expected from fish farm EIAs. We are currently consideringthe contents of the Royal Commission’s report and will submit a formal responseto the RCEP later this year. My officials will lodge our response with the Environmentand Rural Development Committee as well as the Parliament’s Reference Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186380,"EventID":"S2W-13671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11803 by Hugh Henry on 14 January 2005, what information was used to justify the comment in Review of Drug Treatment and Rehabilita","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11803 by Hugh Henry on 14 January 2005, what information was used to justify the comment in Review of Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services: Summary and Actions that "waiting times remain unacceptably high in some parts of Scotland".","AnswerText":"Concerns about long waiting times in some parts of Scotland contributed to the Partnership Agreement commitment to review drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Respondents to the review told us that waiting times were unacceptably high in some areas. This has been confirmed by the national waiting times information framework which we established in April 2004.The first set of provisional reports from the information available is shown on the Drug Misuse Information Scotland website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/wtpilot/waiting.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186381,"EventID":"S2W-13672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each bus and rail transport operator received of the £116.7 million funding for concessionary travel schemes in 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each bus and rail transport operator received of the £116.7 million funding for concessionary travel schemes in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The reimbursement arrangements for the current 16 local concessionary schemes throughout Scotland are subject to contractual terms between the local scheme managers and individual transport operators. The Executive does not hold information on the amount of reimbursement paid to individual operators.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186382,"EventID":"S2W-13673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish estimates of how much each transport operator is likely to receive of the £213 million funding allocated for concessionary travel schemes in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish estimates of how much each transport operator is likely to receive of the £213 million funding allocated for concessionary travel schemes in 2006-07.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans to publish operator specific estimates.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186383,"EventID":"S2W-13674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, of the additional £100 million made available for concessionary travel schemes in 2007-08 compared with 2003-04, how much will be required to fund travel that would","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, of the additional £100 million made available for concessionary travel schemes in 2007-08 compared with 2003-04, how much will be required to fund travel that would have been subsidised under existing concessionary travel arrangements and how much will be required to fund the extensions to the scheme.","AnswerText":"The additional £96 million in 2006-07 and £100 million in 2007-08 for concessionary travel will be used to pay for the national free bus scheme for older and disabled people and the national concessionary travel scheme for young people. These sums are in addition to provision already programmed for concessionary travel of £13 million in the transport portfolio budget and £104 million currently in the local government finance settlement. As the national bus scheme will be run by Transport Scotland, discussions will take place with COSLA on the share of the £104 million, which should also be used for the purpose of the national schemes. The national free bus scheme for older and disabled people will replace the current local schemes and expenditure will be capped at a maximum of £159 million in 2006-07 and £163 million in 2007-08. In 2003-04£96.6 million was allocated for all aspects of concessionary travel (the local busscheme and concessionary travel on other transport modes through the local government settlement). In addition, £20.1 million was provided through central top-up grants.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186384,"EventID":"S2W-13675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of concessionary bus travel was for older and disabled people in 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of concessionary bus travel was for older and disabled people in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"In 2003-04, £96.6 million was allocated for all aspects of concessionary travel (the local bus scheme and concessionary travel on other transport modes through the local government settlement). In addition, £20.1 million was provided through central top up grants. Separate figures for the costs of bus concessions are not available.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186385,"EventID":"S2W-13676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made to assist local authorities and other housing providers with the costs of maintaining multi-storey blocks that are more than 35-years old; whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made to assist local authorities and other housing providers with the costs of maintaining multi-storey blocks that are more than 35-years old; whether there are national guidelines on dilapidation assessments of such blocks, and whether the need to replace such housing is taken fully into account in determining the pattern of need for affordable housing.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:The responsibility for maintaining multi-storey blocks that are more than 35-years old rests with the landlord and it is for them to determine how best to deploy available resources taking account of local stock condition and housing needs. Ministers have set 2015 as the target date for local authorities and registered social landlords to achieve the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and have asked these landlords to submit standard delivery plans for meeting the Standard to Communities Scotland by April 2005. The standard delivery plans must identify the current condition of the stock. Detailed guidance has been issued in relation to a range of criteria for the SHQS. Landlords are required to identify a programme of works in order to achieve the standard and set forth the level of investment required to carry out these works, including the source of the required revenue. The standard delivery plans will therefore identify landlords plans for multi-storey blocks more than 35-years old. The need to replace such housing will be taken into account in determining the pattern of need for affordable housing. This will be done through local authorities’ local housing strategies which should ask a number of key questions, including whether the existing stock (public and private) is being managed to best effect, and whether there are management solutions, based on that stock, to existing or emerging housing problems. The strategies should then present actions on how this will be tackled. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186386,"EventID":"S2W-13677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in West Dunbartonshire left school and attained a higher qualification at a further or higher education institution, compared with the national av","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school leavers in West Dunbartonshire 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":"The Scottish Executive does not hold data which could be used to track individual school leavers through further and higher education institutions.However, the following table gives the percentages of school leavers from publicly funded schools in West Dunbartonshire entering full-time higher education for the years 1999-2000 to 2003-04 and the same percentages for Scotland as a whole. Percentage of School Leavers Entering Full-Time Higher Education | Year | West Dunbartonshire | Scotland | | 1999-2000 | 30% | 32% | | 2000-01 | 26% | 32% | | 2001-02 | 29% | 32% | | 2002-03 | 29% | 31% | | 2003-04 | 24% | 29% | Source: Careers Scotland. The following table provides estimates of the numbers of young graduates (aged under 25) from higher education courses at higher education (HE) institutions and further education colleges in Scotland whose domicile was recorded as being in West Dunbartonshire and for those domiciled in Scotland. These estimates are for the years 1998-99 to 2002-03 (the latest year for which data are available at present). Estimates of HE Graduates (Excluding Postgraduates) Aged Under 25 by Level of Study | | West Dunbartonshire | Scotland | | First Degree | Other HE | First Degree | Other HE | | 1998-99 | 130 | 230 | 13,039 | 13,058 | | 1999-2000 | 198 | 235 | 14,726 | 13,418 | | 2000-01 | 185 | 229 | 14,401 | 12,280 | | 2001-02 | 183 | 177 | 13,965 | 10,597 | | 2002-03 | 242 | 212 | 13,687 | 10,344 | Sources: Higher Education Statistics Agency and Scottish Further Education Funding Council. Note: Estimates prior to 2001-02 in the “Other HE” category differ from those from 2001-02 onwards due to improvements in the data collection for graduates from further education colleges. However, the 2001-02 and 2002-03 figures should still be regarded as estimates rather than actual numbers. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186387,"EventID":"S2W-13678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has met the business targets it was set for 2002-03 and 2003-04 and whether it is on track to meet the targets set for 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has met the business targets it was set for 2002-03 and 2003-04 and whether it is on track to meet the targets set for 2004-05.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Information on the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) performance on targets set for 2002-03 and 2003-04 is covered by the SPS Publication Scheme and was published in the SPS Annual Report for 2003-04. This was laid before Parliamenton 14 October 2004 and is available on the SPS website (www.sps.gov.uk). Performance so far in 2004-05is similar to that in 2003-04. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186388,"EventID":"S2W-13679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing those parts of the Landfill Directive relating to the engineering, operation and regulation of landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing those parts of the Landfill Directive relating to the engineering, operation and regulation of landfill sites.","AnswerText":"These parts of the Directive have been transposed by the Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003, which came into force on 10 April 2003. Oversight of the engineering, operation and regulation of landfill sites is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186389,"EventID":"S2W-13680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle dental disease among children in the NHS Greater Glasgow area, given its decision not to proceed with legislation to permit the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to tackle dental disease among children in the NHS Greater Glasgow area, given its decision not to proceed with legislation to permit the fluoridation of water supplies.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow Health Board has in place a range of measures to improve the oral health of children, including schemes to distribute free toothbrushes and paste to infants and to encourage toothbrushing skills in young children attending nurseries throughout the city. This work is further complemented by multi-professional locality based oral health action teams established to encourage a range of professional interests to work together to tackle the causes of dental disease. Though the Executive has stated that existing legislation on water fluoridation will not be amended in this Parliament, the Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985, which sets the framework for the introduction of fluoridation schemes, remains in force.Under the Act Scottish Water may fluoridate the public water supply when an NHS board so applies, following local consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186390,"EventID":"S2W-13681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently placed in the secure unit at Stobhill Hospital and whether the unit is operating at capacity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently placed in the secure unit at Stobhill Hospital and whether the unit is operating at capacity.","AnswerText":"Building work on the secure unit at Stobhill is due to start in the spring of this year. The new facility will have 74 beds to accommodate a mix of patients requiring medium and low secure care.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186391,"EventID":"S2W-13682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incentives being offered by some local authorities to attract social workers is having any adverse impact on services in other local authority areas, given th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incentives being offered by some local authorities to attract social workers is having any adverse impact on services in other local authority areas, given the current national shortfall in social workers, and what steps it is taking to avert any adverse consequences on authorities with the highest levels of deprivation.","AnswerText":"Pay is a matter for local authorities. The Scottish Executive has been working to increase the pool of social workers. This has included a Social Work Fast Track Graduate Scheme which will produce up to 520 additional new social workers by 2008, with the first 97 trainees graduating over the coming months. The numbers of Fast Track and qualified undergraduates in social work are rising each year and, over the next three years, we expect there will be an additional 650 new social workers joining the labour force each year. We have established an Incentive Scheme to encourage newly-qualified graduates into areas of significant shortage. There has also been an on-going recruitment media campaign since 2002 and promotion of the new social work degree. Figures show a 25% increase in qualifying social workers between 2002 and 2003 and a 25% increase in new social work students between 2003 and 2004. While recognising the need for a continuing commitment to the sector, significant progress has been made to address the need for social worker services across Scotland, including those areas with highest levels of deprivation.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186392,"EventID":"S2W-13683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the "first impressions" review report from Councillor Eric Milligan about standards of welcome and customer service for visitors arriving","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the "first impressions" review report from Councillor Eric Milligan about standards of welcome and customer service for visitors arriving in Scotland and, if so, whether the report will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Councillor Milligan submitted his report on 31 January. We are considering our response and will publish both in the last week of March.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186393,"EventID":"S2W-13684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to issue a public consultation on the review of the NHS Superannuation Scheme in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to issue a public consultation on the review of the NHS Superannuation Scheme in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the review of the NHS Superannuation Scheme in Scotland (NHS Scheme) lies with the Scottish NHS HR Forum (HRF). HRF have tasked the review to the Scottish Pensions Review Group (SPensiR).SPensiR have today launched a public consultation on the review of the NHS scheme. The consultation document contains options and recommendations for a new NHS scheme for new staff, and transitional arrangements for existing staff. The public consultation will run until 25 April 2005, and the consultation document can be accessed at www.scotland.gov.uk/sppa. Copies havebeen placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35022). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186394,"EventID":"S2W-13685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5020 by Nicol Stephen on 11 February 2004, how many road accidents there were on the A737 in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5020 by Nicol Stephen on 11 February 2004, how many road accidents there were on the A737 in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows: | Year | Fatal | Serious | Slight | Total | | 2003 | 1 | 11 | 40 | 52 | | 2004* | 1 | 8 | 34 | 43 | Note: *2004 figures cover the period to 31 October 2004 only. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186395,"EventID":"S2W-13686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5020 by Nicol Stephen on 11 February 2004, how many road accidents there were on the A737 on the section between Kilbarchan and Loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5020 by Nicol Stephen on 11 February 2004, how many road accidents there were on the A737 on the section between Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch Roadhead roundabout in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows: | Year | Fatal | Serious | Slight | Total | | 2003 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 6 | | 2004* | 1 | 1 | 7 | 9 | Note: *2004 figures cover the period to 31 October 2004 only. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186396,"EventID":"S2W-13687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving road safety on the A737.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving road safety on the A737.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is progressing schemes to install roundabouts at the A737/A760 Roadhead Junction and the Head Street and Barmill Road Junctions on the Beith Bypass. In addition North Ayrshire Council is promoting and funding an off-line improvement between Beith and Dalry, known as the Den Improvement, to bypass a series of bends and a small settlement.A full study into the road problems at Dalry, including proposals for a bypass, using the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance methodology is currently being carried out and should be completed by the end of June 2005. Each year the Scottish Executive analyses accidents across the trunk road network, which includes the A737, in order to identify and bring forward an annual programme of targeted road safety improvements. The following accident investigation and prevention schemes identified in the 2003-04 accident interrogation are currently underway: Middleton to St James Roundabout (improved signing and lining) A737/B706 Beith Junction (signing, lining and high friction surfacing) A737/B777 Beith Junction (Patching and replacement of carriageway markings) Dalry to Highfield (improved signing, lining, carriageway markings and application of high friction surfacing) Howwood to Barrodger (signing, lining and high friction surfacing). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186397,"EventID":"S2W-13688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce waiting lists for audiology treatment in the NHS Greater Glasgow area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce waiting lists for audiology treatment in the NHS Greater Glasgow area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made available an additional £17 million of central funding to NHS boards for audiology services over the period 2003-04 to 2006-07. Additionally, recurring funding of £5.5 million has been committed to audiology services from 2006-07 onwards. The Executive is closely monitoring the development of the modernisation project and we are considering innovative ways to continue to reduce waiting times as a matter of urgency. This includes looking at partnerships between NHS boards and the private sector.In 2004-05, NHS Greater Glasgow was allocated £1,176,540 from the Audiology Modernisation Project Board funds for staffing, accommodation upgrades and digital hearing aids and to support the waiting list initiative. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186398,"EventID":"S2W-13689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from NHS Greater Glasgow regarding the cost implications of initiatives such as Agenda for Change, the new consultant contract and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from NHS Greater Glasgow regarding the cost implications of initiatives such as Agenda for Change, the new consultant contract and the General Medical Services contract.","AnswerText":"No formal representations have been received.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186399,"EventID":"S2W-13690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual budget deficit for NHS Greater Glasgow was for 2003-04 and what the board's estimated budget deficit is for 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual budget deficit for NHS Greater Glasgow was for 2003-04 and what the board's estimated budget deficit is for 2004-05.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow recorded a surplus of £5 million in financial year 2003-04 and is currently forecasting a deficit of £4.6 million for 2004-05. The Executive, however, would expect the board to achieve financial balance by the year-end.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186400,"EventID":"S2W-13691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call-outs there were from the (a) Clydebank and (b) Milngavie and Bearsden area in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call-outs there were from the (a) Clydebank and (b) Milngavie and Bearsden area in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The number of ambulance call-outs from these areas between 1 January 2004and 31 December 2004 were as follows: | | Emergency Responses - 999 calls categorised as A (life-threatening) and B (serious but not life-threatening) | Urgent Calls - GPs requesting patient transfer by A&E vehicle | | Clydebank | 2,508 | 733 | | Milngavie | 641 | 282 | | Bearsden | 1,060 | 545 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186401,"EventID":"S2W-13692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of full-time consultants have increased their contracted time devoted to direct patient care from 21 hours per week to at least 30 hours per week as a con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of full-time consultants have increased their contracted time devoted to direct patient care from 21 hours per week to at least 30 hours per week as a consequence of the new consultant contract.","AnswerText":"The new consultant contract increases the contracted weekly time for direct clinical care from a nominal 21 hours per week (six fixed sessions) under the old contract to a nominal 30 (7.5 programmed activities) under the new contract. Guidance has been issued to NHS employers making it clear that it is expected that all full-time consultants should be agreeing job plans which should have at least 7.5 programme activities devoted to direct clinical care unless there are specific circumstances or responsibilities which would justify a different balance of work between direct clinical care and other activities.The average number of extra programmed activities across Scotland is 1.6. These are allocated to direct clinical care. This implies that on average 6.4 additional nominal hours have gone into direct clinical care over and above the normal contracted 30 hours. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186402,"EventID":"S2W-13693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurable improvements are being delivered as a direct consequence of the job-planning process introduced under the new consultant contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measurable improvements are being delivered as a direct consequence of the job-planning process introduced under the new consultant contract.","AnswerText":"The new contract was introduced on 1 April 2004. Some consultants are still completing their job plans and the contract is therefore not yet fully operational.We will be asking health boards to provide evidence of the realisation of a range of benefits under the new contract, including measurable improvements being delivered, once the contract is fully operational and as part of the normal performance management arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186403,"EventID":"S2W-13694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has quantifiable evidence of increased capacity to improve services to patients as a result of the new consultant contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has quantifiable evidence of increased capacity to improve services to patients as a result of the new consultant contract.","AnswerText":"The new contract was introduced on 1 April 2004. Some consultants are still completing their job plans and the contract is therefore not yet fully operational.We will be asking health boards to provide evidence of the realisation of a range of benefits under the new contract, including increased capacity to improve services, once the contract is fully operational and as part of the normal performance management arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186404,"EventID":"S2W-13695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can provide evidence of the re-design of services being taken forward as a result of the introduction of the consultant contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can provide evidence of the re-design of services being taken forward as a result of the introduction of the consultant contract.","AnswerText":"The new consultant contract was introduced on 1 April 2004. Some consultants are still completing their job plans and the contract is therefore not yet fully implemented.We will be asking health boards to provide evidence of the realisation of a range of benefits under the new contract, including service re-design, once the contract is fully operational and as part of the normal performance management arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186405,"EventID":"S2W-13696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median number of days wait was for in-patient treatment in the NHS Greater Glasgow area in 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median number of days wait was for in-patient treatment in the NHS Greater Glasgow area in 2004.","AnswerText":"The median waiting time for in-patient and day case treatment in NHS Greater Glasgow during the year ending 30 September 2004 was 34 days.NHS Greater Glasgow's waiting list shows that on 30 September 2004, 1,707 patients with a guarantee had waited more than six months for in-patient and day case treatment, a reduction of 2,414 (59%) on the previous year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186406,"EventID":"S2W-13697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the waiting time was for orthopaedic treatment in Greater Glasgow; whether waiting times have increased or decreased in the last year, and what steps it is taking to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the waiting time was for orthopaedic treatment in Greater Glasgow; whether waiting times have increased or decreased in the last year, and what steps it is taking to reduce such waiting times (a) in Greater Glasgow and (b) across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting times for orthopaedic in-patient and day case treatment for 30 September 2003 and 2004 for NHS Greater Glasgow and NHSScotland is provided in the following table.FAIR TO ALL, PERSONAL TO EACH – The next steps for NHSScotlandlaunched on 15 December 2004, sets out specific plans to tackle waiting times andintroduces a number of new waiting times targets, backed by substantialfinancial investment. From the end of 2007, the maximum waiting time for afirst outpatient appointment will be 18 weeks and the maximum wait for hospitaltreatment will also be 18 weeks. These targets will be delivered throughimplementation of service redesign and new ways of working, increasing NHScapacity, particularly the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, and by working with the independent health care sector. Last month, NHS Greater Glasgow signed a contract with BMI Healthcare which will see a 1,000 orthopaedic patients being assessed and treated at Nuffield and Ross Hall Hospitals. The patients will be seen within the first three months of this year and will receive their subsequent surgery before September 2005. The following table shoes the median waiting times for orthopaedic in-patient and day case treatment for the years ending 30 september 2003 and 2004: and the number of patients with a guarantee waiting more than six months for in-patient and day case treatment on 30 september 2003 and 2004. | | 2003 | 2004 | | Median Wait+ : Year Ending 30 September | | | | NHS Greater Glasgow | 113 days | 108 days | | NHSScotland | 106 days | 113 days | | Number of Patients Waiting More than 6 months* on 30 September | | | | NHS Greater Glasgow | 587 | 436 | | NHSScotland | 2,512 | 2,416 | Notes: +All patients - including patients excluded from the waiting times guarantee. *Patients with a waiting times guarantee only. Excludes patients exempted from the guarantee. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186407,"EventID":"S2W-13698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from cancer, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from cancer, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the table: | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Number of deaths1 | 311 | 286 | 320 | 275 | 310 | | Relationship to Scottish average2 | 119 | 110 | 117 | 103 | 116 | Notes: 1. Calculated using ICD10 codes C00-C97 (malignant neoplasms) for 2000-03 and ICD9 codes 140-209 (malignant neoplasms) for 1999. 2. Standardised mortality ratio: Scotland =100. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186408,"EventID":"S2W-13699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from respiratory cancer, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from respiratory cancer, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the table: | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Number of deaths1 | 108 | 80 | 90 | 93 | 110 | | Relationship to Scottish average2 | 140 | 110 | 123 | 124 | 155 | Notes: 1. Calculated using ICD10 codes C30-C39 for 2000-2003 and ICD9 codes 160-165 for 1999. 2. Standardised mortality ratio: Scotland =100. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186409,"EventID":"S2W-13700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from strokes or heart disease, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in West Dunbartonshire died from strokes or heart disease, shown also as a proportion of the national average, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the table: | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Number of deaths1 | 399 | 371 | 376 | 333 | 377 | | Relationship to Scottish average2 | 111 | 109 | 115 | 103 | 120 | Notes: 1. Calculated using ICD10 codes I60-I69 (cerebrovascular diseases) and I20-I25 (ischaemic heart diseases) for 2000-2003, and ICD9 codes 430-438 (cerebrovascular diseases) and 410-414 (ischaemic heart diseases) for 1999. 2. Standardised mortality ratio: Scotland =100. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186410,"EventID":"S2W-13701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department's consultation on the draft rural development regulation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department's consultation on the draft rural development regulation.","AnswerText":"The results of the consultation were published on 10 December 2004 on the ScottishExecutive website. Hard copies of the report, and the individual responses, are available to the public in the Scottish Executive library.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186411,"EventID":"S2W-13702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete phase two of the Tolled Bridges Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete phase two of the Tolled Bridges Review.","AnswerText":"Our aim is to complete phase two during summer 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186412,"EventID":"S2W-13703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether introducing two-view mammography for breast screening will lead to an increase in the numbers of cancers detected early, as appears to be the case in England and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether introducing two-view mammography for breast screening will lead to an increase in the numbers of cancers detected early, as appears to be the case in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to question S2W-13438 on 21 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186413,"EventID":"S2W-13704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether introducing two-view mammography for breast screening will lead to lower recall rates, as appears to be the case in England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether introducing two-view mammography for breast screening will lead to lower recall rates, as appears to be the case in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13438 answered on 21 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186414,"EventID":"S2W-13705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has examined the cost effectiveness of introducing two-view mammography for breast screening as compared to a single view mammography, in line with England and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has examined the cost effectiveness of introducing two-view mammography for breast screening as compared to a single view mammography, in line with England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the question S2W-13438 answered on 21 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186415,"EventID":"S2W-13706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce two-view mammography as a standard method of screening for breast cancer, in line with England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce two-view mammography as a standard method of screening for breast cancer, in line with England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to question S2W-13438 answered on 21 January 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186416,"EventID":"S2W-13707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, how many people were designated as being in "vulnerable and disadvantaged gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, how many people were designated as being in "vulnerable and disadvantaged groups" and living in Scotland in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Financial Inclusion Action Plan refers to the Executive’s six closing the opportunity gap (CTOG) objectives, announced on 12 July 2004. One of these is: to increase the chances of sustained employment for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.The CTOG objectives are underpinned by targets identifying key aspects of poverty and deprivation on which progress is required. Details are available on the Executive’s CTOG website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/people/social-inclusion/17415/opportunity. Specific CTOG targets refer to workless people dependent on Department of Work and Pension benefits in key areas, 16 to 19-year-olds not in education, training or employment, employees of public sector and large employers on low wages, young people leaving care and residents of the most deprived neighbourhoods. The definition of “vulnerable and disadvantaged groups” is a wide one, however, and includes people with a wider range of characteristics such as disability or caringresponsibilities. Some people have multiple such disadvantages. It is notpossible, therefore, to give overall numbers, nor to break these down by yearor local authority area. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186417,"EventID":"S2W-13708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, how many people living in "vulnerable and disadvantaged groups" were in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, how many people living in "vulnerable and disadvantaged groups" were in sustained employment in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004.","AnswerText":"Figures for all people in Scotland in employment in the years concerned are as follows. It is not possible, however, to define how many of these are in vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, nor how many are in sustained employment. | Levels* | Thousands | | Year | Quarter | Employment | | 2000 | Sep-Nov | 2,360 | | 2001 | Sep-Nov | 2,351 | | 2002 | Sep-Nov | 2,370 | | 2003 | Sep-Nov | 2,402 | | 2004 | Sep-Nov | 2,446 | Note: *Levels are for those 16+. Source: Labour Force Survey. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186418,"EventID":"S2W-13709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, what target it has for people living in "vulnerable and disadvantaged groups","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the objectives in its Financial Inclusion Action Plan of January 2005, what target it has for people living in "vulnerable and disadvantaged groups" working in sustained employment.","AnswerText":"There is information on the Executive’s closing the opportunity gap website, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/people/social-inclusion/17415/opportunity about targets relating to sustained employment for workless people dependent on Department of Work and Pensions benefits in key areas, 16 to 19-year-olds not in education, training or employment, employees of public sector and large employers on low wages, young people leaving care and residents of the most deprived neighbourhoods.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186419,"EventID":"S2W-13710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish national strategic guidance on the location of wind farms and provide a summary of existing guidance on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish national strategic guidance on the location of wind farms and provide a summary of existing guidance on this matter.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guideline 6 – Renewable Energy Developments, was published in November 2000, and is available at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/planning/nppg/nppg6.pdf. This guidance sets out important considerations to be taken into account before a proposal is considered acceptable, for example protecting the built and natural heritage and minimising negative impacts on local communities. An Environmental Advisory Forum on Renewable Energy has been established to consider how best to deliver the Executive’s renewable energy targets in an environmentally acceptable way. The need for further strategic guidance will be one of the issues that the forum will consider. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186420,"EventID":"S2W-13711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was to process applications made under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in each of the last three years and how many of these applic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was to process applications made under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in each of the last three years and how many of these applications remain outstanding.","AnswerText":"The information on consents received and determined in the past three years is set out in the following table. | Year | Applications Received | Applications Determined | Running Total of Outstanding Applications at Year End | Average Time to Determination (in months) | | 2002 | 3 | Nil | 4 | n/a | | 2003 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 13 | | 2004 | 23 | 6 | 31 | 17 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186421,"EventID":"S2W-13712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2390,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26868 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 July 2002, what progress has been made in creating a combined community and hospital medicines utili","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26868 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 July 2002, what progress has been made in creating a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database.","AnswerText":"NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS) is establishing a medicines utilisation unit headed by a chief pharmaceutical adviser. The work of this unit will include exploring the creation of a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database. Discussions are on-going on ways to use electronic links already established between hospitals, GP practices and NHS NSS, and about to be provided to community pharmacies, to allow prescribing and dispensing data to be collated from the different NHS sources.Information about medicines prescribed and dispensed in the community is already available nationally. However, developing a robust combined database for hospital and community prescribing for NHSScotland will present many challenges and will require further refinement to the existing primary care database and the development of an electronic prescribing system for hospitals. To progress this work, the Executive has funded the further development of the Prescribing Information System for Scotland (PRISMS), which gives access to prescribing information for prescriptions dispensed in the community for the past five years. For hospital data, a prototype electronic prescribing system is undergoing trials in the South Ayrshire hospital. Standards and a statement of requirements based on that work are being drawn up to facilitate the general introduction of electronic prescribing in Scottish hospitals. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186422,"EventID":"S2W-13713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to energy suppliers regarding the rise in the number of disconnections due to debt and, if so, whether these have led to any reduc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to energy suppliers regarding the rise in the number of disconnections due to debt and, if so, whether these have led to any reduction in disconnections.","AnswerText":"I recently met with representatives from energy supply companies and discussed, among other things, levels of disconnections of power supplies. My predecessor Margaret Curran had similar meetings early in 2004.Disconnections for debt in Scotland have fallen sharply over the last year. In 2003, the total number was 756: for the first three quarters of 2004, the most recent period for which figures are currently available, it was 104. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186423,"EventID":"S2W-13714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service is developing rehabilitation programmes intended to reduce reoffending rates in partnership with voluntary sector agencies and, if so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service is developing rehabilitation programmes intended to reduce reoffending rates in partnership with voluntary sector agencies and, if so, which agencies are involved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Currently there are no rehabilitation programmes being developed in partnership with the voluntary sector. However, SPS runs an employability Approved Activity that was formerly developed by Apex Scotland and SPS. Additionally, SPS works closely with over 100 voluntary and statutory agencies in the provision of reintegration services such as employment, housing and addiction support services that assist offenders on return to the community. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186424,"EventID":"S2W-13715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the measurable impact of the implementation of the European Working Time Directive has been on capacity in the acute sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the measurable impact of the implementation of the European Working Time Directive has been on capacity in the acute sector.","AnswerText":"Patient safety is of paramount importance and no NHS employee should be working when they are overtired. That is why implementation of the working time regulations is a key element in our work to improve patient care. By far the most significant impact of the working time regulations is among junior doctors because of the historically long hours they worked. The Executive wants all doctors in training to enjoy safer working conditions and provide the highest quality of patient care. Since the introduction of the New Deal Contract, junior doctors’ hours have been cut significantly, and around 97% of doctors in training in Scotland are now working for 56 hours a week or less.Data on the total weekly hours available from doctors in training from 1993 to 2009, showing the impact of the Working Time Regulations, are provided at chart 17 in chapter 4 of the Scottish Health Workforce Plan–2004 Baseline, published by the Scottish Executive in 2004. A copy of this is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 32656). This shows that available hours from doctors in training across Scotland increased between 1993 and 2000 and then remained stable between 2001 and 2003 (the latest year for which data are available). This was due to an increase in the number of doctors in training over the same period, as shown at chart 19 of the same publication. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186425,"EventID":"S2W-13716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of its consideration of new planning arrangements, it will introduce tighter restriction on permitted development rights to prevent these being used to a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, as part of its consideration of new planning arrangements, it will introduce tighter restriction on permitted development rights to prevent these being used to avoid local authority development planning or environmental controls.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently involvedin a programme of modernisation of the planning system and has a number of projectsunderway, which are at various stages. We will be considering the possibility ofa review of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order1992 within this context.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186426,"EventID":"S2W-13717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated for school sport in West Dunbartonshire and what it has been spent on in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated for school sport in West Dunbartonshire and what it has been spent on in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer 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/webapp/wa.search.In 2002-03, West Dunbartonshire also benefited through the Sports Facilities programme from an award of £177,326 for a fitness suite at St Columba’s High school in Clydebank. In 2003-04, West Dunbartonshire received £44,502 through the School Sport Co-ordinator programme and in 2004-05, £47,120 and £233,340 through the TOP programme and Active Schools respectively. In addition to the funding from sportscotland, West Dunbartonshire has been allocated almost £2 million through the New Opportunities for PE and Sport in Schools (NOPES) programme. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186427,"EventID":"S2W-13718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated for school sport in East Dunbartonshire and what it has been spent on in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding has been allocated for school sport in East Dunbartonshire and what it has been spent on in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire received £47,120 through the TOP programme in 2000-01and £348,853 through Active Schools in 2004-05.In addition to the funding fromsportscotland, East Dunbartonshire has been allocated over £1.5 million through the NewOpportunities for PE and Sport in Schools (NOPES) programme. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186428,"EventID":"S2W-13719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6398 by Andy Kerr on 2 June 2004, what further discussions it has had with UK officials on the Atkinson Review on national statisti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6398 by Andy Kerr on 2 June 2004, what further discussions it has had with UK officials on the Atkinson Review on national statistics and what implications this review will have for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The publication of the final report of the Atkinson Review on 31 January was an important and welcome development. The report will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the measurement of public sector output and productivity in the UK.The Scottish Executive has been working closely with Sir Tony and his team throughout the whole review process and this features in his final report. The review has important implications for Scotland. The Executive will be producing a Scottish-based strategy in the spring which is consistent with International Standards (as detailed in the review), while over the next few months we shall focus our efforts on the National Statistician’s nine priority recommendations and attempt to provide data for Scotland for inclusion in the UK National Accounts – for publication in the 2005 Blue Book in June. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186429,"EventID":"S2W-13720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to local authorities to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to local authorities to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided extensive guidance and support to all Scottish public authorities including the provision of a fully adaptable training package. It has not provided specific additional resources to local authorities as records management and the provision of information are already part of the general responsibilities of any local authority.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186430,"EventID":"S2W-13721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s annual funding allocation is intended to cover the range of its duties and responsibilities, including the implementation of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. It is a matter for SEPA to determine what proportion of its overall resources is to be devoted to specific responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186431,"EventID":"S2W-13722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been made available to local authority staff to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been made available to local authority staff to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of each Scottish public authority to ensure that their staff are trained appropriately. However, the Scottish Executive has provided an adaptable learning package which was made available to the entire Scottish public sector at no charge and has also issued extensive guidance. Its Freedom of Information Unit has assisted the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner in a series of regional seminars and has provided an extensive series of workshops and seminars on request.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186432,"EventID":"S2W-13723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been made available to Scottish Environment Protection Agency staff to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been made available to Scottish Environment Protection Agency staff to implement the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"It is the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s responsibility to ensure that staff are trained appropriately. However, the Scottish Executive has provided a fully adaptable learning package, which was made available to the entire Scottish public sector at no charge, as well as extensive guidance. The Executive’s Freedom of Information Unit assisted the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner in a series of regional seminars as well as providing an extensive series of workshops and seminars on request.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186433,"EventID":"S2W-13724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland and what expertise each member has.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland and what expertise each member has.","AnswerText":"The Forum for RenewableEnergy Development in Scotland (FREDS) is a high level strategic group and itsmembership has been drawn to reflect this. Although members have been appointedon an individual basis, they are expected to draw on the expertise andresources of their constituent organisations to help deliver the objectives of the forum. The members of the forum are: Jim Wallace, Deputy FirstMinister, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Chair) Ian Marchant, Chief Executive, Scottish and Southern Energy Ian Russell, Chief Executive, Scottish Power Graham McKee, SeniorDirector of Operations, Scottish Enterprise Sandy Cumming, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Paul Blakeley, VicePresident of Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd Rob Forrest, Chief Executive,Green Power Dr Richard Yemm, ManagingDirector, Ocean Power Delivery Ian Bryden, Associate Deanof Faculty of Design and Technology, Robert Gordon University Stephen Boyd, ScottishTrades Union Congress Jeremy Sainsbury, NaturalPower Consultants Donald Workman, Director ofCorporate and Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Scotland Malcolm Twist, ManagingDirector, Strachan and Henshaw (part of the Weir Group plc) Tony Amor, Chief Executive, ITI Energy Archie Campbell, COSLA. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186434,"EventID":"S2W-13725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where NHS dental examinations are available within a 50-mile radius of Aberlour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where NHS dental examinations are available within a 50-mile radius of Aberlour.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. NHS Grampian and NHS Highland will hold information on those dentists who have joined their respective dental lists.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186435,"EventID":"S2W-13726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding was allocated to the (a) Clean-Up, (b) Powershift, (c) Autogas and (d) Autogas+ programme in each of the last three years; how many vehicles benefit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding was allocated to the (a) Clean-Up, (b) Powershift, (c) Autogas and (d) Autogas+ programme in each of the last three years; how many vehicles benefited from each programme in each year, giving the average cost per vehicle, and how many applications for funding under each such programme were unsuccessful.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following tables: Clean Up Programme | | Funding (£) | Number of Vehicles | Cost Per Vehicle (£) | Rejected Applications | | 1 Apr 02 to 30 Apr 03 | 90,362 | 34 | 2,658 | 84 | | 1 Apr 03 to 30 Apr 04 | 451,546 | 194 | 2,328 | 86 | | 1 Apr 04 to 31 Dec 04 | 678,119 | 215 | 3,154 | 8 | Powershift | | Funding (£) | Number of Vehicles | Cost Per Vehicle (£) | Rejected Applications | | 1 Apr 02 To 30 Apr 03 | 176,863 | 108 | 1,638 | 39 | | 1 Apr 03 To 30 Apr 04 | 704,317 | 358 | 1,967 | 34 | | 1 Apr 04 To 31 Dec 04 | 197,184 | 178 | 1,108 | 21 | Autogas+ | | Funding (£) | Number of Vehicles | Cost Per Vehicle (£)* | Rejected Applications | | 1 Apr 02 to 30 Apr 03 | 111,200 | 139 | 800 | 89 | | 1 Apr 03 to 30 Apr 04 | 207,200 | 259 | 800 | 102 | | 1 Apr 04 to 31 Dec 04 | 225,600 | 282 | 800 | 8 | Notes: *The Autogas+ programme provides a grant of £800 towards the conversion of petrol vehicles (cars and light vans) under six years to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Financial information is gathered by fiscal year rather than calendar year. There is no Scottish Executive scheme called “Autogas”. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186436,"EventID":"S2W-13727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an updated estimate of the total number of salmon which were lost from sea cages in the storms of 11 and 12 January 2005 and what proportion of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an updated estimate of the total number of salmon which were lost from sea cages in the storms of 11 and 12 January 2005 and what proportion of this total was found dead in the cages.","AnswerText":"We are not yet in a position to update the initial estimates of salmon losses and mortalities. Final figures will be provided to the Executive by the industry shortly, in accordance with statutory notification procedures.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186437,"EventID":"S2W-13728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what complaints have been received regarding the standard of service cover and delivery since the introduction of NHS 24 in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what complaints have been received regarding the standard of service cover and delivery since the introduction of NHS 24 in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"Between 1 May 2003 and 25 January 2005, NHS 24 dealt with over 47,500 calls from the Highland area and received 25 formal complaints. In the same time span, the Scottish Executive received nine complaints about specific cases. On 1 December 2004, NHS 24 was rolled out to all of the Highlands with patients contacting NHS 24 to access GP services out of hours. Between 1 December 2004 and 25 January 2005, there were around 7,900 contacts with NHS 24 and the Highland Out of Hours service. In the same time span, four complaints were received by NHS Highland which were specifically about NHS 24.Both NHS 24 and NHS Highland are working together to investigate these complaints and will take forward any learning points which will help to maintain an efficient and effective services to patients in the Highlands. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186438,"EventID":"S2W-13729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to complete its appraisal of the Glasgow Crossrail scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to complete its appraisal of the Glasgow Crossrail scheme.","AnswerText":"In November 2003 the Executive awarded £0.5 million to Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) to undertake a feasibility study into their Crossrail proposals. In November 2004 SPT appointed the consultants Scott Wilson to carry out the study. Its findings are expected in mid-June.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186439,"EventID":"S2W-13730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in establishing a community planning partnership in East Dunbartonshire and how the arrangements being put in place will ensure that the comm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in establishing a community planning partnership in East Dunbartonshire and how the arrangements being put in place will ensure that the community is appropriately represented.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire Council is required to initiate, facilitate and maintain a process of community planning, in which all relevant public, private, voluntary and community bodies in the area should participate. This duty is established under section 15 of the Local Government in Scotland Act (2003) (“the Act”).Effective and genuine engagement of communities is at the heart of community planning. It must involve consultation, co-operation and participation. The local authority is responsible for facilitating this process. The Executive supports local authorities and their partners across the public sector in meeting their statutory duties in relation to community planning, in accordance with Ministers’ statutory duty to promote and encourage the process of community planning. Local authorities, as facilitators of the community planning process, are required to report regularly to their communities on community planning in their area. Reports should be geared towards the needs of the local community. Although such reports are not required to be submitted to the Scottish Executive, reports must demonstrate clearly how the local authority has implemented its duties under section 15 of the Act, including reporting on the means of consulting community bodies (and other public bodies) and a summary of the outcomes of such consultation. In addition, the Accounts Commission for Scotland is required to audit councils’ achievements in relation to their statutory duties under the Act – including those in relation to community planning – by means of cyclical Best Value audits. Further details are available as part of the community planning statutory guidance: www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/localgov/cpsg-00.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186440,"EventID":"S2W-13731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what skills and labour shortages in the Scottish economy could be addressed through the selective admissions system operated by the UK Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what skills and labour shortages in the Scottish economy could be addressed through the selective admissions system operated by the UK Government.","AnswerText":"Extensive research undertaken by our labour market intelligence unit, Futureskills Scotland, has consistently shown that skills shortages are not a major issue in the Scottish labour market. The most recent Employer Skills Survey, which was published on 27 January, presents the results from interviews with over 7,500 employers in Scotland, and shows again that attracting appropriately skilled staff is a mid ranking challenge facing Scottish businesses. The number of skills shortage vacancies in Scotland is small - equivalent to less than 1% of all employees and affecting 5% of establishments.That said, some sectors do have issues with hard-to-fill vacancies and there is continuing demand in areas of our public sector, we are taking steps to address these. We are also putting in place now steps to address our longer term demographic projections of a declining and aging population through our Fresh Talent Initiative, which aims to ensure we have the skills and talent to enable our economy to continue to grow. Scotland already benefits from the diverse listing of skills and specialists included under the UK’s Shortage Occupations Scheme, and we will continue to discuss with the Home Office opportunities open to Scotland under the existing immigration rules, including the Shortage Occupation Scheme, to ensure maximum advantage for Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186441,"EventID":"S2W-13732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is represented on the cross-Whitehall Managed Migration Group of officials and whether it has been requested to make an input to the group's top-to-bottom ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is represented on the cross-Whitehall Managed Migration Group of officials and whether it has been requested to make an input to the group's top-to-bottom review of managed migration.","AnswerText":"Immigration is a reserved issue and any review of managed migration is an issue for the Home Office. However, as part of the further development of the Fresh Talent Initiative, the Scottish Executive and Home Office are in regular discussions about managed migration and the implications for Scotland. This includes Scottish Executive staff attending occasional informal meetings where Home Office officials update other Government Departments on its work in this area. These meetings are for the exchange of information only and have no decision making powers.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186442,"EventID":"S2W-13734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to convey to Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) the importance of adopting good procurement practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to convey to Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) the importance of adopting good procurement practice.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual sets out a number of requirements in respect of procurement, including requirements that procurement decisions are based on value for money (usually following competition), that procurement processes are managed by staff with appropriate skills, experience and training and that purchasers preserve the highest ethical standards in their dealings with suppliers.The Executive’s Procurement Directorate helps Executive agencies and NDPBs meet their obligations under the Finance Manual in a number of ways, through its website, publication of guidance manuals and ad hoc policy and best practice circulars and through periodic meetings for heads of procurement and through the award of contracts for common requirements (e.g. electricity and ICT services) which are available for use by Executive Agencies and NDPBs. In May 2004 the Executive also organised a major conference for Scottish public purchasers entitled “Delivering Change”. The conference, attended by over 400 delegates, was designed to underline the important role that procurement needs to play in delivering better quality public services. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186443,"EventID":"S2W-13735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child care and early education places there are per 100 children in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child care and early education places there are per 100 children in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in table 1.17 of Scottish Executive Statistics Publication Notice ISSN 1479-7569 Pre-school and Childcare Statistics 2004 published on July 21 2004 at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00346.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186444,"EventID":"S2W-13736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional research is needed to assess the impact of early years initiatives on the affordability of child care across Scotland and whether cost remains a barrie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether additional research is needed to assess the impact of early years initiatives on the affordability of child care across Scotland and whether cost remains a barrier to take-up.","AnswerText":"The Parents’ Demand for and Access to Childcare in Scotland research published in 2004 found that 65% of parents did not pay for their child care. Of those who did pay, 72% found it easy to pay for their child care, 26% found it difficult to meet the costs, and 2% found it very difficult. Cost of child care for those on low to moderate income is being addressed through enhancements to the child care element of tax credits, with the maximum cost of child care eligible for tax credits increasing to £175 for one child and £300 for two or more from April 2005 (currently £135 and £200 respectively), and the maximum proportion of costs funded by the child care element increasing from 70% to 80% from April 2006. We are not currently considering the commissioning of further research.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186445,"EventID":"S2W-13737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a risk-based approach to inspection of child care and day-care provision, which would involve more frequent inspections for poorer-performing providers and longer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a risk-based approach to inspection of child care and day-care provision, which would involve more frequent inspections for poorer-performing providers and longer intervals between inspections for better performers, would help ensure resources are targeted at high-risk providers while minimising the burden of inspections on others.","AnswerText":"The Care Commission is required under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to inspect each care service at least once a year or at least twice a year where the service includes the provision of overnight accommodation. Within that legislative framework the Care Commission has developedan approach to regulation that takes account of risk. This includes: The development of a pre-inspection return which incorporates a self-evaluationfor providers. A phasing of consideration of a set of National Care Standards (for example the care standards for care homes for older people) over three to five years,rather than assessing compliance with all aspects of the standards every year. A risk-based approach based on pre-inspection returns, previous inspectionsand other criteria. Based on that, providers will receive either a standard inspection, which will include assessment against all of the legal requirements and against the core standards identified for any inspection year; or a concise inspection, which will focus on the legal requirements of the act and associated regulations. In relation to day-care services for children, the joint inspection arrangements with HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) have been further refined so that only one officer (either Care Commission or HMIE) inspects small services (i.e. services providing 10 or fewer places to children at any one time). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186446,"EventID":"S2W-13738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what types of projects the Office of Government Commerce's (OGC) Gateway Review process is applied and what other mechanisms exist for appraising, monitoring and e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what types of projects the Office of Government Commerce's (OGC) Gateway Review process is applied and what other mechanisms exist for appraising, monitoring and evaluating innovative or experimental initiatives.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has adopted the OGC Gateway Review process and appliesit to a range of procurement, business change, construction, re-location, IT enabled, legislative and policy delivery projects. We are committed, in the light of the Holyrood Inquiry’s findings and recommendations, to expanding the application of Gateway Review and are currently working on proposals to achieve this.In accordance with the Scottish Public Finance Manual, Project Sponsors and Project Managers are responsible for appraising, monitoring and evaluating their major investment projects, and are required to report progress to the projects’ senior responsible owner or similar authority on a regular basis. All major projects are required to include a post project evaluation within their planning irrespective of the degree of innovation involved and in the case of projects subject to Gateway Review; the final review takes the form of a Benefits Evaluation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186447,"EventID":"S2W-13739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that patients needing primary hip and knee replacement are treated by a surgeon who has the experience and knowledge gained by carrying ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that patients needing primary hip and knee replacement are treated by a surgeon who has the experience and knowledge gained by carrying out the operation frequently and whether it will issue advice to patients highlighting the advantages of seeking a surgeon who regularly undertakes a number of operations a week.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that specialisation across various disciplines can improve outcomes for patients.Trained surgeons are listed on the General Medical Council Specialist Register as having completed training in the relevant specialty, while trainee surgeons learn and perfect surgical procedures under the supervision of a consultant surgeon. Judging when a surgeon is able to undertake specific operations is a matter for agreement between the surgeon and the employing NHS board. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland has devised generic clinical governance standards to ensure that clinical practice is audited systematically. These include questions that patients may wish to ask about any surgical procedure they may undergo. The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality is one example of this type of audit, which assists surgeons to reflect on their practice. Clinical audit is key in terms of monitoring clinical performance. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186448,"EventID":"S2W-13740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of capital grants projects funded by the Scottish Arts Council since 1999 has (a) been late, (b) been more than 20% over budget and (c) not met operating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of capital grants projects funded by the Scottish Arts Council since 1999 has (a) been late, (b) been more than 20% over budget and (c) not met operating targets.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the ScottishArts Council. The information requested is not held centrally but we have askedthe Scottish Arts Council to provide the requested information to the Member.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186449,"EventID":"S2W-13741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any recipients of sizeable capital grants projects funded by the Scottish Arts Council since 1999 are experiencing financial difficulties which affect their conti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any recipients of sizeable capital grants projects funded by the Scottish Arts Council since 1999 are experiencing financial difficulties which affect their continued viability.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the ScottishArts Council. The information requested is not held centrally but we have askedthe Scottish Arts Council to provide the requested information to the Member.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186450,"EventID":"S2W-13742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that the resources allocated through the central heating scheme are not being accessed by the most fuel-poor and whether a proportion of current fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is that the resources allocated through the central heating scheme are not being accessed by the most fuel-poor and whether a proportion of current funding could be ring-fenced to a more flexible discretionary scheme through which the most fuel-poor could be assisted quickly.","AnswerText":"Research on the first year of the central heating programme suggested that over 60% of participants were fuel poor before entering the programme, and that nearly 90% of those participants were lifted out of fuel poverty by the programme. However, fuel poverty is not a criterion for the current programme, and it would be difficult to change the scheme in its final year.We are currently considering options for the future programme once the current programme ends in March 2006, and we will consult on proposals soon. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186451,"EventID":"S2W-13743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will mark LGBT History Month.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will mark LGBT History Month.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is marking LGBT history month in a number of ways.I will be hosting a reception for LGBT communities later in the month. This will be an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution that LGBT people have made to Scottish society. Communities Scotland have announced funding of £9,995 for the charity group “OurStory Scotland” to support a project researching the history of Scotland’s LGBT communities. And in addition, as an employer, the Scottish Executive, in conjunction with its LGBT staff network and the “Remember When” project, will mark LGBT History Month with a variety of events, including a lunchtime seminar for Executive staff. This will focus on the contribution of LGBT staff members to the Executive and the wider civil service. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186452,"EventID":"S2W-13744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are trained in environmental law, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are trained in environmental law, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of staff.","AnswerText":"All fiscals are provided withthe necessary training, development opportunities and guidance material to enablethem to carry out their wide range of duties, including appropriate guidance ondealing with environmental crime. The department has, however,established a national network of prosecutors who will develop a specialism in handlingenvironmental cases. They will specialise in environmental cases and provide adviceto colleagues in their area as appropriate. Each of the 11 areas into which thedepartment is divided has at least one environmental specialist, who will work closelywith environment protection professionals from the Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency (SEPA) and other specialist agencies and participate in a programme of jointtraining with SEPA lawyers. There are currently 15 environmental specialists, representing4% of all legal staff across the 11 areas. The department also has a numberof specialists in wildlife crime and fisheries offences. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186453,"EventID":"S2W-13745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to train staff in environmental law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to train staff in environmental law.","AnswerText":"All Fiscals are provided withthe necessary training, development opportunities and guidance material to enablethem to carry out their wide range of duties, including appropriate guidance ondealing with environmental crime. In addition, environmental specialist prosecutorsparticipate in a programme of joint training with Scottish Environment Protection Agency lawyers. It is not possible to disaggregatetraining expenditure to identify the amount allocated specifically to training onenvironmental law. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186454,"EventID":"S2W-13746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently undertaking training in environmental law, expressed also as a percentage of the total numb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently undertaking training in environmental law, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of staff.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-13744, on 3 February 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186455,"EventID":"S2W-13747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the implementation of EU environmental law under Article 211 of the EC Treaty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the implementation of EU environmental law under Article 211 of the EC Treaty.","AnswerText":"Primary responsibility for theimplementation of EU environmental law lies with the Scottish Executive’s Environment and Rural Affairs Department, working with the Scottish EnvironmentProtection Agency and other bodies as appropriate. The department’s resources allocatedto this work are not separately identified but are included in its programme budgetsand directly allocated costs. More detailed information on spending proposals forthe Department in 2005-06 is contained in the appropriate section of Scotland’s Budget Documents 2005-06: Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill Supporting Document, a copy of which is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib.number 35000).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186456,"EventID":"S2W-13748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the transposition of EU environmental law under Article 211 of the EC Treaty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the transposition of EU environmental law under Article 211 of the EC Treaty.","AnswerText":"Primary responsibility for transposing EU environmental law lies with the Scottish Executive’s Environment and Rural Affairs Department. Its resources allocated to this work are not separately identified but are included in the Department’s programme budgets and directly allocated costs. More detailed information on spending proposals for the Department in 2005-06 is contained in the appropriate section of Scotland’s Budget Documents 2005-06: Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill Supporting Document, a copy of which is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35000).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186457,"EventID":"S2W-13751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the electoral register produced by Grampian Joint Valuation Board restricts published electors' surnames and forenames to 25 characters each and whether such a re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the electoral register produced by Grampian Joint Valuation Board restricts published electors' surnames and forenames to 25 characters each and whether such a restriction applies to other electoral registers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to electoral registration. The Scotland Office have advised that they are not aware of any issues relating to the length of voters’ names in the register and that there appears to be no legislation restricting the length of individual entries.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186458,"EventID":"S2W-13752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding.","AnswerText":"The Price Waterhouse Coopers report on the analysis of funding arrangements for Supporting People is available on the Supporting People website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/housing/supportingpeople/new.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186459,"EventID":"S2W-13753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding will be available under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding will be available under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Price Waterhouse Coopers report on the analysis of funding arrangements for Supporting People is available under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and can be found on the Supporting People website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/housing/supportingpeople/new.asp.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186460,"EventID":"S2W-13754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding informed its recent reallocation of the fund and, if so, in what way.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report of the audit it commissioned into Supporting People funding informed its recent reallocation of the fund and, if so, in what way.","AnswerText":"The Price Waterhouse Coopers report identified wide variations across the country on unit costs and service provision. It confirmed the view emerging from reviews in England that significant efficiency savings were possible, particularly as unit costs are higher in Scotland. The wide variations in per capita funding across Scotland emerging in the report also reinforced the need to move towards a fairer distribution of resources across Scotland. Funding is now redistributed on a more objective basis using a new formula.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186461,"EventID":"S2W-13755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-13100, S2W-13102 and S2W-13103 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 January 2005, how it will ensure that the terms of the proposed contracts wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-13100, S2W-13102 and S2W-13103 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 January 2005, how it will ensure that the terms of the proposed contracts with the independent health care sector, including numbers of patients and procedures and contract duration, are negotiated to provide value for the taxpayer and quality service to NHS patients and how it will demonstrate that this value and quality have been achieved.","AnswerText":"As I said in my previous answers, contracts will be competitively tendered. Staff negotiating the contracts within NHS boards will have access to information about NHS costs both in Scotland and south of the Border, and about comparable pricesin the independent sector. They will reach a view on how best to structurecontracts in terms of prices, duration, numbers of procedures and other factorsthat provide the best achievable value for money and ensures that waiting timesare reduced for NHS patients in Scotland. Contracts will also be subject to financial audit.The contract terms will include a requirement that independent health care providers are properly accredited, and that they use clinical governance and clinical audit processes that are comparable to those in place in NHSScotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186462,"EventID":"S2W-13756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have their own diversity unit whose objective is to promote equality in the areas of sexual orientation, race, age, religion/faith, disability and gen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces have their own diversity unit whose objective is to promote equality in the areas of sexual orientation, race, age, religion/faith, disability and gender issues.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces are taking forward work on diversity. In April 2004, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) launched a Diversity Strategy for the Police Service in Scotland. This takes account of the dual role which the police have as both employer and service provider. The strategy provides a framework for developing and sustaining a diverse workforce within anenvironment which is both supportive and inclusive and offers direction to the service to support the development of a climate of equality and sensitivity in its service provision.Each Chief Constable is to draw up a force action plan for the implementation of the Diversity Strategy at force-level and to report back to the ACPOS Diversity Standing Committee which will be monitoring the progress of each force against their respective action plans. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186463,"EventID":"S2W-13757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots returned to Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots returned to Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186464,"EventID":"S2W-13758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, what type of employment expatriate Scots secured, broken down by profession, in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, what type of employment expatriate Scots secured, broken down by profession, in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186465,"EventID":"S2W-13759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, from which countries expatriate Scots returned in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, from which countries expatriate Scots returned in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186466,"EventID":"S2W-13760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots did not secure employment on their return to Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots did not secure employment on their return to Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186467,"EventID":"S2W-13761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots successfully started their own business in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its Fresh Talent initiative, how many expatriate Scots successfully started their own business in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186468,"EventID":"S2W-13762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of additional funding over the planned allocation was granted to each local authority specifically targeted towards delivering essential services for ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of additional funding over the planned allocation was granted to each local authority specifically targeted towards delivering essential services for refugees and asylum seekers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, expressed also in comparison with that allocated to local authorities in each year by the National Assembly for Wales.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated any additional resources to local authorities specifically to cover the delivery of essential services for asylum seekers and refugees. However, over £7 million has been provided since 2001 for projects promoting integration of refugees and asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186469,"EventID":"S2W-13763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each local authority specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of education services for refugees and asylum seeke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each local authority specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of education services for refugees and asylum seekers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated any additional resources to local authorities specifically for the delivery of education services for asylum seekers and refugees. However, over £7 million has been provided since 2001 for projects promoting integration of refugees and asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186470,"EventID":"S2W-13764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each local authority specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of social work services for refugees and asylum see","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each local authority specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of social work services for refugees and asylum seekers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated any additional resources to local authorities specifically to cover the delivery of social work services to refugees and asylum seekers. However, over £7 million has been provided since 2001 for projects promoting integration of refugees and asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186471,"EventID":"S2W-13765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each NHS board specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of health services for refugees and asylum seekers in (a)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding it allocated to each NHS board specifically targeted to assist them in the delivery of health services for refugees and asylum seekers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"No additional funding has been allocated to NHS boards to assist in the delivery of health services for refugees and asylum seekers. Funds are allocated to NHS boards to meet the healthcare needs of their resident populations. It is for each NHS board to deliver services to its resident population, including refugees and asylum seekers, from these funds.As part of the NHS Scotland’s Fair for All programme, NHS boards are specifically required to ensure that the services they provide are equipped to deal with the needs of ethnic minority communities, including refugees and asylum seekers. A National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health has been established with annual core funding of £330,000 to support the development of frontline services. A further £86,550 has been provided in the current year to allow the centre to develop a programme which specifically addresses inequalities in health provision to asylum seekers and refugees. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186472,"EventID":"S2W-13766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of blind women is over the age of 70 and what percentage of these received contact from social work services at least once a week, broken down by local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of blind women is over the age of 70 and what percentage of these received contact from social work services at least once a week, broken down by local authority area in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"Information is not collected on the number of blind women aged over 70. The table shows the proportion of registered blind women who are over the age of 65 for each local authority.No information is held centrally on what percentage of these women receive contact from social work services at least once a week. Table 1: Registered Blind Women, Aged 65 and Over, as a Percentage of All Registered Blind Women | Local Authority | 1999 (%) | 2000 (%) | 2001 (%) | 2002 (%) | 2003 (%) | 2004 (%) | | Aberdeen City | 83.4 | 83.5 | 84.1 | 84.3 | 82.6 | 81.2 | | Aberdeenshire | 85.9 | 85.0 | 85.1 | 82.2 | 83.8 | 82.2 | | Angus | 82.9 | 82.6 | 81.4 | 83.4 | 83.6 | 83.5 | | Argyll and Bute | 91.9 | 89.1 | 81.8 | 89.9 | 88.4 | 89.1 | | Clackmannanshire | 67.3 | 70.9 | 82.7 | 86.4 | 87.7 | 88.6 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 80.4 | 82.1 | 85.5 | 84.8 | 85.0 | 84.2 | | Dundee City | 79.9 | 79.7 | 80.6 | 82.5 | 81.8 | 81.9 | | East Ayrshire | 88.5 | 84.7 | 89.0 | 84.9 | 79.3 | 85.9 | | East Dunbartonshire | 86.3 | 85.7 | 86.8 | 82.7 | 82.0 | 81.7 | | East Lothian | 81.7 | 78.9 | 79.6 | 79.4 | 81.3 | 79.9 | | East Renfrewshire | 89.0 | 86.9 | 88.7 | 88.2 | 88.2 | 89.0 | | Edinburgh","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186473,"EventID":"S2W-13767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with severe and enduring mental health problems remained out of sustained employment in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with severe and enduring mental health problems remained out of sustained employment in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"The Department for Work and Pensions provide statistics on claimants of Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA). These show that the number of such claimants (for a period of over 13 weeks) as a result of a “mental or behavioural disorder” were: | 1999 | 98,000 | | 2000 | 105,000 | | 2001 | 110,600 | | 2002 | 117,900 | | 2003 | 121,000 | | 2004 | 124,500 | It should be noted that policy on employment and job search is a matter reserved to the UK government. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186474,"EventID":"S2W-13768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive its target is for reducing the 83% of blind and partially-sighted people of working age who remain out of work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive its target is for reducing the 83% of blind and partially-sighted people of working age who remain out of work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not set such a target. Our Closing the Opportunity Gap targets, announced in December 2004, involve reducing the number of workless people dependent on Department of Work and Pensions benefits, including benefits claimed by people with seeing difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186475,"EventID":"S2W-13769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it plans to allocate to local authorities and public bodies to allow them to conform to requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it plans to allocate to local authorities and public bodies to allow them to conform to requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, broken down by local authority and organisation.","AnswerText":"We take our responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) as an employer and service provider very seriously. We expect all employers and service providers in Scotland, including local authorities and public bodies, to do the same.The main provisions and timetable of the DDA have been in place for a number of years. It is for employers and service providers to decide what they need to do to comply with the legislation and allocate the necessary resources. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186476,"EventID":"S2W-13770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many documents or publications have been lodged by MSPs with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how many documents or publications have been lodged by MSPs with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Documents are only formally lodged in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre by the Scottish Executive or by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. From time to time, MSPs donate items to Information Centre stock, but details of the donor are not normally recorded.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186477,"EventID":"S2W-13771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report published in October 2004 by the Working Group on Hate Crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report published in October 2004 by the Working Group on Hate Crime.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are considering the detailed recommendations of the Working Group on Hate Crime and expect to respond to it in due course.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186478,"EventID":"S2W-13772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for adapting houses to increase the existing level of barrier-free housing stock from 1%.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for adapting houses to increase the existing level of barrier-free housing stock from 1%.","AnswerText":"Barrier-free housing and surrounding environment is a key element of the Executive’s social inclusion agenda. We will seek to ensure that the existing level of barrier-free housing is increased by requiring local authorities to take full account of the needs of vulnerable people, including disabled and older people, within their Local Housing Strategies (LHS).Funding to increase barrier-free housing is available from the Scottish Executive’s Housing Investment Programme, which is administered by Communities Scotland. In 2004-05, this programme amounts to £284 million. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186479,"EventID":"S2W-13773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a decontamination service will be set up.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a decontamination service will be set up.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is responsible for dealing with the outcome in Scotland of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, and for post-incident remediation. The UK Government and Scottish ministers have agreed to set up a Government Decontamination Service (GDS), which will be an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. The Executive has been closely involved in planning for the new Service and has provided financial support. There will be a Joint Ministerial Board with representatives from the UK Government, Scottish ministers and other Devolved Administrations. The GDS will be able to provide advice and guidance to Scottish authorities responsible for decontamination after an incident. Scottish ministers will report to the Scottish Parliament on the agency’s activities in the usual way. GDS officials will visit Scotland soon to meet stakeholders to inform decisions on how to develop the service for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186480,"EventID":"S2W-13774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report from the local public inquiry into the M74 northern extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report from the local public inquiry into the M74 northern extension.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the report from the local public inquiry has been received and is under active consideration. It is hoped that a decision on whether or not the scheme should proceed will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186481,"EventID":"S2W-13775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment's report Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic, published in December 1994, which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment's report Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic, published in December 1994, which states that increased road building encourages car use.","AnswerText":"The Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment’s report Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic, published in December 1994, concluded that improved trunk roads and motorways can cause an increase in traffic depending on the nature and characteristics of the road. As a result of its recommendations, traffic modelling techniques used by the Scottish Executive have been refined and updated.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186482,"EventID":"S2W-13776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its climate change commitments, it will call for a moratorium on all motorway construction in order to encourage a reduction in car use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its climate change commitments, it will call for a moratorium on all motorway construction in order to encourage a reduction in car use.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to closing the gaps in the motorway network through a programme of targeted investment to support Scotland’s economy. All schemes are assessed against our five main transport objectives of environmental impact, safety, economy, accessibility and integration. These projects are part of our commitment to significantly increase investment in transport. We are, however, determined to increase the share of transport spending on public transport improvements. Spending on public transport is due to grow to 70% of the total transport budget.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186483,"EventID":"S2W-13777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that local residents have been fully consulted on the construction of the M74 northern extension and the effect that the road will have on nearby com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that local residents have been fully consulted on the construction of the M74 northern extension and the effect that the road will have on nearby communities.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186484,"EventID":"S2W-13778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call for an inquiry into the location of toxic waste dumps in the east end and south of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call for an inquiry into the location of toxic waste dumps in the east end and south of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to call for such an inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186485,"EventID":"S2W-13779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has set aside for construction of the M74 northern extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has set aside for construction of the M74 northern extension.","AnswerText":"The estimated capital cost of the M74 Completion Scheme remains at between £375 million and £500 million. The funding allocated to the Transport Portfolio for future spending years was published in the Draft Budget 2005-06, a copy of which is available in the Parliaments Reference centre (Bib. number 34133). These plans include an allowance for the M74.The key major transport infrastructure projects and commitments currently being supported by the Scottish Executive were illustrated in the transport WhitePaper, Scotland’s Transport Future, published on 16 June 2004. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186486,"EventID":"S2W-13780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the M74 northern extension will still be built using private finance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the M74 northern extension will still be built using private finance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-11172, on 1 November 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186487,"EventID":"S2W-13781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns that companies tendering for contracts in relation to the M74 northern extension may incur higher costs due to protest and direct action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns that companies tendering for contracts in relation to the M74 northern extension may incur higher costs due to protest and direct action.","AnswerText":"We would take a view on all relevant risks throughout the development and construction of all major transport projects.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186488,"EventID":"S2W-13782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how speech, language or communication impairment is identified in children under five.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how speech, language or communication impairment is identified in children under five.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of local health systems and local authorities to work in partnership to ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place for the identification of children with communication impairment.Health visitors, speech and language therapists and nursery school teachers may identify children with communication difficulties through their routine contact with families. There is an open referral system for speech and language therapy so anyone, including parents, can refer directly to their local speech and language therapy department for assessment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186489,"EventID":"S2W-13783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient speech and language therapists to meet the level of demand.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient speech and language therapists to meet the level of demand.","AnswerText":"It is for local health systems, in partnership with local authorities, to determine local needs. However, in the period 1999-2004, there has been an 18.9% growth in the number of speech and language therapists in NHSScotland. The Scottish Executive is also committed, through the Partnership Agreement commitment, to further increase the overall numbers of allied health professionals, including speech and language therapists by 1,500 by 2007.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186490,"EventID":"S2W-13784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase the number of speech and language therapists in order to provide the appropriate treatment and support as required by the Educatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase the number of speech and language therapists in order to provide the appropriate treatment and support as required by the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has allocated funding of £3 million in 2004-05 and in 2005-06 to NHS boards to assist with the preparation for NHS obligations under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland)Act 2004. All NHS boards have been asked to draw up joint local plans with their local authority partners that identify priorities to support implementation of the act. These plans must show evidence of service development and sustainability of therapy services, including speech and language services. The funds provided will enable NHS boards to explore areas of activity including the development of workforce plans, skill mix, career structures, the use of support workers, the identification of training opportunities for parents and teaching staff in providing support as well as the development of new ways of working and service redesign.The Scottish Executive is also committed, through the Partnership Agreement commitment, to increase the overall numbers of allied health professionals, including speech and language therapists, by 1,500 by 2007. There are also a number of initiatives and investment flowing from the AHP Strategy to retain the existing workforce including a return to practice initiative and the development of alternative routes to state registration. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186491,"EventID":"S2W-13785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13299 by Rhona Brankin on 19 January 2005, how alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation programmes are audited to determine fundin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13299 by Rhona Brankin on 19 January 2005, how alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation programmes are audited to determine funding allocations at both local and national levels on the basis of outcomes.","AnswerText":"Local alcohol action teams provide details of services within their respective areas within a Corporate Action Plan submitted annually to the Executive. There is currently no national system in place to audit alcohol services in Scotland.National funding for alcohol services in 2004-05 was 70% based on the Arbuthnott formula and 30% distributed equally between the 15 boards. Local funding decisions are the responsibility of Alcohol and Drug Action Teams and their partners within NHS boards. An announcement on future funding and the proposed methodology for allocation will be made shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186492,"EventID":"S2W-13786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12905 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 January 2005, whether it is satisfied that adequate clinical trials and research have been carried out ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12905 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 January 2005, whether it is satisfied that adequate clinical trials and research have been carried out to ensure that prescribing Ritalin to children under 16 is safe.","AnswerText":"Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is authorised for use in children aged six years and over for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for the assessment of all requests for authorisation to market drugs. Before a new marketing authorisation, or a variation to an existing authorisation, can be granted, data from pre-clinical and clinical trials must be submitted to the MHRA by the applicant. The agency has advised that Ritalin was assessed for quality, safety and efficacy at the time of authorisation. The product information for Ritalin contains comprehensive information on the recognised side-effects of treatment. As with all medicines, the safety of Ritalin is continually monitored by the MHRA and the expert independent advisory body the Committee on Safety of Medicines. More information about the MHRA and the medicines licensing process can be found on: www.mhra.gov.uk. The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for funding and supporting research into health and healthcare needs in Scotland. The CSO is currently funding research into treatment with methylphenidate in boys with ADHD. The research will investigate whether chronic treatment with methylphenidate leads to tolerance or sensitisation, two processes associated with the development of substance misuse problems. The National Research Register (NRR), a UK-wide research database, records that there are 11 on-going research projects in the UK on ADHD. Details of these projects are available from the NRR, a copy of which is in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186493,"EventID":"S2W-13787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates the settlement date will be for the cost of repairs to the Erskine Bridge following the damage inflicted by an offshore structure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates the settlement date will be for the cost of repairs to the Erskine Bridge following the damage inflicted by an offshore structure.","AnswerText":"A debate on the parties’ pleadings will take place on 27 to 30 September 2005. The issue of liability and quantum of damages will be determined by the court if the parties are unable to reach agreement on these issues. It would, of course, be possible for the parties to reach an out of court settlement and the Scottish Executive would give careful consideration to any proposals for settlement put forward by the defenders or third parties.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186494,"EventID":"S2W-13788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an explanation has been obtained from legal advisers concerning the length of time it is taking to recover the costs of repairing the damage to the Erskine Bridge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an explanation has been obtained from legal advisers concerning the length of time it is taking to recover the costs of repairing the damage to the Erskine Bridge caused by an offshore structure.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s legal advisers have advised that the speed of the litigation has been a product of the number of parties to the proceedings, the complexity of the pleadings and the difficulty in obtaining an early date at which the various parties’ counsel were all available.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186495,"EventID":"S2W-13789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the differences in the outcomes of residential and community-based disposals by children's panels, tracking any local variati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into the differences in the outcomes of residential and community-based disposals by children's panels, tracking any local variations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-13791, answered on 8 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186496,"EventID":"S2W-13790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Commissioner for Children and Young People to monitor the differences in the outcomes of residential and community-based disposals by children&","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Commissioner for Children and Young People to monitor the differences in the outcomes of residential and community-based disposals by children's panels, tracking any local variations.","AnswerText":"The Review of the Children’s Hearings system has identified the need to put robust monitoring and evaluation procedures in place, including procedures to evaluate the outcomes of different disposals. The Scottish Executive will therefore be considering with local partner agencies how we can best deliver monitoring and evaluation procedures. Consideration will be assisted by Scottish Executive commissioned research intended to inform decision-making about the most effective use of secure accommodation. The research aims to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose and effectiveness of secure care in meeting the needs of young people, their families and communities. The project’s two interimreports will be published on the Scottish Executive website within the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186497,"EventID":"S2W-13791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the impact of the different outcomes of disposals by children's panels on social work provision and the impact of different disposal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the impact of the different outcomes of disposals by children's panels on social work provision and the impact of different disposals on local authority budgets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s main concern is that decisions made by Children’s Hearings result in positive outcomes for the child. Children’s Hearings need a range of disposals to meet the needs of individual children. Different disposals require different resources. Each disposal must be right for the child.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186498,"EventID":"S2W-13792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond formally to the Scottish Social Services Council reports Implementation of Phase One Qualification Criteria and Funding for Training, published in Au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond formally to the Scottish Social Services Council reports Implementation of Phase One Qualification Criteria and Funding for Training, published in August 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be responding formally to the Scottish Social Services Council reports Implementation of Phase One Qualification Criteria and Funding for Training. However, both working groups had representation from the Scottish Executive in their membership. The recommendations of both reports are reflected in the draft National Strategy for the Development of the Social Services report now out for consultation.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186499,"EventID":"S2W-13793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how rationalisation of the 21 sources of funding identified in the Scottish Social Services Council report Funding for Training, published in August 2004, will be achieve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how rationalisation of the 21 sources of funding identified in the Scottish Social Services Council report Funding for Training, published in August 2004, will be achieved.","AnswerText":"This report was considered by the National Workforce Group (NWG). The Education, Training and Development Working Group, as a sub group of the NWG, used these reports to inform development of the draft Strategy for the Development of the Social Services Workforce which was issued for consultation on 17 December 2004 which sets out the development of the social service workforce over the next five years and beyond.The draft strategy identifies various action points including looking at how we can streamline and simplify diverse funding streams. Following consultation, the strategy will be revised to take account of comments received and action will be progressed on this basis. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186500,"EventID":"S2W-13794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funds, in addition to the 21 sources identified in the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) report Funding for Training, published in August 2004, will be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funds, in addition to the 21 sources identified in the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) report Funding for Training, published in August 2004, will be allocated to meet training needs of social work and social care staff and, if so, how these funds will be targeted.","AnswerText":"Local Government Finance Settlement to 2007-08: Community Care circular issued in December 2004 announced increased funding to the voluntary sector care providers from £10.3 million to £13.6 million. This increased funding is to ensure there is provision for the increase in the quality of service and workforce required to meet the SSSC registration requirements. An additional £10 million has also been added to the current allocation of £17 million provided to upskill the adult services workforce.In November 2004 we announced that the early years and childcare workforce will receive £12 million over two years to help staff obtain formal childcare qualifications to meet the SSSC standards for registration. European Structural Funding (ESF) funding has also been secured to commence in 2005 and will be aimed at Small and Medium enterprises (SME’s) in the private and voluntary sector. This funding will be match funded by the Scottish Executive. An additional £600,000 has also been allocated to the Section 9 funding to national voluntary organisations. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186501,"EventID":"S2W-13795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific training grant funding will be awarded in 2008-09.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific training grant funding will be awarded in 2008-09.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. The Spending Review for this period will be carried out in 2006.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186502,"EventID":"S2W-13796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2767,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that voluntary providers of care secure adequate resources for training of staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that voluntary providers of care secure adequate resources for training of staff.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are committed to improving the quality of social care services provided and to raise the level of education and training available to staff working in the sector. Ministers recognise the important role the voluntary and independent sector play in the provision of social care services and the support that the sector as a whole requires to meet the requirements of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. There are many influences on workforce development which need to be taken account of in partnership with providers, planners and managers of services and significant additional funding has been made available.The Education, Training and Development Working Group, as a sub group of the National Workforce Group, developed the draft Strategy for the Development of the Social Services Workforce which was issued for consultation on 17 December 2004 which sets out the development of the social service workforce over the next five years and beyond. The draft strategy identifies various action points including looking at how we can streamline and simplify diverse funding streams. Following consultation, the strategy will be revised to take account of comments received and action will be progressed on this basis. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186503,"EventID":"S2W-13797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Smoking in Public Places: A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke, cost to produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Smoking in Public Places: A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke, cost to produce.","AnswerText":"The production costs of Smoking in Public Places: A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke were £116,981.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186504,"EventID":"S2W-13798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much International Review of the Health and Economic Impact of the Regulation of Smoking in Public Places cost to produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much International Review of the Health and Economic Impact of the Regulation of Smoking in Public Places cost to produce.","AnswerText":"The International Review of the Health and Economic Impact of the Regulation of Smoking in Public Places cost £46,873. The total estimated cost of referee reports and printing of this and the other two pieces of research referred to in S2W-13799 and S2W-13800 is £10,000.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186505,"EventID":"S2W-13799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Passive Smoking and Associated Causes of Death in Adults in Scotland cost to produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Passive Smoking and Associated Causes of Death in Adults in Scotland cost to produce.","AnswerText":"The study of Passive Smoking and Associated Causes of Death in Adults in Scotland was produced at no cost to the Scottish Executive. The total estimated cost of referee reports and printing of this and the other two pieces of research referred to in S2W-13798 and S2W-13800 is £10,000.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186506,"EventID":"S2W-13800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Workplace Smoking Policies in Scotland cost to produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Workplace Smoking Policies in Scotland cost to produce.","AnswerText":"The study of Workplace Smoking Policies in Scotland cost £113,050. The total estimated cost of referee reports and printing of this and the other two pieces of research referred to in S2W-13798 and S2W-13799 is £10,000.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186507,"EventID":"S2W-13801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the opinion survey research commissioned from Market Research UK as part of the preparation of Smoking in Public Places : A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the opinion survey research commissioned from Market Research UK as part of the preparation of Smoking in Public Places : A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke, cost.","AnswerText":"The opinion survey carried out by Market Research UK as part of the consultation on smoking in public places cost £6,098.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186508,"EventID":"S2W-13802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much its consultation exercise on smoking in public places cost and whether it will provide a breakdown of the expenditure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much its consultation exercise on smoking in public places cost and whether it will provide a breakdown of the expenditure","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the expenditure on the consultation on smoking in public places is outlined as follows: | Category | Description | Cost (£) | | Consultation (Written and web-based) | Materials, distribution, postage, advertising, IT, acknowledgements, miscellaneous expenses | 175,068 | | Regional seminars | Scottish Civic Forum costs and venues | 23,003 | | Youth consultation | Young Scot fee | 30,000 | | Opinion survey | MRUK Contract | 6,098 | | Analysis, evidence report and Focus Group work | George Street Research contract | 128,191 | | National conference | Venue, catering, materials, speakers’ expenses | 28,121 | | Evidence report | Printing and distribution of evidence report | 6,843 | | Casual staff costs | Casual staff costs to handle volume of responses | 6,321 | | Total | | £403,645 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186509,"EventID":"S2W-13803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent establishing the "Clearing the Air" website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent establishing the "Clearing the Air" website.","AnswerText":"The cost of setting up the “Clearing the Air” web-site was £18,275.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186510,"EventID":"S2W-13804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the referendum on congestion charging in Edinburgh should be postponed pending the outcome of the on-going legal proceedings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the referendum on congestion charging in Edinburgh should be postponed pending the outcome of the on-going legal proceedings.","AnswerText":"We are aware of the on-going judicial review action but the Scottish Executive is not a party to that action. This is a matter for the local authorities concerned and the court.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186511,"EventID":"S2W-13805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the farm income figures for 2004.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today publishing the Scottish farm income figures. There are two separate data series published at this time, each of which looks at agriculture from a different perspective.The Total Income from Farming series is an aggregate measure and relates to Scottish agriculture as a whole over the calendar year. The figures show that Total Income From Farming (TIFF) is estimated to have risen by 2.5% in 2004 to £505 million. Finished cattle and sheep markets continue to improve, as shown by the 3% and 5% increase in cattle and sheep respectively. Cereals are down slightly due to weather conditions and exchange rates. Due to its method of construction, the TIFF figures cannot be broken down into different types of farming. The second data series known as Net Farm Income is designed to enable comparisons to be made across different farm types. Net Farm Income is a narrower measure and is based on farm financial years rather than calendar years. Thus Net Farm Income captures movements in prices and costs that are different to those in TIFF because of the differing time periods accounted for by the two measures. For these reasons the two series should not be directly compared with each other. Average net farm income (NFI) for all farm types rose by 90% between 2002-03 and 2003-04, from £10,400 to £19,800. There was a considerable rise for most farm types, with cereal and general cropping farms showing significant increases. Net farm incomes are forecast to fall by about 47% in 2004-05 to £10,500 mainly as a consequence of lower cereals prices reflecting the poorer quality of the 2004 harvest. Detailed estimates of the outputs, inputs and income for 2004 at both aggregate level and by farm type will be published this morning. A copy of which will be place in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35602). ","AnswerDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186512,"EventID":"S2W-13806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number and rate was of hospital-acquired (a) blood infections and (b) post-surgical infections in each NHS board in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number and rate was of hospital-acquired (a) blood infections and (b) post-surgical infections in each NHS board in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"A national mandatory hospital infection surveillance system was introduced in 2001 to monitor blood infections with MRSA. The surveillance is operated by Health Protection Scotland and it produces quarterly reports. A first preliminary report on selected surgical site infections was published in October 2003 and a second in 2004.Data for both schemes are available at http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/scieh/infectious/infhospital.html ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186513,"EventID":"S2W-13807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the cost of backd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the cost of backdating the new consultant contract was in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"We are currently working with colleagues in NHSScotland to provide the data requested. I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and will arrange for a copy of my reply to be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186514,"EventID":"S2W-13808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the impact on pat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the impact on patient services was of backdating the new consultant contract.","AnswerText":"Agreement to award arrears of pay to eligible consultants under the new consultant contract is conditional on each consultant agreeing a job plan with his or her manager. The job planning process allows managers to schedule all of a consultant’s weekly activities systematically in order to secure the capacity required to improve services to patients and, where appropriate, take forward the re-design of services. Arrears of pay are only released where managers and consultants agree how the working week is filled in a way which makes best use of each consultant’s time for direct clinical care, supporting professionalactivities and on-call responsibilities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186515,"EventID":"S2W-13809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the cost of backd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the cost of backdating the General Medical Services contract will be in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"There are no elements of the new General Medical Service (GMS) contract which require to be backdated.Specific parts of the new GMS contract, such as quality preparation and some Directed Enhanced Services were implemented from 1 April 2003. Full implementation took place from 1 April 2004. These arrangements were as agreed during UK negotiations between the NHS Confederation and the General Practitioners Committee. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186516,"EventID":"S2W-13810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the impact on pat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, what the impact on patient services will be of backdating the General Medical Services contract.","AnswerText":"There are no elements of the new General Medical Service (GMS) contract which require to be backdated.Specific parts of the new GMS contract, such as quality preparation and some Directed Enhanced Services were implemented from 1 April 2003. Full implementation took place from 1 April 2004. These arrangements were as agreed during UK negotiations between the NHS Confederation and the GeneralPractitioners Committee. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186517,"EventID":"S2W-13811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, how continuing profess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the evidence to the Audit Committee on 25 January 2005 by the Head of the Health Department and Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland, how continuing professional development will be measured for those consultants who have not accepted the new contract and what action will be taken to ensure best value for patients.","AnswerText":"The training needs of all NHS consultants, whether on the new contract or the old contract, are identified in their learning development plans and progressed through regular appraisal procedures. Changes are however planned to link in with the future revalidation of all doctors.Following the fifth report of the Shipman Inquiry, Her Majesty’s Government announced the postponement of the General Medical Council’s (GMC) proposals for revalidation, which were due to be implemented from 1 April 2005, and that a review would be undertaken by Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer in England. As well as considering the arrangements for revalidation of doctors’ registration and how they relate to NHS appraisal, that review will also consider the membership of the GMC and how it is appointed, and whether it should retain a capacity (under fitness to practice procedures) to act as both judge and jury on the cases of doctors behaviour and performance. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186518,"EventID":"S2W-13812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure assessment in respect of road maintenance is for each local authority for (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure assessment in respect of road maintenance is for each local authority for (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Provision for GAE (Grant Aided Expenditure) in respect of road maintenance for each local authority in Scotland in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06 are shown in the following table. | Council | 2004-05 Allocation (£ Million) | 2005-06 Allocation (£ Million) | | Aberdeen City | 4,416 | 4,582 | | Aberdeenshire | 11,444 | 11,875 | | Angus | 3,905 | 4,052 | | Argyll and Bute | 5,697 | 5,912 | | Clackmannanshire | 1,242 | 1,288 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 7,895 | 8,193 | | Dundee City | 2,503 | 2,597 | | East Ayrshire | 3,187 | 3,307 | | East Dunbartonshire | 2,572 | 2,669 | | East Lothian | 2,573 | 2,670 | | East Renfrewshire | 2,120 | 2,200 | | Edinburgh, City of | 9,950 | 10,325 | | Eilean Siar | 2,752 | 2,856 | | Falkirk | 3,558 | 3,692 | | Fife | 9,045 | 9,385 | | Glasgow City | 9,793 | 10,162 | | Highland | 13,502 | 14,010 | | Inverclyde | 1,488 | 1,544 | | Midlothian | 2,222 | 2,306 | | Moray | 3,553 | 3,686 | | North Ayrshire | 3,248 | 3,370 | | North Lanarkshire | 6,265 | 6,501 | | Orkney Islands | 1,755 | 1,822 | | Perth and Kinross | 5,639 | 5,851 | | Renfrewshire | 3,666 | 3,804 | | Scottish Borders | 5,779 | 5,996 | | Shetland Islands | 1,791 | 1,859 | | South Ayrshire | 3,287 | 3,411 | | South Lanarkshire | 7,409 | 7,688 | | Stirling | 4,661 | 4,837 | | West Dunbartonshire | 1,721 | 1,786 | | West Lothian | 4,316 | 4,478 | | Scotland | 152,954 | 158,713 | GAE allocations are not budgets or spending targets. They are derived from a figure for the whole of Scotland which is the Scottish Executive’s view of what Scottish local authorities as a whole need to spend in order to provide an appropriate level of service","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186519,"EventID":"S2W-13813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many first-time buyers were helped on to the property ladder as a result of assistance from it in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many first-time buyers were helped on to the property ladder as a result of assistance from it in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows: Communities Scotland offers a range of schemes to promote low cost home ownership targeted at those on lower than average incomes such as first time buyers. In the period 1999-2000 to 2003-04, as shown in the following table, Communities Scotland grant assisted for construction, the building of thefollowing number of low cost home ownership homes. Communities Scotland Grant Assisted Low Cost Home Ownership Homes (1999-2000 to 2003-04) | Year | Total | | 1999-2000 | 2,168 | | 2000-01 | 1,134 | | 2001-02 | 374 | | 2002-03 | 623 | | 2003-04 | 1,372 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186520,"EventID":"S2W-13814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the research project "Scottish Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Obligation" was published; what conclusions were reached, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the research project "Scottish Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Obligation" was published; what conclusions were reached, and when the project was commissioned.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned or published research on “Scottish Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Obligation”.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186521,"EventID":"S2W-13815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes have been returned to use through the (a) Rural Empty Properties Grant and (b) Empty Homes Initiative in each local authority area in each of the last five","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes have been returned to use through the (a) Rural Empty Properties Grant and (b) Empty Homes Initiative in each local authority area in each of the last five years; what percentage of the budget allocated under each scheme was used in each year, and what percentage of applications was successful in each year under each scheme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The number of houses which have been returned to use through the Rural Empty Properties Grant (REPG) and Empty Homes Initiative (EHI) in each local authority area in each of the last five years are as follows: Table 1 – REPG by Local Authority (1999-2000 to 2003-04) | Local Authority | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | Aberdeenshire | 3 | | | 1 | | | Angus | | 3 | | | 2 | | Argyll and Bute | | | | | 1 | | Eilean Siar | | | 6 | | | | Fife | | 2 | | | | | Highland | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | | | Moray | | | | 1 | | | Perth and Kinross | | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | Shetland Islands | 1 | 2 | | | | Table 2 – EHI by Local Authority (1999-2000 to 2003-04) | Local Authority | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | | Aberdeen City | | | 29 | | Aberdeenshire | 10 | 14 | 2 | | Angus | 6 | 4 | 12 | | Argyll and Bute | | 3 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | | 5 | | | Dundee City | | | 40 | | East Ayrshire <","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186522,"EventID":"S2W-13816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty homes it estimates there are that would be capable of being brought back into use and how many homes were brought back into use in each local authority are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty homes it estimates there are that would be capable of being brought back into use and how many homes were brought back into use in each local authority area in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.Responsibility for tackling the issue of empty homes rests with local authorities as part of their Local Housing Strategies. It is an expectation set out in the guidance that, as part of a wider strategic approach to address housing need, alongside neighbourhood renewal and community planning initiatives, their strategy should consider whether the existing public and private housing stock is being managed to best effect and if there are management solutions based on that stock to existing or emerging housing problems. An analysis of data from the Post Census Vacant Survey is available through the Publications and Data – Data Library section on the Scottish Executive Housing Statistics website: www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/housing/hsbref. Table 1 provides background information on the number of vacant housing authority dwellings at 31 March for each of the last five years, by reason for the vacancy. It cannot be used to determine how many vacant dwellings could be brought into use. Table 2 gives year-on-year percentage changes. Table 1: Housing Authority Dwellings Vacant at 31 March, Numbers | Reason for Vacancy | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | (a) Used as temporary accommodation for homeless | 326 | 348 | 395 | 410 | 296 | | (b) To be demolished or sold with vacant possession within two years | 5,356 | 7,249 | 6,954 | 7,279 | 4,809 | | (c) Part of modernisation or major repair programme | 1,172 | 1,027 | 1,168 | 1,132 | 676 | | (d) In identified low demand area | 4,293 | 4,077 | 4,054 | 3,836 | 2,751 | | (e) Other | 10,373 | 9,376 | 8,175 | 8,479 | 5,972 | | Total vacant dwellings | 21,520 | 22,077 | 20,746 | 21,136 | 14,504 | Table 2: Housing Authority Dwellings Vacant at 31 March, Year-on-Year Percentage Changes | Reason for vacancy | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | (a) Used as temporary accommodation for homeless | n/a | 7 | 14 | 4 | -28 | | (b) To be demolished or sold with vacant possession within two years | n/a <","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186523,"EventID":"S2W-13817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13424 by Ross Finnie on 20 January 2005, how many complaints have been received by each local authority about excess packaging in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13424 by Ross Finnie on 20 January 2005, how many complaints have been received by each local authority about excess packaging in each year since the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 came into force.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not collate that data. The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 are regulations of the United Kingdom Government and relate to reserved matters.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186524,"EventID":"S2W-13818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13424 by Ross Finnie on 20 January 2005, how much funding each local authority has received under the Innovation Fund in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13424 by Ross Finnie on 20 January 2005, how much funding each local authority has received under the Innovation Fund in each year since the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 came into force.","AnswerText":"Local authorities do not receive support from the Innovation Fund. The InnovationFund, run by the Waste and Resources Action Programme, is to help retailers minimise waste from packaging and products.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186525,"EventID":"S2W-13819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any shortage of skilled nurses to manage the caseloads of patients with hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any shortage of skilled nurses to manage the caseloads of patients with hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to building nursing capacity within NHSScotland and is on track to achieve the Partnership Agreement target of attracting 12,000 nurses and midwives to NHS Scotland by 2007.In addition, the Facing the Future initiative for recruitment and retention of nurses is supporting and promoting a range of measures to boost the number of qualified nurses in NHSScotland, which is now at an all time high of 39,000 whole-time equivalents (WTE). Information on clinical nurse specialists employed in NHSScotland was collected for the first time at 30 September 2003. Across Scotland nurse specialists who treat and care for patients with hepatitis C can beidentified under the following titles: gastro-intestinal specialist nurses, hepatology specialist nurses and substance misuse specialist nurses. Information on staff in post by NHS board and clinical area of work is published in the report Clinical Nurse Specialists – Results from the Pilot Data Collection. This report is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under Workforce Statistics, at www.isdscotland.org/workforce. Information on Clinical Nurse Specialists is now collected annually at 30 September each year and compliments other intelligence and data for workforce planning purposes. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186526,"EventID":"S2W-13820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient resources available to ensure that people with hepatitis C are treated and counselled (a) inside and (b) outside hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient resources available to ensure that people with hepatitis C are treated and counselled (a) inside and (b) outside hospital.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13609, on 31 January 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186527,"EventID":"S2W-13821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are substantial support services available for people diagnosed with hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are substantial support services available for people diagnosed with hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"Since 2002, the Executive has made available resources for the establishment and ongoing activities of the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre in Scotland, which is based in Glasgow and offers advice on testing and treatment to those affected by hepatitis C. The services provided by the centre are in addition to those made available through individual NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186528,"EventID":"S2W-13822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has put audit processes in place to assess the effectiveness of hepatitis C prevention and harm-reduction measures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has put audit processes in place to assess the effectiveness of hepatitis C prevention and harm-reduction measures.","AnswerText":"Current processes include:- monitoring by Health Protection Scotland of the prevalence of hepatitis C among injecting drug users. This surveillance activity is designed to monitor trends so that the effectiveness of interventions can be evaluated. - a study, funded by the Effective Interventions Unit, to evaluate the effectiveness of the raising of the limits on the numbers of needles and syringes made available to injecting drug users; a report on the findings of this study will be published in 2005. - a study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, to evaluate the impact of methadone maintenance on high risk behaviours among injecting drug users, which was completed last year. A final report has been submitted to the Chief Scientist Office and a scientific publication is likely in 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186529,"EventID":"S2W-13823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider increasing substitution treatment as an alternative to needle exchange in respect of tackling hepatitis C in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider increasing substitution treatment as an alternative to needle exchange in respect of tackling hepatitis C in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Prison Service is steadily increasing its commitment to substitution treatment. While such treatment reduces the demand for injecting drugs, it does not remove the risk of spread of blood borne infection from sharing needles. International experience is that operating needle exchange schemes can be an effective additional measure to protect the population, rather than as a replacement for substitution. The Scottish Prison Service is currently considering its approach to measures such as making needle exchanges available to prisoners. It has not reached a decision. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186530,"EventID":"S2W-13824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of substitution treatment and the dosage supplied in order to develop its effectiveness in addressing injecting drug misuse and in redu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of substitution treatment and the dosage supplied in order to develop its effectiveness in addressing injecting drug misuse and in reducing the transmission of hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"These matters are covered in the Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management, published jointly in 1999 by the Department of Health and Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts. The Executive is currently in discussion with the Department of Health and others in scoping the work required to update these guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186531,"EventID":"S2W-13825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that pharmacies, drug misuse and harm-reduction services are not punitive in their outlook when working with those involved in drug misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that pharmacies, drug misuse and harm-reduction services are not punitive in their outlook when working with those involved in drug misuse.","AnswerText":"Staff attitudes are central to effective engagement with drug users and it is recognised that punitive and/or judgemental attitudes are counterproductive. The Scottish Executive has published research which describes good practice in prescribing, and clearly explains the risk to public health of re-using and sharing injecting equipment. A range of training programmes delivered by Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol addresses attitudes towards drug use and drug users.The Right Medicine - A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland acknowledges the contribution that pharmacists can play in delivering services to drug misusers in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186532,"EventID":"S2W-13827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding has been identified for further preventative innovations to combat the spread of hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding has been identified for further preventative innovations to combat the spread of hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"In addition to their unified budgets, the Executive already gives over £8 million per year to NHS boards in earmarked resources for work to prevent bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C. NHS boards use these resources in a variety of ways taking account of local need, including awareness-raising initiatives and needle exchange schemes.In October 2004, linked to SR2004, it was announced that an additional £6 million per annum would be provided for drug treatment and rehabilitation services in 2005-06. This brings the total to £32.5 million per annum, an increase of 23% on 2004-05. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186533,"EventID":"S2W-13828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an outline of its hepatitis C action plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an outline of its hepatitis C action plan.","AnswerText":"The hepatitis C action plan will serve as a broad framework for further implementation of the SNAP recommendations and the key messages in the Consensus Statement which emerged from the Conference in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in April 2004. It will also draw upon the evidence from the research studies published by the Effective Interventions Unit. The plan is currently being developed in consultation with stakeholders, for issue in spring 2005. It will set out the action in train and proposed to tackle hepatitis C. The main objectives of the plan are to set out the actions that will reduce the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and manage the burden of disease among those individuals who know they are infected and those who do not. Key areas of the plan will cover prevention, early detection and testing, treatment and care, and monitoring and surveillance. A key element of the plan will also be to raise awareness at all levels including professional and targeted groups of the general public. The financial implications of the action plan will be addressed as its various components are developed. However, the Executive already gives over £8 millioneach year to NHS boards in earmarked resources for work to prevent bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C. In addition to this specific allocation, NHS boards are given a unified budget to meet the health care needs of their resident population. It is for NHS boards to decide how best to utilise this funding to meet local and national priorities, including the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C. The Scottish Executive has commissioned Health Protection Scotland to estimate the current and future burden of HCV-related disease in Scotland over the next two decades. Further work is also being commissioned to identify how much it will cost NHSScotland to care for individuals infected with hepatitis C and how cost-effective different approaches to hepatitis C case finding and treatment would be. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186534,"EventID":"S2W-13829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its hepatitis C action plan will have (a) a public and (b) a medical professional component.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its hepatitis C action plan will have (a) a public and (b) a medical professional component.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13828, on 7 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186535,"EventID":"S2W-13830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the launch of its hepatitis C action plan will be accompanied by a financial commitment and, if so, whether this will be new funding and whether it will be ring-f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the launch of its hepatitis C action plan will be accompanied by a financial commitment and, if so, whether this will be new funding and whether it will be ring-fenced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13828, on 7 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186536,"EventID":"S2W-13831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made in respect of the numbers of sterile injecting equipment required for each episode of illicit drug injecting in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made in respect of the numbers of sterile injecting equipment required for each episode of illicit drug injecting in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has published research which estimates that the numbers of injecting drug users in Scotland in 2000 and 2003 were 22,805 and 18,737 respectively. The frequency of injecting by any drug user will vary considerably. However, by assuming that the number of injecting episodes varies between one and three per day, the estimated numbers of sterile injecting equipment required per year were 8 to 25 million in 2000 and 7 to 20.5 million in 2003.The reports of the National Prevalence Studies in 2000 and 2003 can be viewed at: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/prevalence.htm http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/prevalence3.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186537,"EventID":"S2W-13832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needles and syringes were distributed to illicit drug injectors last year and how it will address any shortfall in the number of needles and syringes being provi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needles and syringes were distributed to illicit drug injectors last year and how it will address any shortfall in the number of needles and syringes being provided.","AnswerText":"Information provided by drug and alcohol action teams in the annual Corporate Action Plans indicates that 3,937,553 needles and syringes were distributed across Scotland in 2003-04.The Lord Advocate’s guidance on needle exchange was changed in December 2002 to allow needle exchange facilities to give out a greater number of needles and syringes, per individual per transaction. The impact of this change is currently being evaluated by the Executive under the Scottish Drug Misuse Research Programme. The final report of the study will be made available later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186538,"EventID":"S2W-13833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of paraphernalia has been distributed in needle and syringe exchanges following amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and whether any financial restrictio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of paraphernalia has been distributed in needle and syringe exchanges following amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and whether any financial restrictions have had an impact on the amount of additional paraphernalia that needle exchange programmes can distribute as a preventative measure against blood-borne viruses.","AnswerText":"This information is not currently available. The Executive is currently in the process of commissioning research, jointly with the National Treatment Agency in England, to undertake a national survey of needle exchange services in Scotland and England. The findings will give a clear indication of the extent and nature of paraphernalia distribution by needle exchanges, including pharmacy schemes.In addition to specific allocations for Blood Borne Viruses and drug treatment, health boards are given a unified budget to meet the health care needs of their resident population. It is for boards to decide how best to utilise this funding to meet local and national priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186539,"EventID":"S2W-13834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4935 by Patricia Ferguson on 20 January 2005, whether it will detail all the artificial turf sports pitches for (a) football, (b) h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4935 by Patricia Ferguson on 20 January 2005, whether it will detail all the artificial turf sports pitches for (a) football, (b) hockey and (c) other team games that sportscotland has supported in each of the last three years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. | Year | Organisation | Award | Sport | | 2001-02 | Glasgow City Council | 358,000 | Football/hockey/multisport | | | Fife Council | 385,773 | Mainly football | | | Highland Council | 333,400 | Football/hockey | | | Fife Council | 92,000 | Mainly football | | | Highland Football Academy Trust | 1,000,000 | Football | | 2002-03 | Aberdeen City Council | 108,794 | Hockey | | | Annan Athletic Football Club | 102,000 | Football | | | East Renfrewshire | 500,000 | Mainly football | | | Highland Council | 435,060 | Mainly football | | | Heriot Watt University | 1,000,000 | Football | | | Blair Atholl and Struan Initiative | 52,297 | Football/hockey/netball/basketball | | | Muirkirk Enterprise Group Ltd | 54,224 | Football/basketball/netball | | 2003-04 | Highland Council | 127,342 | Football/hockey/shinty | | 2004-05 (to date) | Argyll and Bute Council | 273,565 | Football/hockey/shinty | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186540,"EventID":"S2W-13835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what code of practice is in place to regulate privately-run opticians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what code of practice is in place to regulate privately-run opticians.","AnswerText":"All opticians must be registered with the General Optical Council to practice in the UK. They must therefore meet the registration requirements and comply with the code of practice of the General Optical Council.Dispensing opticians and optometrists must also comply with their Code of Conduct, which states that “patients must be able to trust Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists with their wellbeing” and that practitioners “have a duty to maintain a good standard of practice and care and to show respect for all aspects of human life”. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186541,"EventID":"S2W-13836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on hygiene and cleanliness in opticians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on hygiene and cleanliness in opticians.","AnswerText":"The Executive regards cleanliness and hygiene in all healthcare premises, whether owned and operated by the NHS or used to provide a service to NHS patients under contract, as very important. Clean and hygienic premises reduce the risk of infection and improve the quality of patients’ and users’ experience of public services. Neither NHSScotland nor the Scottish Executive sets cleanliness and hygiene standards in respect of privately-operated optician services. The NHS does not generally provide high street optical services itself, but may make arrangements for these services through independent contractor optometrists. Their terms of service require them to provide proper and sufficient consulting and waiting room accommodation and suitable equipment for the provision of general ophthalmic services. Health boards are able to inspect such accommodation and equipment on request. It is expected that any contractor carrying out healthcare on behalf of NHSScotland will adhere to local and national NHSScotland guidance and protocols relating to infection control, hygiene and safe decontamination of re-usable devices. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186542,"EventID":"S2W-13837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS-run opticians regarding maintaining standards of hygiene and cleanliness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS-run opticians regarding maintaining standards of hygiene and cleanliness.","AnswerText":"The NHS does not generally provide high street optical services itself, but may make arrangements for these services through independent contractor optometrists. Their terms of service require them to provide proper and sufficient consulting and waiting room accommodation and suitable equipment for the provision of general ophthalmic services. Health boards are able to inspect such accommodation and equipment on request. It is expected that any contractor carrying out health care on behalf of NHSScotland will adhere to local and national NHSScotland guidance and protocols relating to infection control, hygiene and safe decontamination of re-usable devices.Neither the NHS nor the Scottish Executive sets cleanliness and hygiene standards in respect of privately-operated optician services. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186543,"EventID":"S2W-13838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules it has regarding the ownership of a financial interest in private prisons by judges, sheriffs and stipendiary magistrates and how the application of such rules","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules it has regarding the ownership of a financial interest in private prisons by judges, sheriffs and stipendiary magistrates and how the application of such rules is monitored.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not make rules about the conduct of the independent judiciary. Members of the judiciary are expected to conduct personal business in a way which avoids the risk of any compromise to their independence when handling cases which come before them.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186544,"EventID":"S2W-13839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations have been made by the Judicial Appointments Board on each judicial appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations have been made by the Judicial Appointments Board on each judicial appointment.","AnswerText":"Since the board was establishedin 2002, it has made recommendations for filling vacancies to the Office of Senatorof the College of Justice, Sheriff Principal, permanent sheriff and part-time sheriff.All of these recommendations have been accepted by Scottish ministers. The namesof all successful candidates in the period to autumn 2004 are published on the board’sown website at www.judicialappointmentsscotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186545,"EventID":"S2W-13840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the reported shortfall of almost £5 million will have on frontline police services and manpower throughout the Lothian and Borders police force ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the reported shortfall of almost £5 million will have on frontline police services and manpower throughout the Lothian and Borders police force area.","AnswerText":"The amount of Grant Aided Expenditure allocated to Lothian and Borders Police for 2005-06 is £179 million, an increase of £10 million on 2004-05. Lothian and Borders Joint Police Board has set the budget for Lothian and Borders Police for 2005-06 equal to this amount.The number of police officers in Lothian and Borders Police at December 2004 was 2,785 (whole-time equivalents), up from 2,717 a year previously. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186546,"EventID":"S2W-13841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be for residents in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian of the reported £5 million shortfall within Lothian and Borders Police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be for residents in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian of the reported £5 million shortfall within Lothian and Borders Police.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-13840, on 7 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186547,"EventID":"S2W-13842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to dual the A90 from Aberdeen to Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to dual the A90 from Aberdeen to Peterhead.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to dual the single carriageway sections of the A90 between Aberdeen and Peterhead. However, we are currently discussing with the North East Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) the conclusions of the multi-modal appraisal of the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty. Decisions on future improvements to that section of the route will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186548,"EventID":"S2W-13843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the programme funded by the Health Improvement Fund to improve oral health by providing free toothbrushes and toothpaste for targeted groups of children and the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the programme funded by the Health Improvement Fund to improve oral health by providing free toothbrushes and toothpaste for targeted groups of children and the programme to support daily toothbrushing for children aged three to six years in rural areas and areas of deprivation still exist.","AnswerText":"Programmes to provide free toothbrushes and paste have been in place across Scotland since 2001. Initially these schemes provided free toothbrushes and paste to all children at eight months and to those aged one to three years in areas of need. The scheme has been kept under constant review and is being refocused to include children between the ages of three and five years. In addition, nurserytoothbrushing schemes are in place in health boards throughout Scotland. Theseare estimated to be in place in approximately 70%-80% of nurseries, subject to local variation.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186549,"EventID":"S2W-13844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific assistance it will provide for first-time buyers in rural Scotland and whether, in particular, it will provide assistance with (a) fixed or reduced price ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific assistance it will provide for first-time buyers in rural Scotland and whether, in particular, it will provide assistance with (a) fixed or reduced price new properties and (b) shared equity schemes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The goal of the Scottish Executive’s housing investment programme is to provide new and improved housing in disadvantaged communities, to replace or improve poor quality housing and to help people on low incomes rent social housing or buy a fixed or reduced price home in rural or urban areas where demand exceeds supply or where market prices are beyond the reach of their incomes. Ministers have announced that the housing investment programme will aim to provide 5,000 low cost home ownership homes in the period 2005-06 to 2007-08. Aligned to this, Communities Scotland is developing a new shared equity grant for introduction this year, targeted mainly at first time buyers. We expect this new grant to be delivering as much as 1,000 new homes per annum by 2007-08. This will be available in rural and urban areas. In the period 1999-2000 to 2003-04, the Scottish Executive helped fund 5,671 low cost home ownership homes targeted at those on lower than average incomes such as first time buyers, of which 1,252 were in rural areas. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186550,"EventID":"S2W-13845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of administering social inclusion partnerships in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of administering social inclusion partnerships in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The total amounts claimed for administering social inclusion partnerships in each year from 1999 up to 2003-04 are shown in the table below. Figures for the current financial year are not yet available. | Year | Total Administration Costs (£) | | 1999-2000 | 845,407 | | 2000-01 | 952,490 | | 2001-02 | 1,045,911 | | 2002-03 | 1,194,720 | | 2003-04 | 1,242,249 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186551,"EventID":"S2W-13846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to attract energy-related commercial research and development projects to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to attract energy-related commercial research and development projects to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Through the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) we are working in partnership with academia and industry to help promote and accelerate the development of a range of renewable energy technologies. FREDS plans to consider Scotland’s research and development potential specifically, and its capability to help contribute to the development of our renewable energy opportunities.We contributed £2.125 million towards the capital costs of establishing the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney, which is promoting and enabling the research and development of marine technologies. We are also investing, through Scottish Enterprise, £150 million over 10 years in the Energy Intermediary Technology Institute in Aberdeen, which will focus on research and development for emerging and innovative technologies. Furthermore, with the support of the Executive, the Carbon Trust funds the research and development of innovative low carbon technologies. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186552,"EventID":"S2W-13847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the level of Scottish GDP per capita spent on research and development in relation to (a) the rest of the United Kingdom and (b) EU member stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the level of Scottish GDP per capita spent on research and development in relation to (a) the rest of the United Kingdom and (b) EU member states.","AnswerText":"Research and development expenditure for the rest of the UK, excluding Scotland, in 2002 was £334 per head of population. The remaining information, including the comparison of Scotland with the UK and the other EU member states, is contained in the answer to your question S2W-12287, on 30 November 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/wa.search. Data for 2003 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186553,"EventID":"S2W-13848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant orthodontists are employed per capita in each NHS board area and how many vacancies there are in each area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant orthodontists are employed per capita in each NHS board area and how many vacancies there are in each area.","AnswerText":"The current ISD Scotland data is correct to 30 September 2003. The following table shows the headcount and whole-time equivalent (WTE) numbers and rates per 100,000 population of consultant orthodontists, broken down by NHS board, at 30 September 2003. There were no vacancies reported for this census period. | NHS Board (at 30 September 2003) | Headcount1 | WTE2 | Headcount Rate per 100,000 Population | WTE Rate per 100,000 Population | | Scotland | 29 | 25.1 | 0.57 | 0.50 | | NHS Argyll and Clyde | 2 | 2.0 | 0.48 | 0.48 | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 2 | 2.0 | 0.54 | 0.54 | | NHS Borders | 1 | 0.5 | 0.92 | 0.46 | | NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 1 | 1.0 | 0.68 | 0.68 | | NHS Fife | 1 | 1.0 | 0.28 | 0.28 | | NHS Forth Valley | 3 | 2.3 | 1.07 | 0.82 | | NHS Grampian | 2 | 2.0 | 0.38 | 0.38 | | NHS Greater Glasgow | 5 | 3.8 | 0.58 | 0.44 | | NHS Highland | 2 | 2.0 | 0.96 | 0.96 | | NHS Lanarkshire | 3 | 3.0 | 0.54 | 0.54 | | NHS Lothian | 5 | 3.5 | 0.64 | 0.45 | | NHS Orkney | - | - | - | - | | NHS Shetland | - | - | - | - | | NHS Tayside | 3 | 1.9 | 0.78 | 0.49 | | NHS Western Isles | - | - | - | - | Source: ISD Scotland, Medical and Dental Workforce Census. Notes: 1. A doctor may hold more than one appointment. Their appointments may be in more than one NHS organisatio","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186554,"EventID":"S2W-13849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for (a) assessment, (b) urgent treatment and (c) non-urgent treatment by an orthodontist in each hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for (a) assessment, (b) urgent treatment and (c) non-urgent treatment by an orthodontist in each hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. Most orthodontics treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting and is likely to undertaken at the second and subsequent appointments. Information on waiting times is available only for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant, following a General Medical/Dental Practitioner referral. The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with an orthodontic consultant, following referral, by NHS hospital, in the year ended 30 September 2004, is provided in the table. NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-Patient Appointment1 with an Orthodontic Consultant, Following a General Medical/Dental Practitioner Referral. Year Ended 30 September 2004P | Hospital | Median Wait | | Abbey Health Centre | 45 days | | Adamson Hospital, Cupar | 95 days | | Argyll and Bute Hospital, Lochgilphead | -2 | | Ayr Hospital | 33 days | | Borders General Hospital, Melrose | 405 days | | Caithness General Hospital, Wick | 336 days | | Campbeltown Health Centre | 152 days | | Castle Douglas Locality Office, Dumfries and Galloway | -2 | | Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock | 37 days | | Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin | 728 days | | Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary | 336 days | | Dunbar Hospital, Thurso | -2 | | Dundee Dental Hospital | 59 days | | Edinburgh Dental Institute, Lauriston Building | 151 days | | Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary | 56 days | | Fort William Community Clinic | 50 days | | Garrick Hospital, Stranraer | -2 | | Glasgow Dental Hospital and School | 322 days3 | | Greenock Health Centre | -2 | | Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride | 81 days | | Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock | 82 days | | Islay Hospital, Bowmore | -2 | | Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie | 149 days | | Lorn and Islands DG Hospital, Oban | -2 | | Monklands Hospital, Airdrie | 104 days | | Perth Royal Infirmary | 485 days | | Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline | 33 days | | Raigmore Hospital, Inverness | 267 days | | Ross Memorial Hospital, Dingwall | 413 days ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186555,"EventID":"S2W-13850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to help NHS Grampian reduce waiting times for orthodontic treatment and fill consultant orthodontist vacancies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to help NHS Grampian reduce waiting times for orthodontic treatment and fill consultant orthodontist vacancies.","AnswerText":"We are confident that NHS Grampian is taking active steps to improve its orthodontics service. The board has not asked for help in this but the Executive stands ready should such help be sought.At present the board is recruiting two permanent consultants and will provide interim services using locum consultants. Additional treatment sessions are being run to ensure that urgent cases are seen almost immediately and to provide continuity of treatment where this has already started. NHS Grampian is about to engage an independent company to assess 140 patients in February. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186556,"EventID":"S2W-13851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight will be given to the number of cancelled train services when assessing the performance of First ScotRail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weight will be given to the number of cancelled train services when assessing the performance of First ScotRail.","AnswerText":"The ScotRail franchise agreement contains a number of benchmarks against which the operator’s performance is measured and assessed. Included in these benchmarks is a limit on the number of services which may be cancelled in any given period. Failure to meet the performance benchmarks will lead to penalty payments being imposed on the operator and could ultimately lead to breaches of the contract and default by the franchisee.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186557,"EventID":"S2W-13852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist NHS orthodontic practitioners per capita there are in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist NHS orthodontic practitioners per capita there are in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Current centrally-held data on orthodontic staff is correct to 30 September 2003.Information on NHS orthodontic practitioners within hospital and community health service (HCHS) and general dental practice in NHSScotland as at 30 September 2004 will be published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under Workforce Statistics, at www.isdscotland.org/workforce on 10 February 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186558,"EventID":"S2W-13853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any access grants or incentive packages available to encourage specialist NHS orthodontic practitioners to set up in areas of need.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any access grants or incentive packages available to encourage specialist NHS orthodontic practitioners to set up in areas of need.","AnswerText":"There are currently no grants or incentive packages available from the Executive to encourage dentists willing to set up NHS orthodontic dental practices but this issue is under active consideration by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186559,"EventID":"S2W-13854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11134 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 October 2004, how many antisocial behaviour orders granted in each local authority area in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11134 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 October 2004, how many antisocial behaviour orders granted in each local authority area in each year since 1999 related to noise nuisance.","AnswerText":"The Executive has commissioned research on the use of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs), including data on the types of prohibitions made. Initial findings indicate that, in 2003-04, 46% of ASBOs included prohibitions on noise nuisance. Information on the content of antisocial behaviour orders has not been collected for previous years. An interim report will be published in the spring.Section 15 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 requires local authorities to keep records of orders in their area, including information on prohibitions imposed by the order. This will inform data collection on the use of ASBOs in future. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186560,"EventID":"S2W-13855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have set up designated noise control areas under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have set up designated noise control areas under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.","AnswerText":"By 2 February 2005, only one local authority, the City of Edinburgh Council, had formally submitted a copy of their resolution to Scottish ministers to apply the noise control provisions to all of its area, as required under section 41(5)(b)(i) of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004.A total of twenty two local authorities have, however, applied to the Scottish Executive for funding to assist in the discharge of the noise provisions of the act. These provisions have not yet commenced as supporting regulations to the act – the Antisocial Behaviour (Noise control) Regulations 2005 – have still to come into force. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186561,"EventID":"S2W-13856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders granted in each local authority area in each year since 1999 have been breached and how many of these related to noise nuisance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many antisocial behaviour orders granted in each local authority area in each year since 1999 have been breached and how many of these related to noise nuisance.","AnswerText":"Information on convictions where the offence involved breach of an antisocial behaviour order is provided in the following table. The information is provided by court area as robust information by local authority area is not currently available.Information is not available on the type of conduct which led to the orders being broken. Breach of Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Charges Proved in Scottish Courts - 1999 to 2003 | Sheriff Court | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 20032 | | Aberdeen | - | - | 4 | 18 | 17 | | Airdrie | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | | Arbroath | - | - | - | - | 2 | | Ayr | - | - | - | - | 1 | | Cupar | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | | Dumbarton | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Dundee | - | - | - | 6 | 2 | | Dunfermline | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | | Edinburgh | 1 | 5 | 20 | 4 | 4 | | Glasgow | - | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | | Hamilton | - | - | - | - | 4 | | Kirkcaldy | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | | Oban | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Peebles | - | - | 1 | - | - | | Peterhead | - | - | 1 | 1 | -","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186562,"EventID":"S2W-13857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question 204530 by Des Browne MP on 17 January 2005 (Official Report, c 740W), how it distributed the payments it received from the National Asy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question 204530 by Des Browne MP on 17 January 2005 (Official Report, c 740W), how it distributed the payments it received from the National Asylum Support Service from 1999-2000 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The payments received by the National Asylum Support Service were distributed according to claims submitted by the local authorities accommodating asylum seekers who arrived prior to the dispersal programme being introduced. Information on individual payments to authorities is set out in the following table. | Authority | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Aberdeen City | 85,674.63 | 95,580.97 | 91,087.01 | 65,061.62 | | Aberdeenshire | 11,476.66 | 3,924.42 | | | | Argyll and Bute | 5,775 | 7,605 | 7,280 | 7,904 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 6,817.22 | 3,371.84 | 2,860 | 3,000 | | Dundee City | 14,468.48 | 4,448.80 | 12,199.20 | 12,199.20 | | East Ayrshire | 1,852.80 | 253.19 | 1,946.38 | 4,468.90 | | East Dunbartonshire | 250.56 | 2,688.75 | 6,438.04 | 2,980.33 | | East Lothian | | | | 6,000 | | East Renfrewshire | 16,851 | 14,199.50 | 8,214.80 | 1,276 | | Edinburgh City | 1,530,757.85 | 2,106,082.07 | 2,025,999.36 | 1,912,772.30 | | Falkirk | 425.60 | | 2,386.82 | 6,947.08 | | Fife | 25,989.07 | 63,819.58 | 47,761.03 | 25,750.25 | | Glasgow City | 1,615,734.95 | 1,666,869.94 | 2,510,133.40 | 2,052,174 | | Highland | 6,963 | 441.70 | 856.45 | 2,920.75 | | Midlothian | 4,429.44 | 1,926.49 | 1,696.19 | 863.13 | | North Ayrshire | | 2664 | | | | Nort","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186563,"EventID":"S2W-13858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated for asylum seeker costs or support to each local authority in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated for asylum seeker costs or support to each local authority in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not allocated any additional resources to local authorities specifically for asylum seeker costs or support. However, over £7 million has been provided since 2001 for projects promoting integration of refugees and asylum seekers. The Home Office is responsible for providing support to asylum seekers. However, from 1999 to 2003 the Scottish Executive paid grants to local authorities, on behalf of the Home Office, to cover support costs of asylum seekers who arrived prior to the establishment of the National Asylum Support Service. The full costs of these grants were reimbursed to the Scottish Executive by the Home Office. The breakdown of the payments is provided in the answer to question S2W-13857 on 9 February 2005. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186564,"EventID":"S2W-13859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) had hip or knee replacements in each of the last five years and (b) are currently awaiting hip or knee replacements, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients (a) had hip or knee replacements in each of the last five years and (b) are currently awaiting hip or knee replacements, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following tables.Over the last four years, the annual number of hip and knee replacement operations undertaken by NHSScotland has increased by 8.5% and 26.8% respectively. NHSScotland: Number of Total Hip Replacement1 Procedures Undertaken During the Years Ending 31 March 2000 to 2004 Inclusive and the Number Of Patients on the In-Patient and Day Case Waiting List for a Total Hip Replacement1 on 30 September 2004 | NHS Board | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004P | Waiting List | | Argyll and Clyde | 355 | 377 | 373 | 439 | 471 | 298 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 333 | 358 | 363 | 345 | 417 | 202 | | Borders | 134 | 139 | 168 | 182 | 158 | 55 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 150 | 160 | 157 | 176 | 168 | 144 | | Fife | 407 | 445 | 427 | 390 | 399 | 245 | | Forth Valley | 216 | 232 | 222 | 231 | 295 | 169 | | Grampian | 619 | 594 | 597 | 585 | 663 | 431 | | Greater Glasgow | 774 | 697 | 704 | 757 | 791 | 560 | | Highland | 303 | 323 | 275 | 280 | 302 | 186 | | Lanarkshire | 402 | 393 | 446 | 420 | 539 | 215 | | Lothian | 743 | 784 | 706 | 826 | 666 | 495 | | Orkney | 38 | 43 | 31 | 50 The following table shows the headcount and whole-time equivalent (WTE) numbers of trauma and orthopaedic consultants as at 30 September for the years 1999 to 2003, broken down by NHS board. | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | NHS Board | Headcount | WTE1 | Headcount | WTE1 | Headcount | WTE1 | Headcount | WTE1 | Headcount | WTE1 | | Scotland | 140 | 136.0 | 138 | 135.1 | 139 | 136.5 | 143 | 140.6 | 151 | 148.6 | | NHS Argyll and Clyde | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 8.0 | 7 | 7.0 | 8 | 8.0 | 10 | 10.0 | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 9 | 9.0 | 9 | 9.0 | 9 | 9.0 | 10 | 10.0 | 11 | 11.0 | | NHS Borders | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | | NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 4 | 4.0 | 3 | 3.0 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 4.0 | 5 | 5.0 | | NHS Fife | 6 | 6.0 | 6 | 6.0 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 7.0 | | NHS Forth Valley | 8 | 7.8 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | NHS 24 became available to the whole of Scotland from mid November 2004. The figures for the fourth quarter (ending 31 March 2005) will for the first time show the fully rolled out operating costs for the national service. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186567,"EventID":"S2W-13862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with Korsakoff's psychosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with Korsakoff's psychosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The latest complete figures are as follows, for 1997 to 2001. Later information is incomplete. NHS National Services Scotland is working to correct this position. Patients Diagnosed with Korsakoff's Psychosis in Scotland New Occurrences by NHS Board of Residence and Year of Admission | | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001* | | Scotland | 275 | 320 | 319 | 247 | 243 | | Argyll and Clyde | 28 | 41 | 32 | 28 | 39 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 17 | 12 | 22 | 16 | 20 | | Borders | * | * | 5 | * | * | | Dumfries and Galloway | * | * | * | * | * | | Fife | 8 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 6 | | Forth Valley | * | 11 | 12 | 9 | 6 | | Grampian | 16 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 10 | | Greater Glasgow | 109 | 139 | 135 | 76 | 86 | | Highland | 13 | * | 8 | 11 | 7 | | Lanarkshire | 24 | 40 | 41 | 28 | 24 | | Lothian | 38 | 34 | 32 | 44 | 29 | | Orkney | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Shetland Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | * | | Tayside | 12 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 8 | | Western Isles | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186568,"EventID":"S2W-13863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential places have been available for people diagnosed with Korsakoff's psychosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential places have been available for people diagnosed with Korsakoff's psychosis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Those with Korsakoff’s psychosis will be cared for within mainstream services.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186569,"EventID":"S2W-13864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12955 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 January 2005, how many meetings it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12955 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 January 2005, how many meetings it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the implementation of the EU Environmental Noise Directive; when the meetings took place, and whether it will publish the minutes of these meetings.","AnswerText":"The Executive has had a number of meetings with UK Government Departments since 2002 on the implementation of the EU Environmental Directive. The Executive does not intend to publish the minutes of these meetings since they reflect the formulation of government policy. They are exempt from disclosure under sections 28(1) and 29(1) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186570,"EventID":"S2W-13865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12955 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 January 2005, whether it will publish details of its consultation on the implementation of the EU En","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12955 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 January 2005, whether it will publish details of its consultation on the implementation of the EU Environmental Noise Directive; when the consultation will begin, and who will be consulted.","AnswerText":"The Executive will publish a consultation document on the implementation of the EU Environmental Noise Directive within the next few weeks; this will be sent to all relevant stakeholders including, among others, local authorities, transport organisations and professional bodies.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186571,"EventID":"S2W-13866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation on light pollution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation on light pollution.","AnswerText":"We intend to propose an extension of the statutory nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to include light pollution when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186572,"EventID":"S2W-13867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which area of the existing budget for Gaelic-medium education the sum of £10,000 for Stórlann, announced on 6 January 2005, came.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which area of the existing budget for Gaelic-medium education the sum of £10,000 for Stórlann, announced on 6 January 2005, came.","AnswerText":"The sum of £10,000, announced on 6 January 2005, from a sum that may otherwise have remained unspent at the year end, came from a Scottish Executive Education Department budget. Stórlann also receives funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. In addition, local authorities pass on to Stórlann a proportion of the grants for Gaelic education provided to them by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186573,"EventID":"S2W-13868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an evaluation of educational materials required by Gaelic-medium education has been carried out in order for the provision of materials for such education to have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an evaluation of educational materials required by Gaelic-medium education has been carried out in order for the provision of materials for such education to have parity with the provision of materials for pupils being taught in the English language and whether there has been an assessment of the impact of any lack of equivalent materials on Gaelic-medium education's ability to attract Gaelic-speaking teachers to teach in the Gaelic language.","AnswerText":"Stórlann, the Gaelic Resources Centre, carries out an annual evaluation of the education materials required by teachers for Gaelic-medium education. The Scottish Executive seeks to ensure that there is adequate provision of good quality materials for Gaelic-medium classes. It would, however, be difficult to establish parity with the wide range of English language materials that are available for schools immediately. The Scottish Executive is not aware of any research that seeks to establish a correlation between the availability of Gaelic-materials in Gaelic-medium classes and the appeal of Gaelic-medium education to Gaelic speaking teachers. We will continue to support Stórlann to keep improving Gaelic-medium resources.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186574,"EventID":"S2W-13869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are schools within the Gaelic-medium education sector currently using English books with pasted-over translations and, if so, whether it aims to replace the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are schools within the Gaelic-medium education sector currently using English books with pasted-over translations and, if so, whether it aims to replace these entirely with Gaelic translations and over what timescale.","AnswerText":"It is the Scottish Executive’s aim that good quality materials should be available to pupils in Gaelic-medium classes and for all subjects. Stórlann has made very good progress in providing materials for Gaelic-medium education classes. There is now little need for Gaelic-medium classes to be using English books with pasted over translations. Stórlann has provided Gaelic books for all stages and most subjects of Gaelic-medium primary education.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186575,"EventID":"S2W-13870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum safe limit is for human consumption of residues of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) in the flesh of farmed Scottish salmon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum safe limit is for human consumption of residues of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) in the flesh of farmed Scottish salmon.","AnswerText":"The European Commission’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) evaluated the safety of emamectin in January 1999. It set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 1µg/kg bodyweight/day. The ADI is defined as “an estimate of the amount of a substance, expressed on a bodyweight basis that can be ingestedover a lifetime without appreciable health risk”. The CVMP also set a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for emamectin in salmon (muscle and skin in natural proportions) of 100µg/kg. The MRL is defined as the maximum concentration of a residue that is legally permitted or acceptable in or on a food. As long as a food contains residues of emamectin either at or below, the MRL, the ADI will not be exceeded. A person eating a standard 300g portion of salmon containing residues of emamectin at the MRL would ingest approximately 30µg of emamectin – an amount smaller than the ADI. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186576,"EventID":"S2W-13871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for trafficking cocaine in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Dundee, (d) Edinburgh, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for trafficking cocaine in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Dundee, (d) Edinburgh, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table.The Number of Persons Found Guilty, Cautioned or Given a Fiscal Fine for Trafficking (1) in Cocaine by Police Force Area, Scotland 1999-2002 | Police Force | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | | Central | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | | Fife | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | | Grampian | 15 | 11 | 11 | 18 | | Lothian and Borders | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 | | Northern | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Strathclyde | 36 | 39 | 36 | 29 | | Tayside | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | | Total | 72 | 63 | 59 | 60 | Source: Home Office. Note: Trafficking is the combination of unlawful production, unlawful supply,possession with intent to supply unlawfully and unlawful import and export. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186577,"EventID":"S2W-13872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13055 by Hugh Henry on 24 January 2005, how many people were sentenced to custody as a result of convictions for carrying a knife i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13055 by Hugh Henry on 24 January 2005, how many people were sentenced to custody as a result of convictions for carrying a knife in (a) Scotland, (b) Aberdeen, (c) Dundee, (d) Edinburgh, (e) Glasgow and (f) Stirling in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table.Custodial convictions in Scottish Courts for handling an offensive weapon1, by selected area, 1997 to 2002 | Area | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 20023 | | Possession of an offensive weapon2 | | | | | | | | Aberdeen | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 3 | | Dundee | 10 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 8 | | Edinburgh | 13 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 19 | | Glasgow | 99 | 85 | 112 | 121 | 140 | 123 | | Stirling | 2 | 2 | - | - | 1 | 2 | | Scotland | 213 | 207 | 214 | 254 | 292 | 257 | | Having in a public place an article with a blade or point | | | Aberdeen | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 5 | | Dundee | 7 | 14 | 8 | 10 | 17 | 12 | | Edinburgh | 38 | 35 | 28 | 29 | 32 | 38 | | Glasgow | 138 | 115 | 134 | 155 | 128 | 178 | | Stirling | 6 | 2 | 1 | - | 3 | 2 | | Scotland | 330 | 298 | 296 | 348 | 359 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Crimes of Possession of an Offensive Weapon and Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or a Point, Recorded by the Police in 1997 and 1998 | 1997 | Possession of an Offensive Weapon1 | Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or Point | Total | | Scotland | 4,079 | 1,901 | 5,980 | | Aberdeen | 145 | 56 | 201 | | Dundee | 209 | 86 | 295 | | Edinburgh | 190 | 142 | 332 | | Glasgow | 1,112 | 653 | 1,765 | | Stirling | 41 | 13 | 54 | | 1998 | Possession of an Offensive Weapon | Having in a Public Place an Article with a Blade or Point | Total | | Scotland | 4,342 | 2,397 | 6,739 | | Aberdeen | 134 | 46 | 180 | | Dundee | 273 | 71 | 344 | | Edinburgh | 213 | 142 | 355 | | Glasgow | 1,279 | 941 | 2,220 | | Stirling | 49 | 12 | 61 | Note: 1. Knives cannot be identified separately from other types of offensive weapon in the data held for this crime category. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186579,"EventID":"S2W-13874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major international or club football matches it intends to bid to host; who is involved in any such bidding process, and what funds or resources are being made avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what major international or club football matches it intends to bid to host; who is involved in any such bidding process, and what funds or resources are being made available.","AnswerText":"Any bids for specific football events are a matter for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in the first instance. However, the Executive approached the Federation Internationale De Football Association (FIFA) in December 2004 about the possibility of Scotland hosting a future FIFA Club World Championship. FIFA originally responded positively, indicating that they would invite their member associations, including the SFA, to bid for the 2007 Championship in due course. Whilst we understand that FIFA has more recently indicated that a European host for the 2007 event would not now be considered, not least due to the amount of club football already played in Europe, that does not rule out a bid to host theChampionship post 2007.The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) recently wrote to its members associations inviting expressions of interest in making a bid to host the European Football Championships in 2012. The SFA has however concluded that its main priority over the next 10 years is “Many Players One Goal”, the Action Plan for Scottish youth football. Separately, however, the SFA has bid to UEFA to host future UEFA Champions League Finals and UEFA Cup Finals at Hampden Park. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186580,"EventID":"S2W-13875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the possibility of an increase in people-trafficking as a result of prostitution tolerance zones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the possibility of an increase in people-trafficking as a result of prostitution tolerance zones.","AnswerText":"Stage 1 of the Expert Group on Prostitution examined the issues surrounding street prostitution, including tolerance zones, and their report is currently out for consultation. We will consider the expert group’s proposals, and the consultation responses, carefully. Stage 2 has yet to start and will consider people trafficking and indoor prostitution.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186581,"EventID":"S2W-13876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding under the Scottish Land Fund are awaiting consideration and what the value is of such applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding under the Scottish Land Fund are awaiting consideration and what the value is of such applications.","AnswerText":"The Big Lottery Fund Scottish Land Fund is a reserved matter for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Information can be sought from Mr Dharmendra Kanani, Director Scotland of the Big Lottery Fund.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186582,"EventID":"S2W-13877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of its submissions to Ofcom's review into public service broadcasting, including the dates on which the submissions were made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of its submissions to Ofcom's review into public service broadcasting, including the dates on which the submissions were made.","AnswerText":"Broadcasting is a reserved matter. We submitted a response to phase one of Ofcom’s review of public service broadcasting (PSB) in July 2004. This submission is publicly available on the PSB Phase 1 consultation responses page on Ofcom’s website at www.ofcom.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186583,"EventID":"S2W-13878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it requested with Ofcom to discuss the implications of Ofcom's current review of public service broadcasting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it requested with Ofcom to discuss the implications of Ofcom's current review of public service broadcasting.","AnswerText":"Although broadcasting is a reserved matter, we engage regularly with Ofcom to discuss different aspects of broadcasting in Scotland, including the review of public service broadcasting.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186584,"EventID":"S2W-13879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for television production in all areas of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for television production in all areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are committed to developing Scotland as a production centre for film, TV and new media and as a location for film-making; to encouraging and promoting wider creative industries, and to supporting the promotion of Scottish films and TV programmes overseas.Our support for the film and TV production industries, and to the wider creative industries, is channelled through Scottish Screen, Scottish Enterprise, and the Scottish Arts Council, who deliver a variety of funding schemes andinfrastructure development. Although broadcasting itself is a reserved matter, we established the Screen Industries Summit Group (SISG) in 2003 to help orient the Scottish Executive’s strategy for Scotland’s film and television industry. SISG brings together representatives from across the screen industries including Scottish Screen, the BBC, Scottish Media Group (SMG), and the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT). SISG was established to report to Scottish ministers. It has acted as a high-level task group to make recommendations on the key actions needed to ensure growth and sustainability for the screen industries in Scotland. SISG identified the increase in network commissioning and production in Scotlandfrom its current 3% level to a target level of 9% within five years as the keyaction point for the future growth and sustainability of the screen industriesin Scotland. We fully support this recommendation and we are working with SISG to encourage the broadcasters to increase production in Scotland. We regularly engage with Ofcom to support the interests of the Scottish television industry. In addition, we are working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in order to ensure that proper account is taken by the UK Government of Scottish interests in the BBC Charter Review. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186585,"EventID":"S2W-13880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) residues have been found in the flesh of farmed Scottish salmon in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) residues have been found in the flesh of farmed Scottish salmon in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Veterinary Medicines Directorate runs a programme of surveillance for residues of veterinary medicinal products and certain other substances in products of animal origin. As part of this, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department’s Fisheries Research Service collects samples of salmon, which are analysed for avermectins. Emamectin was included in this surveillance in 2003, but not included prior to this date. | Year | Number of Samples Analysed | Number with Detectable Residues | Residues below the MRL and Concentration (µg/kg) | Residues above the MRL and Concentration (µg/kg) | | 2003 | 180 | 2 | 60, 70 | 0 | | 2004 | 179 | 0 | | 0 | During 2003 and 2004, a total of 359 samples of salmon were collected for emamectin analysis. No samples were found to contain residues above the MRL of 100µg/kg. In 2003 two samples were found to contain residues at concentrations of 60 and 70µg/kg. No samples analysed in 2004 were found to contain detectable residues of emamectin. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186586,"EventID":"S2W-13881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of BBC Scotland to discuss the recent outcome of the BBC review and its impact on BBC Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of BBC Scotland to discuss the recent outcome of the BBC review and its impact on BBC Scotland.","AnswerText":"Although broadcasting is a reserved matter, we engage regularly with BBC Scotland to discuss a variety of broadcasting issues. My officials last met with Senior Managers at BBC Scotland on 21 January 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186587,"EventID":"S2W-13882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has been asked to make efficiency savings and, if so, what level of savings has been requested and over what period of time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has been asked to make efficiency savings and, if so, what level of savings has been requested and over what period of time.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS needs to become more competitive, to use taxpayers money to achieve better value for money and to make a contribution to building a fit for purpose prison estate. This will also improve long-term job security of SPS staff. The SPS has therefore initiated a 5% efficiency target across the service for 2004-05 and 2005-06. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186588,"EventID":"S2W-13883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organised meetings ministers hold with members of parliamentary committees outwith scheduled committee meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organised meetings ministers hold with members of parliamentary committees outwith scheduled committee meetings.","AnswerText":"Ministers maintain regular contact with committee members.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186589,"EventID":"S2W-13884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes purchased under right to buy currently house tenants in receipt of housing benefit, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes purchased under right to buy currently house tenants in receipt of housing benefit, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186590,"EventID":"S2W-13885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will carry out a review of progress towards meeting its target that, by 2012, permanent accommodation will be available for all applicants deemed unintentionally ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will carry out a review of progress towards meeting its target that, by 2012, permanent accommodation will be available for all applicants deemed unintentionally homeless. ","AnswerText":"We remain committed to meeting this target. As required by the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003, we will consult on and publish a statement later this year which will set out the steps which we and local authorities have taken, and will take in the future, to ensure the target is met. This statement will draw on official statistics and reviews of progress reported by local authorities.We have also commissioned research on the abolition of priority need, and the modification of local connection, which will be published this month. This has been considered by the Homelessness Monitoring Group which will continue to advise ministers on the timing of, and arrangements for, the implementation of the 2003 act. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186591,"EventID":"S2W-13886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied for pressured area status; when each such application was made, and when a decision on each application will be given.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied for pressured area status; when each such application was made, and when a decision on each application will be given.","AnswerText":"One local authority, South Ayrshire Council, has applied for designation of housing areas as pressured under section 45 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.The application was made on 14 October 2004, but further information is required from South Ayrshire Council before a decision on the application can be made. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186592,"EventID":"S2W-13887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) lowest, (b) highest and (c) average discount is that has been granted to tenants who purchased their home through right to buy *in each local authority area*","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) lowest, (b) highest and (c) average discount is that has been granted to tenants who purchased their home through right to buy *in each local authority area*, expressed in monetary terms.","AnswerText":"The following table contains the minimum, maximum and mean discounts granted between 1979 quarter 2 and 2004 quarter 2, to tenants who purchased their home through right to buy, broken down by local authority. Data are at 2004 prices.Discounts Granted to Tenants Purchasing their Home Through Right to Buy – 2004 Prices. | Local Authority Area | Right to Buy (Old terms) | Right to Buy (Modernised) | | Mean (£) | Minimum (£) | Maximum (£) | Mean (£) | Minimum (£) | Maximum (£) | | Scotland | 22,345 | 23 | 150,904 | 16,287 | 8,111 | 34,340 | | Aberdeen City | 27,212 | 61 | 74,511 | 18,034 | 15,450 | 27,027 | | Aberdeenshire | 20,794 | 1,467 | 62,161 | 11,188 | 9,455 | 13,248 | | Angus | 19,947 | 4,346 | 43,537 | 10,786 | 10,758 | 10,815 | | Argyll and Bute | 22,358 | 3,669 | 50,262 | | | | | Clackmannanshire | 22,104 | 825 | 50,556 | | | | | Dumfries and Galloway | 18,492 | 220 | 41,721 | 10,519 | 9,910 | 11,129 | | Dundee City | 21,765 | 1,542 | 49,044 | 13,990 | 13,990 | 13,990 | | East Ayrshire | 18,543 | 3,093 | 51,510 | | | | | East Dunbartonshire | 26,053 | 1,509 | 105,987 | | | | | East Lothian | 26,691 | 843 | 80,842 | 15,898 | 15,898 | 15,898 | | East Renfrewshire | 24,455 | 1,937 | 46,144 | <","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186593,"EventID":"S2W-13888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases there have been of tenants exercising the right to buy on more than one occasion. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases there have been of tenants exercising the right to buy on more than one occasion. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186594,"EventID":"S2W-13889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether owners who become tenants of registered social landlords through the Mortgage to Rent scheme can thereafter exercise the right to buy and, if so, how many times t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether owners who become tenants of registered social landlords through the Mortgage to Rent scheme can thereafter exercise the right to buy and, if so, how many times this right has been exercised.","AnswerText":"Successful applicants under the Mortgage to Rent scheme, established in February 2003, are granted the Scottish Secure Tenancy which confers the right to buy under modernised terms. The earliest that anyone assisted under the Mortgage to Rent scheme would be able to exercise their right to buy would be after they have served the five-year qualifying period, ie in February 2008.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186595,"EventID":"S2W-13890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the repeal of section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the repeal of section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 will come into force.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, the Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her reply is as follows: The repeal of Section 54 of the Housing Act 1988 will come into force on 31 March 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186596,"EventID":"S2W-13891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the repeal of section 54 of the Housing Act 1988, what arrangements will be put in place to mitigate the financial effect on any organisations, including housi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the repeal of section 54 of the Housing Act 1988, what arrangements will be put in place to mitigate the financial effect on any organisations, including housing co-operatives, that remain subject to an assessment for corporation tax.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, the Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her reply is as follows:Discussions are continuing with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations about measures to mitigate any effects arising from the withdrawal of section 54 of the Housing Act 1988. The current intention is that any new measures will be in place in time for the year ending 31 March 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186597,"EventID":"S2W-13892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the enforcement of EU environmental law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been made available for the enforcement of EU environmental law.","AnswerText":"Primary responsibility for the enforcement of EU environmental law lies with the Scottish Executive’s Environment and Rural Affairs Department, working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other bodies as appropriate. The department’s resources allocated to this work are not separately identified but are included in its programme budgets, including the grant in aid provided to the SEPA and the income it obtains through charges, and its directly allocated administration costs. More detailed information on spending proposals for the Department in 2005-06 is contained in the appropriate section of Scotland’s Budget Documents 2005-06: Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill Supporting Document, a copy of which is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35000).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186598,"EventID":"S2W-13893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 56.6% of council house sales were completed within 26 weeks in 2003-04 compared to 60.1% in 2002-03 and 67.4% in 2001-02, as referred to in Audit Scotland's report Ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 56.6% of council house sales were completed within 26 weeks in 2003-04 compared to 60.1% in 2002-03 and 67.4% in 2001-02, as referred to in Audit Scotland's report Housing & Social Work - Performance Indicators 2003/04 - Comparing the performance of Scottish councils.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory time limit on the overall time from application to a completed sale, however there are statutory time limits on key stages of the process: - Where the landlord is satisfied that a valid application has been received and that all information has been provided, the formal offer to sell must be served on the tenant within two months of the application to buy being received.
- Where an offer to sell is served on the tenant and the tenant wishes to proceed, they will have up to two months from the most recent offer to accept the landlord’s offer.
Once offer is accepted, there is no timeframe within which conveyancing must be completed. The time taken to complete sales will be affected by the time taken for each of these stages in the process. The overall fall in % of sales completed within 26 weeks in 2003-04 reflects a mix of improved and reduced performance by individual councils compared with 2002-03. The report shows that 14 councils improved performance while 14 completed a lower percentage of sales within the period. The Executive expects councils to achieve and maintain high standards of performance in all the services they provide. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186599,"EventID":"S2W-13894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set target dates in its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set target dates in its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13828 answered on 7 February 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186600,"EventID":"S2W-13895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will identify the resources required and the basis for their allocation in its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will identify the resources required and the basis for their allocation in its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13828 answered on 7 February 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186601,"EventID":"S2W-13896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will consult patients in the preparation of its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will consult patients in the preparation of its action plan to tackle hepatitis C.","AnswerText":"Consultation with stakeholders is integral to the development of the action plan. This will be pursued in a number of ways, including meetings and further discussions to ensure active involvement of the broadest possible range of stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186602,"EventID":"S2W-13898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for housing have been received in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many, and what percentage of, applications was (a) accepted and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for housing have been received in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many, and what percentage of, applications was (a) accepted and (b) rejected by each local authority.","AnswerText":"Tables based on figures provided by planning authorities showing a breakdown of this information have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35167).These tables indicate the total number of applications received, approved and refused by planning authorities for all housing developments. Data on the number of houses per application is not held centrally and therefore is not included in the tables. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186603,"EventID":"S2W-13899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against planning decisions were (a) accepted and (b) rejected in each year since 1999, shown also as a percentage of total applications received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against planning decisions were (a) accepted and (b) rejected in each year since 1999, shown also as a percentage of total applications received.","AnswerText":"The information provided in the following table details the total number of planning applications received by planning authorities in the financial years since 1999. The actual number of planning permission appeals determined by the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit (SEIRU) is only around 1-2% ofapplications received. Of these, the number of appeals accepted (successful) isaround one-third with the number of appeals rejected (unsuccessful) around two thirds in each of the last five financial years. | Year | Planning Applications Received | Planning Permission Appeals Accepted | % of Total Planning Applications Received | Planning Permission Appeals Rejected | % of Total Planning Applications Received | | 1999-2000 | 42,651 | 197 | 0.46 | 366 | 0.86 | | 2000-2001 | 40,925 | 214 | 0.52 | 399 | 0.97 | | 2001-02 | 44,269 | 214 | 0.48 | 350 | 0.79 | | 2002-03 | 47,228 | 228 | 0.48 | 423 | 0.90 | | 2003-04 | 51,330 | 242 | 0.47 | 451 | 0.88 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186604,"EventID":"S2W-13900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the recommendations made by the expert group chaired by Lord Ross on the provision of support to patients who have suffered harm as a result of NHS t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the recommendations made by the expert group chaired by Lord Ross on the provision of support to patients who have suffered harm as a result of NHS treatment, including blood-borne infections acquired from contaminated blood products, and what action it has taken in respect of each recommendation.","AnswerText":"The recommendations of the expert group and details of the actions taken in response to each are as follows:Recommendation 1 The Scottish Executive should agree to make compensation payments as a matter of urgency to all people who can demonstrate, on the balance of probabilities, that they received blood, blood products or tissue from the NHS in Scotland before the dates when they were made HCV-safe and who were subsequently found to be infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). A UK ex-gratia payment scheme has been established. The Skipton Fund, which administers the scheme and started operations on 5 July 2004, has to date settled over 400 Scottish claims amounting to around £8.5 million. Details of the scheme are available at www.skiptonfund.org. Recommendation 2 The Scottish Executive should consider how it could fund and develop other mechanisms for supporting people who suffer from HCV including services delivered by voluntary organisations. In particular, additional support in the following areas should be considered: (a) Access to understandable information on HCV (b) Counselling Services (c) Access to information on benefits available (d) Advice and assistance in securing appropriate and adequate assurance and insurance (e) Setting up a pro-active publicity campaign spearheaded by the Health Education Board for Scotland. (f) Improved access to palliative care and symptom management services when appropriate. Since 2002, the Executive has also funded the establishment and ongoing activities of the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre in Scotland which is based in Glasgow and offers advice on testing and treatment to those affected by hepatitis C. The services provided by Hepatitis C Resource Centre are in addition to those provided by individual NHS boards. The Scottish Executive has commissioned Health Protection Scotland to estimate the current and future burden of HCV-related disease in Scotland over the next two decades. Further work is also being commissioned to identify how much it will cost NHSScotland to care for individuals infected with hepatitis C and how cost-effective different approaches to hepatitis C case finding and treatment would be. The Executive is also developing an action plan, in consultation with stakeholders, for issue in spring 2005. The main objectives of the plan are to set out the actions that will (a) reduce the transmission of HCV and (b) manage the burden of disease among those individuals who know they are infected and those who do not. Key areas of the plan will cover treatment and care and education and training. The Health Department is working with clinicians to develop Managed Clinical Networks for Hepatitis C. A further meeting in February is proposed. Recommendation 3 The Scottish Executive should invite the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) to consider the following: (a) Proceeding with the development of the template on Advice and Assistance as soon as possible; (b) Including in the template provision for meeting/negotiation with the defender; (c) Including in the template provision for class actions as well as individual clinical negligence cases; (d) Updating the guidelines to the profession; (e) Introducing an “interests of justice” test for civil legal aid applications in clinical negligence cases, and (f) Proceeding towards the making of staged payments. Reform of Civil Advice and Assistance is the subject of recent SE consultation procedures- available from the Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/justice. This consultation deals with proposals for granting and providing civil advice and assistance, as well as remuneration of practitioners. Templates to deal with different types of cases following the Consult","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186605,"EventID":"S2W-13901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a copy of the final report by the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters and the response by the Committee on Medical Aspects of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a copy of the final report by the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters and the response by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation and the Environment and whether it will respond to these reports.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Executive has received a copy of the report of the Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters (CERRIE) and of the subsequent response from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) in their 9th report. CERRIE was set up in 2001 to consider the models used for assessing risk from inhaled and ingested radiation. The COMARE response makes a number of recommendations. Of particular significance is that Government should review the resources made available for research on radon exposures and for remedial action to reduce radon levels in homes. This is the largest source of ionising radiation exposure for most members of the public. In this regard, the Scottish Executive has provided funding of £300,000 to the National Radiological Protection Board to complete its mapping of the distribution of radon exposure in Scottish homes. The board will also advise on the need for further preventative measures in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186606,"EventID":"S2W-13902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants' consultation on proposed guideline levels for radionuclides in foods for use in in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants' consultation on proposed guideline levels for radionuclides in foods for use in international trade and, if so, whether it will place the response in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"No. There was no need for the Scottish Executive to respond to the consultation carried out by the Food Standards Agency on the CODEX Committee proposals. The Food Standards Agency is representing the United Kingdom in negotiating those CODEX proposals on radionuclides in foods and its consultation document made clear what were the concerns to the UK and to the Scottish Executive. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186607,"EventID":"S2W-13903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on the radioactive lime scale particles near the discharge outfall at the Chapelcross nuclear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on the radioactive lime scale particles near the discharge outfall at the Chapelcross nuclear site and whether it will place any reports in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).Results of its monitoring programme are published in the joint report with the Food Standards Agency, Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE). A copy is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34135). The RIFE report makes reference to particles found and recovered at the end of the discharge pipeline on the Chapelcross site. Most recently, RIFE 9 reports on page 101 that 21 of these particles were found in 2003. The report explains that the particles have been removed and gives details of the activities planned to tackle the cause of this problem. Monitoring will continue. The Scottish Executive asked SEPA for details of the radioactivity limits of the 21 lime scale particles. This information is shown in the following table. The activity in the particles is predominately due to Caesium 137. The dose rate given is a contact beta gamma dose rate. Items with Activity above Background found at Seafield Pipeline Outfall | Month (2003) | No of Items | Min Counts per Second | Maximum Counts per Second | Highest Dose Rate Micro Sieverts per Hour (mSv/hr) | | January | 0 | | | | | February | 14 | 20 | 105 | 4.0 | | March | 3 | 30 | 82 | 4.0 | | April | 0 | | | | | May | 0 | | | | | June | 0 | | | | | July | 4 | 66 | 247 | 4.0 | | August | 0 | | | | | September | 0 | | | | | October | 0 | | | | | November | 0 | | | | | December | 0 | | | | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186608,"EventID":"S2W-13904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the radioactivity levels were of the 21 lime scale particles found at the outfall at Chapelcross during 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the radioactivity levels were of the 21 lime scale particles found at the outfall at Chapelcross during 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the question S2W-13903 answered on 8 February 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186609,"EventID":"S2W-13905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has to reduce health inequalities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has to reduce health inequalities.","AnswerText":"Action on health inequalities is central to our health improvement strategy and we have set ambitious targets in Building a Better Scotland, and Closing the Opportunity Gap, to increase the rate of health improvement for the most deprived communities by 15% by 2008, measured across a range of key indicators. NHSScotland has a key role to play in this and we are preparing guidance to support NHS boards in stepping up the rate of change. Community Health Partnerships, which will have tackling health inequalities as a central aim, offer a new opportunity for focused action at local level to make a difference. £15 million invested in Unmet Needs projects is helping to improve access to health care for those in Scotland’s most deprived communities and will inform and underpin future practice throughout NHS Scotland. The £1 million per annum support for the Glasgow Centre for Population Health will help create solutions and provide leadership for action to improve health and tackle health inequalities in Glasgow and the West of Scotland, and more widely. Our decisionto improve public health through the banning of smoking in public places presentsthe greatest opportunity in decades to reduce health inequalities and will makea major contribution, given the greatest burden of smoking and ill-health is amongst Scotland’s most deprived communities. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186610,"EventID":"S2W-13906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider linking the application of the deprivation criteria in the Arbuthnott formula to successful outcomes in reducing health inequalities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider linking the application of the deprivation criteria in the Arbuthnott formula to successful outcomes in reducing health inequalities.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to link the deprivation criteria in Arbuthnott to successful health outcomes in reducing health inequalities. The formula is about distributing resources on the basis of need by taking into account levels of deprivation across health boards.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186611,"EventID":"S2W-13907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what indicators it uses to measure health inequalities and how outcomes have changed in respect of these indicators in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what indicators it uses to measure health inequalities and how outcomes have changed in respect of these indicators in the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive uses 23 indicators to monitor trends in health inequalities in Scotland. These indicators were set out in Improving Health in Scotland – The Challenge (2003) and are listed below for information: | Population Group | Indicator of Inequality | | Children | 1. Smoking during pregnancy 2. Breastfeeding 3. Dental health of children 4. Low birthweight babies 5. Accidents in children aged 0-9 (hospital admissions) 6. Infant mortality | | Young People1 | 7. Accidents in children aged 10-14 (hospital admissions) 8. Teenage pregnancies (females aged 13-15) 9. Teenage pregnancies (females aged 13-19) 10. Suicides among young people aged 10-24 | | Adults2 | 11a. Diet – consumption of fresh fruit 11b. Diet – consumption of green vegetables 12. Adult smoking 13a. Self-reported general health in people aged 16-44 13b Self-reported general health in people aged 45-64 14. Self-reported limiting long-standing illness 15. Obesity 16. Mental health (GHQ12 scores) 17. All cause mortality rate among people under 75 18. Mortality rates from coronary heart disease among people under 75 19. Mortality rates from cancer among people under 75 20. Life expectancy at birth | | Older People | 21. All cause mortality rate among people over 75. 22. Mortality rates from coronary heart disease among people 75 and over 23. Mortality rates from cancer among people 75 and over | Trends on Health Inequalities within Scotland for all these indicators were published in March 2004, in a Scottish Executive report entitled: Inequalities in Health – Report of the Measuring Inequalities Working Group. A copy of this report is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/hirnov03.pdf. Health Inequalities in Scotland are measured by comparing outcomes of the 20% most deprived postcode sector areas with the 20% most affluent, defined by the Carstairs Index of Deprivation. (Work is underway to convert the health inequalities measure to the new Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation). The Scottish Executive uses five indicators to monitor trends of health inequalities within NHS boards. This is done by comparing outcomes of the 20% most deprived postcode sector areas within each NHS board with the 20% most affluent. The five indicators used for this purpose are listed below: | Population Group | Indicator of Inequality | | Children | 1. Smoking during pregnancy 2. Dental health of children | | Adults | 3. Adult smoking 4. Mortality rates from coronary heart disease among people under 75 5. Life expectancy at birth | Recent data and trends for each of these indicators, by NHS board, is available via the NHS Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) system, under section 1.14, at http://paf.isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk/pafn/. Further information on health outcomes by NHS board is available via the PAF system or via the website of the Information and Statistics Division of the NHS at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186612,"EventID":"S2W-13908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) in cash terms and (b) per capita each NHS board was allocated because of a weighting for deprivation since the introduction of the Arbuthnott formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) in cash terms and (b) per capita each NHS board was allocated because of a weighting for deprivation since the introduction of the Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerText":"The Arbuthnott formula takes account of four main indicators to determine the level of funding allocated to each board. These are each board’s population size, age/sex structure, deprivation levels and remoteness. No specific allocation is made to boards because of the weighting for deprivation. The formula is used to determine the total level of funds allocated to boards for their unified budgets. It is for each board to decide how best to meet the health care needs of their resident population from the totality of the funds it receives, taking account of national and local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186613,"EventID":"S2W-13909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage and promote the animation industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage and promote the animation industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through Scottish Screen, is very supportive of the animation industry in Scotland. Scottish Screen works closely with Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Edinburgh College of Art, in particular, to promote and encourage a high level of animation skills.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186614,"EventID":"S2W-13910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has to promote the Scottish games animation industry internationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has to promote the Scottish games animation industry internationally.","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise's Digital Media and Creative Industries Team are actively promoting the games animation industry internationally as part of their overall work for the creative industries sector in Scotland. Support to the sector is provided by a combination of one-to-one support with individual companies; key group activities such as trade missions, and commissioning and sharing market research tailored to companies’ needs. Activity is focused on key markets across the USA, Europe and Asia, in particular France, China, Japan and Korea which have high potential. In addition ITI Techmedia is also further connecting Scotland’s creative industries sector internationally by developing new pre-competitive technologies upon which companies can develop their own products and services for global markets.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186615,"EventID":"S2W-13911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met BBC Scotland to discuss what action is being taken to promote a greater uptake of BBC Radio Scotland's programmes and to ensure the sustainability ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met BBC Scotland to discuss what action is being taken to promote a greater uptake of BBC Radio Scotland's programmes and to ensure the sustainability of jobs within the station.","AnswerText":"Broadcasting is a reserved matter. Action to increase the popularity of BBC Radio Scotland’s programmes is a matter for the BBC itself.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186616,"EventID":"S2W-13912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary to question S2O-5043 by Nicol Stephen on 27 January 2005 (Official Report, c 14016-17), what financial penalties have be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary to question S2O-5043 by Nicol Stephen on 27 January 2005 (Official Report, c 14016-17), what financial penalties have been imposed on the operators of the ScotRail franchise in Fife in the last five years as a result of poor performance.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available. It is held by the Strategic Rail Authority and due to the way in which it is collected, it will take a little time to disaggregate the specific information for Fife. I will write to the member once the information is available and will place a copy of my letter in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186617,"EventID":"S2W-13913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is consulting local authorities directly about the cumulative impact of wind farm developments and whether improvements can be made to planning guidance to imp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is consulting local authorities directly about the cumulative impact of wind farm developments and whether improvements can be made to planning guidance to improve the selection process for wind farms in any given area.","AnswerText":"Existing guidance recognises that cumulative impacts may, in particular circumstances, need to be addressed before consent is granted. With the assistance of the Environmental Advisory Forum, we are considering whether there is need for additional policy guidance or advice. Local authorities have two representatives on the forum.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186618,"EventID":"S2W-13914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is conducting any research into how to improve planning guidance on wind farms in order to minimise the cumulative impact of wind farm developments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is conducting any research into how to improve planning guidance on wind farms in order to minimise the cumulative impact of wind farm developments.","AnswerText":"The Environmental Advisory Forum for Renewable Energy is considering the need for research into the operation and effectiveness of existing renewable energy policies.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186619,"EventID":"S2W-13915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for rural home ownership grants have been made in each local authority area in each of the last seven years, showing year-on-year percentage changes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for rural home ownership grants have been made in each local authority area in each of the last seven years, showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The number of applications for rural home ownership grants (RHOGs) which have been made and progressed in each local authority area in each of the last seven years, showing year-on-year percentage changes is as follows. Number of RHOG Applications made and Progressed by Unitary Authority (1997-98 to 2003-04) (Number and Percentage change) | | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | No | % | No | % | No | % | No | % | No | % | No | % | No | % | | Aberdeen-shire | 0 | - | 1 | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -100 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 1 | 0 | | Angus | 0 | - | 1 | 100 | 0 | -100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Argyll and Bute | 1 | - | 1 | 0 | 4 | 300 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 100 | 1 | -88 | 10 | 900 | | Highland | 19 | - | 19 | 0 | 16 | -16 | 22 | 38 | 15 | -32 | 27 | 80 | 36 | 33 | | Moray | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 0 | -100 | 0 | 0 | Responsibility for assessing housing needs and conditions rests with local authorities as part of their Local Housing Strategies. It is an expectation set out in the guidance that, as part of a wider strategic approach to address housing need, alongside neighbourhood renewal and community planning initiatives, their strategy should consider whether the existing public and private housing stock is being managed to best effect and if there are management solutions based on that stock to existing or emerging housing problems. Additional background information is provided in tables 1 and 2. Table 1 shows the number of local authority-owned dwellings for each local authority, along with a breakdown showing the normal use of the stock. Table 2 shows the number of local authority-owned vacant dwellings for each local authority, along with a breakdown for the reason for the vacancy. This table shows how many vacant properties are to be demolished or sold (although the number to be demolished cannot be obtained separately). Table 1: Local Authority-Owned Housing Stock, as at 31 March 2004 | | Total Dwellings | Normal Use of Stock | | Letting | Designated Temporary Accommodation for Homeless | Other | | Aberdeen City | 25,193 | 23,676 | 72 | 1,445 | | Aberdeenshire | 14,315 | 14,194 | 90 | 31 | | Angus | 8,737 | 7,806 | 51 | 880 | | Argyll and Bute | 6,062 | 5,785 | 40 | 237 | | Clackmannanshire | 5,607 | 5,367 | 51 | 189 | | Dumfries and Galloway | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | | Dundee City | 16,754 | 16,451 | 77 | 226 | | East Ayrshire | 15,313 | 14,782 | 24 | 507 | | East Dunbartonshire | 5,153 | 5,078 | 75 | 0 | | East Lothian | 8,671 | 8,609 | 38 | 24 | | East Renfrewshire | 3,695 | 3,461 | 21 | 213 | | Edinburgh, City of | 27,455 | 26,993 | 0 | 462 | | Eilean Siar | 1,834 | 1,811 | 23 | 0 | | Falkirk | 18,837 | 18,342 | 82 | 413 | | Fife | 35,430 | 24,210 | 0 | 11,220 | | Glasgow City | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186621,"EventID":"S2W-13917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations identified in Potential Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Scotland (a) have and (b) have not been acted upon, giving details in relation t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations identified in Potential Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Scotland (a) have and (b) have not been acted upon, giving details in relation to each recommendation, and when a Scottish adaptation strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"Recommendations in Potential Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Scotland identified priorities for a climate change adaptation strategy in Scotland. The study recognised that an adaptation strategy to climate change in Scotland did not require a fundamentally different framework to that already existing. Therefore, rather than publishing a strategy at this time, we are working with the UK Government to consider how the proposed UK Framework for Climate Change Adaptation might be developed to inform our approach to climate change adaptation in Scotland.In parallel, we are progressing those study recommendations which were directed specifically at the Scottish Executive: the need for a partnership approach between the Executive and stakeholders; the role of the Scottish Executive as educators and facilitators, and the need for strategic oversight from the Scottish Executive. One of the ways in which we are taking these forwardis by funding development of a Scottish Climate Change Impacts Partnership (SCCIP)to provide a forum at strategic and local levels to address climate change impactissues. A further recommendation concerned the need for the Executive and localauthorities to have further discussions on flood risks and land use planning. These took place during the preparation of Scottish Planning Policy 7 – Planning and Flooding - which was published in February 2004. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186622,"EventID":"S2W-13918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13361 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 January 2005, whether it will set out the full detail and text of any conditions which are to be impose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13361 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 January 2005, whether it will set out the full detail and text of any conditions which are to be imposed in respect of the provision of extra allocations to the NHS prior to the end of the financial year; what 'milestones' and 'targets' will be used as the basis for the allocation of such funds, and whether the conditions attached to the funds contain any references that interfere with the professional judgement and opinion of clinicians in respect of the way in which patients should be treated and the place where such treatment should be carried out.","AnswerText":"Where the Executive decides to attach conditions to allocations of additional money to the NHS, these will be agreed at the relevant time. It is entirely appropriate for the Executive, where it makes additional funds available to the NHS for specific purposes, to attach relevant conditions. In that way we can be sure that the extra money is targeted on national service improvement priorities and delivers benefits equitably for all patients in Scotland. Where boards are allocated additional funds to enable them to reduce waiting times for patients on the waiting list, conditions typically applied to boards (and accepted by them along with the additional funding) will include a requirement to reduce numbers of patients waiting longer than a stated period. This is clearly in the interests of patients. It does not interfere with clinical judgements and opinions. Clinicians – like the Executive - want to see NHS patients treated as soon as possible. It is up to NHS boards to decide wheretreatment should be given, provided clinical standards are adhered to and patients’ views are taken into account. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186623,"EventID":"S2W-13919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for promoting Scotland at a UK and international level as a venue for interactive screen programming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for promoting Scotland at a UK and international level as a venue for interactive screen programming.","AnswerText":"We are committed to developing Scotland as a production centre for film, TV and new media and as a location for film-making; to encouraging and promoting wider creative industries, and to supporting the promotion of Scottish films and TV programmes overseas.Our support to the screen industries, and to the wider creative industries, is channelled through Scottish Screen, Scottish Enterprise, and the Scottish Arts Council, who provide support for a variety of projects relating to different aspects of interactive screen programming. Scottish Development International leads on delivering Scotland’s international economic development effort focussing on delivering the priorities set out in the Executive’s Global Connections strategy. This includes the attraction of high value economic activity to Scotland, the internationalisation of Scottish companies and the exchange of skills, ideas, intellectual capital and networks of people. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186624,"EventID":"S2W-13920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been earmarked to promote Scotland as a venue for (a) television and (b) radio commercial production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been earmarked to promote Scotland as a venue for (a) television and (b) radio commercial production.","AnswerText":"We are committed to developing Scotland as a production centre for film, TV and new media and as a location for film-making; to encouraging and promoting wider creative industries, and to supporting the promotion of Scottish films and TV programmes overseas.Scottish Screen is the Executive's principal agency for the development of the screen industries in Scotland and for the promotion of Scotland as a location for production. Scottish Screen's budget amounts to some £2.875 million per annum. We have not earmarked Scottish Screen's funds for specific purposes. Scottish Development International leads on delivering Scotland’s international economic development effort focussing on delivering the priorities set out in the Executive’s Global Connections strategy. This includes the attraction of high value economic activity to Scotland, the internationalisation of Scottish companies and the exchange of skills, ideas, intellectual capital and networks of people. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186625,"EventID":"S2W-13921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of funding currently allocated for smoking cessation services is ring-fenced for cessation services tailored specifically for pregnant women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of funding currently allocated for smoking cessation services is ring-fenced for cessation services tailored specifically for pregnant women.","AnswerText":"Funding for smoking cessation services is not currently ring fenced for specific priority groups such as pregnant women.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186626,"EventID":"S2W-13922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the additional £4 million allocated for the provision of smoking cessation services in 2005-06 will be ring-fenced specifically for tailored cessa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the additional £4 million allocated for the provision of smoking cessation services in 2005-06 will be ring-fenced specifically for tailored cessation services for pregnant women.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Working Group on Tobacco Control considered the allocation of the additional £4 million for the provision of smoking cessation services in 2005-06. The group noted that if funding was allocated on a pro-rata basis 4.3% would be allocated to services for pregnant women. It considered that ring fencing the funding in this way to be too prescriptive and that health boards should be allowed to identify and respond to local needs of the priority groups, such as pregnant women, identified in the Smoking Kills White Paper.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186627,"EventID":"S2W-13923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents there have been on the A90 north of Aberdeen on the single carriageway stretch between Tipperty and Balmedie in each year since 1999, broken down ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents there have been on the A90 north of Aberdeen on the single carriageway stretch between Tipperty and Balmedie in each year since 1999, broken down into fatalities and non-fatalities.","AnswerText":"The number of road accidents that have occurred on the A90 north of Aberdeen on the single carriageway stretch between Tipperty and Balmedie in each year since 1999 (from January 1999 to October 2004), broken down by level of severity, is as follows: | Year | Fatal | Serious | Slight | Total | | 1999 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 8 | | 2000 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | | 2001 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | | 2002 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | | 2003 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | | *2004 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | Notes: We do not hold records of non-injury accidents. *Covers the period from 1 January 2004 to 31 October 2004 ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186628,"EventID":"S2W-13924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4935 by Patricia Ferguson on 20 January 2005, where the artificial pitches are being developed; what size these pitches will be; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-4935 by Patricia Ferguson on 20 January 2005, where the artificial pitches are being developed; what size these pitches will be; what the manufacturing details are of the turf to be used, and what the timescale is for the completion of each pitch.","AnswerText":"Under the Building for Sport programme, there has only been one award made, to Argyll and Bute Council for a third generation synthetic pitch at Oban High School. Work on the pitch, which will measure 106m by 66m, should commence during the school summer holidays. Until a contractor is appointed, it is not possible to give details of the actual turf to be used or the completion date.Information on synthetic pitches being developed through the NOPES programme is not held centrally, but information on specific projects can be obtained from the Big Lottery Fund. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186629,"EventID":"S2W-13925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is making its procurement processes and policies more accessible to small and medium-sized suppliers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is making its procurement processes and policies more accessible to small and medium-sized suppliers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, publicprocurement procedures offer fair opportunity for Scottish suppliers, includingSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME’s), to compete. We are also committed toensuring that pre-qualification requirements do not unfairly disadvantage SME’s.Over recent months, the Executive has been in discussion with representatives of the Scottish business community (including the Federation of Small Business, Chambers of Commerce, CBI Scotland and the Institute of Directors) regarding ways in which we can help Scottish suppliers, especially SMEs, compete for public contracts and we hope to agree a package of recommendations shortly. Measures already implemented include the development of a procurement website which provides information and guidance for those wishing to sell to the Executive and introduction the e-Procurement Scotland programme which significantly reduces transactional costs for suppliers. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186630,"EventID":"S2W-13926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reverse its decision to allow the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to undertake his post on a part-time basis at a time of pressures on dental services and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reverse its decision to allow the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to undertake his post on a part-time basis at a time of pressures on dental services and what steps have been taken to ensure that the duties previously covered by this full-time post continue to be carried out.","AnswerText":"No, the Executive does not intend to reverse its decision about the working arrangements of the CDO. The CDO will continue to play a lead role within the Executive in reforming NHS dentistry in Scotland. The work which he will undertake one day a week with NHS Education for Scotland is a vital part of securing the additional workforce needed to deliver the improvements to dental services. All of the duties of the CDO post will continue to be covered by the CDO himself, his deputy and the teams within the Executive which work with him.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186631,"EventID":"S2W-13927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the new beef cattle scheme and when the first payments will be issued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the new beef cattle scheme and when the first payments will be issued.","AnswerText":"Following consultation with stakeholders, we have developed a scheme under the national envelope provisions which will be called the Scottish Beef Calf scheme. I will be bringing forward regulations relating to the scheme, shortly. Farmers and crofters have been kept informed of our intentions.This will involve a flat rate payment for calves born in Scotland to beef-bred animals, with a higher rate payable for the first 10 animals. It is intended to support the supply of quality Scottish beef and safeguard the environment. The first payments will be made after one year’s worth of claims have been received. I expect the first payments to be made in February to March 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186632,"EventID":"S2W-13928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategic plan is for development of the walking and cycling infrastructure in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategic plan is for development of the walking and cycling infrastructure in the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Transport White Paper, Scotland’s Transport Future, was published in June 2004 and introduced the development of Regional and National Transport Strategies.Consultation will take place throughout 2005 and early 2006 on a National Transport Strategy which will give a long-term strategic framework to all Scottish transport developments in all modes of transport. It will build on the white paper by showing how transport will contribute to our five key priorities (economy; environment; social inclusion; safety, and integration) over the medium to long-term. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186633,"EventID":"S2W-13929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to revising its signage strategy on motorways and trunk roads; whether a revised strategy will be issued and, if so, what the likely times","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to revising its signage strategy on motorways and trunk roads; whether a revised strategy will be issued and, if so, what the likely timescale is for its introduction.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to revise its general signposting strategy for motorways and trunk roads. However, the Executive is currently reviewing the Trunk Road and Motorway Tourist Signposting Policy document (TRMTSP) which was published in 1998. The review is considering minor amendments to the TRMTSP in the light of experience and practice to ensure that a consistent approach to tourist signposting continues to be provided across the trunk road network. This review should be completed by summer 2005.The Scottish Executive has an ongoing programme of providing further electronic variable message signs at key locations across the network. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186634,"EventID":"S2W-13930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated for investment in the cycling and walking infrastructure in each of the last five years, broken down by organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated for investment in the cycling and walking infrastructure in each of the last five years, broken down by organisation.","AnswerText":"Allocations have been made to local authorities for cycling, walking and safer streets projects and from successful bids from the Public Transport Fund as well as to Sustrans for the development of the National Cycle Network in Scotland. The allocations are set out in the following table. | Organisations | 2000-01 (£000) | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | | Aberdeen City | 200 | 111 | 1,051 | 650 | 343 | | Aberdeenshire | 205 | 118 | 182 | 316 | 367 | | Angus | 109 | 65 | 100 | 175 | 175 | | Argyll and Bute | 109 | 1,058 | 990 | 157 | 148 | | Clackmannanshire | 48 | 29 | 44 | 76 | 78 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 140 | 724 | 276 | 1091 | 240 | | Dundee City | 145 | 82 | 125 | 218 | 236 | | East Ayrshire | 120 | 491 | 359 | 1,219 | 195 | | East Dunbartonshire | 114 | 66 | 101 | 1,152 | 1,296 | | East Lothian | 89 | 55 | 85 | 148 | 146 | | East Renfrewshire | 89 | 503 | 81 | 142 | 145 | | Edinburgh, city of | 467 | 277 | 425 | 739 | 2,022 | | Eilean Siar | 37 | 19 | 29 | 50 | 43 | | Falkirk | 142 | 85 | 130 | 377 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186636,"EventID":"S2W-13932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it plans to invest in programmes to reskill and retrain refugees, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it plans to invest in programmes to reskill and retrain refugees, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive is considering what resources are needed in 2005 to helprefugees reskill and retrain in the future. The Executive is working with key stakeholders (the Enterprise Networks, Jobcentre Plus and many others) to develop a framework for employability interventions which will enable individuals to access training for work, get into employment and to continue to develop their skills once in work. In 2004-05 the Scottish Executive funded a total of £323,913 for a range of programmes, mainly in Glasgow where most refugees live, to help improve refugees’ employment prospects. Another round of funding for 2005-06 will be announced in spring 2005 which will include projects with a focus on reskilling and retraining refugees. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186637,"EventID":"S2W-13933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it plans to allocate in each of the next five years for investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, broken down by organisation receiving the funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it plans to allocate in each of the next five years for investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, broken down by organisation receiving the funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Budget published in October provided details of spending for cycling and walking. Included in the budget was continued provision to local authorities for cycling, walking and safer streets projects to 2007-08. Provision beyond that time will depend on future spending reviews. Details of allocations to local authorities over the next three financial years for cycling walking and safer streets projects are included in the following table. The table includes funding from successful public transport fund bids. | Organisation | 2005-06 (£000) | 2006-07 (£000) | 2007-08 (£000) | | Aberdeen City | 362 | 358 | 365 | | Aberdeenshire | 388 | 402 | 412 | | Angus | 185 | 187 | 191 | | Argyll and Bute | 156 | 160 | 163 | | Clackmannanshire | 82 | 84 | 86 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 252 | 256 | 262 | | Dundee City | 248 | 245 | 249 | | East Ayrshire | 205 | 208 | 212 | | East Dunbartonshire | 2,186 | 187 | 191 | | East Lothian | 154 | 165 | 170 | | East Renfrewshire | 153 | 160 | 165 | | Edinburgh, city of | 767 | 796 | 818 | | Eilean Siar | 45 | 44 | 45 | | Falkirk | 248 | 259 | 267 | | Fife | 597 | 622 | 639 | | Glasgow City | 988 | 1,000 | 1,021 | | Highland | 357 | 365 | 374 | | Inverclyde | 144 | 143 | 146 | | Midlothian | 138 | 144 | 149 | | Moray | 149 | 150 | 154 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186638,"EventID":"S2W-13934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13368 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2005, what percentage of children in Scotland lived in non-working families, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13368 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2005, what percentage of children in Scotland lived in non-working families, broken down by local authority area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The information requested is in table 1 below. As the information is only available at local authority level for 1999-2000 and 2001-02, additional information is contained in table 2.Table 1: Percentage of Children in Scotland who live in Households with no Adults in Paid Employment, by Local Authority | | 1999 and 2000 | 2001 and 2002 | | % | Base | % | Base | | Aberdeen City | 20 | 477 | 17 | 454 | | Aberdeenshire | 9 | 741 | 7 | 704 | | Angus | 13 | 325 | 15 | 310 | | Argyll and Bute | 13 | 280 | 16 | 269 | | Clackmannanshire | 23 | 317 | 23 | 266 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 11 | 417 | 17 | 406 | | Dundee City | 24 | 295 | 31 | 355 | | East Ayrshire | 25 | 325 | 23 | 350 | | East Dunbartonshire | 7 | 315 | 10 | 322 | | East Lothian | 14 | 292 | 13 | 313 | | East Renfrewshire | 10 | 302 | 7 | 285 | | Edinburgh City | 16 | 992 | 23 | 906 | | Eilean Siar | 8 | 295 | 20 | 267 | | Falkirk | 16 | 433 | 13 | 395 | | Fife | 21 | 940 | 19 | 930 | | Glasgow City | 38 | 1,415 | 37 | 1,336 | | Highland | 20 | 568 | 18 | 593 | | Inverclyd","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186639,"EventID":"S2W-13935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what partner organisations it expects to work with in developing the walking and cycling infrastructure in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what partner organisations it expects to work with in developing the walking and cycling infrastructure in the next five years.","AnswerText":"We will continue to work closely with all major walking and cycling infrastructure providers and with cycling and walking organisations including local authorities, regional transport partnerships, Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, Bike Week and the Paths for All Partnership. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186640,"EventID":"S2W-13936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13508 by Ross Finnie on 24 January 2005, in which month it expects to introduce a revised code of practice for the safe use of plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13508 by Ross Finnie on 24 January 2005, in which month it expects to introduce a revised code of practice for the safe use of plant protection products.","AnswerText":"There are some complex issues to be resolved prior to the introduction of a revised Code of Practice and I cannot be any more specific than the answer given to question S2W-13508.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186641,"EventID":"S2W-13937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with soliciting or other prostitution related offences in Edinburgh in each year since 1999, showing the number who were (a) resident ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with soliciting or other prostitution related offences in Edinburgh in each year since 1999, showing the number who were (a) resident outwith Edinburgh and (b) non-UK nationals. ","AnswerText":"Information on persons charged by the police is not held centrally. The available information on persons proceeded against in court is given in the table. A breakdown by residency and nationality is not available for these statistics.Persons Proceeded Against in Scottish Courts for Offences Related to Prostitution1, Edinburgh2, 1999 to 2002 | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 20023 | | Number | 10 | 3 | 3 | 5 | Notes: 1. Where main offence. 2. Persons proceeded against in Edinburgh Sheriff Court or City of EdinburghDistrict Court. 3. Figure may be an underestimate due to time taken to record details of some court proceedings. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186642,"EventID":"S2W-13938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths were due to cancer in 2004, broken down by (a) region and (b) cancer type in each region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths were due to cancer in 2004, broken down by (a) region and (b) cancer type in each region.","AnswerText":"Provisional 2004 figures for deaths from the principal types of cancer, broken down by health board area, will be published in the Registrar General’s Preliminary Return on 24 March 2005. Final figures for 2004 will be made available on the GROS website (www.gro-scotland.gov.uk) in July 2005. Final figures for 2003, broken down by council area and health board area, may be found on the GROS website at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files/03t6-3.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186643,"EventID":"S2W-13939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists there were per head of population in each (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area at 31 December 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists there were per head of population in each (a) NHS board area and (b) local authority area at 31 December 2004.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of NHS dentists at 31 December 2004 is not available centrally.The latest centrally-held information on hospital and community health service(HCHS) dentists and general dental practitioners in NHSScotland, as at 30 September 2004, was published today, 10 February 2005, on the Scottish Health Statistics website under Workforce Statistics, at: www.isdscotland.org/workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186644,"EventID":"S2W-13940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken following the decisions of the Transport and the Environment Committee and the European Parliament's Petitions Committee to call for the closur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken following the decisions of the Transport and the Environment Committee and the European Parliament's Petitions Committee to call for the closure of the cattle incinerator in Carntyne, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"There has been significant and continuing improvement in the environmental record of the Carntyne incinerator since the committees submitted their reports in 2003. Specific measures to upgrade odour abatement systems have been installed, and improved monitoring equipment and systems introduced. The incinerator now complies fully with all relevant environmental standards. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), which regulates the incinerator, has been asked to submit regular reports to the Executive confirming details of any complaint received by the agency concerning the plant’s operations, togetherwith the action SEPA and the company are taking to address the complaint. We expect SEPA to take robust enforcement action in the event of any future breaches of the incinerator’s authorisation. The Executive has also commissioned research on the interaction between land use planning and environmental regulation, which was published in October 2004. This report makes a number of detailed recommendations which are being carefully considered by ministers. The report can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/planning/iblu-00.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186645,"EventID":"S2W-13941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease in Scotland by year of admission showing age and sex has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35462). In areas where the number of cases is very small a total only is shown.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186646,"EventID":"S2W-13942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186647,"EventID":"S2W-13943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis in Scotland by year of admission showing age, sex and area of residence has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35461). Due to the relatively small numbers involved in some health board areas, an age/sex breakdown is provided at Scotland level only.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186648,"EventID":"S2W-13944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcohol-induced pancreatitis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186649,"EventID":"S2W-13945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic gastritis in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic gastritis in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with alcoholic gastritis in Scotland by year of admission showing age, sex and area of residence has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35460). Due to the relatively small numbers involved in some health board areas, an age/sex breakdown is provided at Scotland level only.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186650,"EventID":"S2W-13946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic gastritis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic gastritis in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186651,"EventID":"S2W-13947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in Scotland by year of admission showing age, sex and area of residence has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35459). Due to the relatively small numbers involved in some health board areas, an age/sex breakdown is provided at Scotland level only.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186652,"EventID":"S2W-13948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186653,"EventID":"S2W-13949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy in Scotland by year of admission showing age, sex and area of residence has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35458). Due to the relatively small numbers involved in some health board areas, an age/sex breakdown is provided at Scotland level only.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186654,"EventID":"S2W-13950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with alcoholic polyneuropathy in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186655,"EventID":"S2W-13951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol in Scotland by year of admission showing age, sex and area of residence has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35457). Due to the relatively small numbers involved in some health board areas, an age/sex breakdown is provided at Scotland level only.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186656,"EventID":"S2W-13952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with degeneration of the nervous system due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186657,"EventID":"S2W-13953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in Scotland by year of admission showing age and sex has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35456). In areas where the number of cases is very small a total only is shown.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186658,"EventID":"S2W-13954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS has been of treating people diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Costs data for specific conditions such as alcohol-induced illnesses are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186659,"EventID":"S2W-13955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of applications per place has been at each dental school in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of applications per place has been at each dental school in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of applications is not held by the Scottish Executive. These statistics are a matter for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).The target intake for undergraduate dentistry in universities in Scotland for 2004-05 is given in the following table, as published by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council at the website address: http://www.shefc.ac.uk/library/06854fc203db2fbd000000fa803fa922/annex2.html. Undergraduate dentistry: University 2004-05 intake targets | University | Home/EU | Overseas | Total | | Dundee | 64 | 3 | 67 | | Glasgow | 87 | 3 | 90 | | Total | 151 | 6 | 157 | Source: Scottish Higher Education Funding Council - Circular letter HE/03/04.< Fines/Compensation Order Write-Offs - 2003-04 | Sheriff Court | Number of Fines | Total Value (£) | | Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | | Airdrie | 57 | 11,541.20 | | Alloa | 5 | 1,114.00 | | Arbroath | 0 | 0 | | Ayr | 0 | 0 | | Banff | 3 | 800.50 | | Campbeltown | 4 | 982.00 | | Cupar | 8 | 1,659.35 | | Dingwall | 1 | 50.00 | | Dornoch | 0 | 0 | | Dumbarton | 7 | 176.00 | | Dumfries | 0 | 0 | | Dundee | 10 | 2,925.00 | | Dunfermline | 0 | 0 | | Dunoon | 0 | 0 | | Duns | 0 | 0 | | Edinburgh | 284 | 75,916.19 | | Elgin | 0 | 0 | | Falkirk | 0 | 0 | | Forfar | 0 | 0 | | Fort William | 0 | 0 | | Glasgow | 108 | 26,572.82 | | Greenock | 0 | 0 | | Haddington | 0 | 0 | | Hamilton | 0 | 0 | | Inverness | 0 | 0 | | Jedburgh | 0 | 0 | | Kilmarnock | 0 | 0 | | Kirkcaldy | 0 | 0 | | Kirkcudbright | 0 | 0 | | Kirkwall | 3 | 323.36 | | Lanark | 0 | 0 | Number of District Court Fines Fully Remitted, 1999-2000 to 2003-04 | District Court | 1999-20001 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-042 | | Aberdeen City | 146 | 33 | 94 | 52 | 157 | | Aberdeenshire | 61 | 28 | 79 | 18 | 26 | | Angus | 27 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 20 | | Argyll and Bute | 162 | 60 | 54 | 38 | 50 | | Clackmannanshire | 12 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 28 | - | 11 | 9 | N/A | | Dundee City | 38 | 25 | 30 | 52 | 25 | | East Ayrshire | 116 | 13 | 68 | - | N/A | | East Dunbartonshire | 16 | 6 | 5 | - | 2 | | East Lothian | - | 5 | 2 | 4 | 5 | | East Renfrewshire | - | 2 | - | - | - | | Edinburgh, City of | 408 | N/A | 240 | 175 | 107 | | Eilean Siar | - | 19 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | Falkirk | 42 | 14 | 11 | 5 | 25 | | Fife | 225 | 117 | 137 | 57 | N/A | | Glasgow City | 385 | 141 | 43 | 79 | 17 | | Highland | 180 | 125 | 19 | 27 | 74 | | Inverclyde | 31 | 23 | 31 | 28 | 33 | | Midlothian | 2 | 5 | 12 | 10 | 16 | | Moray | 2 | 1 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186662,"EventID":"S2W-13958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-88 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2003, what the value of fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties sent to HM Treasury was in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-88 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2003, what the value of fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties sent to HM Treasury was in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The relevant information from the accounts of the Scottish consolidated fund, on the value of surrendered designated receipts for Justice and the Crown Office, is given in the table. The figure of £23,301,000 given in the answer given to question S2W-88, answered on 5 June 2003, for the value of fines, forfeitures and penalties was estimated from the £11,716,000 received by the Crown Office from district courts for fixed fines and penalties and £11,584,000 remitted to the Exchequer by the Scottish Court Service, as these were the most readily available sources of information at the time. The figures extracted from the accounts of the Scottish consolidated fund, as given in the table, are considered to provide a more accurate basis of information relating to the value of fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties sent to HM Treasury over the last 5 years – although it should be noted that the value remitted in a given year does not directly relate to the value of fines imposed in that year – as most fines are paid over a period of time. 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/webapp/wa.search. Surrendered Designated Receipts, 1999-2000 to 2003-04 | Year | Value (£000) | | 1999-2000 | 13,000 | | 2000-01 | 14,482 | | 2001-021 | 27,082 | | 2002-03 | 20,852 | | 2003-04 | 31,111 | Source: Accounts of the Scottish Consolidated Fund. Note: 1. Includes £3.8million which was applicable to 2000-01. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186663,"EventID":"S2W-13959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-89 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, how many, and what value of, sheriff court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 2003 and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-89 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, how many, and what value of, sheriff court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 2003 and (b) 2004, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information is provided in the following tables. It should be noted that the outstanding balances for each year are not cumulative. Not all of the balance currently outstanding is due to default in payment - over half the accounts are within their valid payment period and should be paid within that period. Collection levels have been steadily improving over recent years, with over 80% of all financial penalties imposed in the sheriff and High Court in 2001-02 (the most recent year in which the majority of fine accounts are now closed)collected in full.As at 31 March 2003 | Sheriff Court | Number of Open Fine Accounts | Outstanding Balance (£) | | Aberdeen | 2020 | 521,298.95 | | Airdrie | 1361 | 340,921.11 | | Alloa | 451 | 189,082.86 | | Arbroath | 445 | 101,204.38 | | Ayr | 1152 | 256,497.93 | | Banff | 145 | 50,775.67 | | Campbeltown | 126 | 30,605.50 | | Cupar | 229 | 46,796.15 | | Dingwall | 202 | 61,164.58 | | Dornoch | 76 | 31,497.39 | | Dumbarton | 994 | 222,811.36 | | Dumfries | 827 | 235,567.96 | | Dundee | 1785 | 428,355.06 | | Dunfermline | 1268 | 300,120.43 | | Dunoon | 224 | 49,592.33 | | Duns | 158 | 58,635.79 | | Edinburgh | 4957 | 2,615,487.83 | | Elgin | 629 | 243,445.47 | | Falkirk | 1692 | 523,930.58 | | Forfar | 298 | 74,163.18 | | Fort William | 144 | 51,569.67 | | Glasgow | 5966 | 1,682,539.52 | | Greenock | 976 | 240,661.56 | | Haddington | 423 | 115,537.12 | | Hamilton | 2839 | 704,369.67 | | Inverness | 810 | 205,157.57 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186664,"EventID":"S2W-13960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-90 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, how many, and what value of, district court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1999, (b) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-90 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, how many, and what value of, district court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table by local authority area. Yearly totals for Scotland are not comparable due to data being unavailable in different courts in different years. The figures for outstanding balances are the total values of imposed fines which have not yet been paid plus any remaining balance on fines which are being paid by instalments. It should be noted that theoutstanding balances for each year are not cumulative, collection effortstake place continuously and the data for the most recent year reflects the existing position. Not all of the balance currently outstanding is due to default in payment - a proportion of these fines will be within their valid payment period.Value (£000s) of Fines Imposed by District Courts Outstanding at 31 March, 1999-2004 | District Court | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 20041 | | Aberdeen City | 170 | 146 | 174 | 110 | 106 | 104 | | Aberdeenshire | 105 | 88 | 57 | 54 | 44 | 41 | | Angus | 61 | 66 | 79 | 70 | 95 | 125 | | Argyll and Bute | 19 | 11 | 15 | 24 | 25 | 24 | | Clackmannanshire | 25 | 37 | 25 | 23 | 38 | 36 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 91 | 93 | 74 | 64 | 70 | N/A | | Dundee City | 108 | 141 | 117 | 115 | 116 | 129 | | East Ayrshire | N/A | N/A | 27 | 21 | N/A | N/A | | East Dunbartonshire | 19 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | | East Lothian | 23 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 20 | | East Renfrewshire | 10 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 2 | | Edinburgh, City of | 205 | 168 | N/A | 55 | 156 | 117 | | Eilean Siar | 1 | 2 | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | | Falkirk | 96 | 117 | 140 | 136 | 159 | 174 | | Fife | 13 | 42 | 44 | 19 | 31 | N/A | | Glasgow","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186665,"EventID":"S2W-13961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-91 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, how many fines were recovered by civil diligence following the procedure under section 221 of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-91 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, 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 2004, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. | 2004 | Civil Diligence Used | Number of Fines Imposed | % of Civil Diligence to Imposed | | Aberdeen | 0 | 2,518 | 0% | | Airdrie | 0 | 1,477 | 0% | | Alloa | 0 | 560 | 0% | | Arbroath | 0 | 704 | 0% | | Ayr | 1 | 1,429 | 0.3% | | Banff | 0 | 296 | 0% | | Campbeltown | 0 | 187 | 0% | | Cupar | 0 | 378 | 0% | | Dingwall | 0 | 363 | 0% | | Dornoch | 0 | 108 | 0% | | Dumbarton | 0 | 1,143 | 0% | | Dumfries | 0 | 1,862 | 0% | | Dundee | 0 | 2,158 | 0% | | Dunfermline | 0 | 1,107 | 0% | | Dunoon | 0 | 223 | 0% | | Duns | 0 | 197 | 0% | | Edinburgh | 0 | 4,340 | 0% | | Elgin | 0 | 954 | 0% | | Falkirk | 0 | 1,592 | 0% | | Forfar | 0 | 621 | 0% | | Fort William | 0 | 297 | 0% | | Glasgow | 10 | 3,630 | 0.3% | | Greenock | 2 | 763 | 0.3% | | Haddington | 0 | 448 | 0% | | Hamilton | 0 | 3,188 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186666,"EventID":"S2W-13962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-92 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-92 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 June 2003, what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 was outstanding on 31 March (a) 2003 and (b) 2004, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. Yearly totals for Scotland are not comparable due to data being unavailable in different courts in different years. Fiscal fines are generally collected by the district courts and, as such, the information collected centrally and given in the table is by district court, rather than sheriff court. It should be noted that a number of the fines quoted as outstanding in 2004 are still within their valid collection period and no enforcement action will yet have been taken. Information on the value of fiscal fines outstanding in Orkney and Shetland, where payment is made to the sheriff court, is not readily available from the information held centrally.Value (£000s) of Fiscal Fines Outstanding at 31 March, 2003 and 2004 | District Court | 2003 | 20041 | | Aberdeen City | 3 | 1 | | Aberdeenshire | 1 | 2 | | Angus | 8 | 5 | | Argyll and Bute | 1 | 2 | | Clackmannanshire | 2 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 9 | N/A | | Dundee City | 7 | 10 | | East Ayrshire | 6 | N/A | | East Dunbartonshire | 3 | 1 | | East Lothian | 2 | 1 | | East Renfrewshire | 1 | 1 | | Edinburgh, City of | 9 | 8 | | Eilean Siar | N/A | N/A | | Falkirk | 4 | 5 | | Fife | 1 | N/A | | Glasgow City | 123 | 781 | | Highland | 17 | 9 | | Inverclyde | 3 | 3 | | Midlothian | 1 | 1 | | Moray | 3 | 2 | | North Ayrshire | 3 | 3 | | North Lanarkshire | N/A | N/A | | Perth and Kinross | 3 | 2 | | Renfrewshire | 4 | 2 | | Scottish Borders | 6 | 4 | | South Ayrshire | 2 | 3 | | South Lanarkshire | 28 | 29 | | Stirling | N/A | N/A | | West Dunbartonshire | 7 | 8 | | West Lothian | N/A | N/A | | Scotland | 258 | 887 | Notes: \"N/A\" denotes data not available. 1. Provisional data. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186667,"EventID":"S2W-13963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the Local Government and Transport Committee on 19 January 2005, what the reason is for the discrepancy between the number of Network Rail employees pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the Local Government and Transport Committee on 19 January 2005, what the reason is for the discrepancy between the number of Network Rail employees provided by Network Rail and the number of employees provided by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union; whether the figures can be reconciled and, if so, how that reconciliation can be achieved.","AnswerText":"Information regarding the number of Network Rail employees is a matter for Network Rail.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186668,"EventID":"S2W-13964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-93 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 2 June 2003, how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions have bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-93 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 2 June 2003, how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions have been obtained under section (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 2003-04 in each sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested, for the period 2003-04, is as follows:No reports were sent to Procurators Fiscal in respect of sections 68(5), 69(2) and 70(1) of the Licensing Scotland Act 1976. A break down of the number of cases containing charges under sections 68(1), 68(2), 68(3), and 69(1), 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 the cases reported contained other charges – for different offences or under other sections of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 – that resulted in convictions, which do not show up in the data provided; (b) The data provided does not show how many of the charges were prosecuted; (c) The data provided does not show charges in respect of which non-court action was taken (such as fiscal fines, warning letters or diversion to social work or other agencies), and (d) Some of the cases reported during the period may not yet have reached a conclusion. Financial Year 2003-04 | Office | S68(1) | Conviction | S68(2) | Conviction | S68(3) | Conviction | S69(1) | Conviction | Total reports | Total Convictions | Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | | Airdrie | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | | Alloa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | | Arbroath | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | | Ayr | 15 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 7 | | Banff | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Recorded Crimes Under Section 68(1) of the Licensing Scotland Act 1976, 2002 to 2003 | Local Authority Area | 2002 | 2003 | | Scotland | 268 | 283 | | Aberdeen City | 21 | 1 | | Aberdeenshire | 11 | 34 | | Angus | 2 | 3 | | Argyll and Bute | 7 | 13 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 | 13 | | Dundee City | 11 | 8 | | East Ayrshire | 30 | 18 | | East Dunbartonshire | 7 | 11 | | East Lothian | 3 | 0 | | East Renfrewshire | 1 | 0 | | Edinburgh, City of | 29 | 12 | | Eilean Siar | 2 | 0 | | Falkirk | 8 | 13 | | Fife | 28 | 12 | | Glasgow City | 9 | 36 | | Highland | 12 | 2 | | Inverclyde | 5 | 1 | | Midlothian | 1 | 2 | | Moray | 10 | 4 | | North Ayrshire | 6 | 9 | | North Lanarkshire | 8 | 0 | | Orkney Islands | 0 | 5 | | Perth and Kinross | 4 | 5 | | Renfrewshire | 11 | 16 | | Scottish Borders | 7 | 0 | | Shetland Islands | 0 | 0 | | South Ayrshire | 14 | 26 | | South Lanarkshire | 4 | 22 | | Stirling | 4 | 9 | | We","AnswerDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186670,"EventID":"S2W-13966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to consumers has been of the renewables obligation buy-out in each year since April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to consumers has been of the renewables obligation buy-out in each year since April 2002.","AnswerText":"Total payments to the buy-out fund by designated electricity suppliers in respect of the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) for the obligation periods thus far are as follows: | 2002-03 | £11,210,730 | | 2003-04 | £16,436,835 | The way in which suppliers’ costs are passed onto consumers is a matter for each individual supplier. Ofgem has estimated that the cost of the Renewables Obligations currently makes up around 2% of domestic debit electricity bills. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186671,"EventID":"S2W-13967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect its 18% renewable energy target by 2010 will have on the renewables obligation buy-out and whether it will disadvantage the consumer or Scottish-based generat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect its 18% renewable energy target by 2010 will have on the renewables obligation buy-out and whether it will disadvantage the consumer or Scottish-based generating companies, given the target of 10% set by the UK Government.","AnswerText":"Our target has no effect on the buy-out fund, nor does it disadvantage either consumers or Scottish based generating companies. The size of the buy-out fund is determined solely by the level of the obligation on designated electricity suppliers and the buy-out price.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186672,"EventID":"S2W-13968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the declared net capacity is of the hydroelectric stations at (a) Kinlochleven, (b) St Fillans, (c) Mossford, (d) Shin, (e) Quoich, (f) Finlarig, (g) Grudie Bridge a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the declared net capacity is of the hydroelectric stations at (a) Kinlochleven, (b) St Fillans, (c) Mossford, (d) Shin, (e) Quoich, (f) Finlarig, (g) Grudie Bridge and (h) Culligran.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in The Renewables Obligation – Ofgem’s first annual report published in February 2004. The report is available via Ofgem’s website at:www.ofgem.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186673,"EventID":"S2W-13969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what applications are being considered to increase declared net capacity of the hydroelectric stations at (a) Kinlochleven, (b) St Fillans, (c) Mossford, (d) Shin, (e) Qu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what applications are being considered to increase declared net capacity of the hydroelectric stations at (a) Kinlochleven, (b) St Fillans, (c) Mossford, (d) Shin, (e) Quich, (f) Finlarig, (g) Grudie Bridge and (h) Culligran.","AnswerText":"There are no applications before ministers for consent to increase the capacity of any of these hydroelectric stations.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186674,"EventID":"S2W-13970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people there are with multiple sclerosis (MS), broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people there are with multiple sclerosis (MS), broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information is not available centrally in the form requested. Information obtained from a sample of Scottish general practices whose population is broadly nationally representative suggests that approximately 7,400 patients with multiplesclerosis were seen by GPs, practice nurses, district nurses and health visitorsin the year ended March 2004. However, the Executive recognises that this may be an underestimate since some people with MS may not need to visit their GP surgery in the course of any given year.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186675,"EventID":"S2W-13971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has approached the organisers of London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games about the possibility of Scotland hosting Olympic mountain biking events if the bi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has approached the organisers of London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games about the possibility of Scotland hosting Olympic mountain biking events if the bid is successful.","AnswerText":"To remain within the city-based bidding rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the only events that a London Olympic Games could possibly stage outside London were the sailing and football competitions. Scotland went through the appropriate channels to be considered for inclusion in the London bid to stage an element of both events and was successful in securing Hampden Park as a venue for some of the Olympic football matches. This was included in the London 2012 candidature file submitted to the IOC on 15 November 2004.There will also be opportunities for hosting training camps and the staging of other competition events in Scotland in the run-up to the games. The creation ofEventScotland to deliver our major events strategy will have a significant roleto play in this objective. Through EventScotland and its partners we have, forexample, already been successful in attracting the 2007 mountain bike world championship to Fort William which requires a commitment to successfully deliverthe 2005 and 2006 mountain bike world cups in the lead up to 2007. The World Championships at Fort William will be the last major mountain bike Cross Country competition before the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a key event for all riders and their national cycling federations. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186676,"EventID":"S2W-13972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel motions since 1999 have resulted in increased (a) powers to the Parliament, (b) powers to Scottish ministers and (b) responsibilities for Scottish ministe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel motions since 1999 have resulted in increased (a) powers to the Parliament, (b) powers to Scottish ministers and (b) responsibilities for Scottish ministers.","AnswerText":"There have been no bills, and hence no Sewel motions, to amend the powers of the Parliament. There have been Sewel motions for 44 Bills amending the functions of the Scottish ministers. The term “functions” is interpreted in line with the Scotland Act as including both powers and duties.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186677,"EventID":"S2W-13973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recruitment, training and retention of children's panel members is sufficient to meet panel commitments and what progress is being made with the review of the Chi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recruitment, training and retention of children's panel members is sufficient to meet panel commitments and what progress is being made with the review of the Children's Hearing System.","AnswerText":"With respect to recruitment and retention I refer the member to the answers given to questions S2W-12918, answered on 22 December 2004 and S2W-13227. answered on 21 January 2005. 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 respect of training, in 2004 a training needs analysis of panel members and a work load review of the training service were conducted. Subsequently the Scottish Executive has resourced additional capacity within the training units to ensure that training needs can be delivered. Consultation on Phase 2 of the review will begin shortly. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186678,"EventID":"S2W-13974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the statement by Mr Tom McCabe at c 14063 in the Official Report on 27 January 2005 on the use of £100 figures for Executive accruals in its Budget (Scotland) (No. 2)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the statement by Mr Tom McCabe at c 14063 in the Official Report on 27 January 2005 on the use of £100 figures for Executive accruals in its Budget (Scotland) (No. 2) Bill is consistent with (a) Annex C of HM Treasury's guide regarding departmental resource accounts that relate to Parliamentary supply, the \"Yellow Book\", which defines accruals accounting as \"A method of recording expenditure as it is incurred, and income as it is earned, during an accounting period, rather than when cash is spent or received\", (b) the Inland Revenue treatment of accruals as adopted within FRS17 and carried forward to FRS18 that \"Required revenue and costs to be accrued, that is recognised as they were earned or incurred, not as money is received or paid, and matched with one another in so far as their relationship can be established or justifiably assumed. They were to be dealt with in the profit and loss account of the period to which they related; provided that where the accruals concept was inconsistent with the prudence concept the latter prevailed\", (c) the UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and (d) any other generally-accepted use of accruals during a budgeting process that attempts to predict and direct outcomes.","AnswerText":"I congratulate the member on his erudition. He will know that the first three references he gives are guidance on accounts, and that accounts come after the end of the relevant financial year. As I explained during the debate on Stage 1, the use of £100 in the Budget Bill is an accepted convention to signal that the exact amount of receipts cannot be accurately forecast, where we could not provide a “taut and realistic” figure for bill. The Budget Bill of course comes before the start of the relevant financial year.We use £100 to signally clearly that there will be receipts – but that we are as yet uncertain as to their extent. When accurate forecasts become available, we will insert them during the year through the regular budget revisions. Of course, these revisions are long before we reach the accounts. A clear signal to the use of the convention is that for all other budget purposes the smallest unit ofresource we use is £1,000 – in other words, we do not recognize any numbersbelow £1,000, and all figures have to be in complete thousands. The same convention applies in the Westminster Estimates (the equivalent of our Budget Bill and revisions) – though they use the figure of £1,000 for this purpose. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186679,"EventID":"S2W-13975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by staff working on behalf of the NHS to ensure that any person brought to their attention for treatment, who is under physical restraint, is l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by staff working on behalf of the NHS to ensure that any person brought to their attention for treatment, who is under physical restraint, is lawfully restrained.","AnswerText":"The law concerning physical restraint centres around the use of reasonable force. NHS staff have a duty of care not to cause unnecessary harm to patients. Where a decision is made under the Mental Health Act (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, the strong legislative and supporting messages are that such interventions be undertaken only by staff who are fully trained in appropriate control, restraint and resuscitation techniques.Following recommendations from the inquiry into the death of the psychiatric patient David Bennet, NHS Education Scotland has developed training standards on Prevention and Therapeutic Management of Violence in Adult Mental Health Settings. These have been piloted and are now being consulted on with the NHS publication later this year. A copy will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre under reference (Bib. number 35187). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186680,"EventID":"S2W-13976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff within its areas of responsibility have authority to restrain asylum seekers (a) inside and (b) outwith Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff within its areas of responsibility have authority to restrain asylum seekers (a) inside and (b) outwith Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","AnswerText":"The management and operation of Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre is the responsibility of the Home Office.Outwith Dungavel, Scotland’s police force, prison service or medical staff may use retraint on asylum seekers as they would for any other individual. Also, Scottish ministers have statutory responsibility for transferring mentally ill persons detained under the Immigration Act to hospital. These powers are contained in Section 71 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984. The use of restraint under the mental health act would be the same for asylum seekers as for any other person. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186681,"EventID":"S2W-13977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has statutory authority to apply physical restraint to persons undergoing treatment by NHS staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has statutory authority to apply physical restraint to persons undergoing treatment by NHS staff.","AnswerText":"NHS staff have a duty of care not to cause unnecessary harm to patients. Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, where a decision is made to administer urgent medical treatment under the act and this treatment is to be administered by force, the strong legislative and supporting messages are that such interventions be undertaken only by staff who are fully trained in appropriate control, restraint and resuscitation techniques.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186682,"EventID":"S2W-13978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued by Scottish ministers to NHS staff regarding verification that application of physical restraint to persons undergoing treatment is lawful a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued by Scottish ministers to NHS staff regarding verification that application of physical restraint to persons undergoing treatment is lawful and whether it will place a copy of this guidance in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The law concerning physical restraint centres around the use of reasonable force. Following recommendations from the inquiry into the death of the psychiatric patient David Bennet, NHS Education Scotland has developed training standards on Prevention and Therapeutic Management of Violence in Adult Mental Health Settings. These have been piloted and are now being consulted on with the NHS publication later this year. A copy will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35187).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186683,"EventID":"S2W-13979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to ensure that fishing quotas are only allocated to active fishermen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to ensure that fishing quotas are only allocated to active fishermen.","AnswerText":"The distribution of fishing quotas is one of a number of issues which will be addressed in a forthcoming review of the UK’s quota management arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186684,"EventID":"S2W-13980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding the provision of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure for new-build housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water regarding the provision of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure for new-build housing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-13645 answered on 1 February 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions can be found on the Parliaments website, the search facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186685,"EventID":"S2W-13981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce Scottish Water's investment programme for 2006 to 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce Scottish Water's investment programme for 2006 to 2014.","AnswerText":"I announced the objectives we wish Scottish Water to address in the next regulatory period in a Statement to the Parliament on the 9 February.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186686,"EventID":"S2W-13982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure to service new housing developments is an Executive priority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provision of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure to service new housing developments is an Executive priority.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186687,"EventID":"S2W-13983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted housing developers when deciding Scottish Water's investment programme for 2006 to 2014.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consulted housing developers when deciding Scottish Water's investment programme for 2006 to 2014.","AnswerText":"Yes. In addition, Homes for Scotland, Communities Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities were all directly involved in the Q & S 3 process.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186688,"EventID":"S2W-13984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes for rent or ownership, for which approval has been granted, are unable to be built due to a lack of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes for rent or ownership, for which approval has been granted, are unable to be built due to a lack of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Before Communities Scotland approves proposals for the construction of affordable houses for rent or ownership, a pre-approval process establishes that sufficient infrastructure capacity, including water and sewerage, is available to support the project. As a result, while there may be occasions when progress is delayed while infrastructure issues are addressed, there are no affordable homes for rent or ownership for which approval was granted by Communities Scotland this financial year and which are unable to be built due to a lack of appropriate water and sewage infrastructure.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186689,"EventID":"S2W-13985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken to secure for Scotland the headquarters of the recently-established United Kingdom Energy Research Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken to secure for Scotland the headquarters of the recently-established United Kingdom Energy Research Centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no involvement in deciding the location of the headquarters of the United Kingdom Energy Research Centre. This decision was taken by a consortium of the relevant research institutions.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186690,"EventID":"S2W-13986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding for hospital-acquired infection related research have been received in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding for hospital-acquired infection related research have been received in each of the last five years.","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. The CSO is largely a response mode funder of research and this role is well advertised throughout the healthcare and academic community. The number of applications received by the CSO on hospital-acquired infection related research in each of the last five years is as follows: | Year | Applications | | 2000-01 | 2 | | 2001-02 | 1 | | 2002-03 | 1 | | 2003-04 | 3 | | 2004-05 | 4 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186691,"EventID":"S2W-13987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding for hospital-acquired infection related research have been approved in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for funding for hospital-acquired infection related research have been approved in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"In the last five years, the Chief Scientist Office has funded three projects on hospital-acquired infection related research, one project in 2001-02 and two projects in the current financial year, 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186692,"EventID":"S2W-13988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tied houses there are in each local authority area; what percentage of housing stock this represents, and how many families have not had security of tenure in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tied houses there are in each local authority area; what percentage of housing stock this represents, and how many families have not had security of tenure in each such area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of tied houses and families who do not have security of tenure is not available centrally.Information on tied households is available from the 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey, but data are not available for the last five years. Due to the small sample sizes involved, it is not possible to provide the data at local authority level. Approximately 19,500 households were in tied housing in 2002, with 11,500 in rural areas and 8,000 in urban areas (the figures have been rounded). It is estimated that there were 2,217,000 households at 30 June 2002. Therefore, less than 1% of households were in tied housing. It is estimated that there were 2,344,000 dwellings at 31 December 2002. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186693,"EventID":"S2W-13989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held in the last year regarding the possibility of buying out the PFI at Inverness Airport and what plans it has in respect of the enhancement ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have been held in the last year regarding the possibility of buying out the PFI at Inverness Airport and what plans it has in respect of the enhancement of services around the airport, in particular the provision of transport links to Inverness.","AnswerText":"Discussions have been held with Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) on several occasions – at official and ministerial level - over the last year regarding the review of the PFI contract at Inverness airport terminal and the impact of a buy-out on the airport and the wider economy. With the support of the Executive, HIAL is now seeking to secure the buy-out of the contract. HIAL will be aiming to secure best value for the taxpayer in these sensitive negotiations and an announcement will be made at their conclusion.As part of the freight and business park development at Inverness airport, there are long-term goals to develop park and ride facilities and provide a rail halt at the Airport. A study is currently being carried out into the upgrading of the A96 from the airport turn off to Inverness. HIAL will continue to discuss the improvement of public transport services to the airport with transport operators. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186694,"EventID":"S2W-13990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals for wind farm developments are currently being considered by ministers, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many proposals for wind farm developments are currently being considered by ministers, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are currently considering 24 applications to construct and operate windfarms. A break down in terms of local authority area is summarised in the following table. | Local Authority | Windfarm s36 Applications | | Aberdeenshire | 1*2 | | Argyll and Bute | 1 | | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | 2 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 | | East Ayrshire | 3*1 | | East Lothian | 1*3 | | East Renfrewshire | 1*1 | | Highland | 3 | | Inverclyde | 1 | | Moray | 4*2 | | Perth and Kinross | 4 | | Scottish Borders | 1*3 | | South Lanarkshire | 2*1 | | West Dunbartonshire | 1 | | Total | 24 | Notes: *1. The proposed Whitelee windfarm extends over South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire local authority areas. *2. The proposed Clashindarroch windfarm extends over Moray and Aberdeenshire local authority areas. *3. The proposed Crystal Rig Phase 2 extends over Scottish Borders and East Lothian local authority areas. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186695,"EventID":"S2W-13991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on the changes planned to the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on the changes planned to the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme.","AnswerText":"The consultation on that scheme begins today and full details of our proposals will be contained within the consultation paper.Copies of the consultation paper, Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme Consultation on Proposals for a Revised Scheme & the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Consolidation (Scotland) Scheme 2005, have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35085). The consultation paper is also available on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Consultations/Current. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186696,"EventID":"S2W-13992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many listed buildings there are within its care, broken down by local authority area and Executive department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many listed buildings there are within its care, broken down by local authority area and Executive department.","AnswerText":"The Biennial Conservation Report: the Government’s Historic Estate 2001-03, published last year, reported the following figures: | Department | Cat A | Cat B | Cat C(S) | Scheduled Monument | Total | | Scottish Courts Service | 10 | 33 | 2 | 0 | 45 | | Forest Enterprise Scotland | 1 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 20 | | Scottish Prison Service | 6 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 16 | | The Scottish Executive | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | | National Archives of Scotland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | | General Register Office for Scotland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Historic Scotland | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Scottish Agricultural Science Agency | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | | Total | 22 | 56 | 10 | 1 | 89 | Note: *These figures are for protected individual buildings. Information on other structures, field monuments and buried remains is not held centrally. In addition, there are some 330 monuments in the care of Scottish ministers and managed by Historic Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186697,"EventID":"S2W-13993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the listed buildings within its care would be likely to be served with listed buildings repairs notices if they were privately owned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the listed buildings within its care would be likely to be served with listed buildings repairs notices if they were privately owned.","AnswerText":"Information on the condition of the historic government estate in Scotland is contained in the Biennial Conservation Report: the Government’s Historic Estate 2001-03, published in 2004. A copy has been placed in the Parliaments Reference Cenre. The Scottish Executive takes seriously its obligation to keep all its buildings in good repair. Serving repairs notices, however, is a matter for planning authorities.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186698,"EventID":"S2W-13994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance issued to Scottish Water or its predecessor organisations on sustainable development was made available to the Water Industry Commissioner between 1999 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance issued to Scottish Water or its predecessor organisations on sustainable development was made available to the Water Industry Commissioner between 1999 and 2004.","AnswerText":"Guidance issued to Scottish Water and the former Water Authorities on sustainable development was not specifically issued to the Water Industry Commissioner. but was available to him on request.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186699,"EventID":"S2W-13995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3103,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13283 by Nicol Stephen on 24 January 2005, why West Kilbride was omitted from all directional informatory signage on the A78 Three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13283 by Nicol Stephen on 24 January 2005, why West Kilbride was omitted from all directional informatory signage on the A78 Three Towns Bypass, other than that referred to in the answer and what action it will now take to ensure that West Kilbride is added to all appropriate signs along the length of the bypass.","AnswerText":"The present level of signing for West Kilbride, as described in the answer to question S2W-13283 on 24 January 2005, is considered appropriate.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/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186700,"EventID":"S2W-13996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the business case for the establishment of the intermediary technology institutes by Scottish Enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the business case for the establishment of the intermediary technology institutes by Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186701,"EventID":"S2W-13997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the targets it has set in respect of outputs for the intermediary technology institutes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the targets it has set in respect of outputs for the intermediary technology institutes.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186702,"EventID":"S2W-13998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek assurances from Her Majesty's Government that projects funded by the new Big Lottery Fund out of the United Kingdom (UK) share of the fund will be of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek assurances from Her Majesty's Government that projects funded by the new Big Lottery Fund out of the United Kingdom (UK) share of the fund will be of benefit to the whole of the UK.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers believe that it is essential that funding distributed on a UK basis should impact on all areas of the UK and that there should be equity in whatever distribution mechanism is adopted. The UK Government has assured Scottish ministers that the Big Lottery Fund’s programme of large transformational grants is being designed in such a way that it has the potential to impact and benefit areas across the whole of the UK.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186703,"EventID":"S2W-13999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether community and voluntary organisations in Scotland will receive the same level of funding from the Big Lottery Fund as they received from the New Opportunities Fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether community and voluntary organisations in Scotland will receive the same level of funding from the Big Lottery Fund as they received from the New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund combined.","AnswerText":"We expect that the level of funding to the community and voluntary sectors in Scotland will be broadly the same from the Big Lottery Fund as from the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund combined.We estimate that the community and voluntary sector received around two thirds of the combined total funding under the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund. The Big Lottery Fund has made a commitment that between 60% and 70% of the funding under their programmes between 2006 and 2009 will be delivered via community and voluntary organisations. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186704,"EventID":"S2W-14000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical psychologists are employed in the Scottish Prison Service, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical psychologists are employed in the Scottish Prison Service, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS currently employs one clinical psychologist who supplies services within SPS as required. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186705,"EventID":"S2W-14001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inmates have received support from a clinical psychologist in each prison in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inmates have received support from a clinical psychologist in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The data requested is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186706,"EventID":"S2W-14002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation is being undertaken in respect of a national bus pass for elderly and disabled people and who is responsible for conducting such a consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation is being undertaken in respect of a national bus pass for elderly and disabled people and who is responsible for conducting such a consultation.","AnswerText":"On 21 February my officials met representatives from local government and the bus industry as they will have a key role in making sure that the transition from the current local schemes to the national scheme is achieved smoothly and to time. The organisations which attended the meeting will have a continuing role and we will also involve other interested groups as the process develops. Bodies which represent older and disabled people, such as the Scottish Older Peoples Consultative Forum and the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), will be included.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186707,"EventID":"S2W-14003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will investigate systems that will improve ventilation of the smoking room at Holyrood for the benefit of smokers and non-smokers alike and,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will investigate systems that will improve ventilation of the smoking room at Holyrood for the benefit of smokers and non-smokers alike and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The air change rate in thesmoking room is 32 litres/second/person and is in line with recommended ratesfor smoking rooms as specified by the CIBSE (Chartered Institute of BuildingServices Engineers). Improvements are currently being addressed by RMJM who aredesigning two additional filters, a carbon filter and an electrostatic filter.The carbon filter will reduce the smell of smoke outside the room and theelectrostatic filter will improve air quality within the smoking room.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186708,"EventID":"S2W-14004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instigate a training programme for GPs with special interests as part of the service redesign recommended in the report by Sir John Temple, Securing Futur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instigate a training programme for GPs with special interests as part of the service redesign recommended in the report by Sir John Temple, Securing Future Practice: Shaping the New Medical Workforce for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Postgraduate medical training in the UK is under review as part of the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) training reforms. New frameworks for progressive specialty training, including those for general practice, are being developed across the UK administrations in partnership with the NHS, the BMA, the relevant statutory authorities and with our Medical Royal Colleges. As MMC is taken forward and the new strategic framework for general practice training is developed, further work will be undertaken through the Scottish MMC Delivery Group to evaluate the detailed delivery arrangements required to ensure that our general practitioners are trained to meet the needs of NHSScotland and are able to acquire special interests appropriate to the particular health care needs of their patients. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186709,"EventID":"S2W-14005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Calman report on specialist medical training that Scotland should have graduate entry to medical school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Calman report on specialist medical training that Scotland should have graduate entry to medical school.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is carefully considering the implications of Sir Kenneth Calman’s Report and intends to publish its response shortly.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186710,"EventID":"S2W-14006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers are on the Chartered Teachers Programme as a result of the Accreditation of Prior Learning process, broken down by subject and sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers are on the Chartered Teachers Programme as a result of the Accreditation of Prior Learning process, broken down by subject and sector.","AnswerText":"Almost 2,000 teachers are now actively involved in Chartered Teacher programmes. Of these, a proportion are pursuing accreditation of prior learning either with their programme provider or with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.The universities that provide Chartered Teacher programmes have indicated that they are handling the numbers of partial claims for accreditation against the Standard for Chartered Teacher shown in table A. A breakdown by subject is not available. Table A | University | Number of Claims | | Aberdeen | 40 | | Dundee | 28 | | Edinburgh | 16 | | Paisley | 184 | | Strathclyde | 44 | | Total | 312 | And 301 teachers have lodged full claims with the General Teaching Council for Scotland for accreditation against the Standard for Chartered Teacher. This figure includes 57 teachers who have completed the process and now have Chartered Teacher status. Table B provides a breakdown by sector and gender. A breakdown by subject is not available. Table B | | Female | Male | Total | | Further Education | 2 | 0 | 2 | | Pre-School | 2 | 0 | 2 | | Primary | 146 | 8 | 154 | | Secondary | 104 | 39 | 143 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186711,"EventID":"S2W-14007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding Scottish Enterprise allocated to research into, and development of (a) organic farming and (b) agricultural biotechnology in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding Scottish Enterprise allocated to research into, and development of (a) organic farming and (b) agricultural biotechnology in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186712,"EventID":"S2W-14008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-584 by Malcolm Chisholm on 16 March 2003, how many people were admitted to hospital in 2003-04 as a result of (a) alcohol-related c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-584 by Malcolm Chisholm on 16 March 2003, how many people were admitted to hospital in 2003-04 as a result of (a) alcohol-related conditions, (b) drug misuse and (c) obesity, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information based on all admissions to general acute hospitals during 2003-04 is shown in the table.Complete data on psychiatric admissions is not available for 2002-03 or 2003-04. In 2001-02 there were 3,918 such admissions in Scotland for alcohol-related conditions; 1,458 for drug abuse and two for obesity. Scottish General Acute Hospital1, 2 Discharge Records With An Explicit Diagnosis of Alcohol-Related Conditions, Drug Misuse or Obesity: 2003-04P | Area of Residence | Diagnosis3 | | Alcohol Related Conditions | Drug Misuse | Obesity | | Argyll and Clyde | 4,033 | 464 | 420 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 4,149 | 642 | 461 | | Borders | 650 | 43 | 99 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,082 | 90 | 205 | | Fife | 2,094 | 315 | 490 | | Forth Valley | 1,624 | 145 | 212 | | Grampian | 4,285 | 524 | 626 | | Greater Glasgow | 10,691 | 1,664 | 1,036 | | Highland | 2,846 | 67 | 406 | | Lanark | 4,755 | 257 | 384 | | Lothian | 6,327 | 748 | 931 | | Tayside | 2,510 | 160 | 247 | | Islands4 | 858 | 26 | 75 | | Other (Non-Scotland Residents) | 598 | 81 | 45 | | Scotland | 46,174 | 5,145 | 5,592 | PProvisional. Notes: 1. Includes acute hospitals (excludes maternity hospitals, mental illness hospitals and psychiatric units). 2. Information on hospital discharges relates to episodes of in-patient or day case care rather than individual patients. The same patient may account for several hospital admissions during the course of a year (or across years) and will be counted each time in the attached table. Transfer cases have been included. 3. Diagnostic information is defined by using the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10). Alcoholrelated conditions: F10, R780, Y90, Y91, Z637, Z811, Z864, Z714, Z502, T506, Y573,T510, T519, X45, X65, Y15, O354, Q860, P043, Z721,","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186713,"EventID":"S2W-14009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13224 by Ms Margaret Curran on 31 January 2005, whether it will publish all correspondence between the office of the First Minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13224 by Ms Margaret Curran on 31 January 2005, whether it will publish all correspondence between the office of the First Minister and the BBC in relation to Wark Clements' production, \"The Gathering Place.\"","AnswerText":"Following a search of ourfiles, we have found a letter dated 24 October 2003from John McCormick, BBC Scotland Controller, to the First Minister.I have placed a copy in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35515). Theletter covered a copy of Mr McCormick’s letter to the Fraser Inquiry which wassent to the First Minister for Information. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186714,"EventID":"S2W-14010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into any correlation between where and how sex education is delivered and the incidence of unwanted pregnancy in young people and the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research into any correlation between where and how sex education is delivered and the incidence of unwanted pregnancy in young people and the incidence of sexually-transmitted disease.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans at present. It will be a function of the National Sexual Health Advisory Committee, which is being established as part of the Strategy and Action Plan for Improving Sexual Health, to offer advice on a sexual health research programme for Scotland, in partnership with key policy, research and practice stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186715,"EventID":"S2W-14011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any correlation between the incidence of unwanted pregnancies in young people and where and how they received sex education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any correlation between the incidence of unwanted pregnancies in young people and where and how they received sex education.","AnswerText":"Relevant data are not available to establish whether or not any such correlation exists.I understand it would theoretically be possible to relate teenage pregnancies to the school which the mothers had attended, but that there are significant legal and ethical problems with this, and technically it would be very difficult to analyse and interpret the results because there are so many known and unknown influences on sexual behaviour. This is however something which the National Sexual Health Advisory Committee could consider when it provides advice on a sexual health research programme for Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186716,"EventID":"S2W-14012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any correlation between the incidence of sexually-transmitted diseases and where and how sex education was delivered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any correlation between the incidence of sexually-transmitted diseases and where and how sex education was delivered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14011 answered on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186717,"EventID":"S2W-14013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been receiving kidney dialysis treatment for loss of renal function as a complication of diabetes in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been receiving kidney dialysis treatment for loss of renal function as a complication of diabetes in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on the number of patients with diabetic nephropathy who received dialysis during the years 1999 to 2003, broken down by health board. The data presented in the table reflect the number of patients registered at 31 December each year, so one patient will generally feature in several years’ figures. Figures include hospital and home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.Number of Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy who Received Dialysis During the Years 1999 to 2003, Broken Down by Health Board | NHS Board area | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Argyll and Clyde | 13 | 11 | 14 | 20 | 21 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 6 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 10 | | Borders | * | * | * | * | * | | Dumfries and Galloway | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | * | | Fife | 10 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 8 | | Forth Valley | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | | Grampian | 16 | 18 | 26 | 24 | 28 | | Glasgow | 33 | 33 | 30 | 33 | 34 | | Highland | * | 7 | 10 | 9 | 13 | | Lanarkshire | 13 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | | Lothian | 16 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 16 | | Orkney | | | | | | | Tayside | 19 | 19 | 10 | 17 | 27 | | Shetland | * | * | * | * | * | | Western Isles | * | * | * | * | * | | Scotland Total | 148 | 166 | 169 | 195 | 210 | Source: Scottish Renal Registry. Note: *Figure of five or less. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186718,"EventID":"S2W-14014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the number of nurses undergoing training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reduce the number of nurses undergoing training.","AnswerText":"Proposals regarding intakes for pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes are being considered presently as part of the Scottish Executive’s procedures for workforce planning.The student intake target is arrived at having first considered projections in demand for additional staff over a five year period. Similar projections for supply are also considered. The aim is to ensure a sufficient flow of supply to meet future demand, taking account of the number of students already in the system. At around 9,000 in the system, student numbers are currently at an all time high. A decision on the intake figures for 2005-06 has not yet been taken. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186719,"EventID":"S2W-14015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent police officers were employed in (a) 1945, (b) 1955, (c) 1965, (d) 1975 and (e) each year since 1985, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent police officers were employed in (a) 1945, (b) 1955, (c) 1965, (d) 1975 and (e) each year since 1985, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"Information has been collected on a whole time equivalent basis only since 2000. Before that, information was collected on a head count basis only. The available information is therefore shown in the table on a head count basis up to December 1999 and on a whole time equivalent basis from December 2000 onwards. Before 1975, when police forces were reorganised, information was collated on a national basis by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. Data for each pre-1975 force is not held centrally.Number of Police Officers in Scotland | Force | 31 Dec 1945 | 31 Dec 1955 | 31 Dec 1965 | 31 Dec 1975 | 31 Dec 1985 | | Central | n/a | n/a | n/a | 483 | 550 | | Dumfries and Galloway | n/a | n/a | n/a | 278 | 330 | | Fife | n/a | n/a | n/a | 650 | 670 | | Grampian | n/a | n/a | n/a | 821 | 970 | | Lothian and Borders | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2,181 | 2,394 | | Northern | n/a | n/a | n/a | 572 | 606 | | Strathclyde | n/a | n/a | n/a | 6,478 | 6,816 | | Tayside | n/a | n/a | n/a | 913 | 968 | | Total | 5,862 | 7,729 | 10,175 | 12,376 | 13,304 | | Force | 31 Dec 1986 | 31 Dec 1987 | 31 Dec 1988 | 31 Dec 1989 | 31 Dec 1990 | | Central | 549 | 571 | 599 | 619 | 641 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 338 | 348 | 347 | 348 | 357 | | Fife | 725 | 741 | 751 | 754 ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186720,"EventID":"S2W-14016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has recently designated any new national services within the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has recently designated any new national services within the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I recently decided that the followingservices should be designated as national services with effect from 1 April 2005:the Paediatric Spinal SurgicalService, provided at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, but in close consultationwith Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow to ensure the best pre- and post-operative managementof the children requiring such surgery; Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation,provided at Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow; a National Managed Clinical Networkfor pancreatic/hepatobiliary cancer, and a National Managed Clinical Networkfor Paediatric Renal Medicine. These services provide highlyspecialised treatment for small numbers of patients, and therefore meet the criteriaestablished by the National Services Advisory Group (NSAG) for designation eitheras a national service or as a national Managed Clinical Network. The NSAG recommendationswere endorsed by NHS Board Chief Executives, who have agreed that the funding forthese services can be taken from their general allocations. In the case of nationalManaged Clinical Networks, the funding relates to the administrative and IT supportrequired by the Network, not to the full cost of providing the service. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186721,"EventID":"S2W-14017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were recorded by the police in (a) 1945, (b) 1955, (c) 1965, (d) 1975 and (e) each year since 1985, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were recorded by the police in (a) 1945, (b) 1955, (c) 1965, (d) 1975 and (e) each year since 1985, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The information requested for 1945 to 1975 is given for Scotland in table 1. During 1975, 20 Scottish police forces were reorganised into the eight current police forces. Figures for police force areas comparable with those after 1975 are therefore not available. The requested information for 1985 and 1986 is given in table 2. For the years from 1987, the data has been published annually in the Recorded Crime Statistical Bulletin. Table 3 details the table number and Bib. number for each publication, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre.Table 1: Number of Crimes Recorded by the Police in Scotland in Specified Years, 1945 to 1975 | 1945 | 1955 | 1965 | 19751 | | 86,075 | 74,773 | 140,141 | 281,485 | Note: 1. Data for 1975 is incomplete due to local government reorganisation. Table 2: Number of Crimes Recorded by the Police by Police Force Area, 1985 and 1986 | Police Force | 1985 | 1986 | | All Scotland | 457,899 | 458,605 | | Central | 19,986 | 20,295 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 7,132 | 7,280 | | Fife | 23,186 | 23,112 | | Grampian | 33,093 | 37,161 | | Lothian and Borders | 82,519 | 78,606 | | Northern | 11,888 | 12,173 | | Strathclyde | 248,448 | 245,240 | | Tayside | 31,647 | 34,738 | Table 3: Bib. Numbers and Table Numbers for Published Statistics for Recorded Crimes by Police Force Area, 1987 to 2003 | Title | Bib. Number | Table Number | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1987 | 35176 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1988 | 35177 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1989 | 35178 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1990 | 35179 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1991 | 35180 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1992 | 35181 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1993 | 35182 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1994 | Table 1: Number of Offences Recorded by the Police in Scotland in Specified Years, 1945 to 1975 | 1945 | 1955 | 1965 | 19751 | | 75,596 | 120,979 | 224,260 | 293,629 | Note: 1. Data for 1975 is incomplete due to local government reorganisation. Table 2: Number of Offences Recorded by the Police in Scotland by Police Force Area, 1985 and 1986 | Police Force Area | 1985 | 1986 | | All Scotland | 338,410 | 358,533 | | Central | 17,533 | 18,185 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 14,136 | 13,171 | | Fife | 20,307 | 21,210 | | Grampian | 38,275 | 40,628 | | Lothian and Borders | 46,637 | 48,034 | | Northern | 19,132 | 21,782 | | Strathclyde | 153,575 | 166,361 | | Tayside | 28,815 | 29,162 | Table 3: Bib. Numbers and Table Numbers for Published Statistics for Recorded Offences by Police Force Area, 1987 to 2003 | Title | Bib. Number | Table Number | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1987 | 35176 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1988 | 35177 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1989 | 35178 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1990 | 35179 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1991 | 35180 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1992 | 35181 | 5 | | Recorded Crime in Scotland 1993 | 35182 | 5 Information on use of the measures in the act will be collected and published on a regular basis as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the act. To end February 2005, there have been no antisocial behaviour orders made in respect of persons under 16 and the dispersal power has not yet been used, although we understand forces are planning to do so. The first closure order was made on 21 January 2005 and we know that at least three closure orders have been made to date. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186724,"EventID":"S2W-14020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it will provide in respect of the completion of the Inverness southern distributor road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it will provide in respect of the completion of the Inverness southern distributor road.","AnswerText":"The Inverness southern distributor road is a local road and therefore the responsibility of the Highland Council.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186725,"EventID":"S2W-14021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish graduates have been advised that they face court proceedings to recover outstanding student loans in each year since the system was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish graduates have been advised that they face court proceedings to recover outstanding student loans in each year since the system was introduced.","AnswerText":"Information on Scottish graduates who have been advised that they face court proceedings to recover outstanding student loans is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186726,"EventID":"S2W-14022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court actions were raised against graduates to recover student loans sold to banks in (a) 1997-98 and (b) 1998-99, expressed also as a percentage of the number o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court actions were raised against graduates to recover student loans sold to banks in (a) 1997-98 and (b) 1998-99, expressed also as a percentage of the number of loans sold.","AnswerText":"There were two sales of student loan debt to the private sector: the first in 1998 and the second in 1999. The following table shows the number of court actions raised against account holders UK wide to recover student loans sold to each debt owner. No breakdown of figures for Scotland is available. Not all account holders will necessarily be graduates. | Debt Owner | Court Actions Raised Against Account Holders | Approx no. of Loans Sold to Debt Owner | Percentage of Court Actions Raised to The Number of Loans Sold | | 1 | 9,942 | 500,000 | 2.0% | | 2 | 1,147 | 500,000 | 0.2% | Source: Student Loans Company. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186727,"EventID":"S2W-14023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract awarded to the Student Loans Company Ltd (SLC) to administer the debt portfolio on behalf of private owners was continued at the end of its initial p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract awarded to the Student Loans Company Ltd (SLC) to administer the debt portfolio on behalf of private owners was continued at the end of its initial period; whether there were any variations to this contract, and, if so, what those variations are.","AnswerText":"The first debt sale was concluded in March 1998 being sold to Greenwich Natwest (GNW), a division of National Westminster, now Royal Bank of Scotland (RBoS). SLC were appointed to undertake the day-to-day administration. The original contract was for five years from March 1998 and SLC successfully negotiated renewal for a further five years administration period commencing March 2003. There are no variations in the contract.The second portfolio was concluded in March 1999 and the purchaser was a consortium comprising Deutsche Bank, AG London and Nationwide Building Society. SLC were awarded a five year contract to administer the portfolio. The original contract expired in March 2004 and the debt owners took the decision to award the contract for administration to another agency. The key terms and conditions of the loan are all protected. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186728,"EventID":"S2W-14024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from ethnic minority backgrounds to enter higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from ethnic minority backgrounds to enter higher education.","AnswerText":"Student loans have been an integral part of an affordable student funding system since 1990. The most recent information from the Higher Education Statistics Agency and the Scottish Further Education Council, gives details over the five year period from 1998-99 until 2002-03. This shows that the number of students from ethnic minority backgrounds who have entered higher education in this period has increased and continues to exceed the proportion of the general population who are from an ethnic minority background.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186729,"EventID":"S2W-14025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential mature students to enter higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential mature students to enter higher education.","AnswerText":"The number of students aged 25 and over receiving support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has remained broadly unchanged since the introduction of a wholly loan based system of living cost support in 1999. This would suggest that potential mature students do not regard the current student loans arrangement as a disincentive.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186730,"EventID":"S2W-14026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish-domiciled students studying at Scottish higher education (HE) institutions were required to pay fees in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish-domiciled students studying at Scottish higher education (HE) institutions were required to pay fees in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table gives estimates of the number of Scottish-domiciled HE students studying at Scottish higher education institutions contributing to tuition fees in each of the last three academic years for which data is currently available.Scots Domiciled HE Students at Scottish Higher Education Institutions Contributing to Tuition Fee Support 2000-01 to 2002-03 | | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Total | 24,071 | 31,776 | 31,342 | | Postgraduate students | 5,618 | 8,420 | 8,291 | | First degree students | 9,085 | 11,167 | 11,998 | | Of which: | | | Previous HE qualification at or below current level of study | 640 | 808 | 1,034 | | First year degree students with an HND | 310 | 458 | 587 | | False start/students resitting a year or more | 4,458 | 5,542 | 6,068 | | Unknown | 3,677 | 4,359 | 4,309 | | Sub degree students | 9,368 | 12,189 | 11,053 | | Of which: | | | Previous HE qualification at or below current level of study | 5,632 | 6,517 | 5,862 | | False start/students resitting a year or more | 1,794 | 2,843 | 2,965 | | Unknown | 1,942 | 2,829 | 2,226 | Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186731,"EventID":"S2W-14027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from less affluent backgrounds to enter higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from less affluent backgrounds to enter higher education.","AnswerText":"Loans have been an integral part of an affordable student funding system since 1990. We do, however, appreciate that some students from less affluent backgrounds may be concerned about accruing debt while they study. That is why, in 2001, the Executive introduced the non-repayable Young Student’s Bursary (YSB) to replace part of the loan to which eligible young full-time students from low-income backgrounds are entitled. This will reduce the level of debt which suchstudents would otherwise have on graduation.I recently announced that, from 2005-06, the maximum annual support provided through YSB will be increased by 11% to £2,395. The parental income threshold has also been increased. These changes mean that approximately 3,000 additional students will now be able to receive the bursary and approximately 20,000 will receive the maximum bursary. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186732,"EventID":"S2W-14028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan debts have been written off and what the total cash value was of the deleted debt in each year since the system was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan debts have been written off and what the total cash value was of the deleted debt in each year since the system was introduced.","AnswerText":"The Student Loans Company estimates that the total number of student loan debts, held by Scottish account holders, that have been written off since the student loans scheme began is approximately £1.5 million relating to approximately 770 loans. It is not possible to provide an annual breakdown of this figure.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186733,"EventID":"S2W-14029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the interest rates set for student loans were in each year since the system was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the interest rates set for student loans were in each year since the system was introduced.","AnswerText":"The rate of interest applied to student loans is equal to the annual change in the retail price index. This is applied to maintain the value of the amount borrowed in real terms.1990 - 9.8%. 1991 - 5.8% 1992 - 3.9% 1993 - 1.2% 1994 - 2.3% 1995 - 3.5% 1996 - 2.7% 1997 - 2.6% 1998 - 3.5% 1999 - 2.1% 2000 - 2.6% 2001 - 2.3% 2002 - 1.3% 2003 - 3.1% 2004 - 2.6% ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186734,"EventID":"S2W-14030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5272 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 January 2004, whether the model of student repayments has now been completed and, if so, whether it wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5272 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 January 2004, whether the model of student repayments has now been completed and, if so, whether it will provide an illustration of the effects on annual income flows.","AnswerText":"Future repayments depend on a wide range or factors, and are therefore difficult to forecast. In the past year work has been carried out to improve the student loans repayment model. There has been extensive testing, though, as with all models, it will be subject to further analysis and refinement. The table summarises the model’s results for the loan repayments, at different thresholds, from April 2006. From April 2005, the threshold will be £15,000. Loan Repayments (to the Nearest £5 Million) | Threshold | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | | £10,000 | 75 | 105 | 145 | | £15,000 | 35 | 60 | 90 | | £19,000 | 20 | 35 | 55 | | £25,000 | 5 | 10 | 20 | Note: Student loans are treated as outwith total managed expenditure, which means that the net costs are met by HM Treasury (gross student loan advancesless student loan repayments). This income is the repayment of a debtor balance within the balance sheet. This “income” (loan repayments) and the loan advances are shown in the Budget Act to meet the requirements of section 1 of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000. At the year-end these figures are reflected within the balance sheet and not within the Operating Cost statement. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186735,"EventID":"S2W-14031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan borrowers have been declared bankrupt in each year since student loans were introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student loan borrowers have been declared bankrupt in each year since student loans were introduced.","AnswerText":"The number of Scottish student loan borrowers who have been declared bankrupt to 2003 is given in the answer to question S2W-6052 answered on 2 March 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.The number declaring bankruptcy in 2004 is 1,541. There is no statutory requirement for bankrupt students to notify the Student Loans Company of their status, so the figures given will not include all bankruptcies. The following is a corrected answer (published on 25 October 2005); see below. Nicol Stephen: The number of Scottish student loan borrowers who have been declared bankrupt to 2003 is given in the answer to question S2W-6052 answered on 2 March 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/wa.search. The number declaring bankruptcy in 2004 is 289. There is no statutory requirement for bankrupt students to notify the Student Loans Company of their status, so the figures given will not include all bankruptcies. This is a correction to the earlier answer to this parliamentary question given by Jim Wallace MSP on 28 February 2005. I have written to Ms Hyslop to say that the Student Loans Company have apologised for their mistake and that they have asked for their apologies to be passed onto Parliament. My letter has been lodged in the Parliament’s Reference Centre under bib number 37248. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186736,"EventID":"S2W-14032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the graduate endowment is predicted to have on the repayment of student loans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the graduate endowment is predicted to have on the repayment of student loans.","AnswerText":"The amount of student loan that a graduate repays each month and the period of time over which repayments are made are linked to the level of the borrower’s income and the amount borrowed. Under the support arrangements introduced in 2001-02, many students who will be liable to pay the endowment when they graduate will have been eligible to receive the Young Students Bursary in place of part of their loan entitlement. Most liable graduates will have borrowed less under the current arrangements than they would have under the previous system. No student should have borrowed more.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186737,"EventID":"S2W-14033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs to it were of monies loaned by the Student Loans Company Ltd in each year since student loans were introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs to it were of monies loaned by the Student Loans Company Ltd in each year since student loans were introduced.","AnswerText":"Student loans were introducedin 1990-91 and are treated as outwith Total Managed Expenditure, which meansthat the cash costs are met from the Treasury. These loans were accounted foron a cash accounting basis until 2000-01, and therefore there were no loancosts (apart from SLC administration costs – see below) to the ScottishExecutive or its predecessor, The Scottish Office.Thechange in accounting treatment from Cash Accounting to Resource Accounting as describedin the answer to S2W-14052, answered on 25 February 2005, introduced a cost for all student loan advances. Resourceaccounts giving the cost of student loans for students domiciled in Scotland areavailable from 1999-2000, and these can be found on the Scottish Executivewebsite at: www.scotland.gov.uk/publications. The cost to the ScottishExecutive of the Student Loans Company since 1999-2000 is as follows:- | Year | *£m | | 1999-2000 | 4.515 | | 2000-01 | 2.873 | | 2001-02 | 4.192 | | 2002-03 | 5.202 | | 2003-04 | 3.662 | The Scottish contribution tothe administration of the Student Loan Company before 1999-2000 was as follows: | Year | £m* | | 1990-91 | 0.680 (estimated) | | 1991-92 | 1.365 | | 1992-93 | 1.428 | | 1993-94 | 1.791 | | 1994-95 | 2.108 | | 1995-96 | 2.488 | | 1996-97 | 2.344 | | 1997-98 | 2.761 | | 1998-99 | 2.763 | Note: *the administrationcosts also include development costs of the Student Loan System. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186738,"EventID":"S2W-14034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in subsidies for student loans sold in 1998 and 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in subsidies for student loans sold in 1998 and 1999.","AnswerText":"Debt sale subsidy payments by the Scottish Executive to 2003-04 in respect of student loans total £62,527,000. However, the cost of these payments is offset in the Executive’s balance sheet against the debt sale subsidy provision, created when the loans were sold, and thus are a nil cost annually.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186739,"EventID":"S2W-14035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of awards have been made from the strategic waste fund to date and what level of awards it estimates will be made in each year until 2030, broken down by local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of awards have been made from the strategic waste fund to date and what level of awards it estimates will be made in each year until 2030, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The following tables show theawards made to each local authority between the years 2005-06 and 2007-08. Thetables also show indicative awards between 2008-2009 and 2029-2030. The answerto question S2W-13423 on 25 January 2005, provided details of awards made to localauthorities between 1999-2000 and 2004-2005. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. | Strategy Area | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | | Aberdeen City | 2,695,243 | 1,839,263 | 1,532,757 | 1,171,788 | 1,137,697 | | Aberdeenshire | 5,810,000 | 3,370,000 | 2,910,000 | 3,980,000 | 3,450,000 | | Angus | 2,753,000 | 1,277,000 | 1,209,000 | 812,000 | 994,000 | | Argyll and Bute | 3,504,710 | 3,019,710 | 3,017,710 | 3,024,710 | 3,032,710 | | Clackmannanshire | 309,604 | 284,071 | 284,071 | 284,071 | 284,071 | | Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar | 5,898,000 | 2,336,000 | 1,240,000 | 1,075,000 | 1,064,000 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 4,342,000 | 4,326,000 | 4,319,000 | 4,303,000 | 4,385,000 | | Dundee | 1,541,000 | 1,203,000 | 1,483,000 | 1,217,000 | 1,088,500 | | East Ayrshire | 1,746,000 | 687,000 | 676,000 | 744,000 | 730,000 | | East Dunbartonshire | 1,518,000 | 1,302,000 | 1,288,000 | 1,273,000 | 1,259,000 | | East Lothian | 1,526,000 | 1,788,000 | 1,295,000 | 1,209,000 | 1,193,000 | | East Renfrewshire | 1,237,000 | 1,002,000 | 1,089,000 | 1,216,000","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186740,"EventID":"S2W-14036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action local authorities can take to require drivers to switch off vehicle engines when parked.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action local authorities can take to require drivers to switch off vehicle engines when parked.","AnswerText":"The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 enable local authorities to issue fixed penalty notices to drivers who allow their vehicle engines to run unnecessarily while parked. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186741,"EventID":"S2W-14037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have a duty under the Environment Act 1995 to prevent the emission of air pollutants from parked vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have a duty under the Environment Act 1995 to prevent the emission of air pollutants from parked vehicles.","AnswerText":"Section 87 of the Environment Act 1995 allows the Scottish Ministers to make regulations conferring powers on local authorities for, or in connection with, implementing the Air Quality Strategy.The regulations referred to in the answer to S2W-14036, answered on 18 February 2005, are made under this section, but implementation is optional. It is for individual authorities to decide, based on their particular circumstances, whether the powers would help to improve air quality in their areas. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186742,"EventID":"S2W-14038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on emergency services within its responsibility of BAA's proposed reduction in firefighting services at Glasgow Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on emergency services within its responsibility of BAA's proposed reduction in firefighting services at Glasgow Airport.","AnswerText":"The provision of airfield firefighting facilities is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Responsibility for responding to fires in the terminal building or other “land-side” areas at Glasgow Airport, and for determining the level of the response, rests with Strathclyde Fire Brigade. We understand that BAA consulted Strathclyde Fire Brigade on their recent proposals for redeployment of airport fire service resources, and that the brigade raised no objections.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186743,"EventID":"S2W-14039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the findings of its research into student poverty and graduate debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the findings of its research into student poverty and graduate debt.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive intend to publish the findings from the Scottish Student Income and Expenditure Survey in summer 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186744,"EventID":"S2W-14040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the price sought by Network Rail in respect of the grant of a servitude right for a bridge over the Inverness to Aberdeen railway to enable the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the price sought by Network Rail in respect of the grant of a servitude right for a bridge over the Inverness to Aberdeen railway to enable the proposed airport access road to proceed; what powers of intervention it, or any other body, has on this matter and whether such powers will be used, and what effect the action taken on this issue will have on the European funding available for the access road.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Network Rail, Highland Council and the other parties involved in the development of the bridge and the proposed airport business park. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186745,"EventID":"S2W-14041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deferral applications the Student Loans Company Ltd has received in each year of its operation, giving the percentage which this represents of all graduates who ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deferral applications the Student Loans Company Ltd has received in each year of its operation, giving the percentage which this represents of all graduates who should have been in repayment status.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in table 8 on page 56 of the Student Loans Company Ltd’s annual report for 2002-03 published by the Student Loans Companyin November 2003, copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 31394).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186746,"EventID":"S2W-14042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many actions for damages relating to personal injuries have been raised in the Court of Session in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many actions for damages relating to personal injuries have been raised in the Court of Session in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The latest information available is for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 and is given in Table 2.3, page number 6 of Civil Judicial Statistics published by the Scottish Executive in years 2001, 2002 and 2004 copies of which are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 19702, 26040 and 31061).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186747,"EventID":"S2W-14043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the actions for damages relating to personal injuries in the Court of Session in each of the last three years sought damages totalling (a) £5,000 or less, (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the actions for damages relating to personal injuries in the Court of Session in each of the last three years sought damages totalling (a) £5,000 or less, (b) £5,001 to £10,000, (c) £10,001 to £20,000 and (d) more than £20,000.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Some information for an earlier period on personal injuries case volume by value is contained within the research report Personal Injury Litigation, Negotiation and Settlement published in 2002. It is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/pil-00.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186748,"EventID":"S2W-14044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the actions for damages relating to personal injuries in the Court of Session in each of the last three years were considered appropriate for jury trial.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the actions for damages relating to personal injuries in the Court of Session in each of the last three years were considered appropriate for jury trial.","AnswerText":"A jury trial is fixed in, on average, about three per cent of personal injury cases. The number of jury trials that proceeded were: ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186749,"EventID":"S2W-14045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration of a civil jury trial in the Court of Session was in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration of a civil jury trial in the Court of Session was in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The average duration of a civil jury trial, in the Court of Session in each of the last three years was as follows: | 2002 | 3.2 days | | 2003 | 3.7 days | | 2004 | 3.7 days | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186750,"EventID":"S2W-14046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on civil jury trials in the Court of Session in each of the last three years, broken down by category of spending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on civil jury trials in the Court of Session in each of the last three years, broken down by category of spending.","AnswerText":"The expenditure is shown in the table below. | Civil Jury Trial Costs | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | | Judicial | 14,360.07 | 14,127.03 | 18,373.47 | | Staff | 10,959.89 | 10,527.83 | 11,807.13 | | Accommodation | 3,608.24 | 3,048.68 | 4,302.81 | | Other Costs* | 3,684.70 | 3,686.38 | 8,388.27 | | Jury | 8,200.00 | 4,800.00 | 5,600.00 | | Total Cost | 40,812.90 | 36,189.92 | 48,471.69 | Notes: *Other costs include costs not directly attributable to staff and accommodation (e.g. stationery, publications, telephones). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186751,"EventID":"S2W-14047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration of a civil proof, excluding civil jury trials, in the Court of Session was in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration of a civil proof, excluding civil jury trials, in the Court of Session was in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The average duration of a civil proof in each of 2002, 2003 and 2004 was 3.9 days, 3.5 days and three days respectively. | 2002 | 3.9 days | | 2003 | 3.5 days | | 2004 | 3 days | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186752,"EventID":"S2W-14048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on civil proofs, excluding civil jury trials, in the Court of Session in each of the last three years, broken down by category of spending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on civil proofs, excluding civil jury trials, in the Court of Session in each of the last three years, broken down by category of spending.","AnswerText":"The expenditure is shown in the attached table. | Civil Proof Costs | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | | Judicial | 266,558.76 | 462,339.28 | 287,413.56 | | Staff | 203,442.92 | 344,547.29 | 184,697.32 | | Accommodation | 66,977.98 | 99,774.85 | 67,308.31 | | Other Costs* | 68,397.30 | 120,645.14 | 131,216.54 | | Total Cost | 605,376.96 | 1027,306.55 | 670,635.72 | Note: *Other costs include costs not directly attributable to staff and accommodation (eg stationery, publications, telephones). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186753,"EventID":"S2W-14049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has carried out of the cost implications of civil jury trials in the Court of Session and when the next assessment is planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has carried out of the cost implications of civil jury trials in the Court of Session and when the next assessment is planned.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to review the current entitlement, under the court rules, for a pursuer to seek resolution of a case by the use of a civil jury trial. Such trials are relatively rarely sought and it is even more rare for a civil jury trial to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186754,"EventID":"S2W-14050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the privative jurisdiction of sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the privative jurisdiction of sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"The setting of a privative limit filters out the lowest value cases from the Court of Session. We believe that the case is made for an increase in the privative limit. The current limit of £1,500 dates from 1988. We believe that should rise to a more realistic level, reflecting current circumstances. We are continuing to consider all arguments and representations as to what the right level should be.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186755,"EventID":"S2W-14051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports any change to the privative jurisdiction of sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports any change to the privative jurisdiction of sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14050, on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186756,"EventID":"S2W-14052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what change was made in the accounting treatment of student loans in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what change was made in the accounting treatment of student loans in 2001.","AnswerText":"Student loans were accounted for on a cash basis until 2000-01. From 2001-02 they were accounted for entirely on a resource accounting basis. To facilitate the change, both cash and resource accounts were published in 1999-2000 and 2000-01.In the year ended 31 March 2000, student loans were accounted on the basis of the Scottish Executive share of the Student Loan Company loan book, giving a balance of £458.554 million. In the year ended 31 March 2001 the Scottish Executive’s share of these loans was accounted for on the basis of the loans balances of students domiciled in Scotland. This meant that the opening balance of student loans was recalculated to be £420.880 million. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186757,"EventID":"S2W-14053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13350 by Nicol Stephen on 25 January 2005, what study it, its agencies or non-departmental public bodies have carried out regarding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13350 by Nicol Stephen on 25 January 2005, what study it, its agencies or non-departmental public bodies have carried out regarding the impact of levels of fuel duty on the economy.","AnswerText":"No study has been carried out. Fuel duty is a matter reserved to the UK Government. However, Scottish ministers will continue to ensure that Scotland’s’ interests are placed firmly on the agenda in Whitehall on tax, as on other matters, through direct contact with treasury ministers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186758,"EventID":"S2W-14054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with MI5 about the siting of a permanent office in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with MI5 about the siting of a permanent office in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In line with established practice, it would not be appropriate to comment on operational matters relating to the Security and Intelligence Service.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186759,"EventID":"S2W-14055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal convictions in respect of terrorism there were in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by terrorist organisation a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal convictions in respect of terrorism there were in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by terrorist organisation and police force area.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number ofaccused who were convicted of a charge under The Prevention of Terrorism (TemporaryProvisions) Act 1989, The Terrorism Act 2000 or the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and SecurityAct 2001 in the financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04 and the police force which reportedthe case to the Procurator Fiscal.This information is held in theCrown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service database in relation to case resultsand is obtained from the Scottish Court Service which holds the official records of court results.The Scottish Criminal Record Office holds the official criminal records of individualaccused. | Financial Year | Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary | Strathclyde Police | Tayside Police | Total for Financial Year | | 2002-03 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 14 | | 2003-04 | 5 | 3 | - | 8 | The majority of offences, particularly,those reported by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary to the Procurator Fiscal, relateto failures to provide personal information to police officers at ports in contraventionof section 53 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Information is not availablefrom the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service database before 2002. It isalso not possible to tell from the database whether common law charges such as assaultare terrorism related and this answer is therefore restricted to statutory offencesunder The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989, now repealedby The Terrorism Act 2000 which replaced it when it came into force on 19 February2001, and the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. It is not possible to tell fromthe available data whether an individual who was convicted of one of the statutoryoffences was connected to a terrorist organisation – many of the offences (e.g.refusing to provide personal details when required to do so) can be committed byan accused who has no known or provable connection to a terrorist organisation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186760,"EventID":"S2W-14056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times Scottish ministers and officials met officials from the security service in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times Scottish ministers and officials met officials from the security service in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"The Security Service meets regularly with the Scottish Executive in carrying out its function of providing advice on national security matters.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186761,"EventID":"S2W-14057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it has sought from MI5 about the safety of local people should the proposed siting of a permanent MI5 office in Scotland proceed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it has sought from MI5 about the safety of local people should the proposed siting of a permanent MI5 office in Scotland proceed.","AnswerText":"In line with established practice, it would not be appropriate to comment on operational matters relating to the Security and Intelligence Service. The work of the service is directed towards increasing the safety of people throughout the UK.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186762,"EventID":"S2W-14058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces operate a specialist anti-terrorist unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces operate a specialist anti-terrorist unit.","AnswerText":"Each of the eight police forces in Scotland operates a Special Branch, the primary role of which is the collection and interpretation of intelligence for national security purposes, including counter-terrorism.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186763,"EventID":"S2W-14059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times Bute House has been used since 1999 for functions or events other than those related solely to its use as the official residence of the First Minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times Bute House has been used since 1999 for functions or events other than those related solely to its use as the official residence of the First Minister.","AnswerText":"There have been 134 ministerial functions held in Bute House since 1999. Private functions held in Bute House are arranged, and the costs met, by the First Minister. Records are not kept of private events held in Bute House.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186764,"EventID":"S2W-14060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to the Executive's operation by its Performance and Innovation Unit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to the Executive's operation by its Performance and Innovation Unit","AnswerText":"The Performance and InnovationUnit has principally been involved in development of the longer term and radicalelements of the Efficient Government plan Building a Better Scotland: Efficient Government – securing Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity. The unit is now leading projects in support of the longterm programme set out in the plan such as in long-term financial planning, Streamliningbureaucracy and better performance management information. A copy of the unit’swork programme under the Efficient Government Initiative has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35413).","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186765,"EventID":"S2W-14061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts it employs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts it employs.","AnswerText":"At 1 February 2005, withinScottish Executive core departments, there were 292 (282.4 full-timeequivalent) permanent administrative staff at the C1 (Branch Head) grade. Theterm “policy analyst” is a descriptive which has been used for posts at thislevel although the actual quantity of analytical work will vary from post topost depending on other responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186766,"EventID":"S2W-14062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to the Executive's operation by its Changing to Deliver Division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to the Executive's operation by its Changing to Deliver Division.","AnswerText":"Changing to Deliver Division was set up in late 2002 to take forward the Scottish Executive’s Changing to Deliver cultural change and reform programme. Changing to Deliver was launched as a two-year programme of centrally managed activities and projects, complemented by action at local level within departments to promote business improvement and improve communications. The programme has four broad themes: developing leadership; outcomes; outward focus, and corporate processes. Changing to Deliver Division provided an overall programme management function, as well as undertaking direct responsibility for a number of projects and supporting culture change activities within departments. The division has contributed to improving the Executive’s operation through the key products and achievements of Changing to Deliver. These include: Improved leadership, through promoting better internal communications and the sharing of knowledge and information across the organisation. Staff’s positive rating of leadership in the Executive is almost twice as high as in a benchmark group of other UK government departments and public sector organisations. Improved outcomes, through introducing a major new training programme on open, engaged and evidence-based policymaking, and developing networks to share good practice amongst policy makers and celebrate excellence and innovation. Improved outward focus, through promoting a culture of openness and information sharing, for example through better and easier-to-access policy consultations, a programme of internal and external secondments, and the publication of a “Who’s Who” chart for external stakeholders. Over 70% of the 824 stakeholders surveyed in autumn 2004 were satisfied with their dealings with the Executive in the previous year and two-thirds considered that the Executive’s approach to working with other organisations has got better since devolution. Improved processes, for example through initiatives to reinforce sound financial management across the organisation; the introduction of a new HR strategy; streamlining business planning processes, and introducing a balanced scorecard to support strategic planning and performance management. The centrally managed programme of activity was mainstreamed in autumn 2004. The division is now building on change activity already underway by focusing on performance management, improved approaches to corporate internal communications and continued development of policy-making and stakeholder engagement. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186767,"EventID":"S2W-14063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be awarded to Highland Council for coastal and harbour repairs following the storms in January and when this will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding will be awarded to Highland Council for coastal and harbour repairs following the storms in January and when this will be made available.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a general duty to deal with emergencies and there is no automatic entitlement to special assistance. In exceptional circumstances authorities can apply under the Bellwin Scheme for emergency assistance to meet any undue financial assistance. The key criterion of the Bellwin Scheme is safeguarding life and property and prevention of suffering or severe inconvenience and involves councils in directly related unavoidable and uninsurable expenditure.I can confirm that the Bellwin Scheme has been activated by ministers today to enable financial assistance to be provided under the scheme to Highland Council, Orkney Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to deal with the immediate aftermath of the severe storms which occurred in the area in January 2005. Claims for eligible expenditure, under the terms of the scheme, will be considered by the Executive when they are received from the individual councils. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186768,"EventID":"S2W-14064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any current and specific terrorist threat to Scotland and, if so, what civil contingency preparations are in place to deal with this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any current and specific terrorist threat to Scotland and, if so, what civil contingency preparations are in place to deal with this.","AnswerText":"National security including counter terrorism is a reserved matter. As is shown on the Security Service’s website all the indications are that although there are no specific threats to Scotland, there is a serious and sustained threat to the UK from terrorist activities. As part of their responsibilities for civil contingencies, Scottish ministers continue to consider and develop nationalpolicies to ensure local responders are prepared for major emergencies. These include:- A Ministerial Group on Civil Contingencies which keeps under review the Executive’s policy for managing the consequences of major terrorist or other disruptive incidents. - The Scottish Emergencies Co-ordinating Committee, chaired by the Executive includes chief officer representatives of all the main responder organisations. It monitors and provides strategic direction for emergency planning in Scotland. - The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 gives Scottish ministers powers to make Regulations that provide a statutory framework setting out clear roles and responsibilities for front line local responders. Consultation on draft regulations under this act and a supporting package of guidance closes on 25 April 2005. - Appointment of a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear co-ordinator to review strategic requirements in Scotland and co-ordinate work at a UK level. In the answer to question S2W-13773, on 26 January 2005, I announced our intention to set up a Government Decontamination Service. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the searchfacility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186769,"EventID":"S2W-14065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many briefings the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions conducted in Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many briefings the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions conducted in Scotland in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004 as part of civil contingency preparations.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Executive. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186770,"EventID":"S2W-14066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many briefings MI5 conducted for Scottish local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004 as part of civ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many briefings MI5 conducted for Scottish local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004 as part of civil contingency preparations.","AnswerText":"National security including counter terrorism is a reserved matter. In line with normal practice, it would not be appropriate to comment on the frequency of briefings. Threat advice is available to local authorities through the Security Service’s website. The service provides appropriate advice to Scottish ministers as part of their responsibilities for emergency planning. This advice informs the guidance issued to local authorities and other relevant organisations on civil contingencies preparations.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186771,"EventID":"S2W-14067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 24 January 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 24 January 2005.","AnswerText":"Margaret Beckett represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 24 January 2005.Being the first Council of their Presidency, Luxembourg presented their work programme for the next six months. Amongst their top priorities were reaching agreement on the new Rural Development Regulation and progressing work on reform of the sugar regime. They also hoped to take forward work on rice, wine, tobacco, bananas, potato starch, organic farming, risk management for agriculture, international forestry and timber imports, avian influenza, aquatic animal diseases, chicken welfare, control of TSEs, potato nematode disease, Mediterranean fisheries and the EU Fisheries Fund. The Commission set out its plans for assisting the reconstruction of the fisheries industry in those countries affected by the tsunami and for the co-ordination of EU and member state initiatives in this sector. This would include Council legislation enabling decommissioned EU fishing vessels to be sent to the affected countries. The UK expressed support for the Commission approach, explained what action Britain had been taking and urged the Commission to speed up the adoption of the new Generalised System of Preferences scheme and to improve the rules of origin to help the affected countries export to the EU more effectively. Under any other business, Latvia and Sweden requested Community financial support following storms at the beginning of the month which had caused extensive damage to the forestry and agriculture sectors. Estonia, Lithuania and Denmark said they might also seek funding. The Commission would examine actions to help through EU programmes. Austria and Greece, supported by a number of other member states, called for assistance in exporting cereal and maize surpluses where bumper crops had led to storage problems and low prices. The Commission drew attention to action alreadytaken on exports but would consider further intervention action. In response to a request from Poland, the Commission said it would keep up the pressure on Russia to speed up its inspection of EU export establishments for animal products in order to enable trade to re-start. It would also address problems created by Russia’s insistence that export certification for plant and animal products be done at EU, not member state, level. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186772,"EventID":"S2W-14068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to promote Scottish design and creativity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to promote Scottish design and creativity.","AnswerText":"£3 million of funding has been allocated in the Executive's 2004 spending review for a festival of creative design centring on Scotland's six cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and Stirling). The First Minister's St Andrew’s Day speech in 2003 set out a vision for Scotland as a creative hub, using the nation’s creativity as a key national resource. The \"6 Cities\" concept draws on this idea, and is an initiative to celebrate, promote and develop Scotland’s creative industries, focusing on design at an international, national and city-wide level. The proposal is for a biennial festival which would take place in each of our six cities starting in 2007 and would comprise a programme of events and exhibitions which would move around the country over a period of around two months. Some of the exhibition material would be created centrally, and some would draw on the unique creative talents of each city. The programme for the festival would be based on three related strands: 1. changing the Scottish public’s perception of design; 2. changing Scottish businesses’ perception of design and the benefits that it can bring to them, and 3. improving the international perception of Scotland as a place which has a vibrant, forward looking design sector - and thereby contributing to the work that is currently being undertaken in promoting Scotland as a confident, modern country. The six local authorities have been consulted on the proposals, and they have offered support in principle for the idea. The UK body responsible for promoting design, the Design Council, has also indicated support for the concept. The next stage is to draw up a detailed business case, and this work has now gone to tender. A discussion paper will shortly be issued on the concept, timing and programme. Concurrently, the appointed consultantswill prepare a business plan, including a financial and organisational structure. An interim steering group will be established. Subject to the business case being made, the £3 million investment can be used to promote Scotland and Scottish design at home and abroad. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186773,"EventID":"S2W-14069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been given a general allocation of £6,010.502 million for 2005-06, an average increase over the equivalent 2004-05 allocation of 7.6%. Details of each NHS board’s allocation is as follows: | Health Board | Col. 1 | Col 2 | | Total General Allocation 2005-06 (£ Million) | Percentage Increase in Unified Budget % | | Argyll and Clyde | 514.426 | 7.50 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 462.840 | 8.29 | | Borders | 132.754 | 8.57 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 192.270 | 8.57 | | Fife | 399.619 | 8.65 | | Forth Valley | 314.943 | 7.81 | | Grampian | 547.910 | 7.00 | | Greater Glasgow | 1,137.979 | 7.00 | | Highland | 272.090 | 8.56 | | Lanarkshire | 637.338 | 8.33 | | Lothian | 812.864 | 7.00 | | Orkney | 25.050 | 7.00 | | Shetland | 29.779 | 7.00 | | Tayside | 483.539 | 7.00 | | Western Isles | 47.100 | 7.00 | | Total | 6,010.502 | 7.60 | Note: The general allocation includes provision for Hospital and Community Health Services and the cost of drugs prescribed by general practitioners. NHS boards have been notified of indicative standard allocation increases in Unified Budget of 6.75% for 2006-07 and 6% for 2007-08. Allocations to Special Health Boards for 2005-06 are as follows: | | Allocation (£ Million) | Percentage Increase % | | NHS Education for Scotland | 289.157 | 7.00 | | NHS National Services Scotland | 189.199 | 5.62 | | Scottish Ambulance Service | 143.056 | 7.00 | | State Hospital | 28.783 | 7.00 | | NHS Quality Improvement Scotland | 11.744 | 5.62 | | National Waiting Time Cent","AnswerDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186774,"EventID":"S2W-14070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13365 by Peter Peacock on 21 January 2005, what percentage of young people left school at 16, broken down by local authority area, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13365 by Peter Peacock on 21 January 2005, what percentage of young people left school at 16, broken down by local authority area, in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004.","AnswerText":"A document has been lodged with the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35208) containing the requested information. The data relates to all publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland, including pupils in special units. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186775,"EventID":"S2W-14071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13366 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2005, what percentage of people in Scotland lived in overcrowded housing, broken down by lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13366 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2005, what percentage of people in Scotland lived in overcrowded housing, broken down by local authority area, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The information requested is in table 1. As the information is only available at local authority level for 1999 and 2000 and 2001 and 2002, additional information is contained in table 2.Table 1: Percentage of People in Scotland who Live in Overcrowded Households, by Local Authority | | 1999 and 2000 | 2001 and 2002 | | % | Base | % | Base | | Aberdeen City | 6 | 2,662 | 6 | 2,680 | | Aberdeenshire | 4 | 3,071 | 4 | 3,149 | | Angus | 4 | 1,508 | 4 | 1,520 | | Argyll and Bute | 8 | 1,356 | 4 | 1,289 | | Clackmannanshire | 5 | 1,408 | 5 | 1,265 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 5 | 2,085 | 6 | 1,925 | | Dundee City | 6 | 1,648 | 8 | 1,842 | | East Ayrshire | 6 | 1,558 | 5 | 1,667 | | East Dunbartonshire | 3 | 1,535 | 4 | 1,579 | | East Lothian | 6 | 1,390 | 3 | 1,432 | | East Renfrewshire | 3 | 1,278 | 4 | 1,321 | | Edinburgh City | 6 | 5,422 | 5 | 5,025 | | Eilean Siar | 6 | 1,552 | 5 | 1,371 | | Falkirk | 6 | 1,966 | 4 | 1,867 | | Fife | 4 | 4,485 | 4 | 4,472 | | Glasgow City | 11 | 6,661 | 10 | 6,777 | | Highland | 3 | 2,656 | 4 | 2,822 ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186776,"EventID":"S2W-14072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13367 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2005, what the rate of recorded burglary was per thousand population, broken down by police f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13367 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2005, what the rate of recorded burglary was per thousand population, broken down by police force area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table.Crimes of Housebreaking per 1,000 population, 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 | Police Force | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | All Scotland | 10.4 | 9.4 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 7.2 | | Central | 8.6 | 7.6 | 6.6 | 6.5 | 6.4 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 8.0 | 7.2 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 4.8 | | Fife | 11.3 | 9.2 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.7 | | Grampian | 11.5 | 13.1 | 10.6 | 9.0 | 8.1 | | Lothian and Borders | 8.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.6 | 7.1 | | Northern | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.8 | | Strathclyde | 12.1 | 10.9 | 10.5 | 9.1 | 7.7 | | Tayside | 9.7 | 8.5 | 9.8 | 8.1 | 5.7 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186777,"EventID":"S2W-14073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were built in the social rented sector in each local authority area in each year since 1979.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were built in the social rented sector in each local authority area in each year since 1979.","AnswerText":"The tables show new build completions in the public sector from 1979 to 2003. Table 1 shows Scotland totals from 1979 to 2003 and table 2 contains a breakdown by local authority for 1996 to 2003. Reliable information at local authority level is not available for years earlier than 1996.Table 1 – Social Rented Sector, New Build Completions: 1979 to 2003 | Year | Dwellings | | 1979 | 8,607 | | 1980 | 8,369 | | 1981 | 8,990 | | 1982 | 4,900 | | 1983 | 4,763 | | 1984 | 4,723 | | 1985 | 3,976 | | 1986 | 3,767 | | 1987 | 3,803 | | 1988 | 4,093 | | 1989 | 3,903 | | 1990 | 3,901 | | 1991 | 3,996 | | 1992 | 3,231 | | 1993 | 3,510 | | 1994 | 3,450 | | 1995 | 6,015 | | 1996 | 2,858 | | 1997 | 4,684 | | 1998 | 2,050 | | 1999 | 4,992 | | 2000 | 4,989 | | 2001 | 5,574 | | 2002 | 5,171 | | 2003 | 3,992 | Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics. Data includes local authorities and Housing associations. Data prior to 1991 includes other government departments. Data prior to 1993 includes Scottish Homes. Data prior to 1996 includes New Towns. Table 2 - Social Rented Sector New Build Completions by Local Authority: 1996 To 2003 | Local Authority Area | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Scotland | 2,858 | 4,684 | 2,050 | 4,992 | 4,989 | 5,574 | 5,171 | 3,992 | | Aberdeen City | 157 | 327 | 21 | 115 | 98 | 203 | 79 | 169 | | Aberdeenshire | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186778,"EventID":"S2W-14074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given in relation to the prescribing of incontinence pads for elderly people living in their own homes who have a clinical need for them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given in relation to the prescribing of incontinence pads for elderly people living in their own homes who have a clinical need for them.","AnswerText":"Elderly people living in their own homes with an incontinence problem have direct access to support and advice through their GP who will arrange for a nurse to undertake a comprehensive clinical assessment.NHS boards have also developed clinical guidelines to support their staff to deliver the effective care to patients with urinary incontinence. The guidelines are based on the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Best Practice Statement for Urinary Dysfunction and SIGN Guideline 79 – The Management of Urinary Incontinence in Primary Care. These guidelines focus on effective continence promotion and supportive incontinence management. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186779,"EventID":"S2W-14075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given in relation to the prescribing of incontinence pads for disabled people living in their own homes who have a clinical need for them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given in relation to the prescribing of incontinence pads for disabled people living in their own homes who have a clinical need for them.","AnswerText":"Disabled people living in their own homes with an incontinence problem have direct access to support and advice through their GP who will arrange for a nurse to undertake a comprehensive clinical assessment.NHS boards have developed clinical guidelines to support their staff to deliver the effective care to patients with urinary incontinence. The guidelines are based on the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Best Practice Statement for Urinary Dysfunction and SIGN Guideline 79 - The Management of Urinary Incontinence in Primary Care. These guidelines focus on effective continencepromotion and supportive incontinence management. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186780,"EventID":"S2W-14076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in which speed was a significant factor in each police board area in each of the last five years involvin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in which speed was a significant factor in each police board area in each of the last five years involving (i) cars, (ii) motorcycles and (iii) HGVs, showing the year-on-year percentage change in each case.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the Stats 19 statistical report form. Prior to January 2005, the Stats 19 returns did not record the causes of the accidents. Under a pilot scheme, 15 police forces across Great Britain voluntarily submitted information on contributory factors to accidents along with their Stats 19 returns. However, it is not possible to use the pilot contributory factor data to provide figures which are representative of accidents in Scotland because only two Scottish police forces took part in the scheme. An article which provides some of the overall results of the trial is available on the Department for Transport website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_031458.pdf. With effect from 1 January 2005, a new set of questions on contributory factors was added to the Stats 19 injury road accident reporting system. Information about contributory factors should henceforth be supplied by all police forces for personal injury accidents which are reported either (a) following attendance at the scene by a police officer or (b) by a member of the public to police staff at a police station. There are separate codes for "exceeding speed limit" and "travelling too fast for conditions". However, it should be noted that the new information reflects the reporting officer's opinion at the time of reporting, and is not necessarily the result of extensive investigation. Subsequent enquiries could lead to a change in the opinion of the reporting officer. There may also be accidents for which the reporting officer cannot identify any contributory factors. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186781,"EventID":"S2W-14077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in which speed was a significant factor in each police board area in each of the last five years, showing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in which speed was a significant factor in each police board area in each of the last five years, showing the year-on-year percentage change.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-14076, answered on 22 March 2005. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186782,"EventID":"S2W-14078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in each police board area in each of the last five years involving people aged (i) 17 to 24 (ii) 25 to 40 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) fatal and (b) serious road accidents have occurred in each police board area in each of the last five years involving people aged (i) 17 to 24 (ii) 25 to 40 (iii) 40 to 65 (iv) over 65, expressed also as percentages of the total number of accidents.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidentsare collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the Stats19 statistical report form. These returns obtain information about the ages of thedrivers and riders involved in accidents, and the ages of the people who were injured.They do not collect any information about any other people who were involved butnot injured in the accident.The following tables give thenumber of fatal and serious road accidents which involved one or more drivers orriders in each of the age-groups shown in the tables. It should be noted that the sumsof the figures for the different age-groups are greater than the overall total numbersof accidents which are shown in the tables. This is because an accident may involveseveral drivers or riders, who may fall into different age-groups. For the purposeof preparing the figures for the different age-groups, each accident has been countedonce (and only once) for each of the different age-groups which is represented amongthe drivers and riders who were involved in that accident. For example, an accidentwhich involved drivers aged 25, 35, 45 and 55 would be counted once against the“25 to 39” age-group and once against the “40 to 65” age-group. However, each accidenthas been counted only once for the purpose of producing the overall totals (“Allfatal accidents” and “All serious accidents”) that are shown in the tables. Fatal and Serious Accidents,Which Involved Drivers or Riders in each of the Age-Groups Shown in the Table,by Police Force Area: 1999 to 2003 | (a) (i) Numbers of Fatal Accidents | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Police Force | Age of Driver/Rider | | Northern | 17-24 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 6 | | 25-39 | 15 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 13 | | 40-65 | 17 | 21 | 13 | 10 | 17 | | Over 65 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | | All fatal accidents | 35 | 41 | 31 | 25 | 32 | | Grampian | 17-24 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 18 | 13 | | 25-39 | 16 | 23 | 18 | 18 | 25 | | 40-65 | 11 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 22 | | Over 65 | 5 | 5 | 8 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186784,"EventID":"S2W-14080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Geological Survey on how the Executive can assist the survey's response to the tsunami.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Geological Survey on how the Executive can assist the survey's response to the tsunami.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is liaising closely with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on assessing the risk of the UK being affected by a tsunami or similar event. DEFRA has recently commissioned British Geological Survey (BGS) and others to undertake a collaborative short-term study of the possibility of extreme events in the North Atlantic and North Sea, of a similar type to those recently experienced in the Indian Ocean, in the North Atlantic and North Sea. The Scottish Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will extend assistance as appropriate to BGS and its partners. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186785,"EventID":"S2W-14081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11099 by Patricia Ferguson on 1 November 2004, how many local authority playing fields have been in use since 1999, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11099 by Patricia Ferguson on 1 November 2004, how many local authority playing fields have been in use since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186786,"EventID":"S2W-14082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to develop grassroots rugby.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to develop grassroots rugby.","AnswerText":"In the current financial yearto 31 March 2005, Scottish Rugby will receive £450,000 in developmentgrant aid to support the development of grass roots rugby. In addition to this,grass roots rugby will also benefit from the significant investment in Active Schoolsand may also benefit from funding available through the various programmes operatedby sportscotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186787,"EventID":"S2W-14083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available for the provision of new rugby facilities in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available for the provision of new rugby facilities in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Funding to support the developmentof rugby facilities is available from sportscotland principally throughlottery programmes. These programmes are application based. To date, there has beenno funding made available specifically for rugby facilities.However, through the Executive’sNational and Regional Sports Facilities Strategy, funding of £8 million in totalhas been made available to support the development of two municipal stadia, onein Glasgow and one in Edinburgh, which will benefit rugby. It is also expected that rugbywill benefit from the facility developments associated with other elements of theFacilities Strategy, the significant investment made through the New Opportunitiesfor PE and Sport (NOPES) programme as well as the funding available through sportscotland’sBuilding for Sport programme. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186788,"EventID":"S2W-14084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) motoring and (b) speeding offences have been committed by foreign nationals in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were prosecuted successfully.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) motoring and (b) speeding offences have been committed by foreign nationals in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were prosecuted successfully.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available from the statistics collected centrally on crimes and offences recorded by the police and on convictions as these do not include information on the nationality of offenders.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186789,"EventID":"S2W-14085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support disabled people who wish to live independently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support disabled people who wish to live independently.","AnswerText":"There are a number of strategies in place to assist disabled people to live independent lives, whether for housing, health, transport, employment or lifelong learning.Supporting People, which delivers housing support services to people with disabilities and other service users, allocated approximately £138 million in 2003-04 to directly support nearly 6,500 disabled people across Scotland to live independently in their own homes. Direct Payments allow disabled people to buy the community care they are assessed as needing. Being self-directed, it gives users choice and control over the services they receive, with £8.3 million in 2003-04 providing care for 912 users including disabled people. Free Personal and Nursing Care is available for disabled and non-disabled people aged 65 and over and the Executive committed £250 million from 2002 to 2004 with a further £147 million for 2004-05 and £153 million for 2005-06. There will also be free local off-peak bus travel across Scotland for older and disabled people from April 2006. The European Social Fund helps people with disabilities back into the labour market. Measure 2.1 aims to improve social inclusion in target groups such as disabled people by supporting access to training, employment and income earning opportunities and by addressing the key barriers they face. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186790,"EventID":"S2W-14086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will adopt the recommendations made in Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People, published by the UK Cabinet Office in January 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will adopt the recommendations made in Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People, published by the UK Cabinet Office in January 2005.","AnswerText":"We note the UK Government’s report with interest. It has no specific recommendations for action by the Scottish Executive. We are continuing to pursue a range of activities to support disabled people and, where appropriate, to work with the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186791,"EventID":"S2W-14087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a national strategy to support independent living for people with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop a national strategy to support independent living for people with disabilities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to S2W-14085, answered on 28 February 2005, 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186792,"EventID":"S2W-14088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the availability and uptake of direct payments across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the availability and uptake of direct payments across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to developing direct payments as a way of giving service users choice and control over the care services they receive. From April 2005, direct payments will be available to the first non disabled client group, those people aged 65 and over who are assessed as needing care services. It is also anticipated that concentrated effort will be made to increase uptake among current eligible groups such as disabled children, mental health service and learning disabled users from April 2005 onwards.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186793,"EventID":"S2W-14089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance and resources are given to local authorities in respect of the provision of direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance and resources are given to local authorities in respect of the provision of direct payments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Direct Payments Policy and Practice Guidance document published in June 2003 gives advice on the provision of direct payments. It is anticipated that this will be updated and re-issued by summer 2005. No additional funds have been made available to local authorities for the period up until 2006 as direct payments are made in lieu of services which a local authority would normally provide itself. From 2006-7, £1.8 million, and for 2007 onwards £2 million will be made available to local authorities to increase uptake through targeted support such as additional training. Details of the local government finance settlement to 2007‑08 are available from the following link, where the additional provision has gone into the GAE line in tables 2 and 3 for Services for People with disabilities http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/publications/bulletin/hd150.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186794,"EventID":"S2W-14090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it involves service users in the development of guidance on direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it involves service users in the development of guidance on direct payments.","AnswerText":"A short life Working Group on direct payments for older people was set up in May 2004 to consider and overcome barriers to take up and to assist with updating the Direct Payments Guidance. The group membership is wide ranging including representatives of service users, local support organisations and local authorities.The draft guidance will shortly go out for public consultation for implementation in July 2005. It will highlight best practice to further develop local user-led support organisations. From 2006 onwards, additional Government Allocated Expenditure (GAE) will be targeted at promoting local user-led support organisations. Beyond March 2005, further subgroups will be set up to focus on the needs of particular care groups such as those with mental health problems. User representatives will be invited on all subsequent groups of this type. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186795,"EventID":"S2W-14091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging user-led support organisations to participate at a local and national level in the development and delivery of direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging user-led support organisations to participate at a local and national level in the development and delivery of direct payments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14090, on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186796,"EventID":"S2W-14092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will involve service users in the development of performance indicators for direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will involve service users in the development of performance indicators for direct payments.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in the process of ensuring that direct payments take up is evaluated through the Joint Performance Information and Assessment Framework. When further direct payments subgroups are set up, service users will be involved in reviewing how this system of monitoring is being implemented in practice.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186797,"EventID":"S2W-14093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop a network of independent living centres across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop a network of independent living centres across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Local independent living support is funded by local authorities and there are no plans to develop a national network.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186798,"EventID":"S2W-14094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient medium secure units will be in place to ensure compliance with the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient medium secure units will be in place to ensure compliance with the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"The position remains as set out in the answer to question S2W-10890, on 8 November 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/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186799,"EventID":"S2W-14095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate and appropriate provision will be made for mothers with post-natal depression and their children in order to comply with the Mental Health (Care and Trea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate and appropriate provision will be made for mothers with post-natal depression and their children in order to comply with the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.","AnswerText":"I opened the Glasgow specialist unit and service in October last year which provides perinatal mental health in-patient and support services to mothers living in the west of Scotland. The facility allows mothers to be accompanied by their babies. Other NHS boards and partners are considering local or regional arrangements, progress with which is reviewed regularly as part of the on-going attention to a successful implementation by October 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186800,"EventID":"S2W-14096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by BAA on the proposal to reduce firefighting services at Glasgow Airport and the impact that this would have on the emergency services within th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by BAA on the proposal to reduce firefighting services at Glasgow Airport and the impact that this would have on the emergency services within the Executive's responsibility.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14038 on 23 February 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186801,"EventID":"S2W-14097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified £3 million in the budget for 2005-06 and £5 million for each of the following two years for the Timber Transport Fund; if so, whether criteria g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified £3 million in the budget for 2005-06 and £5 million for each of the following two years for the Timber Transport Fund; if so, whether criteria governing grants from the fund have been devised; whether the timber industry, in particular the private timber industry, will be consulted on such criteria and, if so, how; whether there will be any flexibility built in to the rules governing the funds; whether the rules will cover the costs of providing sea access for timber transport and, if so, what provision will be made for grants or other means of defraying the cost of lifting equipment, and whether, given the public sector's commercial involvement in the timber industry, the Forestry Commission should be the final arbiter in respect of any decision.","AnswerText":"As announced last October, the Scottish Executive has allocated £13 million overthe next three years for the Strategic Timber Transport Fund. £3 million hasbeen allocated for 2005-06 and £5 million for each of the following two years.Forestry Commission Scotland has been working closely with the Timber Transport Forum to produce the criteria governing the Strategic Timber Transport Fund. These have now been agreed and will be published shortly. It is not our intention to use the fund to finance investment on items like seaaccess equipment, which could be assisted by other methods such as the FreightFacilities Grant. I would expect the fund to complement other work by forexample; providing in-forest road links to port or rail facilities that takepressure off fragile roads or reduce disruption to rural communities. It is entirely appropriate that Forestry Commission Scotland, as the Executive’s Forestry Department, remains the final arbiter in respect of any decision. However, whilst the Commission will administer the fund and take final decisions regarding applications, the Timber Transport Forum and Regional Timber Transport Groups may also be asked for their advice on certain applications. I am delighted that the various organisations involved in the Forum agreed to help with this important work and that they managed to agree the criteria and procedures so quickly. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186802,"EventID":"S2W-14098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been to date of the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster and what the estimated cost is of the cluster continuing in the future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been to date of the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster and what the estimated cost is of the cluster continuing in the future.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Forest Industries Cluster is a partnership between Scottish Enterprise and the Confederation of Forest Industries Ltd. Details of cost are therefore an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and its partner.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186803,"EventID":"S2W-14099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for 24-hour access by prisoners to toilet facilities at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for 24-hour access by prisoners to toilet facilities at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:All prisoners in Cornton Vale have 24-hour access to toilet facilities. In some places prisoners have their own keys, in others there is a toilet cubicle in each room and in others there is a remote control system with call buttons. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186804,"EventID":"S2W-14100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum standards are for cell equipment, furnishings and fittings for prisoners at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum standards are for cell equipment, furnishings and fittings for prisoners at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Prisoners living accommodation, facilities and equipment at Cornton Vale meets SPS standards for space, lighting and heating. All rooms have electric power, wash-hand basin, Officer Assist, Intercom, and where necessary Nightsan call buttons, bed, chair, work surface, pinboard, kettle, curtains, bedding, TV, storage for clothing and valuables, access to an overhead light with switch inside the room, central heating, windows to allow natural light in and ventilation by means of opening windows or air vents. Prisoners have access to toilets and hand-washing facilities 24 hours a day. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186805,"EventID":"S2W-14101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable women at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable women at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:SPS aims to provide appropriate care for all vulnerable prisoners, principally through the professionalism of the SPS front-line staff who are trained to identify vulnerable prisoners and help them cope with prison life. The SPS has developed the widely praised ACT suicide prevention system. In Cornton Vale there are day care regimes in Ross remand block with mental health nursing support and occupational therapy, and elsewhere a comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions strategy with associated assessment and referral systems including psychiatric and psychological support is available. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186806,"EventID":"S2W-14102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place and resources are allocated to ensure healthy nutrition for women at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place and resources are allocated to ensure healthy nutrition for women at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:The Scottish Prison Serviceaims to provide a healthy nutritious diet for all prisoners within theresources available. Menus have been assessed by nutritionists to ensure theymeet dietary needs and there are normally "healthy choice" options.Cornton Vale has won quality awards for catering and it has a prisonconsultation group to discuss food and food delivery issues. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186807,"EventID":"S2W-14103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is per prisoner, per annum, for detention at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is per prisoner, per annum, for detention at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:It is not possible to provide a total cost per prisoner, per annum, at individual public prisons as there are a number of significant costs which are met centrally for SPS as a whole. The average cost per prisoner place in 2003-04 is given in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34075) or via the Scottish Prison Service website http://www.sps.gov.uk/keydocs/reports/2003-04. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186808,"EventID":"S2W-14104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are allocated to support the children and families of women in prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are allocated to support the children and families of women in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Prison Service supports the children and families of all prisoners in custody by providing: Support to the development of visitors and waitingarea facilities within prisons e.g. St Margaret's Family Centre at CorntonVale. Family Contact Development Officers. These SPS staff have specific responsibilities to ensure that the needs of prisoner's families are taken into account. Financial support for low-income families visiting prisons through the Assisted Prison Visits Unit. Support to the organisation Families Outside and contributingfinancially to the Scottish Prisoners' Families Helpline. SPS also works in conjunction with a range of partner organisations that also support prisoners. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186809,"EventID":"S2W-14105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses appealed against their assessed rateable value following the last revaluation of rateable values and, of these, how many were (a) wholly and (b) partl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses appealed against their assessed rateable value following the last revaluation of rateable values and, of these, how many were (a) wholly and (b) partly successful.","AnswerText":"Appeals against the 2000 Revaluation rateable value were submitted for a total of 76,238 subjects. No information is held centrally on how many individual appeals were wholly or partly successful. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186810,"EventID":"S2W-14106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total reduction in rateable values was as a result of wholly and partly successful appeals by businesses against their assessed rateable value following the last","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total reduction in rateable values was as a result of wholly and partly successful appeals by businesses against their assessed rateable value following the last revaluation of rateable values, broken down by local authority area, expressed also as a percentage of the total rateable value in each case.","AnswerText":"The total rateable value lost to revaluation appeals following the 2000 Revaluation is shown in the table, at both Scotland and local authority level. The losses are also expressed as a percentage of the total rateable value at 1 April 2000. | | Total Rateable Value at 1 April 2000 (£) | Total Rateable Value Lost to Revaluation Appeals (£) | Rateable Value Lost to Appeal (%) | | Scotland | 4,337,487,547 | 198,676,060 | 4.6 | | Aberdeen City | 294,690,503 | 9,358,032 | 3.2 | | Aberdeenshire | 133,095,670 | 6,473,283 | 4.9 | | Angus | 60,345,489 | 3,851,565 | 6.4 | | Argyll and Bute | 73,824,644 | 6,053,851 | 8.2 | | Clackmannanshire | 32,148,509 | 2,808,385 | 8.7 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 82,578,620 | 2,535,260 | 3.1 | | Dundee City | 136,149,415 | 8,773,730 | 6.4 | | East Ayrshire | 65,532,410 | 3,676,715 | 5.6 | | East Dunbartonshire | 47,538,737 | 2,273,251 | 4.8 | | East Lothian | 59,428,239 | 2,198,960 | 3.7 | | East Renfrewshire | 29,666,715 | 666,550 | 2.2 | | Edinburgh, City of | 607,376,722 | 25,909,590 | 4.3 | | Eilean Siar | 14,730,246 | 768,970 | 5.2 | | Falkirk | 127,477,881 | 6,563,726 | 5.1 | | Fife | 274,279,753 | 17,318,325 | 6.3 | | Glasgow City | 706,013,103 | 25,821,473 | 3.7 | | Highland | 169,657,129 | 8,350,555 | 4.9 | | Inverclyde | 54,746,235 | 2,732,965 | 5.0 | | Midlothian | 45,575,260 | 1,944,","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186811,"EventID":"S2W-14107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community police officers there are in each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community police officers there are in each police force area.","AnswerText":"Information on deployment of officers is not held centrally. The Scottish Executive holds statistics on overall police officer numbers, but deployment of officers between community, response and other roles is an operational matter for each chief constable. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186812,"EventID":"S2W-14108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to reduce the number of women sent to prison and what resources it will allocate to support women in the community as an alternative to custody","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to reduce the number of women sent to prison and what resources it will allocate to support women in the community as an alternative to custody.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is funding a range of measures to provide the courts with alternatives to custody for women offenders. Recognising that significant numbers of women are sentenced to custody for fine default, the pilots for the mandatory use of Supervised Attendance Orders (SAOs) withdraw the option of custody from sentencers in the pilot courts for those individuals, who have defaulted on fines up to £500. We will also shortly be funding pilots which use SAOs as a first instance disposal to provide courts with an additional sentencing option forthose who do not have the means to pay a fine.More generally, the significantly increased funding invested in community disposals over recent years is providing the courts with a broader range of alternatives for female, as well as for male, offenders and a number of these have programmes geared specifically to the needs of women. In addition, the 218 Time Out centre in Glasgow is a unique facility, funded by the Executive, to provide an alternative to custody and to support women offenders in the community, with detox and residential services in addition to day programmes. It can also be used with those who might otherwise have been remanded to custody. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186813,"EventID":"S2W-14109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women leaving HM Prison Cornton Vale (a) have and (b) have not received further custodial sentences in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women leaving HM Prison Cornton Vale (a) have and (b) have not received further custodial sentences in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The information sought isnot available. The SPS have produced Return to Custody Research Bulletins basedon a two-year follow up of offenders released from prison in particular years.The reports do not examine establishment of release, but most of the figuresrelating to females given in these reports will be for women released fromCornton Vale. The relevant reports are entitled Return to Custody inScottish Prisons, SPS Research Bulletins, Issue 8 (Bib. number30506) and Issue 22 (Bib. number 35551) and are published and availablein the Parliament’s Reference Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186814,"EventID":"S2W-14110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13645 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2005 regarding discussions that the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13645 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2005 regarding discussions that the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development had with Scottish Water, what priority Scottish Water will give to the provision of water services in areas facing high demand for housing, rather than general maintenance and improvement.","AnswerText":"In my statement to the Parliament on Wednesday 9 February, I outlined the range of priorities that the Executive would require Scottish Water to address during the next investment period. That statement made clear that the investmentproposed would support housing and economic growth across Scotland through investment in new infrastructure capacity. But it also made clear that there are other investment requirements which have a proper and vital place in the programme, and these will include the maintenance and improvement of existing assets.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186815,"EventID":"S2W-14111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telephone interception applications were made to it and, of these, how many were authorised in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telephone interception applications were made to it and, of these, how many were authorised in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by source of application.","AnswerText":"The power to authorise interception for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime was devolved to the Scottish ministers on 13 December 2000.Details of the number of interception warrants authorised by the Scottish ministers since then are contained in the annual reports of the Interception of Communication Commissioner, which are laid before the Scottish and UKParliaments. The most recent annual report, for 2003, was laid before this Parliament on 22 July 2004 and copies were placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 33330). ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186816,"EventID":"S2W-14112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the tolling order for the Erskine Bridge will expire and by what process it envisages that the Parliament will consider the order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the tolling order for the Erskine Bridge will expire and by what process it envisages that the Parliament will consider the order.","AnswerText":"The current tolling order for Erskine Bridge will expire on 1 July 2006. Anyproposal to extend the tolling period, under powers in section 4(3) of the ErskineBridge Tolls Act 1968, would be effected by Statutory Instrument, subject to affirmative resolution in the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186817,"EventID":"S2W-14113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Tolled Bridges Review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Tolled Bridges Review will be published.","AnswerText":"The final report of the Tolled Bridges Review will be published following its consideration by ministers in late summer 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186818,"EventID":"S2W-14114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any reason for a delay in the release of land at the Vale of Leven Hospital by NHS Argyll and Clyde for a care of the elderly facility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any reason for a delay in the release of land at the Vale of Leven Hospital by NHS Argyll and Clyde for a care of the elderly facility.","AnswerText":"Land at the Vale of Leven Hospital has been identified as appropriate for development not only for a 60 bed care of the elderly facility but also as the site of a new Primary Care Resource Centre. While NHS Argyll and Clyde are agreeable in principle to the sale of both sites there are aspects of the financial treatment of the sale proceeds of the resource centre site which are causing concern and which in turn impact upon and could delay the sale of the care of the elderly facility.There is no intentional delay in the process. NHS Argyll and Clyde are currently reviewing the disposal route for the care of the elderly facility to ensure that the viability of this project is not prejudiced by valuation considerations and the financial treatment of the capital receipt. All parties to the transaction are currently engaged in discussions to determine the most appropriate means of disposing of the sites without prejudicing either of the projects. The care of the elderly site project is at a very early stage ofdevelopment and although no formal public consultation has been undertaken the local community Care and Carers Forum have been kept fully involved in the proposal. Officials from my department have recently been in touch with officials from Argyll and Clyde and they will continue to assist all parties to ensure that no undue delay is incurred. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186819,"EventID":"S2W-14115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional support to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to enhance enforcement activity on Loch Lomond before the introduction of bye-la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional support to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to enhance enforcement activity on Loch Lomond before the introduction of bye-laws governing access.","AnswerText":"I have indicated to theConvener of the Park Authority that ministers will make additional fundsavailable to the extent that there are additional and previously unforeseenenforcement costs falling on the authority which cannot be contained within theapproved budget for 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186820,"EventID":"S2W-14116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely timetable is for the consideration and implementation of bye-laws for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park covering activity on Loch Lomond.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the likely timetable is for the consideration and implementation of bye-laws for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park covering activity on Loch Lomond.","AnswerText":"The procedures for introducingbyelaws (including statutory periods for different stages of the process) are setout in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, and in Sections 202 to 204 of the LocalGovernment (Scotland) Act 1973. The National Park Authority are proceedingwith the current policy consultation for byelaws covering activity on Loch Lomond,with a view to presenting draft byelaws for my consideration in the course ofthis calendar year. The current expectation is that revised byelaws would beintroduced early in 2006.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186821,"EventID":"S2W-14117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park plan will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park plan will be published.","AnswerText":"The National Park Authority expects to launch its draft National Park Plan for consultation on 16 May 2005. Following consultation, the draft plan will be submitted to Scottish ministers for approval.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186822,"EventID":"S2W-14118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are given to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board for care of the elderly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are given to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board for care of the elderly.","AnswerText":"Local authority Grant Aided Expenditure, including for community care for older people, is published on the Scottish Executive website at www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/gaestats.Grant Aided Expenditure is funded by a combination of centrally provided government funding through Aggregate External Finance and funding raised by local authorities through locally raised council tax revenue. Local authorities are free to spend above or below the Grant Aided Expenditure level, according to their own priorities. The money that local authorities receive through Aggregate External Finance is, in the main, provided by way of a block grant and is not allocated to specific services. Grant Aided Expenditure is allocated to individual local authorities on the basis of a needs-based distribution formula agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. General funding allocations to NHS boards of £6.01 billion for 2005-06 were detailed in written answer S2W-14069 on 4 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search. It is for boards to decide how best to utilise these funds to meet the health care needs of their resident populations, including services for older people, taking account of national and local priorities. £29.5 million was allocated to NHS boards in 2004-05 for local authority/NHS Partnerships specifically to tackle the problems of delayed discharges in Scotland. These funds were distributed as follows: | NHS Board | £000 | | Argyll and Clyde | 2,553 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 2,292 | | Borders | 665 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 957 | | Fife | 1,982 | | Forth Valley | 1,559 | | Grampian | 2,679 | | Greater Glasgow | 5,455 | | Highland | 1,367 | | Lanarkshire | 3,152 | | Lothian | 3,986 | | Orkney | 124 | | Shetland | 134 | | Tayside | 2,361 | | Western Isles | 234 | | Total | 29,500 | Similar delayed discharge allocations for 2005-06 have yet to be announced. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186823,"EventID":"S2W-14119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are given to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board for care home provision for the elderly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are given to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board for care home provision for the elderly.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14118, on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186824,"EventID":"S2W-14120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been given to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council to support carers in each year since 1999 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been given to (a) Argyll and Bute Council and (b) West Dunbartonshire Council to support carers in each year since 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"Under the Executive’s Carers Strategy £10 million a year was made available across Scotland from April 2000 onwards, specifically to expand local services supporting unpaid carers. This investment was further enhanced in April 2001 when authorities were given additional resources for respite care, a key service for carers and the people they care for. This provided an additional £5 million in 2001-02, £6 million in 2002-03 and £11 million in 2003-04. These resources are being maintained in real terms over the period 2004-08, thereby securing this unprecedented growth in service provision for carers.The resources are distributed to local authorities as part of the normal Grant Aided Expenditure distribution arrangements. The table adds together the resources made available through these arrangements to Argyll and Bute Council and West Dunbartonshire Council under the Strategy and to deliver additional respite. They are only a small component of the total resources that authorities have access to for the provision of social care; authorities’ expenditure over a wide range of services is also helping to benefit carers. | Local Authority | 2000-01 (£000) | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | | Argyll and Bute | 204 | 307 | 324 | 425 | 430 | | West Dunbartonshire | 183 | 278 | 296 | 392 | 423 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186825,"EventID":"S2W-14121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13882 by Cathy Jamieson on 2 February 2005 on efficiency savings within the Scottish Prison Service, whether the 5% efficiency targ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13882 by Cathy Jamieson on 2 February 2005 on efficiency savings within the Scottish Prison Service, whether the 5% efficiency target has been requested by ministers as part of the Efficient Government programme or whether the target has been determined by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:No; ministers set the funding levels for the Scottish Prison Service as part of their spending reviews, and the Scottish Prison Service is required to operate within this funding. We have also agreed with our Trade Union partners that a key element of our vision is that \"in the necessary pursuit of demonstrating value for money to the taxpayer, public sector costs will be competitive\". We decided that these efficiency targets were necessary to achieve these objectives. The targets were not part of the Efficient Government Programme to which SPS will alsocontribute. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186826,"EventID":"S2W-14122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote greater participation in team sports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote greater participation in team sports.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises themany benefits that participation in team sports can bring to individuals andcommunities alike. However, not everyone is attracted to team sports and it isimportant that opportunities are also made available for those wishing toparticipate as individuals. Funding for sport is largely determined by theability of each sport to contribute to the targets set out in Sport 21, thenational strategy for sport in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186827,"EventID":"S2W-14123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional physical education teachers were recruited in 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional physical education teachers were recruited in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"Information on the main subject taught by teachers is collected through the teacher census. Comparative figures between 2003-04 and 2004-05 will not be available until the results of the 2004 census are published later this year.Eighty-one PE teachers graduated from Higher Education Institutions in the summer of 2004 and 75 of those entered the Teacher Induction Scheme. Entrants to Physical Education Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course are up by 18, from nine in session 2003-04, to 27. This gives a total of 123 expected graduates in 2004-05, inclusive of BEd students. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186828,"EventID":"S2W-14124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the roundabout at the junction of the A702 and A73 to be operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the roundabout at the junction of the A702 and A73 to be operational.","AnswerText":"It is expected that the A702/A73 Maidencots Roundabout will be operational by the end of April 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186829,"EventID":"S2W-14125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that there is a consistent approach to the assessment of wind farm applications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that there is a consistent approach to the assessment of wind farm applications.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 6: Renewable Energy Developments sets out the factors which planning authorities should take into account when preparing development plans and when determining planning applications. The policies in NPPG 6 also apply to proposals under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. NPPG 6 is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 18113).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186830,"EventID":"S2W-14126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the recommendations of Sir John Orr's review of marches and parades will not adversely impact on local gala days, festivals and com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the recommendations of Sir John Orr's review of marches and parades will not adversely impact on local gala days, festivals and common ridings.","AnswerText":"When implemented, the recommendations from the Review of Marches and Parades will apply to all processions. A number of the recommendations require legislation to implement and we are consulting on these in Supporting Police, Protecting Communities (ISBN 0-7559-4512-3), published on 9 February.While we intend to legislate to require all organisers to give 28 days’ notice to local authorities of their intention to hold a procession, we recognise that it might be appropriate to exempt some organisations from some of the other requirements to ensure that the process is not overly onerous. For recommendations which do not require legislation, we will be working with local authorities, the police and organisers to ensure they are implemented in a practical way. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186831,"EventID":"S2W-14127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the results of its consultation on a revised National Planning Policy Guideline: NPPG16 Opencast Coal and Related Minerals: March 1999 (amended ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the results of its consultation on a revised National Planning Policy Guideline: NPPG16 Opencast Coal and Related Minerals: March 1999 (amended May 2001).","AnswerText":"Responses to the consultation paper have been published on the internet at www.scotland.gov.uk/about/planning/papers.aspx. Finalised guidance should be issued in spring2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186832,"EventID":"S2W-14128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for information it has received following the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 coming into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for information it has received following the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 coming into force.","AnswerText":"Every request forinformation which the Scottish Executive receives is handled in line with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Requests for information which is notheld or which is routinely handled as part of daily business are not recordedor counted centrally. In line with guidance (which is available via theRecently Released Information section of the Scottish Executive’s website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/FOI/19260/20126)Executive staff notify the Freedom of Information Unit of some requests for information. Up to Friday 18February, a total of 406 Freedom of Information notifications have beenrecorded.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186833,"EventID":"S2W-14129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist beds are available within the NHS for people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist beds are available within the NHS for people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide an answer. Myalgic encephalomyelitis is not a separate specialty, and sufferers may be seen by a variety of specialists.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186834,"EventID":"S2W-14130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that deaf and deafblind people have access to mental health services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that deaf and deafblind people have access to mental health services.","AnswerText":"In January I announced a review of available guidance on the planning and delivery of improved access, services and better communications for people with a mental health problem who also have a sensory loss. The objective is to publish guidance for agencies to inform the best delivery of improved services and support for this important client group.We have also commissioned research on Community Care and Mental Health Services for Adults with Sensory Impairment to identify good practice; map services and explore views and experiences of service users. The outcomes are expected in August. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186835,"EventID":"S2W-14131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist health services are available to deaf and deafblind people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist health services are available to deaf and deafblind people.","AnswerText":"I expect NHS boards to take account of the specialist needs of deaf and deafblind people in planning and providing services. All boards provide or arrange access to services such as sign language and other specialist means of communication and interpretation. Several are currently developing and enhancing their existing services.The Scottish Executive is encouraging further service development. On 27 January, I announced the launch of a tutor pack for training health care staff in communications with deaf people. The Sensory Impairment Action Plan has also been in place since January 2004. It addresses improved access to community services and I expect most of its recommendations to be implemented this year. We are also taking action on specific aspects of sensory impairment. My answer to S2W-14130, answered on 28 February 2005, sets out what we are doing to improve access to mental health services for deaf and deafblind people. In the wider context, the four-year project to modernise audiology services is also now well under way and more general initiatives such as the Fair for All disability initiative will continue to highlight the needs of people with sensory impairment. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186836,"EventID":"S2W-14132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Forestry Commission's targets are for (a) replanting and (b) planting new trees for the current year; whether that target is being achieved, and what plans the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Forestry Commission's targets are for (a) replanting and (b) planting new trees for the current year; whether that target is being achieved, and what plans the Executive has to increase its budget for incentives to plant trees.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotland does not set annual targets for private sector new planting. The average area of new planting in the last ten years, between 1995 and 2004, the most recent year for which we have figures, was just less than 10,000 hectares per annum. However, it should be noted that this figure includes a recent three year period of reduced activity as result of foot and mouth disease and uncertainty about the effects of Common Agricultural Policy reform. The average area that was re-stocked following felling operations in the last ten years, between 1995 and 2004, the most recent year for which we have figures, was just less than 3,300 hectares per annum.Incentives for private sector new planting are offered through Forestry Commission Scotland’s Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Scottish Executive Enivironment and Rural Affairs Department’s Farmland Premium. The current budget for these grant schemes is £24.2 million. Following the 2004 spending review, this will increase to £25.5 million in 2005-06, £27.4 million in 2006-07and £28.9 million by 2007-08. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186837,"EventID":"S2W-14133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the physical health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the physical health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers.","AnswerText":"The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is the UK competent authority for the regulation of medicinal products, including sheep dips. The UK Government has recently provided £1.4 million for research into organophosphate sheep dip. The full findings from this programme of research are expected in 2007. The Scottish Executive has not funded any separate research in this area.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186838,"EventID":"S2W-14134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the mental health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the mental health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14133 on 28 February 2005. All answers to written questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186839,"EventID":"S2W-14135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the physical health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers' families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the physical health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers' families.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14133, answered on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186840,"EventID":"S2W-14136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the mental health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers' families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the mental health effects of organophosphate sheep dip in farm workers' families.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14133 on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186841,"EventID":"S2W-14137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of poisoning by organophosphate sheep dip have occurred in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of poisoning by organophosphate sheep dip have occurred in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Expert advice is that it is difficultto establish diagnostic criteria for organophosphate poisoning, other than acutepoisoning cases which are rare. The International Statistical Classification ofDiseases and Other Health Related Problems does not provide the level of information required to specify if the poisoning was from sheep dip.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186842,"EventID":"S2W-14138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the environmental effects of organophosphate sheep dip.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the environmental effects of organophosphate sheep dip.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14133, answered on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186843,"EventID":"S2W-14139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of environmental pollution caused by organophosphate sheep dip have occurred in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of environmental pollution caused by organophosphate sheep dip have occurred in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The investigation and collation of information of incidents of environmental pollution is an operational matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186844,"EventID":"S2W-14140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13048 by Mr Tom McCabe on 24 January 2005, what costs have been incurred by the First Minister in respect of hospitality in each ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13048 by Mr Tom McCabe on 24 January 2005, what costs have been incurred by the First Minister in respect of hospitality in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"We have centrally held information in relation to hospitality costs incurred by the First Minister from the financial year 2000-01. This is set out in the table. These figures provide the substantive answer to the member’s question S2W- 13048, which I indicated that I would provide in writing. | Financial Year | £000 | | 2000-01 | 29 | | 2001-02 | 35 | | 2002-03 | 42 | | 2003-04 | 67 | | 2004 - Jan 2005 | 60 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186845,"EventID":"S2W-14141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-3920 by Hugh Henry on 11 November 2004 regarding thresholds for the small claims procedure, when it intends to introduce amendments","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-3920 by Hugh Henry on 11 November 2004 regarding thresholds for the small claims procedure, when it intends to introduce amendments to these thresholds.","AnswerText":"Our view has not changed thatthe case is made for increasing both the small claims limit and the privative limitof the Court of Session. We are continuing to consider all arguments and representationsas to the right levels.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186846,"EventID":"S2W-14142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for investment in youth football in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it has allocated from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for investment in youth football in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"All Executive funding for youth football in Scotland funded from the ScottishConsolidated fund is administered by sportscotland and awarded to organisations against specific programmes and initiatives or through the application-based programme Sportsmatch. Youth football would have benefited from the awards made from the Scottish Consolidated Fund set out in the following table. However, it is not possible to quantify the precise amount of the award which has benefited youth football. In addition to these, a contribution was made in 2002-03 towards the costs of the review of youth football carried out by independent consultants. | Year | Annual Development Grant Aid | Sportsmatch | | SFA | SWFA | No. of awards | £ | | 1999-2000 | 48,000 | 18,000 | 27 | 44,202 | | 2000-01 | 48,000 | 18,000 | 29 | 44,832 | | 2001-02 | 48,000 | 18,000 | 54 | 117,967.47 | | 2002-03 | 100,000 | 18,000 | 22 | 72,800 | | 2003-04 | 100,000 | 28,500* | 27 | 80,243.85 | Note: *18 month award. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186847,"EventID":"S2W-14143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it plans to allocate from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for investment in youth football for each of the next nine years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding it plans to allocate from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for investment in youth football for each of the next nine years.","AnswerText":"The Executive has committed £1.2 million from the Scottish Consolidated Fund to support the implementation of the Action Plan for Youth Football over a 10 year period. It will be for the Implementation Steering Group to determine how and when the funding is to be allocated against agreed work programmes and targets.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186848,"EventID":"S2W-14144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13631 by Patricia Ferguson on 31 January 2005, whether any part of the £31.1 million 10-year action plan for youth football will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13631 by Patricia Ferguson on 31 January 2005, whether any part of the £31.1 million 10-year action plan for youth football will be funded from the Scottish Consolidated Fund.","AnswerText":"The Executive has committed £1.2 million from the Scottish Consolidated Fund to support the implementation of the Action Plan for Youth Football over a 10 year period.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186849,"EventID":"S2W-14145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6333 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 March 2004, when it expects the legal complications surrounding the transfer of funds from the Foot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6333 by Mr Frank McAveety on 15 March 2004, when it expects the legal complications surrounding the transfer of funds from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to the Scottish Football Partnership to be resolved.","AnswerText":"It is extremely disappointing that the legal complications affecting the transfer of the funds from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to the Scottish Football Partnership have not yet been resolved. I am given to understand though that it is expected that the outstanding issues should shortly be resolved and that the transfer of the funds will be completed as quickly as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186850,"EventID":"S2W-14146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11409 by Patricia Ferguson on 10 November 2004, what level of funding it has allocated to women's and girls' football in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11409 by Patricia Ferguson on 10 November 2004, what level of funding it has allocated to women's and girls' football in each year since 1999, broken down by year and detailing the funding sources.","AnswerText":"Since 1999, women’s and girls’ football has benefited directly by the amounts set out in the following tables. As with other sports supported by the Executive through sportscotland, no allocations are made. Funding is awarded against set programmes and applications received. Funding under the National Coach Support programme was awarded to support the appointment of Vera Pauw, who relinquished her post in 2004. Women’s and girls’ football will also have benefited from many other facility awards and the significant investment in initiatives such as Active Schools. Lottery Funding | Year | Junior Groups | National Coach Support | Awards for All | Talented Athlete Support | | 1999 | 0 | 0 | 26,372 | 66,000 | | 2000 | 0 | 0 | 10,689 | 126,005 | | 2001 | 0 | 0 | 9,122 | 90,978 | | 2002 | 34,350 | 115,320 | 5,667 | 54,000 | | 2003 | 25,000 | 0 | 18,299 | 92,809 | | 2004 | 0 | 0 | 9,302 | 25,000 | | 2005 to date | 0 | 0 | 7,400 | 0 | Exchequer Funding | Year | Development Grant Aid | Sportsmatch | | 1999 | 18,000 | 3,500 | | 2000 | 18,000 | 0 | | 2001 | 18,000 | 3,800 | | 2002 | 18,000 | 5,957 | | 2003 | 28,500 | 6,290.80 | | 2004 | 0 | 1,800 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186851,"EventID":"S2W-14147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of investment in the action plan for youth football was redirected from existing investment in youth football development and what the sources of that investme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of investment in the action plan for youth football was redirected from existing investment in youth football development and what the sources of that investment were.","AnswerText":"As was made clear when the Action Plan for Scottish Youth Football was launched on 30 March 2004, planned investment of £2.2 million in youth football by the Executive and sportscotland is being redirected to supporting the implementation of the action plan. This comprises £1.2 million of Exchequer funds and £1 million of Lottery funds. In addition to this some £8.9 million of existing funding by the Scottish Football Association and local authorities for community based programmes is to be redirected to supporting the action plan.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186852,"EventID":"S2W-14148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to introduce energy-saving measures in buildings that it has responsibility for and what steps it has taken to encourage other public bodies to pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to introduce energy-saving measures in buildings that it has responsibility for and what steps it has taken to encourage other public bodies to put such measures in place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s organisational vision is to make the best use of resources in line with its Greening Government Policy. The Executive wishes to set the example on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in both Public and Private sectors, and its formal strategy is kept under constant review, it is revised to reflect policy development. The fourth Environmental Performance Annual Report (2003-) was published by the Executive in December 04:[http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/18823/15134]. Measures taken internally to date include: Victoria Quay maintaining its Environmental Management System (EMS) to ISO14001 standard; The Greening Government Policy: [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/CS/CS-ACC/00019627/contents.aspx]. Further EMS are being developed in 13 main Scottish Executive buildings; Energy Efficiency benchmarking: the majority of Executive buildings achieved a “Good” Energy Efficiency rating, and all new Executive buildings now aim to have a “Very Good” BREEAM rating. Staff energy awareness campaigns are delivered to highlight the benefits of energy efficiency at both the workplace and in the home. upgraded lighting and heating controls have been installed, where suitable and evaluated as cost effective; All new computer equipment supplied on the Executive estate is Energy Star compliant. Measures taken to encourage the Public Sector: In June 2004, the Executive launched the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Initiative. (CEEF) The Executive also funds the Carbon Trust’s energy efficiency programme which aims to improve the energy efficiency of UK business and the public sector, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and costs. This includes design advice to ensure energy efficiency is incorporated into the design of both new and existing buildings. Any public body can take advantage of this service. In addition the Minister for Environment and Rural Development is leading the initiative to improve the environmental performance of Scottish Executive agencies and public bodies, they have been asked to: ensure they have an environmental management system in place by the end of 2005. report annually on their overall environmental management performance – which will include details of energy consumption, CO2 emissions and any reduction targets. The information collated from agencies and public bodies will be published on the Scottish Executive website. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186853,"EventID":"S2W-14149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11118 by Mr Tom McCabe on 1 November 2004, whether, after jointly exploring issues related to compensation and insurance with the F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11118 by Mr Tom McCabe on 1 November 2004, whether, after jointly exploring issues related to compensation and insurance with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the position of those who suffer loss and damage as a result of the hosting of the G8 summit can now be clarified.","AnswerText":"A Question and Answer brief onthis subject has been available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office G8 website,www.g8.gov.uk since 26 January 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186854,"EventID":"S2W-14150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage an increased take-up of the combined MMR vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage an increased take-up of the combined MMR vaccine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in collaboration with partner organisations including Health Protection Scotland, NHS Education Scotland and NHS Health Scotland has undertaken a number of initiatives to encourage increased uptake of MMR vaccine. These include the development of an MMR Discussion Pack for health professionals and parents, and ensuring that all parents receive an MMR explanatory leaflet with the invitation for immunisation. These resources will be updated in 2005. NHS Health Scotland has launched a new immunisation website (http://www.healthscotland.com/immunisation/mmr/index.cfm) which includes an MMR Information Centre. Further initiatives are planned and will be announced in due course. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186855,"EventID":"S2W-14151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money has been given to NHS Lanarkshire to improve audiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional money has been given to NHS Lanarkshire to improve audiology services.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire have been allocated a total of £730,050 over financial years 2003-04 and 2004-05 to improve audiology services.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2004-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186856,"EventID":"S2W-14152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a review of the home loss payments established under the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 last took place and when the next review will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a review of the home loss payments established under the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 last took place and when the next review will take place.","AnswerText":"Levels of Home Loss Payment were last reviewed in 1991. Ministers will take a view on any possible review in due course.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186857,"EventID":"S2W-14153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many householders have received home loss payments in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many householders have received home loss payments in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. It is likely to be available from authorities with compulsory purchasepowers, individual local authorities and registered housing associations.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186858,"EventID":"S2W-14154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any correspondence with the Ministry of Defence regarding any proposals to test a new electromagnetic supergun at the Dundrennan firing range and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any correspondence with the Ministry of Defence regarding any proposals to test a new electromagnetic supergun at the Dundrennan firing range and whether it has any concerns regarding the safety of the environment as a result of such tests.","AnswerText":"There has been no correspondence with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) regarding any proposals to test a new electromagnetic supergun at the Dundrennan firing range. The MoD has advised the Scottish Executive that representatives of Dumfries and Galloway Council have visited the range at the invitation of the MoD and have seen the test firing and, as far as MoD is aware, are content.The MoD also advises that the existing gun hardware (rather than a new supergun) has been used for tests for the US Navy. Since there was nothing new in these limited tests, the MoD did not consider it necessary to consult with any external organisations, since the conditions were the same as have been used without incident for the past decade or so. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186859,"EventID":"S2W-14155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Scottish Health Council will be appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Scottish Health Council will be appointed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Council Chair, Mr Brian Beacom, was appointed in October 2004 and six board members were appointed in December 2004.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186860,"EventID":"S2W-14156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Scottish Health Council will commence delivery of its remit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new Scottish Health Council will commence delivery of its remit.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Council has been appointed, and will formally commence delivery of its remit on 1 April 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186861,"EventID":"S2W-14157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to their health board once local health councils are disbanded, broken down by NHS board","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to their health board once local health councils are disbanded, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Providing support and advice to people that want to complain will continue to be the responsibility of NHS boards. Each board has trained complaints officers who have a role in supporting those who wish to make a complaint. A number of other organisations are also able to provide advice and support for those seeking to complain about the NHS in their area. This includes the Citizens Advice Bureau, local advocacy agencies and patient organisations. These organisations have staff trained to give advice on a number of issues including how to make a complaint against the NHS. No formal qualification is required of these staff to carry this out.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186862,"EventID":"S2W-14158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interim guidance has been sent to NHS boards regarding the provision of advice and support to patients seeking to complain to their NHS board once local health counc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interim guidance has been sent to NHS boards regarding the provision of advice and support to patients seeking to complain to their NHS board once local health councils are disbanded.","AnswerText":"Transition planning meetings have been held with all NHS boards and local health councils to address arrangements for the dissolution of health councils including the handling of any on-going complaints.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186863,"EventID":"S2W-14159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding will be given to NHS boards to provide independent advice and support in the complaints procedures, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding will be given to NHS boards to provide independent advice and support in the complaints procedures, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Providing support and advice to people that want to complain about NHS board services has always been the responsibility of NHS boards, and will continue to be. Resources to provide such support will be found from within board core allocations.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186864,"EventID":"S2W-14160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the new Scottish Health Council will no longer provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the new Scottish Health Council will no longer provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Council will not provide advice and support services, but they will seek to ensure that NHS boards have appropriate and effective arrangements in place. The Scottish Health Council will also ensure that individual patients, carers and members of the public are able to make their views on health services known.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186865,"EventID":"S2W-14161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations in Scotland currently have trained staff to provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations in Scotland currently have trained staff to provide advice and support for those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14157 answered on 28 February 2005. 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186866,"EventID":"S2W-14162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal qualifications are required for giving advice and support to those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal qualifications are required for giving advice and support to those seeking to complain to an NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14157 on 28 February 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186867,"EventID":"S2W-14163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained members of staff of local health councils have been offered employment in (a) complaints departments of NHS boards and (b) the new Scottish Health Counci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained members of staff of local health councils have been offered employment in (a) complaints departments of NHS boards and (b) the new Scottish Health Council.","AnswerText":"All local health council staff are eligible to apply for positions within the Scottish Health Council and the recruitment process is in progress. Information on local health council staff offered employment in NHS board complaints departments is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186868,"EventID":"S2W-14164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom patients or carers should complain about NHS board services or treatment when local health councils cease to exist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom patients or carers should complain about NHS board services or treatment when local health councils cease to exist.","AnswerText":"Patients and carers should continue to complain to the NHS board. Those involved in the provision of care are best placed to investigate concerns raised and provide a response.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186869,"EventID":"S2W-14165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12957 by Tavish Scott on 20 January 2005, how long it expects its consideration of whether to conduct a review of the Game (Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12957 by Tavish Scott on 20 January 2005, how long it expects its consideration of whether to conduct a review of the Game (Scotland) Acts to last and when it will announce its conclusion.","AnswerText":"No timescales have been setfor this activity. This issue is still under on-going discussion with the UKGovernment, and at the conclusion of these discussions a decision on any reviewapplying to Game Acts on Scotland will be made.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186870,"EventID":"S2W-14166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12958 by Tavish Scott on 20 January 2005, what correspondence or discussions, either formal or informal, it has had with the Europe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12958 by Tavish Scott on 20 January 2005, what correspondence or discussions, either formal or informal, it has had with the European Commission or the UK Government in relation to references to game birds in the DG Environment press releases on 29 January 2004 (IP/04/128) and 15 July 2004 (IP/04/933) and what legislative changes are required in Scotland to address these matters","AnswerText":"Issues arising from legal action proposed by the European Commission against member states are confidential. Therefore no information can be provided at this time.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186871,"EventID":"S2W-14167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what its policy is in relation to the undertaking of criminal prosecutions by private ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what its policy is in relation to the undertaking of criminal prosecutions by private individuals and whether the power for a landowner or occupier, as well as the procurator fiscal, to prosecute an alleged offender under the Game (Scotland) Act 1832 is consistent with this policy.","AnswerText":"The sole public prosecutor inScotland is the Lord Advocate. He is represented locally by the Procurator Fiscal.The question of prosecution by a private individual is a matter of law rather thanpolicy. The authority vested in landownersand others by virtue of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832 can be distinguished from private prosecution. A person may apply to the HighCourt of Justiciary for authority to bring a private prosecution in relation toa crime at common law or a statutory offence for which imprisonment without optionof a fine is competent. Such a person must establish that he or she has a substantialinterest to do so and that the Lord Advocate has refused to prosecute. The petitionermust state that the Lord Advocate has not only refused to prosecute but has alsorefused to concur in a private prosecution. In considering whether to concur ina private prosecution in any case the Lord Advocate will have regard to whetherit is in the public interest in view of the facts and circumstances of the case.Such prosecutions have only been authorised by the High Court twice since 1900. In contrast, section 2 of theGame (Scotland) Act 1832 is a specific statutory provision which provides that atrespasser who has been required to quit land and give his or her name and abodebut refuses to do so may be arrested and brought before a justice of the peace and,on summary conviction, at the instance of the owner or occupier of the land or theProcurator Fiscal may be required to pay a financial penalty of not more than levelone on the standard scale. It would be inappropriate for a person to be prosecutedtwice for the same offence and therefore, in practice, any person seeking to prosecutea trespasser for this offence should ensure that no other proceedings are in contemplationor have been taken. We are not aware of any casesin recent times in which a private individual has initiated a prosecution in termsof section 2 of the act but records held indicate that a very small number of offenceshave been reported to procurators fiscal. Any review of the Game (Scotland) Act1832 will provide an opportunity to examine the situation and consider amendments. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186872,"EventID":"S2W-14168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what its policy is in relation to provisions to allow criminal convictions on the evidenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what its policy is in relation to provisions to allow criminal convictions on the evidence of a single witness, in particular what criteria it uses to determine to which offences such provisions should apply, and whether the single witness provisions of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832 are consistent with this policy.","AnswerText":"The Law of Scotland provides that no person can be convicted of a crime or statutory offence unless there is evidence of at least two witnesses implicating the person accused with the crime or offence with which he is charged. The rule does not require every circumstance of the crime or offence with which the accused is charged to be proved by two witnesses. The basic requirement is that the crucial features of the crime or offence, namely that the crime or offence was committed and that it was committed by the accused must be established by evidence from at least two sources.There are, however, several Acts of Parliament which provide that persons accused of contravening their provisions may be convicted on the evidence of one credible witness. These include the Game (Scotland) Act 1832 Act. In those circumstances it was thought at the time the offence was created that the public interest was best served by waiving the usual rules of corroboration. There are a number of more modern Acts where a similar conclusion has been reached, for example section 21 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. On each occasion where consideration is being given to disapplying the normal rules of corroboration, it is for those responsible for the introduction of the statute to demonstrate why it is in the public interest that this should be done. There is no set list of criteria as the public interest will have to be considered in the particular circumstances concerned. Any review of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832 will provide an opportunity to examine the continuing requirement for this waiver. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186873,"EventID":"S2W-14169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what levels of fine may be levied for breaches of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832; what puni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12959 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, what levels of fine may be levied for breaches of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832; what punishments are available for any non-payment of such fines; whether these punishments have been amended since 1832, and whether they are consistent with its criminal justice policies.","AnswerText":"The levels of fine which maybe levied for breaches of the Game (Scotland) Act 1832, and the punishments which are availablefor non-payment of fines are set out in the table below. | Breach of Game (Scotland) Act 1832 | Level of Fine | Maximum Amount of Fine | Maximum Penalty for Non-Payment of Fine | | Trespass in pursuit of game etc (section 1 of 1832 Act) | Level 3 | £1,000 | 28 days imprisonment | | Trespass in pursuit of game etc when in disguise or in a group of 5 or more (section 1 of 1832 Act). | Level 4 | £2,500 | 45 days imprisonment | | Assault or obstruction by a person trespassing of any person exercising his or her rights under the 1832 Act (section 6 of the 1832 Act). | Level 3 | £1,000 | 28 days imprisonment | | Failure by person trespassing to provide his or her name and address (section 2 of the 1832 Act). | Level 1 | £200 | 7 days imprisonment | The levels of fines andpunishments for non-payment have been amended several times since 1832. Themaximum amount of fine corresponding to each level is set out in what is knownas the “standard scale” which in turn is contained in the Criminal Procedure (Scotland)Act 1995. The 1995 act also sets out the maximum number of days imprisonmentthat can be imposed for default in payment of any level of fine. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186874,"EventID":"S2W-14170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13295 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, when the General Register Office for Scotland will complete its review of the data it pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13295 by Tavish Scott on 28 January 2005, when the General Register Office for Scotland will complete its review of the data it publishes on its website; when and where the details of the additional data to be provided will be published, and when the additional data will appear on its website.","AnswerText":"It is intended that the review will be completed in the spring of this year. Some initial enhancements are planned to coincide with the publication of the Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends at the end of July. Details of further enhancements, to be made during the remainder of 2005, will be made available at the same time.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186875,"EventID":"S2W-14171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential and respite care homes for the elderly there are, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residential and respite care homes for the elderly there are, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of care homes for older people, by local authority. This information is taken from the September 2004 Scottish Care Home Census, the results of which were published on 1 March 2005. | Local Authority | Number of Care Homes | | Aberdeen City | 38 | | Aberdeenshire | 57 | | Angus | 30 | | Argyll and Bute | 28 | | Clackmannanshire | 6 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 39 | | Dundee City | 25 | | East Ayrshire | 23 | | East Dunbartonshire | 10 | | East Lothian | 19 | | East Renfrewshire | 13 | | Edinburgh, City of | 70 | | Eilean Siar | 9 | | Falkirk | 21 | | Fife | 72 | | Glasgow City | 90 | | Highland | 69 | | Inverclyde | 12 | | Midlothian | 13 | | Moray | 17 | | North Ayrshire | 32 | | North Lanarkshire | 36 | | Orkney Islands | 4 | | Perth and Kinross | 42 | | Renfrewshire | 24 | | Scottish Borders | 27 | | Shetland Islands | 10 | | South Ayrshire | 28 | | South Lanarkshire | 57 | | Stirling | 22 | | West Dunbartonshire | 15 | | West Lothian | 17 | | Scotland | 975 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186876,"EventID":"S2W-14172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made of the weekly expenditure required for nursing or respite care per week per person in residential homes for the elderly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has made of the weekly expenditure required for nursing or respite care per week per person in residential homes for the elderly.","AnswerText":"The Care Development Group calculated the nursing care element for people in a care home to be £65 per week and the personal care element at £145 per week. The total rate per person per week for residential care, including respite, will vary but the nationally agreed rates for publicly funded residents are currently £356 (without nursing care) and £417 (with nursing care).Following Spending Review 2004, we will make available an additional £37 million and £57.5 million to the independent care sector in 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively. This exceeds by £3.5 million the findings of the Scottish Local Authorities Management Centre report which was jointly commissioned by local authorities and the care sector. It will increase fee levels from £417 per person per week to £462 in 2007-08 and take additional expenditure on the sector to over £234 million since 2001. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186877,"EventID":"S2W-14173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now able to provide the full costs of individual learning accounts (ILA) and the number of applicants who have sought such support to date, broken down by l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now able to provide the full costs of individual learning accounts (ILA) and the number of applicants who have sought such support to date, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The total cost to date (since 2003-04) for ILA Scotland is £6.2 million. This figure incorporates system development, quality assurance and marketing, project development and management costs and operational costs since scheme launch in December 2004.Three hundred and eighty-one learners have sought ILA Scotland support to date. This relates to courses booked. The table details the breakdown by local authority. | Local Authority | Number of Bookings | | Aberdeen City | 13 | | Aberdeenshire | 23 | | Angus | 2 | | Argyll and Bute | 3 | | Borders | 1 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 46 | | Dundee | 0 | | East Ayrshire | 2 | | East Dunbartonshire | 6 | | East Lothian | 10 | | East Renfrewshire | 10 | | Edinburgh City | 33 | | Falkirk | 0 | | Fife | 42 | | Glasgow City | 18 | | Highland | 26 | | Inverclyde | 7 | | Midlothian | 6 | | Moray | 64 | | North Ayrshire | 6 | | North Lanarkshire | 7 | | Orkney Islands | 5 | | Perth and Kinross | 7 | | Shetland Isles | 4 | | South Ayrshire | 17 | | South Lanarkshire | 11 | | Stirling | 1 | | West Dunbartonshire | 5 | | West Lothian | 5 | | Western Isles | 0 | | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186878,"EventID":"S2W-14174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the pupil-staff ratio required for special needs teaching.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the pupil-staff ratio required for special needs teaching.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not issue guidance to education authorities on pupil staff ratios for the teaching of pupils with special educational needs.The employment and deployment of school staff working with pupils who have special educational needs is the responsibility of individual local authorities. Class size maxima for special schools are set out in Teachers’ Terms and Conditions of Service. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186879,"EventID":"S2W-14175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected number of special needs teaching staff is for all grades in each of the next five years, broken down by education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected number of special needs teaching staff is for all grades in each of the next five years, broken down by education authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186880,"EventID":"S2W-14176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all facilities supported or run by it meet the requirements of the new disabled access legislation and, if not, when the necessary work will be carried out and ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all facilities supported or run by it meet the requirements of the new disabled access legislation and, if not, when the necessary work will be carried out and how much it will cost.","AnswerText":"We take our responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) as an employer and service provider very seriously. Since October 2004, the DDA requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to the physical feature of their premises if it would otherwise be unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use their services. Reasonable adjustments depend on the circumstances and needs of the individual disabled person.The Scottish Executive has been investing in accessibility improvements in itscore buildings since 1995. £400,000 has been committed in 2004-05 to essential projects to improve access and provide auxiliary aids for disabled people across the Executive’s core estate. Further improvements in these areas are planned for 2005-06. As a service provider, employer, and Jobcentre Plus Disability Symbol User, the Executive has, and will, continue to make all necessary reasonable adjustments for disabled people and individual members of staff, in line with its obligations under the act. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186881,"EventID":"S2W-14177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to the Scottish Block Grant of the setting up of the proposed Serious Organised Crime Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be to the Scottish Block Grant of the setting up of the proposed Serious Organised Crime Agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executivecurrently makes an annual financial contribution to the running costs of theNational Criminal Intelligence Service, which will be subsumed within the newSerious Organised Crime Agency. No discussions have taken place about anycontribution by the Executive specifically for the setting up costs of the new agencybut, in any case, such costs are not expected to be significant.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186882,"EventID":"S2W-14178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources Scottish police forces will receive for the additional costs of liaising with the new Serious Organised Crime Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources Scottish police forces will receive for the additional costs of liaising with the new Serious Organised Crime Agency.","AnswerText":"It is not currently anticipatedthat there will be any additional costs to Scottish police forces arising fromliaison with the new Serious Organised Crime Agency.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186883,"EventID":"S2W-14179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to BEAR Scotland to appraise the upgrading of the A90 from Aberdeen to Peterhead, including the provision of a dual carriageway along its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to BEAR Scotland to appraise the upgrading of the A90 from Aberdeen to Peterhead, including the provision of a dual carriageway along its length.","AnswerText":"No directions have been given to BEAR Scotland Ltd to appraise the upgrading of the A90 from Aberdeen to Peterhead to dual carriageway standard.However, the Scottish Executive has commissioned consultants to undertake a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) multi-modal assessment of the Balmeddie –to Tipperty section of the A90. The results of the study were recently presented to the North East Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) and they are currently considering its contents. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186884,"EventID":"S2W-14180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve the A90 within Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve the A90 within Dundee.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently undertaking a study, in conjunction with Dundee City Council and other stakeholders, to consider the likely traffic impacts on the A90 in the vicinity of the Swallow and Myreside roundabouts, Dundee, as a result of major development pressures on the Dundee western approaches.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186885,"EventID":"S2W-14181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is in discussion with the two harbour authorities in Peterhead with regard to a possible merger.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is in discussion with the two harbour authorities in Peterhead with regard to a possible merger.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with both harbour authorities.
Peterhead Bay Authority and Peterhead Harbour Trust are presently pursuing plansfor a merger. A Minute of Agreement was signed in January 2005 outlining the proposals with a timetable to formally merge on 1 January 2006. A decision on whether to merge is a matter for the commercial judgement of the two harbour authorities. Given a successful outcome to the merger proposals, the newconstitution that a unified Peterhead harbour authority would require would be given legislative effect through an application to the Executive for an Order under the Harbours Act 1964.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186886,"EventID":"S2W-14182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to the building or upgrading of local authority care homes over the last three years and what support it plans to give over the next three years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to the building or upgrading of local authority care homes over the last three years and what support it plans to give over the next three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not allocate specific funding to local authorities for the building or upgrading of local authority care homes. This would be a matter for individual local authorities, not all of which operate their own care homes.The Scottish Executive continues to give substantial levels of support for capital expenditure by local authorities through interest and redemption charges, known as Loan Charge support. It is up to each local authority to decide the localpriorities for applying these resources. The new “prudential” regime for local authority capital expenditure now allows councils to determine for themselves the total amounts they will invest in infrastructure, including care homes, over the coming years. Investment decisions by councils from 2004-05 onwards must be made in accordance with the Prudential Code to ensure they are prudent, affordable and sustainable. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186887,"EventID":"S2W-14183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for local authorities in north east Scotland for the provision of special needs teaching and the establishment of custom-built facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides for local authorities in north east Scotland for the provision of special needs teaching and the establishment of custom-built facilities.","AnswerText":"The main support for local authority net revenue expenditure on special educational needs provision, including teaching staff costs, is provided by the Scottish Executive through the Revenue Support Grant. This is an unhypothecated grant and expenditure on individual areas is a matter for each authority. For information on the allocation of grant to individual local authorities I refer you to the Scottish Executive’s Finance Circular 8/2004 which can be viewed at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/localgov/lgfs-00.asp. Funding is also made available through the National Priorities Action Fund specific grant. In 2005-06, a total of £5.6 million will be provided to Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council and Dundee City Council to support specific special educational needs provision, including teaching staff costs. Decisions about work on school buildings, including the provision of facilities for pupils with special educational needs, are the responsibility of the local authorities within the resources available to them. These resources include the financial support we offer for school PPP projects; direct capital grant in the form of the Schools Fund, and the substantial resources which authorities can generate, principally through borrowing, under the prudentialframework. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186888,"EventID":"S2W-14184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided for local authorities in north east Scotland to train special needs teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is provided for local authorities in north east Scotland to train special needs teachers.","AnswerText":"In 2005-06, the Scottish Executive will provide Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council and Dundee City Council with specific grant funding totalling £923,639 to support the professional development and training of staff working with pupils who have special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186889,"EventID":"S2W-14185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with each local authority in north east Scotland with regard to economic development in the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with each local authority in north east Scotland with regard to economic development in the next five years.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland sets out the priorities for action for economic development in Scotland, and recognises that economic prosperity is only secured through the efforts and contributions of a wide range of individuals and bodies, working in an integrated and collaborative manner. local economic forums demonstrate the Scottish Executive’s commitment to partnership working in economic development with membership comprising of key public and private sector representatives including local authorities. The North East Scotland Economic Forum (NESEF) has members from the two local authority areas which cover the north east. NESEF Business 2010 is the economic growth strategy for north east Scotland produced by the forum. The Scottish Executive receives updates on the forum’s progress on strategy and a recent document from NESEF informed us that they are currently working through their strategy. Last year, during a visit to NESEF, the then Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning discussed local economic development with forum partners. Aberdeen’s 20 year City-Vision (Energising Aberdeen: creating the conditions for growth) was prepared in 2003 in conjunction with Community Planning partners and stakeholders from across the Aberdeen City-Region, including Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Councils and NESEF. This City-Vision plan aims to place Aberdeen as a leading centre in Scotland’s new economy. Since early 2003, officials from the Scottish Executive have held a number of discussions with officials from Aberdeen City Council on progress made by Aberdeen in taking forward its City-Vision, which is supported by an £11.5 million grant from the Cities Growth Fund (2003-06). At a more local level, a partnership of Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Aberdeenshire Council, and Communities Scotland has put in place the Building Buchan Action Plan which aims to focus collective resources on building sustainable communities throughout the Buchan area. Every local authority in Scotland, including those in the north east, has arepresentative member on the Scottish Local Authority Economic Development Group.The Scottish Executive is also represented and attends the regular meetings of themain group where economic development issues are discussed. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186890,"EventID":"S2W-14186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade members of tourist boards in Angus and Tayside regarding restructuring of tourism support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade members of tourist boards in Angus and Tayside regarding restructuring of tourism support.","AnswerText":"Trade members of Angus and Dundee Tourist Board had an opportunity to discuss the integrated tourism network directly with VisitScotland at a Tourism Day on 9 February at Discovery Point, Dundee which was organised by the board. The meeting was attended by around 70 people, mostly from the business community, and heard informative presentations from several directors of VisitScotland.In addition, VisitScotland has used a series of regular newsletters to keep business members of all area tourist boards throughout Scotland, including Angus and Dundee, fully informed of the progress being made with implementing the new tourism network, and the business opportunities that it will make available to them, such as the new VisitScotland marketing Challenge Fund. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186891,"EventID":"S2W-14187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade members of Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board regarding the restructuring of VisitScotland and area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with trade members of Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board regarding the restructuring of VisitScotland and area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland has used a series of regular newsletters to keep business members of all area tourist boards throughout Scotland, including Aberdeen and Grampian, fully informed of the progress being made with implementing the new tourism network, and the business opportunities that it will make available to them, such as the new VisitScotland marketing Challenge Fund. In addition, local tourism businesses will have had the opportunity to discuss any issues relating to the new VisitScotland network directly with Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186892,"EventID":"S2W-14188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is given to the British Red Cross for the provision of disability aids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is given to the British Red Cross for the provision of disability aids.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not specifically provide support to the British Red Cross for the provision of disability equipment. The Scottish Executive provides considerable financial support to the voluntary sector in Scotland through a variety of direct and indirect grant schemes – over £400 million in 2004-05. The British Red Cross can therefore seek funding from one or more of these schemes providing the activities for which grant is sought promote Scottish Executive objectives. Each scheme has its own, specific eligibility criteria and details about them are provided in our guide for the voluntary sector to Scottish Executive grants, which can be found at:www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/social/gvsg-00.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186893,"EventID":"S2W-14189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the estimated cost is to it of granting a St Andrew's Day holiday to its employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the estimated cost is to it of granting a St Andrew's Day holiday to its employees.","AnswerText":"When setting terms and conditions of service for parliamentary staff in April 2002, the SPCB decided to move one of the existing public holidays from September to the Friday closest to St Andrew’s Day. This was for two reasons: firstly, to avoid any disruption to business so soon after the end of summer recess, andsecondly, because the September holiday weekend is a local holiday rather thana national one. There is, therefore, no additional cost to the SPCB forgranting a St Andrew’s Day holiday to its employees.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Duncan McNeil","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186894,"EventID":"S2W-14190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are of granting an additional day's holiday per year to (a) its, (b) NHS and (c) local authority employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs are of granting an additional day's holiday per year to (a) its, (b) NHS and (c) local authority employees.","AnswerText":"We estimate that the cost ofan additional day’s holiday for Scottish Executive staff would be about £0.64 million,about £16.5 million for NHS staff and about £24.5 million for local authoritystaff.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186895,"EventID":"S2W-14191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated increase is in leisure spend by members of the public on a public holiday compared with a working day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated increase is in leisure spend by members of the public on a public holiday compared with a working day.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive doesnot have any data relating to the level of leisure spend by members of thepublic on a public holiday compared with a working day and is therefore unableto make an estimate.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186896,"EventID":"S2W-14192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the benefits to the Scottish economy arising from public holidays and events associated with public holidays.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the benefits to the Scottish economy arising from public holidays and events associated with public holidays.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive hasnot undertaken any specific analysis of the benefits to the Scottish economyarising from public holidays and events associated with public holidays.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186897,"EventID":"S2W-14193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7590 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 May 2004, how much GDP per person in employment in Scotland will have to grow to achieve the same leve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7590 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 May 2004, how much GDP per person in employment in Scotland will have to grow to achieve the same level as the UK average in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The latest Gross Value Addedfigures (GVA or GDP at basic prices), available for Scotland arepresented in the Office for National Statistics Regional Accounts. These showthat in 2003, the latest year available, Scottish GVA was estimated to be £78billion at current basic prices, resulting in an average GVA per economicallyactive person (2003 June-Aug Labour Force Survey) of £30,536. The UKequivalent (excluding extra-regio activity) was £32,083.This implies that, for thesame population and workforce in Scotland in 2003, the average GVA per economically activeperson would need to have been £1,547 higher in order to reach the same levelas the UK average. GDP would therefore have had to have been £3.9 billion or 5.1%higher. (Note that this would, in turn, result in an increase in the actualaverage UK GVA/economically active person). ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186898,"EventID":"S2W-14194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7589 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2004, what Scottish GDP would currently be had it increased at the same rate as the UK average sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7589 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2004, what Scottish GDP would currently be had it increased at the same rate as the UK average since 1997, using the revised version of GDP.","AnswerText":"Based on the latest data available from the Office for National Statistics for the value of ScottishGross Value Added (GVA or GDP at basic prices), if Scottish growth had matchedthe UK average (excluding extra-regio) between 1997 and 2003, the estimatedlevel of Scottish GVA in 2003 would have been £82.2 billion.The revised GVA methodologydoes not apply to these estimates. Chainlinking methodology is used to producethe volume index in the Scottish Executive’s quarterly GVA series but is notapplicable to the ONS cash value estimates which are in current prices. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186899,"EventID":"S2W-14195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7591 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 May 2004, by how much GDP will have to grow in Scotland to achieve the same level as the UK average pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7591 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 May 2004, by how much GDP will have to grow in Scotland to achieve the same level as the UK average per head in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The latest Gross Value Addedfigures (GVA or GDP at market prices), figures available for Scotland arepresented in the Office for National Statistics Regional Accounts. These showthat in 2003, the latest year available, Scottish GVA was estimated to be £78billion at current basic prices, resulting in an average GVA per head of£15,409. The UK equivalent (excluding extra-regio activity) was£15,980.This implies that, for thesame population in Scotland in 2003, the average GVA per head would need to havebeen £571 higher in order to reach the same level as the UK average. This means that total GVA would have had toincrease by £2.9 billion or 3.7%. (Note that this would, in turn, result in anincrease in the actual average UK GVA/head). ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186900,"EventID":"S2W-14196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5082 by Colin Boyd QC on 22 January 2004, how much money was collected under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 relating to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5082 by Colin Boyd QC on 22 January 2004, how much money was collected under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 relating to drugs offences in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05 to date.","AnswerText":"During the financial year 2003-04 the sum of £1,136,323.68 was recovered following Confiscation Orders under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 in respect of drug offences. The sum of £162,126.57 has so far been collected during the financial year 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186901,"EventID":"S2W-14197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the occupancy rate for acute beds has been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the occupancy rate for acute beds has been in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The occupancy figures are shownin the table:NHSScotland - Percentage Acute1 BedOccupancy2; by NHS Board Area: Years Ending 31 March 2000-04 | | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004P | | Scotland | 80.0 | 81.1 | 81.3 | 81.8 | 81.6 | | Argyll and Clyde | 83.0 | 82.8 | 82.0 | 79.8 | 79.9 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 81.4 | 82.1 | 81.2 | 80.5 | 80.3 | | Borders | 76.0 | 79.7 | 80.0 | 81.3 | 83.2 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 74.3 | 74.9 | 76.1 | 76.3 | 76.6 | | Fife | 83.8 | 84.0 | 81.5 | 81.8 | 83.2 | | Forth Valley | 82.7 | 81.5 | 80.1 | 81.4 | 82.4 | | Grampian | 77.9 | 79.8 | 81.3 | 82.7 | 81.7 | | Greater Glasgow | 80.9 | 80.7 | 81.4 | 81.8 | 80.6 | | Highland | 75.2 | 77.0 | 78.3 | 76.7 | 77.2 | | Lanarkshire | 74.8 | 78.0 | 82.2 | 84.2 | 86.0 | | Lothian | 85.1 | 85.5 | 82.8 | 84.7 | 85.3 | | Orkney | 60.4 | 59.4 | 65.2 | 70.7 | 62.4 | | Shetland | 59.6 | 68.9 | 72.1 | 65.9 | 60.6 | | Tayside | 78.1 | 81.7 | 82.7 | 82.5 | 81.5<","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186902,"EventID":"S2W-14198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it plays in appointments to the office of Lord-Lieutenant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it plays in appointments to the office of Lord-Lieutenant.","AnswerText":"The Queen appointsLord-Lieutenants in Scotland, as in England and Wales. When a Lord-Lieutenant retires, the Prime Ministerconsults the First Minister before giving advice to Her Majesty on theappointment of a replacement. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186903,"EventID":"S2W-14199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-10883 by Mr Andy Kerr on 12 October 2004, when the letter promised on the availability of Scottish information from the World Healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-10883 by Mr Andy Kerr on 12 October 2004, when the letter promised on the availability of Scottish information from the World Health Organisation's European health for all database will be written.","AnswerText":"I have responded to the member in two letters on this issue, dated 25 November 2004 and 10 February 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186904,"EventID":"S2W-14200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on (a) indoor bought plants, (b) indoor hired plants, (c) outdoor bought plants and (d) outdoor hired plants in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on (a) indoor bought plants, (b) indoor hired plants, (c) outdoor bought plants and (d) outdoor hired plants in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The spend on indoor bought plants in 2003-04 and 2004-05 was £19,173 and £18,083 respectively. Prior to 2003-04 spend was contained within annual maintenance expenditure and cannot be separated out.The spend on outdoor plants is contained within annual maintenance expenditure and cannot be separated out. No plants have been hired since 1999. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186905,"EventID":"S2W-14201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total spending on Private Finance Initiative (PFI) consultants was in each year since 1999; how many full-time equivalent PFI consultants were employed over thi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total spending on Private Finance Initiative (PFI) consultants was in each year since 1999; how many full-time equivalent PFI consultants were employed over this period; what the implied average cost of each PFI consultant was, and how many PFI consultancy firms it has used over this period.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thetotal spending on consultancy services in support of Public Private Partnership(PPP) projects by the Executive in each year since 1999: | Year | Amount (£) | | 1999 | Nil | | 2000 | Nil | | 2001 | 315,000 | | 2002 | 271,091 | | 2003 | 348,486 | | 2004 | 893,543 | | 2005 | 57,160 | The totals particularly for 2004,reflect the increasing investment in infrastructure, including use of PPP projects,as shown in Building a Better Scotland : Infrastructure Investment Plan (Bib.number 35376). The Executive has used eightPPP consultancy firms during this period. The number of full-time equivalents employedby these firms is not readily available. In addition, there are four secondmentsto the Executive’s Financial Partnerships Unit. The expenditure on these to theend of 2004 totals £46,404. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186906,"EventID":"S2W-14202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents took place in bus lanes in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accidents took place in bus lanes in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the Stats 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured; they do not cover \"damage only\" accidents. The following tables show the number of accidents where one or more of the vehicles involved were reported, in the statistical returns, as being in either a “bus lane” or a “busway”. A \"bus lane\" is defined as a lane marked off within the main carriageway for use by buses (and, possibly, certain other types of vehicle, such as taxis and pedal cycles). A busway is a section of the road segregated from the main carriageway for use by buses (and, possibly, other permitted vehicles). However, the statistical returns do not identify whether the initial collision took place in the bus lane or the busway. In a very small number of cases, some accidents are counted in both tables. This is because these accidents involved both (a) at least one vehicle reported as being in a bus lane and (ii) at least one vehicle reported as being in a busway. Number of Accidents Involving at Least One Vehicle Whose Location was Reported as Being in a “Bus Lane” at the Time of that Accident | Year | | | 1999 | 61 | | 2000 | 24 | | 2001 | 76 | | 2002 | 94 | | 2003 | 105 | Number of Accidents Involving at Least One Vehicle Whose Location was Reported as Being in a “Busway” at the Time of that Accident | Year | | | 1999 | 25 | | 2000 | 28 | | 2001 | 44 | | 2002 | 38 | | 2003 | 32 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186907,"EventID":"S2W-14203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13372 by Tavish Scott on 26 January 2005, what the suicide rate was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13372 by Tavish Scott on 26 January 2005, what the suicide rate was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The table presents the latest available information. It combines deaths from intentional self-harm with deaths from events of undetermined intent, as the majority of the latter are likely to have been suicides. Deaths from Intentional Self-Harm and Events of Undetermined Intent by Council Area1, 1999–2003, Rates2 Per 100,000 Population | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Scotland | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | | Aberdeen City | 19 | 18 | 12 | 18 | 17 | | Aberdeenshire | 14 | 13 | 16 | 14 | 11 | | Angus | 21 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 15 | | Argyll and Bute | 17 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 19 | | Clackmannanshire | 15 | 8 | 25 | 19 | 17 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 24 | 18 | 13 | 19 | 14 | | Dundee City | 20 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 18 | | East Ayrshire | 26 | 13 | 30 | 22 | 14 | | East Dunbartonshire | 9 | 11 | 11 | 14 | 12 | | East Lothian | 12 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 13 | | East Renfrewshire | 7 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 7 | | Edinburgh, City of | 14 | 18 | 20 | 17 | 11 | | Eilean Siar | 18 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186909,"EventID":"S2W-14205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients on peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis continue to be exempt from prescription charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients on peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis continue to be exempt from prescription charges.","AnswerText":"There has been no change to the list of medical conditions which exempt patients from paying prescription charges.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186910,"EventID":"S2W-14206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what updates to guidance on prescription charges have been made in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what updates to guidance on prescription charges have been made in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"Our last annual prescription charge guidance update circular (NHS HDL(2004)17) was issued in March 2004. It included guidance about prescription charges, regulation changes, prepayment certificates and publicity material in connection with prescription charges.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186911,"EventID":"S2W-14207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times have been for (a) residential and (b) non-residential alcohol detoxification services in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times have been for (a) residential and (b) non-residential alcohol detoxification services in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186912,"EventID":"S2W-14208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the UK Government regarding measures in the draft Children (Contact) and Adoption Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the UK Government regarding measures in the draft Children (Contact) and Adoption Bill.","AnswerText":"We have had discussions with the UK Government about both main parts of the draft bill. We are currently carrying out our own reforms of family law but will monitor the progress of the provisions on contact between children and parents, and implications for the law in Scotland. We are continuing our discussions with the UK Government on the provisions to restrict adoptions from certain countries, and we are considering how similar provisions might be implemented here.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186913,"EventID":"S2W-14209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering legislative steps to improve contact arrangements for children and their parents in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering legislative steps to improve contact arrangements for children and their parents in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Family Law (Scotland) Bill,introduced on 7 February, includes provisions aimed at giving greater support tochildren and families. However, legislationwill not provide the solution to every problem. This is why, at the same time aswe progress our bill, the Executive will be working with key stakeholders on theproduction of Parenting Agreements to help separating or divorcing couples makesensible and durable arrangements for their children, including contact. Our aimis to help separating couples come to voluntary, amicable agreements about the futurecare and support of their children without having to resort to the courts, unlessthis is absolutely necessary.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186914,"EventID":"S2W-14210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospitals use Patientline to supplement their provision of entertainment systems for patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospitals use Patientline to supplement their provision of entertainment systems for patients.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual NHSScotland boards. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186915,"EventID":"S2W-14211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to improve the rate of early diagnosis of secondary cancer in breast cancer patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to improve the rate of early diagnosis of secondary cancer in breast cancer patients.","AnswerText":"Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change, the Scottish cancer strategy, sets out a range of actions being taken to secure more rapid diagnosis and treatment for all cancers.Investment plans and progress reports are published six-monthly and can be found on www.cancerinscotland.show.scot.nhs.uk and www.scotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186916,"EventID":"S2W-14212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises the condition of lymphoedema.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recognises the condition of lymphoedema.","AnswerText":"Lymphoedema is recognised bythe Scottish Executive as a condition. Treatment for lymphoedema may vary inindividual cases. Lymphoedema services are mainly based in hospices althoughthey may also be available in some cancer centres, physiotherapy clinics andother hospital settings.In January this, year £6billion was allocated to NHS boards for 2005-06. It is a matter for NHS boardsto decide where this money is directed to meet the healthcare needs of theirlocal populations. Each NHS board publishes a local health plan annually thatsets out the broad strategic direction for public health and healthcare servicesin their area. Further information may beobtained directly from NHS board chief executives, whose contact details can beaccessed on the SHOW website at http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186917,"EventID":"S2W-14213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are provided by NHS boards for sufferers of lymphoedema.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are provided by NHS boards for sufferers of lymphoedema.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14212, answered on 1 March 2005, which is available onthe Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/sch/search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186918,"EventID":"S2W-14214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that current services for sufferers of lymphoedema are adequately resourced to meet their needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that current services for sufferers of lymphoedema are adequately resourced to meet their needs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14212, answered on 1 March 2005 which is available onthe Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/sch/search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186919,"EventID":"S2W-14215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would consider that restraint of any asylum seeker should be investigated to ascertain whether an offence had been committed, where an asylum ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would consider that restraint of any asylum seeker should be investigated to ascertain whether an offence had been committed, where an asylum seeker was restrained (a) inside and (b) outwith Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","AnswerText":"Where an allegation of a crime is made to the police, it ought to be investigated, wherever the incident occurred. Whether an action amounts to a crime depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186920,"EventID":"S2W-14216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the audit and monitoring procedures for the European Regional Development Fund in the Highlands and Islands have changed since the Parliament was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the audit and monitoring procedures for the European Regional Development Fund in the Highlands and Islands have changed since the Parliament was established.","AnswerText":"The essential principles remain unchanged however current audit and monitoring procedures for the European Regional Development Fund are those set out in updated regulations that were adopted by the European Commission in July 1999.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186921,"EventID":"S2W-14217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which 14 projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund in the Highlands and Islands between 1994 and 1999 failed the recent first stage European Commission au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which 14 projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund in the Highlands and Islands between 1994 and 1999 failed the recent first stage European Commission audit.","AnswerText":"None. The draft audit report raises a range of issues. These have been addressed in the Executive’s response. We await the European Commission’s response.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186922,"EventID":"S2W-14218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what objections were made by the EC auditor to the management of 14 projects in the Highlands and Islands funded by the European Regional Development Fund between 1994 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what objections were made by the EC auditor to the management of 14 projects in the Highlands and Islands funded by the European Regional Development Fund between 1994 and 1999.","AnswerText":"The draft report did not refer to the management of projects in operational terms. Concerns related largely to the absence of supporting documentation at the time of the visit, and since provided as part of the Executive’s response to the draft report.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186923,"EventID":"S2W-14219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions were set by the European Commission for the funding of the upgrade of the Nigg Bay dry dock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions were set by the European Commission for the funding of the upgrade of the Nigg Bay dry dock.","AnswerText":"The conditions set in relation to European Regional Development Fund grants to upgrade Nigg Bay dry dock were set by the then Scottish Office as Implementing Authority for the programme. These were set following detailed consultation between the European Commission, Department of Trade and Industry and The Scottish Office.The grant conditions were: 1. In order to meet the European Commission Audit requirements of the programme, project sponsors are required to retain financial and accounting records for three years following the final payment made under the programme. 2. Within three months of the date of this offer, the project sponsor must submit to the (programme) Executive (and not the Scottish Office) details of thearrangements established, to fully monitor and evaluate this project and tomeasure its impact against targets contained within the Single ProgrammingDocument. No payment will be made until satisfactory details have beensubmitted. 3. The Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme will not normally consider applications for increased costs relating to an approved project. A request will only be considered in the most exceptional cases and at the discretion of the Programme Management Committee. 4. If the yard is to provide for works relating to oil rig decommissioning anEnvironmental Impact Assessment for the new work to be carried out will berequired to be submitted. 5. A satisfactory agreement between the applicant and BARMAC should be reached, as to reversion of the asset if the Nigg facility, or that part of it relating to the project, is closed. 6. The output of the yard shall not include metal hulled, self propelled ships, unless approval is granted by the Secretary of State for Scotland. Any such approval would only be given following consultation with the European Commission. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186924,"EventID":"S2W-14220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the audit and monitoring procedures of projects in the Highlands and Islands differ from those procedures applied in other parts of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the audit and monitoring procedures of projects in the Highlands and Islands differ from those procedures applied in other parts of Scotland.","AnswerText":"No, they do not.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186925,"EventID":"S2W-14221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects were funded through European structural funds from (a) 1994 to 1999 and (b) 2000 to 2005, broken down by (a) type, (b) location and (c) cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects were funded through European structural funds from (a) 1994 to 1999 and (b) 2000 to 2005, broken down by (a) type, (b) location and (c) cost.","AnswerText":"Details of transport projectsto which European Structural Funds have contributed funding since 1994 have today beenplaced in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35498).","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186926,"EventID":"S2W-14222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for the supply of alcohol to underage customers in each of the last five years, broken down by police board area and showing year-on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been for the supply of alcohol to underage customers in each of the last five years, broken down by police board area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table.Persons Proceeded Against in Scottish Courts for Sale of Drink to Persons Aged Under 181 by Police Force Area, 1998-02 | Police Force Area | Number | Year-on-Year Percentage Change | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 20022 | 1998-1999 | 1999-2000 | 2000-2001 | 2001-20022 | | Central | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 5 | -50 | 100 | -50 | 67 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 7 | 3 | - | - | - | -57 | -100 | - | - | | Fife | 5 | 1 | 8 | 2 | - | -80 | 700 | -75 | -100 | | Grampian | 12 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 | -42 | 0 | -57 | 67 | | Lothian and Borders | 19 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 11 | -79 | 75 | 43 | 10 | | Northern | 4 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | -75 | 300 | -50 | 50 | | Strathclyde | 60 | 22 | 27 | 25 | 16 | -63 | 23 | -7 | -36 | | Tayside | 11 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 55 | -82 | 0 | 33 | | Scotland | 124 | 58 | 62 | 48 ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186927,"EventID":"S2W-14223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 18 have been identified as regularly consuming alcohol.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 18 have been identified as regularly consuming alcohol.","AnswerText":"Alcohol consumption figures for children aged under 18 are not available centrally. Information on children aged 13 and 15 is available from the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle & Substance Use Survey. The interim report of the 2004 survey is available at the following web address www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/salsus.htm.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186928,"EventID":"S2W-14224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences to sell alcohol have been withdrawn as a result of a breach of the licence in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area and showi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences to sell alcohol have been withdrawn as a result of a breach of the licence in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect these statistics centrally. The Criminal Justice Statistics Unit within the Scottish Executive does, however, maintain and publish an annual series of Statistical Bulletins on Liquor Licences in Scotland. In 2003, statistics on the total number of licences that were suspended were collected for the first time.Nineteen licences were suspended. This figure is broken down into local authority areas as follows: | Local Authority | Number of Licences Suspended | | Aberdeen City | 2 | | Aberdeenshire | 2 | | Angus | 1 | | Dundee City | 4 | | East Renfrewshire | 1 | | City of Edinburgh | 3 | | North Ayrshire | 2 | | North Lanarkshire | 2 | | Scottish Borders | 1 | | South Lanarkshire | 1 | | Total | 19 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186929,"EventID":"S2W-14225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has produced for licensees on the responsible promotion of alcohol.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has produced for licensees on the responsible promotion of alcohol.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not yet produced any guidance for licensees on the responsible promotion of alcohol. The Licensing (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 28 February. The bill contains a number of measures that support ministers’ objectives of tackling binge and under-age drinking. Specifically, it outlaws nationally those irresponsible drinks promotions that can lead to binge drinking. Ministers intend to issue guidance to licensees as part of their implementation of the new regime. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186930,"EventID":"S2W-14226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sports centres, (b) libraries, (c) community centres and (d) playing fields there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sports centres, (b) libraries, (c) community centres and (d) playing fields there have been in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186931,"EventID":"S2W-14227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop rail links between Ayrshire and Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop rail links between Ayrshire and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Executive is always prepared to consider well developed proposals to improve Scotland’s railway system. Proposals should be operationally viable, offer value for money and accord with the Executive’s wider strategic objectives. The Executive is supporting a number of projects that offer opportunities to improve rail linkage between Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh. These include increased investment under the First ScotRail franchise, possible capacity relief on the Ayrshire lines as a result of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and the ongoing Glasgow Crossrail feasibility study.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186932,"EventID":"S2W-14228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on improving transport links between major cities and rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it places on improving transport links between major cities and rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continues to promote a number of improvements to the trunk road network connecting major cities to rural areas and to work in partnership with local authorities, transport providers and others on a wide range of measures to improve transport links across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186933,"EventID":"S2W-14229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Glasgow Crossrail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Glasgow Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"Supported by a Scottish Executive Integrated Transport Fund award of £0.5 million, Strathclyde Passenger Transport has appointed the consultants Scott Wilson to undertake a feasibility study into the proposed Crossrail scheme. The study’s findings are expected in mid-June.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186934,"EventID":"S2W-14230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to improving the internal transport infrastructure when allocating funding through the Route Development Fund to attract more foreign visitors","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to improving the internal transport infrastructure when allocating funding through the Route Development Fund to attract more foreign visitors to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Route Development Fund is targeted at sharing the risks, over a limited period, associated with the start up of new direct air routes. There are no plans to extend the fund to support wider infrastructure improvements.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186935,"EventID":"S2W-14231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what auditing takes place of the prescribing of tranquilisers to elderly people in residential and nursing homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what auditing takes place of the prescribing of tranquilisers to elderly people in residential and nursing homes.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 removed the statutory distinction between residential care homes and nursing homes and all such services are now registered 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. In all cases, the decision whether or not to prescribe a drug for a patient is always a matter for the clinician concerned, informed by advice and evidence about the drug. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186936,"EventID":"S2W-14232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Commission has responsibility for auditing prescribing practices in residential and nursing homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Commission has responsibility for auditing prescribing practices in residential and nursing homes.","AnswerText":"No. The Care Commission’s role is to regulate care services defined in the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001, which includes care home services. When inspecting a care home, Care Commission staff look for evidence that medicines management systems in the home are safe. The Commission is not however responsible for monitoring the clinical advice, treatment and prescribing practices of GPs to their patients in care homes. Prescribing advisers in NHS boards monitor prescribing trends, and support prescribing practices, forprescribing by GPs for patients in care homes who are registered with theirpractices.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186937,"EventID":"S2W-14233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have either received training in Enterprise in Education or received business placements in each year since 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have either received training in Enterprise in Education or received business placements in each year since 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Since 2002-03, over 11,000 teachershave participated in training delivered under the Schools Enterprise Programme orvia our Excellence in Education through Business Links initiative. Under Determinedto Succeed (DtS), we are continuing to develop our learning and development strategy:over 90 Head Teachers have completed leadership training at Columba 1400, and weare drawing up plans to make similar learning available to enterprise coordinatorsat local authority level. Meanwhile, eachof our 32 local authorities have agreed DtS delivery plans that make clear how theyplan to provide CPD opportunities in enterprise to their teaching staff.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186938,"EventID":"S2W-14234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many partnerships between local businesses and schools have been set up in each year since 2002-03, giving also the average per school cluster.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many partnerships between local businesses and schools have been set up in each year since 2002-03, giving also the average per school cluster.","AnswerText":"Partnerships between schoolsand businesses - in both the public and private sectors - come in a variety offorms; what is important is that both parties are clear on what they can bringto the relationship, and that they remain committed to it.Through Determined toSucceed, we are helping local authorities and their schools to continue toincrease the number of school/business partnerships against the background ofour target of 2,000 partnerships by 2006. We shall report next year on oursuccess in meeting that target. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186939,"EventID":"S2W-14235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current (a) book and (b) market value is of its share in Partnerships UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current (a) book and (b) market value is of its share in Partnerships UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive shares in Partnerships UK (PUK) are held in a share category established specifically for a holding by ministers and not for open market trading. Financial information on PUK is available from Companies House at www.companieshouse.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186940,"EventID":"S2W-14236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is currently carrying out into value for money issues around the involvement of private finance in public procurement projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is currently carrying out into value for money issues around the involvement of private finance in public procurement projects.","AnswerText":"HM Treasury issued new guidance for Value for Money assessment in Public Private Partnerships in August 2004. The Executive’s Financial Partnerships Unit is currently adapting it for application in Scotland, in consultation with public sector clients, Audit Scotland, and key commercial advisers. It is expected to be issued formally later this year.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186941,"EventID":"S2W-14237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether PPP and PFI have encouraged the use of construction management as a procurement method.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether PPP and PFI have encouraged the use of construction management as a procurement method.","AnswerText":"No. PPP, including use of private finance, uses robust forms of procurement process, contractual arrangements, specification, and firmness of price.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186942,"EventID":"S2W-14238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will produce an analysis of the non-profit-distributing models pilots to replace PPP and PFI.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will produce an analysis of the non-profit-distributing models pilots to replace PPP and PFI.","AnswerText":"The non-profit distributing organisation (NPDO) model is being piloted as an alternative option to the standard PPP approach and was not designed to replace the standard PPP approach.The pilot has already been successful in attracting competitive bids, thus passing a key market test. It will have to demonstrate value for money in the same manner as every other schools PPP project in order to gain confirmationof Scottish Executive funding prior to contract signing. Other authorities interested in this approach, and their professional advisers, have been kept fully appraised of developments during the pilot, and a broader-based exposition of the pilot will be offered to interested public authorities and the market following contract close later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186943,"EventID":"S2W-14239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in employment were imprisoned in each of the last five years for failing to pay fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in employment were imprisoned in each of the last five years for failing to pay fines.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The available information is given in the following table: Fine Default Receptions by Employment Status 1999-2003 | Employment Status | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | Employed | 1,055 | 969 | 911 | 909 | 901 | | Unemployed | 6,905 | 6,268 | 5,879 | 5,714 | 5,458 | | Other/Unknown1 | 605 | 466 | 426 | 451 | 399 | | Total | 8,565 | 7,703 | 7,216 | 7,074 | 6,758 | Note: 1. Includes students, retired people, other and unknown. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186944,"EventID":"S2W-14240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the taxpayer was of imprisoning people for failing to pay fines in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the taxpayer was of imprisoning people for failing to pay fines in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:No data is kept on the cost ofimprisoning persons in default of a finepayment as opposed to imprisoning other persons. The averageannual cost per prisoner place is published in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts.Copies of this publication for each of the last five years are available on the Scottish Prison Service websitehttp://www.sps.gov.uk/keydocs. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186945,"EventID":"S2W-14241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the method of collecting outstanding fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the method of collecting outstanding fines.","AnswerText":"In addition to the wide range of existing measures available to the courts to enforce or encourage the payment of fines, the Executive is piloting new provisions in relation to Supervised Attendance Orders to encourage greater use of the order as an alternative to custody for those who are unable to pay.The Summary Justice Review Committee considered fines enforcement as part of its wide-ranging report. It recommended strengthening a number of the existing measures for collecting fines and simplifying the number of organisations involved in the enforcement process. An independent analysis of the consultation responses was published on 28 February and can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/JD/CP/00019008/Homepage.aspx. Copies will also be made available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35623). We are currently considering that analysis with a view to introducing reforms that will improve the operation of all aspects of the summary justice system, including the collection of outstanding fines. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186946,"EventID":"S2W-14242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13433 by Nicol Stephen on 27 January 2005 in respect of a ferry service from Scotland to Norway, whether a waterborne freight grant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13433 by Nicol Stephen on 27 January 2005 in respect of a ferry service from Scotland to Norway, whether a waterborne freight grant would still apply to such a service and what impact the traffic of English road freight north to such a ferry service would have on a possible Freight Facility Grant.","AnswerText":"A ferry service between Scotland and Norway will be eligible to apply for a Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) if it removes lorry journeys from Scotland’s roads. It is not possible to assess the specific impact of road freight traffic from England on any possible award of Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) or WFG in Scotland without having full details of the road routes currently used by this potential traffic.One of the upper limits on the potential award of FFG or WFG is the environmental benefits which particular projects will generate by transferring freight from our roads. Equally these environmental benefits are reduced by the disbenefits of any additional lorry journeys which FFG and WFG funded projects might generate. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186947,"EventID":"S2W-14243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7396 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, what further funds have been provided for the development of grassroots rugby, detailing t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-7396 by Mr Frank McAveety on 4 May 2004, what further funds have been provided for the development of grassroots rugby, detailing the source of the funds.","AnswerText":"In addition to the fundsidentified previously, Scottish rugby has benefited from additional funding of£450,000 in development grant aid, £6,239 from Awards for All supporting sevenprojects and a lottery award of £105,000 to the sport’s governing body forcoach support, player improvement and athlete support.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186948,"EventID":"S2W-14244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6390 by Ms Margaret Curran on 24 March 2004, by what date it expects child poverty to be eradicated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-6390 by Ms Margaret Curran on 24 March 2004, by what date it expects child poverty to be eradicated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive shares the UK Government’s commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186949,"EventID":"S2W-14245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4454 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 15 December 2003, whether it received responses from the companies concerned regarding the rise in dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4454 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 15 December 2003, whether it received responses from the companies concerned regarding the rise in disconnections and, if so, what those responses were.","AnswerText":"Officials met with the companiesconcerned in January and February 2004 and were given reassurances that steps hadbeen taken to ensure that the number of disconnections would not continue to rise.In my recent meetings with fuelsupply companies, I have been reassured that companies are trying to keep the numberof disconnections to a minimum. Disconnections for debt in Scotland havefallen sharply over the last year. In 2003, the total number was 756; in 2004 itwas 138. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186950,"EventID":"S2W-14246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29389 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 October 2002, whether neighbourhood wardens have had an impact on poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29389 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 October 2002, whether neighbourhood wardens have had an impact on poverty.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive funding has enabled councils and their partners to setup community warden schemes throughout Scotland which are now helping to deal with many of the problems faced by deprived neighbourhoods. The impact of these schemes is being assessed through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programme. Earlier pilot schemes have shown a positive impact on factors such as vandalism and fear of crime. Wardens are contributing to closing the opportunity gap by improving the quality of life in deprived neighbourhoods.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186951,"EventID":"S2W-14247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether additional capacity at Hairmyres H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether additional capacity at Hairmyres Hospital, Wishaw General Hospital and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was provided by the use of PFI/PPP.","AnswerText":"The level and mix of services at any new health facility are determined by NHS managers and clinicians before and independent of a decision being taken on whether it should be built using public capital or private finance. The capacity of hospital services is based on a wider assessment of overall service delivery requirements, including treatment in community based settings. In the case of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, bed numbers have increased whereas in both Wishaw General and Hairmyres Hospitals, the bed numbers have decreased slightly, but have been complimented by more day care and out-patient treatment. Medical and technological advances and changes in the way health care professionals work means that more services are now delivered on a day case and in out-patient and community settings. This is due to normal development of the planning of health services and not as a result of the PFI process. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186952,"EventID":"S2W-14248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), how it determined that the three hospitals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), how it determined that the three hospitals in the answer would not have been built under the policies of the Scottish National Party.","AnswerText":"Under the Scottish National Party’s proposal to set up a Scottish Trust for Public Investment (STPI), borrowing would cost more than claimed, unless guaranteed by the Scottish Executive/Treasury in which case would require investments to be controlled within block “public expenditure” totals and “on balance sheet”.PFI is not simply about borrowing money to fund construction costs from the private sector but is about creating a structure in which better value for money is achieved by looking at the project as whole over its life. Whilst the cost of finance is a component of this structure, cheaper finance in itself does not necessarily mean better overall value for money. The optimisation of risk allocation, competition and innovation which PFI brings should more than offset the additional costs of financing. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186953,"EventID":"S2W-14249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether it will provide a more specific an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether it will provide a more specific and substantive answer to the supplementary question regarding the effect of fixed payment PFI/PPP projects on NHS budgets, the initial rates of return to shareholders in project companies and the delivery of revenue streams to the private sector by the NHS.","AnswerText":"In 2004-05, the estimated unitary payments for signed NHSScotland PFI contracts is £100.184 million. This represents 1.26% of forecast revenue expenditure for NHS boards.The total costs under the PFI/PPP contract reflect not just the cost of constructing facilities but the provision of defined services over the period of the contract. Charges payable to the private sector provider are agreed locally in advance and parcelled up into annual payments. These are constant in real terms, the only increase being to take account of inflation and agreed variations in services provided. Payment levels are therefore known and budgets planned accordingly. Any NHSScotland body has to be able to demonstrate the affordability of the scheme within a full business case prior to finalising the contract. Profit streams from NHS PPP contracts relating to private sector contractors are commercially sensitive. It is the responsibility of the procuring public sector body to ensure that the PPP procurement route shows value for money compared to a conventional procurement route. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186954,"EventID":"S2W-14250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether it considers that additional capac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether it considers that additional capacity in the NHS can only be provided through PFI/PPP.","AnswerText":"No. PFI/PPP is one method of infrastructure investment in a “mixed economy” approach pursued by the Scottish Executive. The proportion of the total infrastructure investment delivered through PPP will vary annually dependant on the types of projects being brought forward by NHS boards and their suitability, on value for money grounds, for delivery through PPP.Details of the total infrastructure investment plan can be found within Building a Better Scotland, Infrastructure Investment Plan: Investing in the Future of Scotland launched on 25 February and which can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/iipifs-00.asp. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186955,"EventID":"S2W-14251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12671 by Mr Tom McCabe on 13 December 2004 and the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12671 by Mr Tom McCabe on 13 December 2004 and the supplementary question to S2O-5214 by Mr Andy Kerr on 3 February 2005 (Official Report, c 14265), whether the internal rate of return in health projects under PFI/PPP would fall into the 13% to 16% range and whether the profit stream from NHS PFI/PPP contracts in 2004-05 will, therefore, be in the region of £13 million to £16 million.","AnswerText":"Equity internal rates of return (IRRs) vary across the PPP sector, including health, with an indicative range across the UK of 13% to 16%.Profit streams from NHS PPP contracts relating to private sector contractors are commercially sensitive. It is the responsibility of the procuring public body to ensure that the PPP procurement route shows value for money compared to a conventional route, taking all relevant costs and benefits into account. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186956,"EventID":"S2W-14252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies were born with foetal alcohol syndrome, broken down by NHS board, in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies were born with foetal alcohol syndrome, broken down by NHS board, in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Information from Scottish Morbidity Records indicated the following numbers of babies born with foetal alcohol syndrome over the past 10 years. Due to the small numbers involved in health board areas, information is provided at Scotland level only.1995 - 4 1996 - 8 1997 - 6 1998 - 4 1999 - 2 2000 - 7 2001 - 6 2002 - 8 2003 - 3 2004 - 9. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186957,"EventID":"S2W-14253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to highlight to women who are pregnant the dangers of drinking and the risk of foetal alcohol syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to highlight to women who are pregnant the dangers of drinking and the risk of foetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive ensures that information about foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is included in appropriate publications for expectant mothers. The NHS Health Scotland book Ready, Steady, Baby a guide to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, given to all new mothers, contains a section on alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The risks of FAS are also highlighted in A Framework for Maternity Services (2001) and in Getting Our Priorities Right (2001), offering guidance to agencies on working with families affected by problem drug use. NHS Health Scotland also produces a teaching pack which is distributed to all secondary schools and includes information relating to the effects of alcohol on the body.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186958,"EventID":"S2W-14254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to highlight to young women over 12 the dangers of drinking and the risk of foetal alcohol syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to highlight to young women over 12 the dangers of drinking and the risk of foetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"NHS Health Scotland producesa teaching pack, Drink Talking, which is distributed to secondary schoolsand contains a video and teaching notes to facilitate discussion on the effectsof alcohol on the body. Although this does not specifically discuss the effectsof alcohol on unborn babies, it does offer advice on alcohol consumption. Alcohol:What every parent should know, a guide that is aimed at the parents of teenagechildren, is also distributed to schools and contains information on the effectsof alcohol consumption and the health of unborn children.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186959,"EventID":"S2W-14255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies were born with drug dependency, broken down by NHS board, in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies were born with drug dependency, broken down by NHS board, in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of babies discharged from Neonatal Units with a diagnosis involving drug misuse is shown in the table below. Data for years prior to 1997-98 are not available as different diagnostic codes were used to provide analysis of numbers of discharges recording drug misuse. Data for 2003-04 is not yet available. Neonatal Discharges4 Recording Drug Misuse5 broken down by Health Board | | Neonatal Discharges Recording Drug Misuse (SMR11) | | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03P | | Argyll and Clyde | 11 | 22 | 34 | 29 | 29 | 33 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 17 | 23 | 28 | 19 | 26 | 21 | | Borders | ** | + | ** | + | ** | ** | | Dumfries and Galloway | ** | 5 | 7 | 13 | 13 | 10 | | Fife | 6 | 10 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 18 | | Forth Valley | 7 | ** | 12 | 15 | 6 | 15 | | Grampian | 60 | 42 | 67 | 101 | 86 | 72 | | Greater Glasgow | 66 | 98 | 109 | 94 | 33+ | 26 | | Highland | ** | 5 | 6 | 5 | ** | 6 | | Islands | + | + | ** | ** | - | - | | Lanarkshire | ** | ** | 10 | 14 | 19 | 27 | | Lothian | 16 | 19 | 29 | 18 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186960,"EventID":"S2W-14256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the assurances of confidentiality given in respect of each decennial population census from 1841 to 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the assurances of confidentiality given in respect of each decennial population census from 1841 to 2001.","AnswerText":"The following assurances were given on householders’ forms in the various Scottish decennial censuses from 1841-2001: 1841: No mention of confidentiality on householder’s schedule. 1851: No mention of confidentiality on householder’s schedule. 1861: No mention of confidentiality on householder’s schedule. 1871: “The facts will be published in General Abstracts only, and strict care will be taken that the returns are not used for the gratification of curiosity.” 1881: “The facts will be published in General Abstracts only, and strict care will be taken that the returns are not used for the gratification of curiosity.” 1891: “The facts will be published in General Abstracts only, and strict care will be taken that the returns are not used for the gratification of curiosity” 1901: “The contents of the Schedules will be treated as confidential; they will be published in General Abstracts only, and strict care will be taken that the Returns are not used for the gratification of curiosity, or for other purposes than those of the Census.” 1911: “The contents of the schedule will be treated as strictly confidential” 1921: “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.” 1931: “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL/” 1941: No census taken. 1951: “The contents of the schedule are strictly confidential.” 1961: “The contents of the schedule are strictly confidential.” 1971: “The information you give on the form will be treated as CONFIDENTIAL and used only for compiling statistics. No information about named individuals will be passed by the Census Office to any other Government Department or any other authority or person.” 1981: “The form is used only for compiling statistics and when you have completed it in accordance with the instructions, it will be treated as CONFIDENTIAL and no information about named individuals will be passed by theCensus Office to any other Government Department or any other authority or person.” 1991: “Your answers will be treated in strict confidence and used only to produce statistics. Names and addresses will not be put into the computer: only the postcode will be entered. The forms will be kept securely within my office and treated as confidential for 100 years.” 2001 “The information you provide is protected by law and treated in strict confidence. The information is only used for statistical purposes. Anyone using or disclosing Census information improperly will be liable to prosecution. The information on your census form will be treated as confidential for a period of 100 years.” ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186961,"EventID":"S2W-14257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests since 1997 from members of the public who do not want their personal census details to be released before the records are 100 years o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests since 1997 from members of the public who do not want their personal census details to be released before the records are 100 years old.","AnswerText":"No such requests have been received. The undertakings given on recent census forms state that personal census details will be kept confidential for 100 years. Members of the public would therefore expect, without needing to make a specific request, that their details would not be released during that period.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186962,"EventID":"S2W-14258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the Registrar General for Scotland has informed it of any documents showing that, in May 1974, ministers considered that Scotland should not be bound to keep in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the Registrar General for Scotland has informed it of any documents showing that, in May 1974, ministers considered that Scotland should not be bound to keep in line in all respects with English and Welsh census closure policy and that the proposed 100-year closure rule for Scottish censuses was too long.","AnswerText":"The closure of census records was raised with ministers in early 1974, in response to enquiries from solicitors wishing to use personal census information in settling executry cases. The Registrar General consulted the Minister of State at the Scottish Office, setting out the current policy of 100 year closure on access to personal census information, and recommending that this be relaxed in certain inheritance cases. In response, among other points, the minister commented: “I do not think that we should be bound to keep in line with England and Wales. The hundred year rule is too long.” However, after further discussion, the minister indicated that he was content with the Registrar General’s proposal. The Secretary of State also agreed. The relaxation of the 100 year closure where personal census information was required to resolve questions of inheritance was announced in a written answer on 23 May 1974. The documents concerned are available for consultation at the National Archives for Scotland and I will make arrangements for them to be accessible also through the Registrar General’s website www.gro-scotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186963,"EventID":"S2W-14259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered commissioning an independent survey to establish whether Scots would be satisfied with the re-establishment of 19th century 50 to 80-year confid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered commissioning an independent survey to establish whether Scots would be satisfied with the re-establishment of 19th century 50 to 80-year confidentiality periods for decennial population census records.","AnswerText":"We do not propose to commission such a survey, particularly in view of the recent consultation on the proposal, now contained in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 sections 38(1)(c) and 58(2)(b), that personal census information less than 100 years old should be exempt from disclosure under the act.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186964,"EventID":"S2W-14260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the penalties are for refusing to complete a decennial population census form and how many successful prosecutions there were for that offence in connection with the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the penalties are for refusing to complete a decennial population census form and how many successful prosecutions there were for that offence in connection with the censuses for (a) 1971, (b) 1981, (c) 1991 and (d) 2001.","AnswerText":"The penalty in force at the time of the most recent census was a fine not exceeding £1,000 (level 3 on the standard scale). The number of successful prosecutions in 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001 were, respectively, 18, 30, 56 and three.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186965,"EventID":"S2W-14261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the penalties are for unlawfully disclosing personal information from closed decennial population censuses and how many successful prosecutions there been have for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the penalties are for unlawfully disclosing personal information from closed decennial population censuses and how many successful prosecutions there been have for that offence since 1990.","AnswerText":"The penalty on summary conviction is imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding £5,000 or both. No prosecutions have been undertaken since 1990 and the Registrar General is not aware of any allegations of unlawful disclosure in that period.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186966,"EventID":"S2W-14262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether seizure of mobile phone batteries by Tayside Police at the recent Arbroath FC versus Aberdeen FC football match was lawful under se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether seizure of mobile phone batteries by Tayside Police at the recent Arbroath FC versus Aberdeen FC football match was lawful under section 51 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Executive has neither sought nor received advice on whether the action described was lawful. Policing of football matches is the operational responsibility of chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186967,"EventID":"S2W-14263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it endorses the seizure of mobile phone batteries by police as a reasonable measure to maintain public order at football matches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it endorses the seizure of mobile phone batteries by police as a reasonable measure to maintain public order at football matches.","AnswerText":"Policing of football matches is the operational responsibility of chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186968,"EventID":"S2W-14264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often mobile phone batteries have been seized by police in connection with football matches, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often mobile phone batteries have been seized by police in connection with football matches, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186969,"EventID":"S2W-14265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it and Tayside Police have received regarding the conduct of police officers involved in the seizure of mobile phone batteries at the recent Arbroath","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it and Tayside Police have received regarding the conduct of police officers involved in the seizure of mobile phone batteries at the recent Arbroath FC versus Aberdeen FC football match.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of having received any representations in relation to the Arbroath FC versus Aberdeen FC football match of 8 January 2005. I understand that Tayside Police have received two letters on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186970,"EventID":"S2W-14266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, whether it has concerns about the reduction in numbers of Scottish-domiciled graduates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, whether it has concerns about the reduction in numbers of Scottish-domiciled graduates.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed toensuring that those entering higher education achieve their potential and graduatefrom their chosen course. The number of people who enter higher education will fluctuatefrom year-to-year and whilst there has been a reduction in the number of graduatesunder 25 from Scottish higher education institutions over the past four years Scotlandstill achieves a higher rate of participation in higher education than any otherpart of the UK.For the reasons explained inthe answer to question S2W-14267, answered on 2 March 2005,the decline in the overall number of graduates is partly explained by the differentmethod of collecting data on the numbers acquiring a sub-degree. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the searchfacility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186971,"EventID":"S2W-14267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, what the improvements were in data collection for graduates from further education coll","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, what the improvements were in data collection for graduates from further education colleges.","AnswerText":"Theimprovement in data collection mentioned in the answer to question S2W-13677, answeredon 1 February 2005, refers to the outcomes for continuing students who studyat further education colleges. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be foundat:http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search. Students on a two year coursethat results in an intermediate qualification after one year (such as HNC) werepreviously counted at the intermediate stage and again at the end of the course(such as HND). From 2001-02 these students are only included when they obtain theirfinal qualification at their institution. An explanation of the change was publishedin the Statistics Publication Notice, Higher Education Graduates and Diplomatesin Scotland: 2001-02, issued 20 November 2003. The effect of the change wasto reduce from 2001-02 the number of people counted as achieving highereducation qualifications from further education colleges, both in West Dunbartonshireand Scotland as a whole. Data on the number of graduates at higher education institutionsare not affected. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186972,"EventID":"S2W-14268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering seeking visa extensions for teaching graduates from Scottish institutions who would require such extensions in order to complete their probation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering seeking visa extensions for teaching graduates from Scottish institutions who would require such extensions in order to complete their probationer time in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Extending visas for Non-EU students who have successfully gained a postgraduate teaching qualification (PTQ) at a Scottish Institution is not necessary as they can apply for work permits to complete their probationary year in Scotland.Students from the European Economic Area (plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) already have the right to live and take up employment in Scotland at the end of their PTQ course and therefore do not need visas to remain here. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186973,"EventID":"S2W-14269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-5132 by Peter Peacock on 27 January 2005, what input philanthropists will have into its education policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-5132 by Peter Peacock on 27 January 2005, what input philanthropists will have into its education policies.","AnswerText":"Education policy is set by ministers. We work with others, local authorities, teachers organisations and many others, including philanthropic foundations who are committed to improving the quality of Scottish education, to deliver these policies. The precise contribution of other bodies varies according to each circumstance, but philanthropic foundations have already shown they can bring new ideas as well as financial resources, which help achieve educational improvements.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186974,"EventID":"S2W-14270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, whether it has concerns about the reduction in numbers of Scottish school leavers enter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13677 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2005, whether it has concerns about the reduction in numbers of Scottish school leavers entering higher education.","AnswerText":"Around 50% of young peoplewill participate in higher education by the time they are 21. The Executive iscommitted to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to access thebest option for them, whether this is in higher education, further education,training or employment. Some fluctuation between these options will occur fromtime to time, this is to be expected.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186975,"EventID":"S2W-14271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed ban on smoking in public places will apply to railway stations such as Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed ban on smoking in public places will apply to railway stations such as Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.","AnswerText":"The premises or classes of premises which will be covered by the smoke-free legislation will be outlined in regulations which will go out to consultation shortly. The intention, however, is that those parts of railway stations which are wholly enclosed, except for doors, windows and passageways, will be covered by the legislation. Other areas, such as open platforms, will not be caught.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186976,"EventID":"S2W-14272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the criteria and eligibility rules in respect of foreign footballers playing in the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League; what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the criteria and eligibility rules in respect of foreign footballers playing in the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League; what powers it has to restrict, limit or control players from (a) other EU and (b) non-EU states; what information it has in respect of the likelihood of players from non-EU nations seeking to come to Scotland through Lithuania and whether it will take any steps to address any issues arising, and how it will ensure that such steps are consistent with its desire to support youth development in football.","AnswerText":"Freedom of movement within the EU means that footballers who are citizens of other member states are entitled to play for any football club in Scotland. Citizens of non-EU countries are subject to immigration legislation, which is a reserved matter. The Executive has no information on the likelihood of foreign footballers coming to Scotland whether through Lithuania or any other country.Where the Action Plan for Youth Football is concerned, the football authorities in Scotland are fully committed to its implementation. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186977,"EventID":"S2W-14273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made following the public local inquiry into the route of the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made following the public local inquiry into the route of the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass.","AnswerText":"The process of considering the report of the public local inquiry is at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position very soon to announce a decision on whether or not the scheme should proceed.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186978,"EventID":"S2W-14274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of holding the public local inquiry into the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of holding the public local inquiry into the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass.","AnswerText":"The administrative costs for holding the inquiry including the reporter’s travel and subsistence; the hire of the halls and the advertising of the inquiry was £7,300. The inquiry was conducted by a full-time reporter from the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit.Costs of the parties taking part are met by them directly. The costs of preparing for and attending the Inquiry met by the Scottish Executive, as promoter, are £410,742. The total aggregate cost of involvement of all parties is not known. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186979,"EventID":"S2W-14275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a decision on the route of the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass following the public local inquiry completing its findings over eight months ago.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a decision on the route of the A96 Fochabers-Mosstodloch by-pass following the public local inquiry completing its findings over eight months ago.","AnswerText":"A decision will be announced soon.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186980,"EventID":"S2W-14276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Family Mediation Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Family Mediation Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds four national family relationship support organisations in the voluntary sector – Family Mediation Scotland, Couple Counselling Scotland, Scottish Marriage Care and Stepfamily Scotland - under Section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The resources are allocated through the Children, Young People and Families Unified Voluntary Sector Fund. All four bodies also receive grant assistance under Section 9 of Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 for training purposes. The table sets out grant allocations since 2000-01. | | Family Mediation Scotland (£) | Couple Counselling Scotland (£) | Scottish Marriage Care (£) | Stepfamily Scotland (£) | | 2000-01 S10 | 86,149 | 162,903 | 58,136 | 34,703 | | S9 | 25,750 | 29,202 | 13,000 | 5,800 | | 2001-02 S10 | 144,239 | 234,203 | 59,880 | 30,900 | | S9 | 26,523 | 31,721 | 13,000 | 5,974 | | 2002-03 S10 | 141,271 | 232,583 | 65,563 | 44,827 | | S9 | 35,000 | 32,673 | 15,000 | 6,153 | | 2003-04 S10 | 172,053 | 276,830 | 104,218 | 32,623 | | S9 | 35,875 | 33,490 | 15,375 | 6,307 | | 2004-05* S10 | 183,9991 | 317,0832 | 163,0933 | 46,5874 | | S9 | 36,772 | 34,327 | 15,759 | 6,465 | Notes: *Further funding to assist four national family organisations to provide a more integrated service has been made available this year and next. In 2004-05: 1. includes over £46,000 of this funding. 2. includes over £65,000 of this funding. 3. includes over £68,000 of this funding. 4. includes over £13,000 of this funding. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186981,"EventID":"S2W-14277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Couple Counselling Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Couple Counselling Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14276 on 7 March 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186982,"EventID":"S2W-14278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Scottish Marriage Care in each financial year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Scottish Marriage Care in each financial year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-14276, answered on 7 March 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186983,"EventID":"S2W-14279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Stepfamily Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to Stepfamily Scotland in each financial year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S2W-14276, answered on 7 March 2005. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186984,"EventID":"S2W-14280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with Family Mediation Scotland, Couple Counselling Scotland, Scottish Marriage Care and Stepfamily Scotland in the last 12 months and what the sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with Family Mediation Scotland, Couple Counselling Scotland, Scottish Marriage Care and Stepfamily Scotland in the last 12 months and what the specific purpose was of each meeting.","AnswerText":"Meetings are held regularly between the Executive and Family Mediation Scotland, Couple Counselling Scotland, Scottish Marriage Care and Stepfamily Scotland to discuss matters of mutual interest. Over the last 12 months, officials have met these organisations on five occasions.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186985,"EventID":"S2W-14281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide sustainable funding for Family Mediation Scotland over the next five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide sustainable funding for Family Mediation Scotland over the next five years.","AnswerText":"Family Mediation Scotland receives grant assistance under sections 9 & 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 paid through the Children, Young People and Families Unified Voluntary Sector Fund. Awards of core grant are made on a three year cycle with the current awards applying to financial years 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07. The organisation may then reapply to the Fund. We are providing additional funding of up to £250,000 in 2004-05 and 2005-06 for four national family support organisations, including Family Mediation Scotland, to secure the delivery of more integrated administration geared to improving services to clients.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186986,"EventID":"S2W-14282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Family Law (Scotland) Bill will have on the provision of local services for supporting families and how it will fund such services in the future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Family Law (Scotland) Bill will have on the provision of local services for supporting families and how it will fund such services in the future.","AnswerText":"The Executive has long recognised the importance of family relationship services - counselling and mediation - in helping families to resolve difficulties without recourse to the law or court intervention. This will continue to be the case under our proposed reforms to family law. We provide grant assistance to four national family support organisations under the Children, Young People and Families Unified Voluntary Sector Fund. The focus of central funding from the Executive is on national organisations, while local voluntary sector services are expected to source their funding locally. We are considering how best to secure an integrated approach to the needs of families in transition by aligning family relationship support services more closely with other important services to children and families provided or secured by local government.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186987,"EventID":"S2W-14283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific discussions it has had with the Security Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Stirling Council about additional policing resources required to e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific discussions it has had with the Security Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Stirling Council about additional policing resources required to ensure that the G8 summit does not have a negative impact on the city of Stirling.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the policing resources for Stirling at the time of the G8 summit are a matter for the Chief Constable of Central Scotland Police. The Executive is in regular touch with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Police and others about preparations for the summit and has also been in contact with Stirling Council and the Security Service.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186988,"EventID":"S2W-14284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial resources will be made available to Stirling Council to deal with any extra costs associated with the holding of the G8 Summit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial resources will be made available to Stirling Council to deal with any extra costs associated with the holding of the G8 Summit.","AnswerText":"It is for Stirling Council to decide how to spend the resources it has available to provide services to the public. The Executive has no plans at present to provide any additional financial assistance to the council in respect of the G8 Summit. However, the council is free to discuss with the Executive specific ideas for promotional activity related to the G8 Summit at any time.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186989,"EventID":"S2W-14285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water about the need to ensure that adequate resources are available so that developments that incorporate affordable housing in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish Water about the need to ensure that adequate resources are available so that developments that incorporate affordable housing in rural areas are able to proceed.","AnswerText":"The Executive has an on-going dialogue with Scottish Water and its environmental and economic regulators, with Communities Scotland and other stakeholders about a wide range of issues.In my statement on 9 February in Parliament, I outlined our objectives for Scottish Water’s next investment programme. Among the essential objectives was one to tackle constraints on new development by allowing an estimated 120,000 new homes and more than 4,000 hectares of land for commercial development to be connected to the public networks. I also noted that the Minister for Communities will shortly make a separate announcement about connections to the water and sewage networks for affordable housing. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186990,"EventID":"S2W-14286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold discussions with Scottish Water about issues that exist in the Auchterarder and Alyth areas in respect of a lack of sewage and drainage capacity cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold discussions with Scottish Water about issues that exist in the Auchterarder and Alyth areas in respect of a lack of sewage and drainage capacity constraining proposals for affordable housing developments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S2W-14285, answered 8 March 2005.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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186991,"EventID":"S2W-14287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing employment was in (a) 1979, (b) 1997, (c) 1999 and (d) 2004. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of manufacturing employment was in (a) 1979, (b) 1997, (c) 1999 and (d) 2004. ","AnswerText":"The table reports the level ofmanufacturing employment in Scotland in 1979 and for the spring quarter in 1997, 1999 and2004.The manufacturing employmentestimate for 1979 is not directly comparable with the estimates for 1997, 1999 and2004 due to changes in the definition of manufacturing. The 1979 classificationof manufacturing activity was broader and included activities which would now beclassified in other industry groups. For example, in 1979 individuals working invehicle repairs were categorised in the manufacturing sector whereas in 1997 theywould fall into the service sector. The spring quarter runs fromMarch to May in each year. These figures are estimated from the Labour Force Surveywhich is carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Table 1: Level ofManufacturing Employment1, Scotland | Year | Level of Manufacturing Employment | | 1979* | 622,000 | | 1997** | 380,000 | | 1999** | 336,000 | | 2004** | 282,000 | Source: ONS - Labour Force Survey,Spring Quarters. Notes: 1. Employment levels are forpeople aged 16 or over. * - Manufacturing employmentclassified using minimum list headings. ** - Manufacturing employmentclassified using standard industrial classification 1992. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186992,"EventID":"S2W-14288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations and qualitative research have been, and will be, conducted into the standard and quality of life for women who leave prison and what measures it has t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations and qualitative research have been, and will be, conducted into the standard and quality of life for women who leave prison and what measures it has taken to improve this quality of life.","AnswerText":"The Reports A Safer Way and A Better Way on women offenders, based on the evidence from research, highlighted the need to tackle the root causes which lead women to offend, rather than sentencing them repeatedly to short periods in custody. This work confirmed that the backgrounds of women in custody are marked by experience of abuse, drug misuse, poor education and employability prospects, unsuitable accommodation, poverty, debt and psychological distress. In response the Executive is co-ordinating work with key agencies to improve the standard and quality of life for women on their release. This is consistent with the more integrated approach to the management of offenders set out in the Criminal Justice Plan, published in December.As well as providing a range of community sentences as alternatives to the unnecessary use of short custodial sentences, the Executive’s new enhanced throughcare strategy specifically targets vulnerable women serving short sentences for voluntary aftercare, particularly those with addictions problems. Where women serve short sentences, this work seeks to link them back to services in the community, on their release. The 218 Time Out Centre for women in Glasgow also offers a throughcare service to ex-prisoners including assistance in dealing with their social, economic and emotional problems. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186993,"EventID":"S2W-14289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were members of sports clubs in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were members of sports clubs in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information is not held in the format requested. However, recent figures from the Scottish Opinion Survey suggest that 957,000 Scots were members of sports clubs.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186994,"EventID":"S2W-14290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the implementation of Sport 21 targets established by sportscotland and what progress is being made in achieving these targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the implementation of Sport 21 targets established by sportscotland and what progress is being made in achieving these targets.","AnswerText":"I should first make clear thatthese targets were not established by sportscotland. Sport 21 2003-2007:The National Strategy for Sport - Shaping Scotland’s Future, is the strategy for Scottish sport by Scottish sport.Its 11 targets were developed by all key partners with a role in developing anddelivering sport in Scotland and they will all play a part in helping achieve thesetargets. sportscotland and the Executive are only two of the many partners.Sportscotland does play a co-ordinating role which includesgathering, collating and reporting information on progress against targets. Targets1 and 2 will be measured by the Executive using the Scottish Health Survey and bysurveying education authorities respectively. The remaining targets will be measuredby sportscotland using the Scottish Opinion Survey for targets 3 – 6, 9 and10; through obtaining regular updates from governing bodies of sport for target7; through its computerised facilities planning model for target 8, and obtainingfeedback from all local authorities for target 11. Because the initial two to three years of the Sport 21implementation process is largely concerned with planning, introducing programmesand establishing infrastructure, it was always anticipated that successful progresstowards the participation targets would occur more slowly during 2003 to 2005, andthen with greater momentum during 2006 and 2007. Progress is reported annuallyto the Sport 21 National Implementation Forum chaired by me and on which all keypartners sit. The only figures available at present are those to April 2004 whichis only one year after the launch of Sport 21 and prior to the final endorsementof the related target strategies. These were reported to the Forum at its meetingyesterday and will be posted on sportscotland’s website at www.sportscotland.org.uk. The figuresup to December 2004 will be available in summer 2005, and will be reported formallyto the forum at its October meeting. These figures will give a more accurate indicationof progress being made. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186995,"EventID":"S2W-14291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people aged 17 to 24 took part in sport at least twice a week in each of the last three years and how this was measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people aged 17 to 24 took part in sport at least twice a week in each of the last three years and how this was measured.","AnswerText":"Data collected as part of theomnibus household survey, the Scottish Opinion Survey, are used by sportscotlandto produce their annual reports on sports participation in Scotland. Becausethe sub-sample sizes for many individual sports are relatively small, sportscotlanduse the data from the three previous years for each annual report. This increasesthe sub-sample sizes, thereby reducing the sampling error for individual sportsto make the estimates of participation more reliable than they would be for a singleyear. To take account of the seasonality of participation in many sports, resultsfrom only the two most popular months of the year are used. The rolling average for 1999-2002(up to December 2002) was 48% and for 2000-03 (up to December 2003) was 45%. Whilstthis shows a decrease, we expect this to change once infrastructure developmentssuch as Active Schools are bedded in. Active Schools should lead to improved linksbetween schools and clubs (and tertiary education) and thus pathways for schoolleavers to continue their participation in sport with a club and/or in further education.Figures up to December 2004 will not be available until summer 2005, and will bereported to the Sport 21 National Implementation Forum in October 2005. Thereafter,figures will be posted on sportscotland’s website www.sportscotland.org.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186996,"EventID":"S2W-14292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people aged 45 to 64 took part in sport at least twice a week in each of the last three years and how this was measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people aged 45 to 64 took part in sport at least twice a week in each of the last three years and how this was measured.","AnswerText":"The rolling average for 1999-2002(up to December 2002) was 42% and for 2000-2003 (up to December 2003) was also 42%.That for 2004 will not be available until summer 2005, and will be reported to theSport 21 National Implementation Forum in October 2005. Thereafter, figures willbe posted on sportscotland’s website www.sportscotland.org.uk The method of measurement isthe same as that stated in the answer to question S2W-14291 on 17 March 2005. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the searchfacility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186997,"EventID":"S2W-14293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish people won world and international medals in each of the last three years, which medals were won and for what disciplines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish people won world and international medals in each of the last three years, which medals were won and for what disciplines.","AnswerText":"The table sets out thenumber of Scottish people who have won medals at senior level in the Olympic,Paralympic and Commonwealth Games and in World and European competitions ineach of the last three years. Given that some Scots will have won medals inmore than one of these years, the total for the three years is not the sum of the three. | Sport (2002) | Number of Scottish Medallists | Total Medals Won | Gold | Silver | Bronze | | Aquatics | 3 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | | Athletics | 3 | 4 | | 1 | 3 | | Badminton | 12 | 12 | | | 12 | | Bowls | 9 | 9 | 9 | | | | Boxing | 3 | 3 | 1 | | 2 | | Curling | 15 | 15 | 10 | | 5 | | Cycling | 4 | 7 | 3 | | 4 | | Disabled Athletics | 1 | 1 | | 1 | | | Disabled Curling | 5 | 5 | | | 5 | | Gymnastics | 2 | 2 | 1 | | 1 | | Judo | 11 | 14 | 1 | 6 | 7 | | Shooting | 4 | 4 | | 3 | 1 | | Snooker | 1 | 1 | | 1 | | | Squash | 4 | 4 | | 4 | | | Tug of War | 8 | 8 | &nb","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186998,"EventID":"S2W-14294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary schools have provided at least two hours of high-quality physical education by a qualified teacher in each of the last three years and how many schools e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary schools have provided at least two hours of high-quality physical education by a qualified teacher in each of the last three years and how many schools expect to provide such education in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. In my response to the PE Review Group report of June 2004, I outlined a 10 point action plan for taking forward the group’s recommendation. This work includes the gathering of baseline data, against which we will monitor the delivery of two hours quality PE in schools, and officials are exploring how this might be best achieved. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":186999,"EventID":"S2W-14295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children aged 13 to 17 take part in sport outside the school curriculum and how this is measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children aged 13 to 17 take part in sport outside the school curriculum and how this is measured.","AnswerText":"The rolling average for 1999-2002(up to December 2002) was 78% and for 2000-2003 (up to December 2003) was 71.3%.Whilst this shows a decrease, we expect this to change once infrastructure developmentssuch as Active Schools are bedded in. Active Schools should lead to improved linksbetween schools and clubs (and tertiary education) and thus pathways for this agegroup to continue their participation in sport outside the school curriculum. Figuresup to December 2004 will not be available until summer 2005, and will be reportedto the Sport 21 National Implementation Forum in October 2005. Thereafter, figureswill be posted on sportscotland’s website www.sportscotland.org.uk The method of measurement isthe same as that stated in the answer to
question S2W-14291 on 17 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187000,"EventID":"S2W-14296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children over 14 in social inclusion partnership areas took part in sport at least once per week in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children over 14 in social inclusion partnership areas took part in sport at least once per week in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Data collection for these participationlevels are not specifically for children over 14 but for all children andadults over 14 to help measure the related target in Sport 21 2003-2007. This commencedin April 2003 when Sport 21 took effect. Therefore, the earliest collated figures available here cover the period April 2003 toJune 2004 where the average participation level was 42%. The rolling average uptill the end of 2004 will not be available until summer 2005, and will be reportedto the Sport 21 National Implementation Forum in October 2005. Thereafter, figureswill be posted on sportscotland’s website www.sportscotland.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187001,"EventID":"S2W-14297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure compliance with Convention rights by public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure compliance with Convention rights by public bodies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive distributed a considerable amount of guidance to public bodies in advance of the Human Rights Act 1998 coming into force in October 2000. Scottish Executive Departments wrote to public bodies in early 2000 to make sure public bodies were aware of the legislation and its potential impact and to recommend that they check that their policies and practices complied with Convention rights.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187002,"EventID":"S2W-14298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it could be liable for any breach of Convention rights by a public body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it could be liable for any breach of Convention rights by a public body.","AnswerText":"All public bodies are bound to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights under the terms of the Human Rights Act 1998. Public bodies are responsible for ensuring their own compliance with the act, and the Scottish Executive would itself not be liable for any breach by another public body.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187003,"EventID":"S2W-14299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a duty to ensure that Convention rights are protected for individuals in Scotland who are not regarded as being ordinarily resident in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a duty to ensure that Convention rights are protected for individuals in Scotland who are not regarded as being ordinarily resident in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The obligation placed on the Scottish Executive and other public bodies to comply with Convention rights in areas for which they responsible applies to everyone in Scotland regardless of their nationality or residence. The obligation placed on the Scottish Executive only extends to compliance of the Convention in relation to matters within the devolved competence of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187004,"EventID":"S2W-14300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of physical restraints on an individual undergoing medical treatment would be a breach of article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of physical restraints on an individual undergoing medical treatment would be a breach of article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"Article 3 contains no explicit prohibition on use of restraints in specific circumstances. Any claim that an individual’s rights under article 3 have been breached would be for a court to determine in the circumstances of that particular case.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187005,"EventID":"S2W-14301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for investigating and prosecuting any acts in Dungavel House immigration removal centre which may constitute a breach of Scots criminal law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has responsibility for investigating and prosecuting any acts in Dungavel House immigration removal centre which may constitute a breach of Scots criminal law.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate and procuratorsfiscal on his behalf have responsibility for the investigation and prosecutionof crime in Scotland, wherever it occurs. In practice, the initialinvestigation of crimes is conducted by the police, who are subject to thedirection of procurators fiscal. If the police investigation disclosessufficient evidence, the matter is reported for the consideration of theProcurator Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187006,"EventID":"S2W-14302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal authority is required for the use of physical restraints such as handcuffs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal authority is required for the use of physical restraints such as handcuffs.","AnswerText":"Physical restraint may be usedby a range of agencies including the police, prison and prisoner escort services,certain social care and mental health services, the UK Immigration Service; HM Customsand Excise and the military. The legal authority underpinning the use of restraintequipment depends on the circumstances. As well as the common law on what amountsto reasonable force and the law on self defence, a number of criminal, civil anddisciplinary procedures also apply. These include, for example, section 9(1C)(k)of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, as amended; section 71 of the Mental Health (Scotland)Act 1984, and section 154 of, and Schedule 11 to, the Immigration and Asylum Act1999.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187007,"EventID":"S2W-14303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what classes of person are entitled to use physical restraints such as handcuffs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what classes of person are entitled to use physical restraints such as handcuffs.","AnswerText":"In certain types of employment, violent incidents feature as a regular and inevitable part of the work and there is a need to use physical restraint to prevent self-harm, violence to staff or property being damaged. Employmentwhere restraint equipment is used includes police forces; prison and prisoner escort services; certain social care and mental health services; the Immigration Service; HM Customs and Excise, and the military. Airlines operating long-haul flights to and from UK airports also carry handcuffs orother forms of passenger restraint.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187008,"EventID":"S2W-14304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects are supported under the Scottish Art Council's social inclusion scheme, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects are supported under the Scottish Art Council's social inclusion scheme, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of SIP arts projectsacross local authority areas supported by the Scottish Arts Council’s Arts and SocialInclusion Scheme is listed below.Scottish Arts Council SocialInclusion Scheme Grants | Project | Award | | Alloa South And East SIP | 45,283 | | Ballochgoy Social Inclusion Partnership - Step-Up Project | 22,750 | | Blantyre and North Hamilton Social Inclusion Partnership | 88,574 | | Clackmannanshire Strategic Alliance SIP | 10,000 | | Glasgow Alliance - Big Step Care Leavers | 64,617 | | Glasgow Alliance - East End Social Inclusion Partnership | 3,300 | | Glasgow Alliance - Greater Easterhouse | 150,000 | | Glasgow Alliance - Greater Govan SIP | 70,000 | | Glasgow Alliance - Greater Pollock SIP | 55,000 | | Glasgow Alliance - North Glasgow SIP | 76,650 | | Gorbals Arts Strategy Group | 55,189 | | Great Northern SIP (GNP) | 20,000 | | Highlands and Islands Social Inclusion Partnership | 39,340 | | Levern Valley Partnership | 9,394 | | Paisley Partnership Regeneration Company | 91,319 | | Penilee Social Inclusion Partnership (Glasgow) | 13,400 | | Scottish Borders Social Inclusion Partnership | 15,300 | | South Edinburgh Partnership | 21,010 | | Tranent Social Inclusion Partnership | 104,343 | | West Dunbartonshire Partnership | 110,000 | | West Lothian Social Inclusion Partnership | 15,955 | | Total | 1,081,424 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187009,"EventID":"S2W-14305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have taken part in Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have taken part in Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s culturalagency, the Scottish Arts Council, does not hold data of this description. the answer to S2W-14304 answered 1 March 2005, refers to the number of SocialInclusion Partnership arts projects which participated in the Scottish ArtsCouncil’s Social Inclusion scheme. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187010,"EventID":"S2W-14306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects in each of the next three years and, if so, which organisations have applied for this supp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend Social Inclusion Partnerships' arts projects in each of the next three years and, if so, which organisations have applied for this support.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council’sArts and Social Inclusion Scheme ended in 2003. The council’s new LocalAuthority Partnership Fund will target areas of disadvantage with new artists-in-residenceprojects. Decisions on which areas will benefit from the new scheme are stillunder consideration.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187011,"EventID":"S2W-14307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schoolchildren have visited Historic Scotland properties through free school visits in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schoolchildren have visited Historic Scotland properties through free school visits in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Total numbers participating in Historic Scotland’s free educational visits scheme over the last three years are as follows: | Year | Number of Children | | 2001-02 | 58,796 | | 2002-03 | 57,777 | | 2003-04 | 66,660 which was an 15.4% increase on the previous year. | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187012,"EventID":"S2W-14308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the level of free access to Historic Scotland properties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the level of free access to Historic Scotland properties.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland plans to continue the significant progress achieved in recent years in enabling free access to its properties. There are in excess of 250 sites throughout Scotland to which the general public have free access all year round.Progress has also been made on a number of initiatives including the Free Weekend, held annually in April. Last year, 58,500 visitors took advantage of the Free Weekend to visit the 74 paying sites throughout Scotland, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles. There is also free access to Edinburgh Castle, St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral on St Andrew’s Day eachyear. Historic Scotland also operates a free educational visit scheme which attracted 66,660 free visits last year. In recent years, Historic Scotland has focused on community engagement and significantly increased its levels of community based activity and access. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187013,"EventID":"S2W-14309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been awarded to Historic Scotland in each of the last three years and how much will be awarded in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been awarded to Historic Scotland in each of the last three years and how much will be awarded in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The funding for Historic Scotland is as follows: | | 2002-03 (£000) Actual | 2003-04 (£000) Actual | 2004-05 (£000) Actual | 2005-06 (£000) Plans | 2006-07 (£000) Plans | 2007-08 (£000) Plans | | Scottish Executive Funding | 36,787 | 37,287 | 39,644 | 42,575 | 44,425 | 47,725 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187014,"EventID":"S2W-14310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is to promote the work of Scottish painters internationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is to promote the work of Scottish painters internationally.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive aims to ensure that Scottish artistic talent receives both national and international recognition. Our policy in this area is delivered principally by the Scottish Arts Council (SAC).The SAC’s Visual Arts Department has supported a number of projects which involve international working, funding artists to work and exhibit abroad. The table details the level of SAC activity in this area in recent years: Visual Arts International Activity | | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | Total Number of Projects | 38 | 48 | 89 | | Total Investment | £70,533 | £126,842 | £106,059 | A high profile initiative in this period was the presentation of the first independent Scottish showcase at the 2003 Venice Biennale, one of the most significant events in the international calendar for cutting-edge contemporary art. There will also be a Scottish showcase at the 2005 Venice Biennale, presented by the SAC, the British Council Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland. In addition, the SAC is working in partnership with the British Council Scotland on some international initiatives and has created a shared post of head of international arts. Through this post the two organisations are developing an International Arts Strategy which it is hoped will be launched in the next few months. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187015,"EventID":"S2W-14311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 100 of the Scotland Act 1998 imposes a duty on it to ensure that the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights are not breached in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 100 of the Scotland Act 1998 imposes a duty on it to ensure that the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights are not breached in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Section 100 of the Scotland Act does not impose such a duty. The purpose of this section is to ensure that, so far as possible, there is compatibility between the Scotland Act and the Human Rights Act 1998 with regard to who would have title and interest to bring proceedings on the ground that an act of a member of the Scottish Executive is incompatible with the Convention rights and the amount of damages which may be awarded if such an act is incompatible.This section provides that the only persons, apart from the Law Officers, who can bring proceedings on the ground that an act of a member of the Scottish Executive is incompatible with Convention rights or rely on Convention rightsin proceedings are victims for the purposes of Article 34 of the Convention. Thisis similar to what is provided by section 7(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998. Article 34 requires applications to the European Court of Human Rights to be from “any person, non-governmental organisation or groups of individuals claiming to be a victim of a violation of a Convention right.” ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187016,"EventID":"S2W-14312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 obliges it to act to prevent breaches of Convention rights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 obliges it to act to prevent breaches of Convention rights.","AnswerText":"Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 makes it unlawful for public authorities, including the Scottish Executive, to act in a way which is incompatible with a Convention right. It therefore places a legal obligation on the Scottish Executive not to act in such a way, but that obligation only applies in respect of the Executive’s own acts and does not oblige the Executive to prevent actions by third parties.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187017,"EventID":"S2W-14313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the use of reusable nappies and reduce the waste caused by disposable nappies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the use of reusable nappies and reduce the waste caused by disposable nappies.","AnswerText":"We are providing a total of £845,300 in 2004-05 and 2005-06 to the Waste and Resources Action Programme to carry out work on real nappies as part of their waste prevention initiative. This funding includes: financial support for the Scottish Real Nappy Network; a grant aid programme to provide grants to real nappy schemes and businesses, such as nappy laundering services, and a communication campaign, through the Scottish Waste Awareness Group, to promote real nappies.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187018,"EventID":"S2W-14314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to protect the Convention rights of those individuals who may be unable to protect these rights for themselves.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to protect the Convention rights of those individuals who may be unable to protect these rights for themselves.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has actedin a number of areas to protect those who may be unable to protect themselves, especiallyby introducing legislation such as the Adults With Incapacity Act (Scotland)2000, the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001, and the Protection ofChildren (Scotland) Act 2003. In taking such action the Executive has takenaccount of the need to ensure that the rights of those involved as set out inthe European Convention on Human Rights are properly protected.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187019,"EventID":"S2W-14315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has general responsibility for ensuring compliance in Scotland with the European Convention on Human Rights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has general responsibility for ensuring compliance in Scotland with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The courts are responsible for enforcing compliance with Convention rights. Under the terms of the Human Rights Act 1998, all public authorities are required to act in a way that complies with the European Convention on Human Rights. Individuals whose rights have been breached by a public authority can take their case before the Scottish courts and ultimately to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.In addition, under the terms of the Scotland Act, the Scottish Parliament and Executive are bound to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. If they do not comply, and if a Scottish court upholds a challenge, actions of the Scottish ministers and the Scottish Parliament can be struck down as being unlawful. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187020,"EventID":"S2W-14316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the powers will be of the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission and whether these will be limited to devolved matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the powers will be of the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission and whether these will be limited to devolved matters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has statedthat the Scottish Human Rights Commission will be able to investigate and reporton generic or sectoral human rights issues in relation to public policy. The Executive’spreferred approach is that to support that investigatory function the commissionshould have powers of access to information based on the powers given to the ScottishPublic Services Ombudsman. These powers would be defined fully in legislation. Additionally,the Commission would be able to offer advice to the Scottish Parliament on legislationafter introduction and to advise the courts in certain circumstances. The finalshape of the commission’s powers will be for the Scottish Parliament to determinein its consideration of legislation to create the commission.As a body established by the Scottish Parliament, the commission will only be able to exercise its powers inrelation to issues that are devolved in terms of the Scotland Act. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187021,"EventID":"S2W-14317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether geography will remain a core subject in all primary and secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether geography will remain a core subject in all primary and secondary schools.","AnswerText":"As part of the over-arching reviewof the curriculum 3-18, a cycle of continuous updating and reform of all areas of learning, including geography, has begun. A programme board has been set up totake this work forward. It has yet to determine a timetable for the review of geographyand other areas of learning. There is no intention to abolish the teaching of geographyas a key aspect of learning.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187022,"EventID":"S2W-14318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of geography teachers in order to meet demand.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of geography teachers in order to meet demand.","AnswerText":"We have not seen evidence of significant or generalised teacher vacancies in Geography. Nevertheless, as part of our commitment to increase teacher numbers, we encouraged general increase in intakes to courses of initial teacher education. Entrants to Geography Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses this year are up by 59% compared to last year (rising from 34 to 54).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187023,"EventID":"S2W-14319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is helping schools to promote the teaching of music.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is helping schools to promote the teaching of music.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of theindividual education authorities and head teachers to make decisions on how bestto promote the teaching of music. The Scottish Executive does, however, provide adviceon the provision of music tuition in the classroom, primarily in the form of curriculumguidelines. The Scottish Arts Council hasbeen charged by the First Minister with administering £17.5 million over three yearsfrom 2003–06 to assist education authorities in ensuring that every primary schoolpupil has the opportunity to have at least one year’s free music tuition beforethey reach primary 6. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187024,"EventID":"S2W-14320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Ambassador Theatre Group in connection with the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Ambassador Theatre Group in connection with the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions between the Executive and the Ambassador Theatre Group in connection with the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187025,"EventID":"S2W-14321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grounds were on which it ruled out the TETRAPOL standard when choosing a new radio system for police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grounds were on which it ruled out the TETRAPOL standard when choosing a new radio system for police forces.","AnswerText":"The decision to use the TETRA technical standard in the procurement of a new communications system for the police was based on independent advice to the Home Office. That advice concluded that the TETRA standard was the only standard to meet the needs of the police service.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187026,"EventID":"S2W-14322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what exchanging capabilities mm02 is contracted to supply to police forces following the roll-out of the TETRA network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what exchanging capabilities mm02 is contracted to supply to police forces following the roll-out of the TETRA network.","AnswerText":"The term “exchanging capabilities” is not used to describe any of the services provided by O2 to the police.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187027,"EventID":"S2W-14323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any acceptable alternatives to the TETRA network are available to the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any acceptable alternatives to the TETRA network are available to the police.","AnswerText":"The TETRA standard is the only technology which currently meets the requirements of the police. Airwave provides, for example, encrypted communication and a very high standard of voice clarity and coverage.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187028,"EventID":"S2W-14324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages supplementing the police's TETRA network with GPRS technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages supplementing the police's TETRA network with GPRS technology.","AnswerText":"The TETRA system does not support General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). It does, however, support a data transfer service which is similar to GPRS.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187029,"EventID":"S2W-14325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether TETRA will provide the police with access to databases and administrative functions such as filing a report in real time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether TETRA will provide the police with access to databases and administrative functions such as filing a report in real time.","AnswerText":"TETRA currently supports access to the Scottish Criminal Record Office criminal history system and the Police National Computer for person and vehicle checks. It does not at present support administrative functions such as filing reports.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187030,"EventID":"S2W-14326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the capabilities which mmO2 agreed to supply in its initial contract have been supplied to the police forces to which the TETRA system has so far been rolled out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the capabilities which mmO2 agreed to supply in its initial contract have been supplied to the police forces to which the TETRA system has so far been rolled out.","AnswerText":"The Airwave system is being rolled out to Scottish police forces in the phased manner specified in the contract. Some system functions have not yet been provided, for example, discrete listening, call forwarding of group and individual calls, and forwarding short text messages. The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland and the Police Information Technology Organisation are in discussion with O2 about these matters.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187031,"EventID":"S2W-14327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether TETRA base stations produce a continuous transmission or whether there is any modulation of the carrier signal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether TETRA base stations produce a continuous transmission or whether there is any modulation of the carrier signal.","AnswerText":"TETRA uses TDMA (Time Division Multiplexing) and the modulation system used is a digital modulation system called Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187032,"EventID":"S2W-14328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial assistance has been awarded to the Scottish Library and Information Council in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial assistance has been awarded to the Scottish Library and Information Council in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive grants to the Scottish Library and Information Council are shown in the following table: | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | | £ | £ | | Core Grant | 125,000 | 175,000 | | People’s Network Project Officer | 35,000 | 35,000 | | Development of LA Performance Indicators | - | 20,000 | | Total Grant-in-Aid | 160,000 | 230,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187033,"EventID":"S2W-14329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the full potential of biomass as a source of electricity, heat and fuel is maximised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the full potential of biomass as a source of electricity, heat and fuel is maximised.","AnswerText":"We asked our Forum for RenewableEnergy Development in Scotland (FREDS) to advise on the actions that needed to betaken to develop the biomass energy sector with particular reference to wood fuel.A sub-group considered this and FREDS published a report on 31 January. It is availablevia our website at www.scotland.gov.uk. The report suggests actions thatcould benefit both the power and heat sectors. I will respond to those that areaddressed to the Executive as soon as possible and FREDS will monitor the responseby others charged with taking action. The FREDS sub-group will reconvene after theUK Government’s review of the heat sector has been completed and will advise onany further action that might be taken specifically in Scotland in relationto the use of biomass for heat. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187034,"EventID":"S2W-14330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13855 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 February 2005, which local authorities have applied for funding to implement the forthcoming EU Envir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13855 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 February 2005, which local authorities have applied for funding to implement the forthcoming EU Environmental Noise Directive; how much funding each local authority has requested, and when funding allocations will be announced.","AnswerText":"There is no link between the noise provisions of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, the subject of question S2W-13855, answered on 7 February 2005 and the EU Environmental Noise Directive. As stated in my answer to S2W-13865, answered on 7 February 2005, implementation of the Directive will be subject to consultation in the next few weeks. Decisions on funding will follow the consultation process and the making of the proposed Regulations to transposethe Directive’s requirements into national law.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187035,"EventID":"S2W-14331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all primary and secondary school meals provided by local authorities are healthy and nutritious.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all primary and secondary school meals provided by local authorities are healthy and nutritious.","AnswerText":"Through Hungry for Success, local authorities have been awarded substantial additional funding to improve significantly the school meals service in Scotland. Authorities have introduced many new healthier products into their menu planning and are generally incorporating lower salt and lower fat products into their recipes in line with the nutrient-based standards for school meals developed under Hungry for Success.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Euan Robson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187036,"EventID":"S2W-14332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools the Minister and Deputy Minister for Education and Young People have visited in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years, detail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools the Minister and Deputy Minister for Education and Young People have visited in (a) Aberdeen and (b) Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years, detailing each school visited and the date of, and reasons for, each visit.","AnswerText":"Ministers and Deputy Ministersfor Education and Young People made the following number of visits to schools inAberdeen City and Aberdeenshire in each of the last five years. | Year | Aberdeen City | Aberdeenshire | | 2000 | 3 | 0 | | 2001 | 10 | 2 | | 2002 | 4 | 1 | | 2003 | 2 | 0 | | 2004 | 3 | 1 | The following table gives detailsof the schools visited, date and reasons for the visit. Visits by ministers will, tosome extent, reflect invitations they receive. Table: Visits Made by the Ministerand Deputy Minister for Education and Young People to Schools in Aberdeen andAberdeenshire Between January 2000 and December 2004. | Date | Minister | Local Authority | School | Reason | | 14/01/2000 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Dyce Academy | Announcement: funding for music school | | 24/01/2000 | Minister | Aberdeen City | Charleston Primary | Opening of school | | 18/12/2000 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Tullos Primary | Mordernising Government Fund Announcement | | 01/02/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Torry Academy | Meeting with Torry Community Council | | 02/02/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Hanover Street Primary | General Visit | | 23/04/2001 | Minister and Deputy | Aberdeen City | Walker Road Primary | Immersion Project | | 23/04/2001 | Minister | Aberdeen City | Torry Academy | General Visit | | 23/04/2001 | Minister | Aberdeenshire | Alford Academy | General Visit | | 23/04/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Aberdeen Grammar | Teacher Seminar (Discipline Task Group) | | 18/06/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Torry Academy | Opening: Equal Opportunities Morning | | 22/06/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeenshire | Banchory Academy | Scholar Forum | | 25/06/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Kincorth Academy | Awards Ceremony | | 31/08/2001 | Deputy | Aberdeen City | Oakbank School (Independent) | General Visit | | 07/09/2001 | DeputyAdditional Guidance on Local Authority Proposals for the School Estate, Including School Closures in September 2004. The guidance is relevant not just to schools in rural areas. A copy is available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 34126). ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187038,"EventID":"S2W-14334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are grounds for exemption from its policy of inclusion of pupils with special needs in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are grounds for exemption from its policy of inclusion of pupils with special needs in schools.","AnswerText":"Section 15 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc Act 2000 requires that an education authority shall provide education in a school other than a special school unless a mainstream setting would not be suited to the ability or aptitude of the child; or would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for the children with whom the child would be educated; or would result in unreasonable public expenditure being incurred which would not ordinarily be incurred.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187039,"EventID":"S2W-14335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults local authorities over school closures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults local authorities over school closures.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, local authorities are responsible for school provision. Under that Act and the Education (Publication and Consultation etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 they are statutorily required to consult parents and school boards of affected schools and relevant church or denominational bodies if proposing school closures. The Scottish Executive has no role in such consultations. Under the same act and regulations, authorities cannot implement certain closure proposals without the consent of Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187040,"EventID":"S2W-14336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to intervene in respect of school closures and, if so, whether this power has been utilised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to intervene in respect of school closures and, if so, whether this power has been utilised.","AnswerText":"Under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, local authorities are responsible for school provision. The Scottish Executive has a role only in some prescribed categories of school closure proposal as set out in that act and the Education (Publication and Consultation etc) (Scotland) Regulations 1981. In summary, these are where the school is more than 80% full; over a certain distance from the alternative school, or in certain specified circumstances involving denominational schools. In such cases, an education authority cannot implement a closure decision without the consent of Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187041,"EventID":"S2W-14337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make provision for issues regarding Jewish divorce in the Family Law (Scotland) Bill. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make provision for issues regarding Jewish divorce in the Family Law (Scotland) Bill. ","AnswerText":"The Family Law (Scotland) Billwas introduced on 7 February. The bill does not contain any provisions relatingto Jewish divorce.We remain in close contact withrepresentatives of the Jewish community in Scotland and appreciate their concernto ensure appropriate granting of religious divorce by separating spouses, as requiredby Jewish law. We are continuing our discussions in the context of the bill andwill welcome parliamentary debate and scrutiny. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187042,"EventID":"S2W-14338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school cultural co-ordinators have been employed in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school cultural co-ordinators have been employed in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The table details the number of people employed as cultural co-ordinators in the last three years and the number of posts which each local authority applied for. The table also indicates which local authorities have been awarded Phase II funding to date. Each “post” is equivalent to two days per week. In responding to local need, local authorities have chosen to use their allocations in a number of different ways. Some create full-time positions, for example, whilst others deliver their service through several temporary appointments.In addition, they are not obliged to take up their full entitlement as these postsare match funded by the local authority. | Authority | Posts Applied For | Co-ordinators in post | Awarded Phase II | | Feb-03 | Feb-04 | Jan-05 | | Aberdeen City | 8 | 3 | 3 | 3 | | | Aberdeenshire | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | | | Angus | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | | | Clackmannanshire | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | yes | | Dumfries and Galloway | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | yes | | Dundee City | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | yes | | East Ayrshire | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | yes | | East Dunbartonshire | 8 | 2 | 4 | 2 | | | East Lothian | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | East Renfrewshire | 4 | 20* | 20* | 20* | yes | | Edinburgh, City of | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | | | Eilean Siar | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | yes | | Falkirk | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | yes | | Fife | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | yes | | Glasgow City | 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | | | Highland | 8 | 8 | 6 | 0 | | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187043,"EventID":"S2W-14339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the success of the school cultural co-ordinators programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the success of the school cultural co-ordinators programme.","AnswerText":"Phase I (2002-2004) of the pilot Cultural Co-ordinators programme was evaluated by an external consultant and a resultant report published in June 2004. A copy of this evaluation is available from the Scottish Arts Council, which administers and monitors the initiative on behalf of the Scottish Executive. The report findings are being used to help shape Phase II (2004-06) of the programme.In addition, a reference group drawn from relevant sectors, including education, the arts and cultural heritage, has been established. The group assists with the allocation of resources and the monitoring and training arrangements. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187044,"EventID":"S2W-14340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future of the school cultural co-ordinators programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future of the school cultural co-ordinators programme.","AnswerText":"Phase II (2004-06) of the pilot Cultural Co-ordinators programme is in train. Monitoring and evaluation of the scheme continues under the management of the Scottish Arts Council. The future of the programme beyond 2006 will be determined in the light of evidence from evaluation of the pilot.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187045,"EventID":"S2W-14341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"physically active\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"physically active\".","AnswerText":"In their 2003 strategy for physical activity, the Physical Activity Task Force defined physical activity as “a broad term to describe movement of the body that uses energy”, which can refer to any activity involving movement including walking, housework, manual labour and so on. This strategy was fully accepted by ministers, and has provided the basis for work in this area since then.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187046,"EventID":"S2W-14342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on skill shortages in the city of Edinburgh; which trades and professions are affected by skill shortages, and what steps have been taken to addre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on skill shortages in the city of Edinburgh; which trades and professions are affected by skill shortages, and what steps have been taken to address the issue.","AnswerText":"The Futureskills Scotland publications Skills in Scotland 2004 and Edinburgh and Lothian: Labour Market Profile Summer 2004 are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre, Bib. numbers 35294 and 35594 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187047,"EventID":"S2W-14343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding job losses among civil servants in Scotland as a result of savings made by HM Treasury.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding job losses among civil servants in Scotland as a result of savings made by HM Treasury.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been involved in the Cabinet Office discussions regarding a UK corporateapproach for the redeployment of civil service staff in order to minimise the levelof potential compulsory redundancies arising from efficiency and relocation proposals.The Scottish Executive has indicated that it supports the proposed approach.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187048,"EventID":"S2W-14344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of the Inland Revenue's operations in Scotland following reductions in civil servant nu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of the Inland Revenue's operations in Scotland following reductions in civil servant numbers and, in particular, the degree of confidence that the Inland Revenue has regarding its ability to apply the 3% variable rate on the basic rate of income tax should that be agreed.","AnswerText":"InlandRevenue’s operations in Scotland are a matter for Inland Revenue since its functions area reserved matter.The Scottish Executive’s Draft Budget 2005-06, published in October 2004, stated that the Executivehad agreed with the Inland Revenue that the infrastructure necessary to use thetax-varying powers will be kept in a condition where, after a May election, thepowers could be introduced from the start of the new financial year the next April.Following the initial investment made during the last Parliament to bring the infrastructureto this condition the cost of maintaining this state of readiness is £50,000 a year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187049,"EventID":"S2W-14345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of the Department for Work and Pensions' operations in Scotland following cuts in civil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of the Department for Work and Pensions' operations in Scotland following cuts in civil servant numbers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Department for Work and Pensions on a variety of issues including the impact of the Department’s service delivery plans.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187050,"EventID":"S2W-14346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of Customs and Excise operations in Scotland following the reductions in civil service ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the viability of Customs and Excise operations in Scotland following the reductions in civil service numbers and, in particular, regarding border security and coastal protection.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular contact with the UK Government and HM Customs and Excise on a range of issues. At an operational level, the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and Scottish police forces work closely with a number of UK law enforcement agencies, including HM Customs and Excise, in order to provide a co-ordinated partnership approach. However, the deployment of resources by each such agency is an operational matter for that agency.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187051,"EventID":"S2W-14347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made, and timescale set, for the establishment of independent advice bodies for patients' complaints against the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made, and timescale set, for the establishment of independent advice bodies for patients' complaints against the NHS.","AnswerText":"It is the role of NHS boards to ensure that there is a mechanism for providing independent advice to those who wish to make a complaint against the NHS in Scotland.We are working with Citizens Advice Scotland to develop arrangements to support NHS boards in delivering this role. The Scottish Health Council will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of NHS boards in ensuring that independent advice is provided. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187052,"EventID":"S2W-14348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students there are studying geography in Scottish universities, broken down by (a) university and (b) year group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students there are studying geography in Scottish universities, broken down by (a) university and (b) year group.","AnswerText":"The data held by the Scottish Executive on students at higher education institutions are collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The subject coding system used by HESA allocates separate categories to human and social geography and to physical and terrestrial geographical and environmental sciences. In the tables I have given the numbers of students in each of these broad categories separately. The numbers are for students at Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) for the year 2002-03, the most recent year for which data are available at present.(a) Numbers of Students by Higher Education Institution Students at Scottish HEIs in 2002-03 with a Main Subject of Study within Human and Social Geography | Institution | Students | | The University of Edinburgh | 290 | | The University of Glasgow | 160 | | The University of Strathclyde | 185 | | The University of Aberdeen | 235 | | The University of Dundee | 210 | | The University of St Andrews | 15 | | Total | 1,095 | Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency. Note: All numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Students at Scottish HEIs in 2002-03 with a Main Subject of Study within Physical and Terrestrial Geographical and Environmental Sciences | Institution | Students | | University of Abertay Dundee | 15 | | The Robert Gordon University | 10 | | The University of Paisley | 100 | | Napier University | 95 | | The University of Edinburgh | 515 | | The University of Glasgow | 310 | | The University of Strathclyde | 55 | | The University of Aberdeen | 315 | | Heriot-Watt University | 85 | | The University of Dundee | 45 | | The University of St Andrews | 295 | | The University of Stirling | 215 | | Scottish Agricultural College | 5 | | Bell College | 65 | | Total | 2,135 | Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency. Note: All numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. (b) Numbers of Students by Year of Study Students at Scottish HEIs in 2002-03 with a Main Subject of Study within Human and Social Geography | Year of Student on Programme | Level of Study | | Postgraduate | First Degree | Total | | 1 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187054,"EventID":"S2W-14350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. However, in the age group up to the age of 18, it is estimated that, in the year ended March 2004, 1,500 males and 300 females were seen by general practitioners throughout Scotland in respect of hyperactivity disorders. This estimate is based on the activity of 63 Scottish general practices with a combined patient population of 341,778, and will not include patients whose condition is being managed by specialist services and who may not see their GPs in connection with it.The number of people over the age of 18 seen by the sample practices in respect of hyperactivity disorders is too low to allow a reliable estimate for the whole of Scotland to be made. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187055,"EventID":"S2W-14351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions of methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been dispensed and what the total cost has been in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions of methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been dispensed and what the total cost has been in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the tables below. The cost given is the cost of items before addition of any pharmacy fees and deduction of any discount and patient charges. Data in the tables refer to prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors, but do not take into account medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics. Table 1 – No. of Prescribed Items – Year ending 31 March | NHS Board | No. Prescribed Items | | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | | Argyll and Clyde | 1,077 | 1,207 | 1,547 | 1,542 | 1,866 | 2,310 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 625 | 984 | 1,195 | 1,385 | 1,890 | 2,103 | | Borders | 235 | 317 | 485 | 612 | 894 | 1,210 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 127 | 308 | 448 | 628 | 931 | 1,182 | | Fife | 1,973 | 2,811 | 3,235 | 3,659 | 4,651 | 5,281 | | Forth Valley | 836 | 1,216 | 1,392 | 1,396 | 1,676 | 1,792 | | Grampian | 2,121 | 3,025 | 3,522 | 3,756 | 4,565 | 4,970 | | Greater Glasgow | 1,523 | 2,029 | 2,160 | 2,253 | 2,718 | 3,085 | | Highland | 425 | 724 | 935 | 1,026 | 1,143 | 1,453 | | Lanarkshire | 931 | 1,011 | 1,129 | 1,185 | 1,415 | 1,543 | | Lothian | 2,825 | 3,266 | 3,120 | 3,685 | 4,012 | 4,578 | | Orkney Teacher Training Graduates in Secondary Level Physical Education 1998-99 to 2002-03 | Year | Graduates1,2 | | 1998-99 | 60 | | 1999-2000 | 65 | | 2000-01 | 60 | | 2001-02 | 100 | | 2002-03 | 95 | Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency. Notes: 1. All numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. 2. Includes Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) graduates from Scottish higher education institutions. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187057,"EventID":"S2W-14353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified physical education teachers have been in post in primary schools in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified physical education teachers have been in post in primary schools in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information from the 2003 Teacher Census shows there are 92 full-time equivalent (FTE) primary teachers with physical education as their main subject taught and 9 with it as their other subject.The previous teacher census was in 1998. The census is now being carried out annually. Comparative figures between 2003-04 and 2004-05 will not be available until the results of the 2004 census are published later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187058,"EventID":"S2W-14354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified physical education teachers will be in post in primary schools in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified physical education teachers will be in post in primary schools in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"Precise projections are not available. However we would expect numbers to increase in this period, as we move towards meeting the recommendations arising from the PE Review. Both through increases in secondary initial teacher education courses in PE, and through specific additional training for existing primary teachers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187059,"EventID":"S2W-14355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary school children was physically active in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary school children was physically active in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Based on the National Physical Activity Strategy definition of physical activity (see answer given to question S2W-14341 on 22 February 2005), all physicallyable primary school children should have been physically active in each of the last three years. 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/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187060,"EventID":"S2W-14356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2866,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-10879 by Hugh Henry on 5 October 2004, when it will publish the consultation paper on the system of handling complaints against adv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-10879 by Hugh Henry on 5 October 2004, when it will publish the consultation paper on the system of handling complaints against advocates and solicitors and the powers of the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper is being finalised and will be published as soon as possible. As I explained to Parliament on 20 January, the Executive wished to consider the contents of Sir David Clementi's report on the regulation of legal services in England and Wales which was published on 15 December 2004 before publishing the consultation paper","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187061,"EventID":"S2W-14357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of having regional film offices are for attracting film and television makers to rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of having regional film offices are for attracting film and television makers to rural areas.","AnswerText":"The local film offices arepartners in the Scottish Locations Network, which is co-ordinated by ScottishScreen. The existence of this effective network of regional film offices, whichcovers the whole of Scotland, is an important factor in helping to attract mobilefilm and television production to all areas of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187062,"EventID":"S2W-14358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total running costs have been of the Ayrshire Film Focus office, based in Prestwick.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total running costs have been of the Ayrshire Film Focus office, based in Prestwick.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire. I understand that total funding for Ayrshire Film Focus for 2002-03 to 2004-05 from public sources was some £195,000.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187063,"EventID":"S2W-14359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much inward investment the Ayrshire Film Focus project has attracted to the local area since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much inward investment the Ayrshire Film Focus project has attracted to the local area since its inception.","AnswerText":"The evaluation commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire suggests that Ayrshire Film Focus may have helped to generate spend by TV/film production companies amounting to just over £170,000.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187064,"EventID":"S2W-14360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the three Ayrshire local authorities regarding financial contributions to the Ayrshire Film Focus project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the three Ayrshire local authorities regarding financial contributions to the Ayrshire Film Focus project.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no discussions with the Ayrshire local authorities on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187065,"EventID":"S2W-14361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term strategy is to ensure the viability of Scottish Opera.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term strategy is to ensure the viability of Scottish Opera.","AnswerText":"The future viability of Scottish Opera is dependant upon the implementation of its own business plan. The Executive and the Scottish Arts Council are supporting the company in its implementation of the plan, as well as closely monitoring progress being made towards its realisation. Should the Cultural Commission make any strategic recommendations regarding Scottish Opera, or, indeed, any of the national companies, these will be fully considered by Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187066,"EventID":"S2W-14362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to ensure that those undertaking training as primary teachers have the opportunity to benefit from placements across the primary sector durin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to ensure that those undertaking training as primary teachers have the opportunity to benefit from placements across the primary sector during their training.","AnswerText":"The current Guidelines for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) stipulate that students on courses leading to a Primary Education Teaching Qualification must undertake blocks of school placement which covers all stages of Primary school education.ITE courses leading to registration as a Primary school teacher must be validated and approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and must include periods of school experience for all students. The Executive has given financial support to local authorities to co-ordinate the management of student placements. £550,000 has been paid to local authorities in 2004-05 with a further £825,000 earmarked for 2005-06. This funding is also intended to encourage and support councils and head teachers to ensure that sufficient places are made available in their schools for all student teachers. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187067,"EventID":"S2W-14363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many violent crimes have been committed in schools in each of the last five years, broken down by education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many violent crimes have been committed in schools in each of the last five years, broken down by education authority.","AnswerText":"Information is available on the number of incidents reported to the police of violence or antisocial behaviour against local authority staff. It is for head teachers to judge when an incident in their school should be reported to the police. However, any member of school staff has the same right as any other member of the public to report a crime to the police.There is no information on how many of the incidents reported in the following table resulted in criminal charges. Incidents reported could have included theft or damage and any other form of crime. No further breakdown of categories is available. The perpetrators may have been pupils, parents or another member of the public. The crimes concern staff in many different education authority roles and not all incidents were committed inside school premises. Reports Made to the Police of Incidents of Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour Against Local Authority School Staff | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Scotland | 145 | 200 | 307 | 237 | 301 | | Aberdeen City | 15 | 55 | 49 | 33 | 26 | | Aberdeenshire | 2 | 1 | 16 | 1 | 2 | | Angus | 7 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 13 | | Argyll and Bute | 2 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 9 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | | Dundee City | 12 | 8 | 4 | 17 | 25 | | East Ayrshire | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | | East Dunbartonshire | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 8 | | East Lothian | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | | East Renfrewshire | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Edinburgh, City Of | 13 | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187068,"EventID":"S2W-14364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physical assaults on teachers took place in each of the last five years, broken down by education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physical assaults on teachers took place in each of the last five years, broken down by education authority.","AnswerText":"For the year 1989-1999 statistics were gathered combining all forms of physical violence. From 1999 to 2003 the statistics provided separate information on incidents involving physical violence and incidents in which there was verbal abuse and physical violence. The requested information for 2001-02 and 2002-03 was made available in the Excel spreadsheet published at www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00318-00.asp, The relevant page of the spreadsheet is that titled “Additional”. There was no national collection of data in 2003-04. Reported Incidents of Violence and Anti-social Behaviour against Local Authority School Staff | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | | Aberdeen City | 139 | 143 | 170 | | Aberdeenshire | 42 | 3 | 65 | | Angus | 20 | 9 | 24 | | Argyll and Bute | 11 | 22 | 16 | | Clackmannanshire | 7 | 8 | 11 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 13 | 2 | 13 | | Dundee City | 128 | 148 | 231 | | East Ayrshire | 26 | 7 | 10 | | East Dunbartonshire | 24 | 42 | 34 | | East Lothian | 6 | 26 | 19 | | East Renfrewshire | 13 | 23 | 14 | | Edinburgh, City of | 120 | 80 | 146 | | Eilean Siar | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Falkirk | 0 | 5 | 94 | | Fife | 31 | 218 | 201 | | Glasgow City | 108 | 90 | 178 | | Highland | 11 | 17 | 125 | | Inverclyde | 8 | 17 | 36 | | Midlothian | 54 | 51 | 38 | | Moray | Recognising that some complex cases will arise, the European requirement is to process 96% of cases within the payment window and this target has been exceeded for both schemes. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187070,"EventID":"S2W-14366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organic farms and small holdings are registered, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organic farms and small holdings are registered, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The data required are given inthe table: | Unitary Authority | Organic Farms | | Aberdeen City | 5 | | Aberdeenshire | 58 | | Angus | 23 | | Argyll and Bute | 34 | | Clackmannanshire | * | | Dumfries and Galloway | 107 | | East Ayrshire | 9 | | East Dunbartonshire | * | | East Lothian | 12 | | East Renfrewshire | * | | Edinburgh, City of | * | | Falkirk | * | | Fife | 6 | | Highland | 66 | | Inverclyde | * | | Midlothian | 6 | | Moray | 23 | | North Ayrshire | 8 | | North Lanarkshire | * | | Orkney Islands | 12 | | Perth and Kinross | 79 | | Renfrewshire | * | | Scottish Borders,The | 70 | | Shetland Islands | 18 | | South Ayrshire | 6 | | South Lanarkshire | 41 | | Stirling | 20 | | West Dunbartonshire | * | | West Lothian | 5 | | Eileanan an Iar | * | | Scotland Total | 626 | Information on thesize distribution of agricultural holdings is available in various annual publicationsavailable at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/ERAD/ESI/00015631/page407506847.aspx. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187071,"EventID":"S2W-14367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for housing have been refused in the last three years due to lack of water and sewerage infrastructure capacity, broken down by planning co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications for housing have been refused in the last three years due to lack of water and sewerage infrastructure capacity, broken down by planning committee area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187072,"EventID":"S2W-14368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new beat officers have been recruited in the last three years, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new beat officers have been recruited in the last three years, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the deployment of officers between community, response and other roles are operational matters for each Chief Constable and as such, this information is not held centrally. The number of police officers recruited over the last three years by force area is shown in the following table. | Force | 31 March 2002 | 31 March 2003 | 31 March 2004 | | Central | 16 | 49 | 40 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 23 | 19 | 24 | | Fife | 94 | 61 | 84 | | Grampian | 56 | 67 | 125 | | Lothian and Borders | 157 | 131 | 198 | | Northern | 45 | 30 | 31 | | Strathclyde | 312 | 446 | 415 | | Tayside | 67 | 47 | 49 | | Total | 770 | 850 | 966 | Source: Annual Statistical Returns from forces to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187073,"EventID":"S2W-14369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speed cameras have been removed in each of the last three years and from what locations they have been removed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speed cameras have been removed in each of the last three years and from what locations they have been removed.","AnswerText":"No fixed site safety camerashave been permanently removed since safety camera partnerships startedoperating in Scotland. Information relating to the removal of cameras beforethe establishment of partnerships is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187074,"EventID":"S2W-14370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenue has been generated through speed cameras in the last three years, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenue has been generated through speed cameras in the last three years, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"The information available, relating to paid fixed penalties collected by safety camera partnerships that have joined the Scottish Safety Camera Programme since it was first piloted in 2001-02, is shown in the following table. However, information is not held centrally on any fines that may have been levied in respect of any cameras not operated by partnerships. | Partnership | 2001-02 £000 | 2002-03 £000 | 2003-04 £000 | | Strathclyde | 861 | 1,670 | 3,454 | | Fife | - | 422 | 619 | | North East | - | 278, | 1,013 | | Lothian and Borders | - | - | 1,617 | | Tayside | - | - | 388 | | Dumfries and Galloway | - | - | 545 | Notes: 1. Figures given are for partnerships from the date they joined the Safety Camera Programme. The figure for the Dumfries and Galloway Partnership in 2003-04has still to be finally audited. Northern joined the Programme in July 2004. Central Scotland is not currently part of the Programme. The partnerships in the table expanded or joined the Programme as indicated below. 2. In 2001-02, Strathclyde included only Glasgow City Council area. 3. In 2002-2003, Strathclyde expanded to cover four local authority areas; Fife joined the Programme in April 2002 and the North East Partnership joined in October 2002. 4. In 2003-2004, Strathclyde expanded to 12 local authority areas; Dumfries and Galloway joined the Programme in July 2003, Lothian and Borders in July 2003 and Tayside in July 2003. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187075,"EventID":"S2W-14371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to national parks in respect of the regulation of access under new legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to national parks in respect of the regulation of access under new legislation.","AnswerText":"The two national park authorities were issued with the Scottish Executive guidance Part 1 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: The Guidance For Local Authorities And National Park Authorities on 8 February. All 32 Scottish local authorities were also issued with the guidance. The guidance will assist these bodies with the delivery of their functions and responsibilities under the act. Copies have been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35204).","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187076,"EventID":"S2W-14372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a national access code will be agreed and what issues regarding it have not been resolved to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a national access code will be agreed and what issues regarding it have not been resolved to date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Outdoor Access Code was approved by the Scottish Parliament on 1 July 2004. The access code came into force on 9 February 2005 along with all other remaining provisions of Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to establish statutory rights of responsible access to land and inland water for recreation and passage and other purposes.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187077,"EventID":"S2W-14373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards incorporating into the Scottish planning system the recommendations in the first Stewart Report on the planning regulations for mobile p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made towards incorporating into the Scottish planning system the recommendations in the first Stewart Report on the planning regulations for mobile phone masts.","AnswerText":"In response both to the recommendations of the Stewart Report and of the Transport and Environment Committee’s inquiry into radio telecommunications, amendments were made to the planning legislation and guidance for telecommunications in 2001.The Executive published National Planning Policy Guideline 19 (Bib. number 15218), Planning Advice Note 62 (Bib. number 16043) and Circular 5/2001 (Bib. number 17462) to accompany these changes. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187078,"EventID":"S2W-14374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13616 by Peter Peacock on 31 January 2005, in which specific policies the principles of the European Charter for Regional or Minori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13616 by Peter Peacock on 31 January 2005, in which specific policies the principles of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, as these relate to Scots, have been given general expression.","AnswerText":"The principles of the Charter, as they relate to Scots, find expression in Scottish Executive policies in education and the arts.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187079,"EventID":"S2W-14375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for developing and implementing a national languages strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for developing and implementing a national languages strategy.","AnswerText":"The national languages strategywill be developed within the life of this parliament. The timetable for implementingit will depend on the strategy itself.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187080,"EventID":"S2W-14376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots.","AnswerText":"The UK government has signed Part II of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in respect of Scots. Part II consists of the main principles and objectives that are applicable to all parties and all regional and minority languages. The responsibility for the monitoring of these undertakings is principally for Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Scottish Executive assists the FCO in this exercise.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187081,"EventID":"S2W-14377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any advice has been issued to civil servants concerning the application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these rela","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any advice has been issued to civil servants concerning the application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Officials of the Scottish Executive have been charged with advising ministers on the development of a national language strategy which will include measures in relation to Scots. The development of such a strategy is one of the government’s partnership commitments.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187082,"EventID":"S2W-14378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any advice to local authorities about the implementation of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any advice to local authorities about the implementation of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as these relate to Scots.","AnswerText":"Local authorities were issued with advice on the Charter in February 2002. At this point the Scottish Executive wrote to all Scottish local authorities and public bodies informing them that the UK Government had signed the Charter and informed them of the specific measures and undertakings. The Scottish Executive has also issued guidance to local authorities on the use of Scots in the classrooms.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187083,"EventID":"S2W-14379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it funds and resources the Scots language; what level of funding it has made available to support the Scots language in each of the last three years, and how much fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it funds and resources the Scots language; what level of funding it has made available to support the Scots language in each of the last three years, and how much funding it will make available in the next financial year.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not earmarked a specific budget for Scots language development. It provides funding for Scots activities through the general resources which it makes available to cultural and educational bodies, local authorities and the enterprise network. Expenditure by these bodies on projects and programmes related to the Scots language is not centrally collated.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187084,"EventID":"S2W-14380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all documents relating to any Statutory Instrument regarding salmon fishing and netting on the Esk riv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all documents relating to any Statutory Instrument regarding salmon fishing and netting on the Esk rivers, including all correspondence, including enclosures and attachments, with the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board and all information relating to (a) the level of salmon stocks and (b) compensation payments.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187085,"EventID":"S2W-14381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which district fishery boards are seeking to introduce measures for the conservation of salmon and whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which district fishery boards are seeking to introduce measures for the conservation of salmon and whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all correspondence and associated documents with each board on that issue.","AnswerText":"Applications for Salmon Conservation Regulations have been received from the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board and the Annan District Salmon Fishery Board. Measures for the conservation of salmon under other provisions in the legislation, such as changes to annual close time, baits and lures regulations, have been implemented in response to applications from 24 District Salmon Fishery Boards throughout Scotland since the late 1970s. The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187086,"EventID":"S2W-14382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports salmon netting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports salmon netting.","AnswerText":"We will continue to support any legal and sustainable form of fishing including salmon netting.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187087,"EventID":"S2W-14383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of spring salmon angling is to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of spring salmon angling is to the economy.","AnswerText":"The report The Economic Impact of Game and Coarse Angling in Scotland estimated that salmon and sea trout anglers spend some £73.5 million per year. No figures are available to break this down further, but it is recognised that spring salmon angling forms a significant proportion of this angler spend.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187088,"EventID":"S2W-14384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a mandatory catch and release scheme for salmon angling would have on tourism, particularly in relation to visitors from abroad.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a mandatory catch and release scheme for salmon angling would have on tourism, particularly in relation to visitors from abroad.","AnswerText":"The proportion of the total Scottish salmon angling catch that is subsequently released has risen year on year from 8% in 1994 to 55% in 2003. The adoption of the practice is therefore growing and widely practised. The report, The Economic Impact of Game and Coarse Angling in Scotland, published in March 2004, estimated that 47% of angler days fished and 66% of angler expenditure was attributable to non-Scottish visiting anglers. It is likely, therefore, that a high proportion of visiting anglers practise catch and release.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187089,"EventID":"S2W-14385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12454 by Nicol Stephen on 8 December 2004, why the expenditure in 2003-04 under the Integrated Transport Fund budget is stated to b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12454 by Nicol Stephen on 8 December 2004, why the expenditure in 2003-04 under the Integrated Transport Fund budget is stated to be £56.5 million plus £3.7 million, whereas the budget in Table 8.08 of Draft Budget 2005-06 states that the expenditure is £150 million, and what the remainder of the budgeted money was spent on.","AnswerText":"The figure of £150 million shown as the 2003-04 Integrated Transport Fund (ITF) budget figure in Table 8.08 of Draft Budget 2005-06 is a comparative figure only, as is the figure for 2002-03. The final ITF budget provision for 2003-04, as shown in Scotland’s Budget Documents: The 2003-04 Spring Budget Revision to the Budget (Scotland) (No 4) Act for the year ending 31 March 2004, was £100.8 million. The figures given in answer to question S2W-12454, answered on 8 December 2004, related to actual grants paid from the ITF specifically to local authorities in respect of the financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04. 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/wa.search. As well as grants awarded to local authorities, grant payments have been made from the ITF under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to other parties such as the Strategic Rail Authority. All such payments are detailed in the Report by Scottish Ministers to Parliament – Grants Paid Under Section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 for the relevant financial year. For 2003-04, these payments totalled £82.7 million. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187090,"EventID":"S2W-14386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on transport in 2002-03 and 2003-04, broken down by category of expenditure listed in table 8.01 of Draft Budget 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on transport in 2002-03 and 2003-04, broken down by category of expenditure listed in table 8.01 of Draft Budget 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The actual expenditure as previously categorised and reported in the Scottish Executive Annual Accounts for Transport Portfolio is reflected in the following table for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 financial years. | Category of Spending | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | | Motorways and Trunk Roads | £207,394 | £266,787 | | Other Transport Programme | £63,670 | £220,141 | | CalMac | £18,903 | £26,664 | | HIAL | £24,050 | £23,860 | | Rail Services | £115,596 | £187,598 | | British Waterways | £13,810 | £12,582 | | Grants to Local Authorities | £0 | £0 | The ISB number for the published Annual Accounts is 3/4/SE/2004/267. ","AnswerDate":"2005-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187091,"EventID":"S2W-14387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net book value of Scotland's roads was at 30 April 2004 and why the cost of capital charges increased by £66 million in 2003-04 but by approximately £35 millio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net book value of Scotland's roads was at 30 April 2004 and why the cost of capital charges increased by £66 million in 2003-04 but by approximately £35 million per annum in subsequent years.","AnswerText":"The Net book value of thetrunkroad network in Scotland as at 1 April 2004 was £10.6 billion.The cost of capital is anotional charge on the Net Assets of an organisation and is currently levied byHM Treasury at 3.5% on the average of the opening and closing net book value of the roads network for a specific financial year. The future spending yearsoutlined in the Draft Budget 2005-06, have proposed budget plans whichanticipate an increased Cost of capital charge. This increase has been forecaston an annual increase to the value of the trunk road network of 9% per annumfor the three future spending years 2005-06 to 2007-08. The roads capital charge inthe transport budget is ringfenced expenditure: it is an accounting techniqueto allow the value of the trunk road network to be reflected in the Executive’sbudget and its accounts, to recognise that Government as a whole incurs aninterest cost for investment in the road network. This has been devolved to the Executive as a capital charge, and the budget plans have been specificallyincreased to cover this. ","AnswerDate":"2005-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187092,"EventID":"S2W-14388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in 2003-04 on supporting bus services, both directly and through local authorities, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent in 2003-04 on supporting bus services, both directly and through local authorities, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information is set outin the following table. | Local Authority | Supported Bus Services Gross Revenue(1) expenditure (£000) | Total under the Rural Transport Fund, Urban Community Transport Initiative and Rural Demand Responsive Transport Scheme (£000) | | Aberdeen City | - | 50,000 | | Aberdeenshire | 1,921 | 762,244 | | Angus | 686 | 214,000 | | Argyll and Bute | 762 | 436,864 | | Clackmannanshire | 324 | 51,000 | | City of Edinburgh | 1,574 | 150,000 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3,980 | 652,066 | | Dundee City | 763 | 106,650 | | East Ayrshire | - | 168,671 | | East Dunbartonshire | 272 | 47,000 | | East Lothian | 554 | 129,873 | | East Renfrewshire | - | 46,000 | | Eilean Siar | 1,382 | 647,109 | | Falkirk | 1,545 | 69,000 | | Fife | 1,668 | 185,745 | | Glasgow City | 823 | 145,000 | | Highland | 1,771 | 1,140,159 | | Inverclyde | - | 44,000 | | Midlothian | 556 | 73,691 | | Moray | 436 | 180,066 | | North Ayrshire | 313 | 129,720 | | North Lanarkshire | 797 | 60,000 | | Orkney Islands | 264 | 344,104 | | Perth and Kinross | 1,218 | 303,579 | | Renfrewshire | 512 | 50,000 | | Scottish Borders | 1,424 | 386,005 | | Shetland Islands | 707 | 184,300 | | South Ayrshire | 1,698 | 162,886 | | So","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187093,"EventID":"S2W-14389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the context of its responsibility for social inclusion, it will respond to the Ofcom consultation on the analogue television switch-off which may commence in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the context of its responsibility for social inclusion, it will respond to the Ofcom consultation on the analogue television switch-off which may commence in parts of Scotland in 2008.","AnswerText":"Broadcasting is a reserved matter. However, Scottish ministers have made clear to the UK Government the importance the Scottish Executive attaches to social inclusion. Scottish ministers' position is that, when digital switchover is complete in Scotland, television services should be available to as great a number of people as possible without any unnecessary financial burden. We shall remind Ofcom of our position in responding to its consultation on Digital Switchover. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187094,"EventID":"S2W-14390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the total funds invested in the First ScotRail franchise by (a) it, (b) First Group plc and (c) any other sources since the inception ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the total funds invested in the First ScotRail franchise by (a) it, (b) First Group plc and (c) any other sources since the inception of the franchise.","AnswerText":"The total subsidy provided to First ScotRail since the start of the franchise is £102.7 millions.On agreeing to the terms of the Franchise for operating the Rail services in Scotland, First Group plc committed to spending £40 million of Capital Expenditure over the 7 years of the franchise. £17 million is due to be spent in the first 18 months of the Franchise, of which £2.5 million has been spent to date. A significant investment is being made in staff numbers and staff development. Over 150 additional staff have been employed in the Franchise to date, with more planned. First ScotRail are investing at least £1 million per annum in staff training and development. ","AnswerDate":"2005-05-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187095,"EventID":"S2W-14391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the total funds invested in the previous ScotRail franchise by (a) it and the Scottish Office, (b) National Express Group and (c) any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of the total funds invested in the previous ScotRail franchise by (a) it and the Scottish Office, (b) National Express Group and (c) any other sources over the entire period of the franchise. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The franchise payments received by ScotRail since 1998-1999 are detailed in the table below. | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | ScotRail Franchise Payments (£ Milllion) | 280.18 | 270.00 | 248.57 | 214.26 | 230.08 | 251.67 | This information was collated from the Strategic Rail Authority Annual Report 2003-2004. ","AnswerDate":"2005-05-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187096,"EventID":"S2W-14392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether residential care homes for the elderly can opt not to provide nursing care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether residential care homes for the elderly can opt not to provide nursing care.","AnswerText":"Yes. Care home service providers can choose the type of care they provide - personal care, personal support or nursing care.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187097,"EventID":"S2W-14393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering reviewing and increasing the fees payable to dentists for NHS treatment in order to encourage more dentists to offer an NHS service, particularl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering reviewing and increasing the fees payable to dentists for NHS treatment in order to encourage more dentists to offer an NHS service, particularly to those entitled to free NHS dental treatment.","AnswerText":"The fees paid to dentists for providing NHS general dental services are increased each year as a result of the recommendations of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB). For 2005-06, the DDRB has recommended an increase of 3.4% in fees and the Government has accepted that recommendation in full and without staging.We expect to announce in the coming weeks our response to the consultation Modernising NHS Dental Services in Scotland, which will include further measures to support NHS dentistry. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187098,"EventID":"S2W-14394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12927 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 December 2004, what the average length of time spent in prison is, including any time spent on remand","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12927 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 December 2004, what the average length of time spent in prison is, including any time spent on remand, for prisoners sentenced to (a) less than three months, (b) three to six months and (c) six months to one year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:The estimated availableinformation is for 2003 and was (a) 23; (b) 56 and (c) 113 days. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187099,"EventID":"S2W-14395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average monthly cost is of keeping a person in prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average monthly cost is of keeping a person in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The average cost per prisoner place in 2003-04 is given in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which is available on the Scottish Prison Service website: http://www.sps.gov.uk/keydocs/reports/2003-04. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187100,"EventID":"S2W-14396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken towards fulfilling its commitment in the Partnership Agreement to develop an entitlement to continuous professional development, particularly with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken towards fulfilling its commitment in the Partnership Agreement to develop an entitlement to continuous professional development, particularly with regard to nursing staff.","AnswerText":"The Department’s White Paper Partnership for Care sets out our commitment to develop an entitlement to Continued Professional Development (CPD) for all health service staff.However, you may not be aware that NHS boards hold the budget for nursing and midwifery post-registration education, and therefore they need to work in partnership with nursing staff to ensure that they are supported and encouraged to develop and maintain their skills. In addition to this Facing the Future, the Nursing and Midwifery Recruitment and Retention Initiative has released £1.75 million for additional CPD in 2002-03 and again in 2003-04. In 2004-05 £1 million was given to NHS boards for CPD for nursing staff and another sum of £200,000 was provided for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) along with other more targeted funded initiatives. Also, NHS boards as employers will wish all healthcare professionals, not just nurses, to maintain their CPD to ensure that they continue to be registered with the relevant registration body as fit to practise. All health employers will now be reviewing their arrangements for CPD and other staff development as part of their implementation of the pay modernisation scheme we know as Agenda for Change. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187101,"EventID":"S2W-14397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13778 by Johann Lamont on 8 February 2005 regarding the location of toxic waste dumps in the east end and south of Glasgow, who mad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13778 by Johann Lamont on 8 February 2005 regarding the location of toxic waste dumps in the east end and south of Glasgow, who made the decision not to hold an inquiry into the matter; what criteria were used to reach that decision, and whether there is a process by which that decision may be challenged.","AnswerText":"It would be for Glasgow City Council, as planning authority, to consider whether to hold a public hearing before granting planning permission for any waste disposal site. Glasgow City Council is also the body responsible for identifying contaminated land in its area which should be remediated. Any questions about issues relating to planning and land remediation should therefore be addressed to the council. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of waste disposal site operations.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187102,"EventID":"S2W-14398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provisions of Acts of Parliament that received Royal Assent between 3 May 1979 and 31 December 2003 and that deal with issues devolved to the Scottish Parliament h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provisions of Acts of Parliament that received Royal Assent between 3 May 1979 and 31 December 2003 and that deal with issues devolved to the Scottish Parliament have not yet been brought into force and on what dates it expects these provisions will be brought into force.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held in this form. However, full details of the commencement dates of provisionsin Acts of Parliament passed between 1 January 1979and 31 December 2003, together with provisions not yet in force as at 17 February 2004, canbe found in Is it in Force? 2004 published by LexisNexis, Butterworths.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187103,"EventID":"S2W-14399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many annual reports of the Environment Agency have been received by Scottish ministers since 1999 to date, pursuant to clause 10(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 (Border R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many annual reports of the Environment Agency have been received by Scottish ministers since 1999 to date, pursuant to clause 10(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999, and how many of these have been laid before the Parliament, pursuant to clause 10(2) of that order.","AnswerText":"None. Copies of the relevantreports will be laid before the Parliament as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187104,"EventID":"S2W-14400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to determine whether a school crossing patroller is required for (a) primary and (b) secondary children to reach school safely.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used to determine whether a school crossing patroller is required for (a) primary and (b) secondary children to reach school safely.","AnswerText":"Guidance for localauthorities on school crossing patrols - School Crossing Patrol Service: Guidelines,were produced by the Local AuthorityRoad Safety Officers Association and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents,with funding from the UK Government. The guidelines, which were published in2003, include advice on the management of school crossing patrols; riskassessment and management; criteria for the establishment of patrol sites, thereview and disestablishment of sites, and the selection, appointment andtraining of patrol operatives. A copy has been placed in the Parliament’sReference Centre (Bib. number 35391).The criteria are based onthe number of children crossing the road on their way to and from school andthe number of vehicles on the road. At sites where the flows of vehicles and/orchildren are low a range of factors, including whether children are of primaryschool or secondary school age, is also considered to ensure that thecircumstances at each site are fully taken into account. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187105,"EventID":"S2W-14401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations are required when the removal of a school crossing patroller is proposed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations are required when the removal of a school crossing patroller is proposed.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirementfor consultation. Guidance for local authorities on school crossing patrols - School Crossing PatrolService: Guidelines, were produced by theLocal Authority Road Safety Officers Association and the Royal Society for the Preventionof Accidents, with funding from the UK Government. The Guidelines, which were publishedin 2003, include advice on the management of school crossing patrols; risk assessmentand management; criteria for the establishment of patrol sites, the review and disestablishmentof sites, and the selection, appointment and training of patrol operatives. A copyhas been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 35391).","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187106,"EventID":"S2W-14402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of school crossing patrollers will have on its policy of Safer Routes to School.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of school crossing patrollers will have on its policy of Safer Routes to School.","AnswerText":"If a local authority’s assessment of a safer routes to school scheme included a school crossing patrol site as an essential element of the scheme, I would not expect the crossing patrol site to be removed unless suitable alternative arrangements were put in place.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187107,"EventID":"S2W-14403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provisions of Acts of the Scottish Parliament that have received Royal Assent prior to 31 December 2003 have not yet been brought into force and when it expects th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provisions of Acts of the Scottish Parliament that have received Royal Assent prior to 31 December 2003 have not yet been brought into force and when it expects these provisions will be brought into force. ","AnswerText":"Often acts will require to becommenced in stages (for particular provisions or particular purposes) for policyor practical reasons. Decisions about such matters are the responsibility of theminister in charge of the act and so the information requested is not held centrally.Acts of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Statutory Instruments, including CommencementOrders, are published on the HMSO website. Is it in Force? 2004 which ispublished by LexisNexis, Butterworths, provides full details of provisions in Actsof the Scottish Parliament which had not yet been brought into force as at 17 February2004. If the member would like information about any specific act or any specificprovision or provisions in an act, the relevant portfolio minister will be happyto provide that information. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187108,"EventID":"S2W-14404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for dermatology appointments, broken down by NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times are for dermatology appointments, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in the specialty of dermatology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the year ended 31 December 2004, are given in the table. The all-Scotland median waiting time of 53 days is a reduction of six days on the position in the previous year. The Centre for Change and Innovation is undertaking the largest out-patient improvement programme seen in Scotland to create sustainable change, improve patient choice and assist NHSScotland to meet the national maximum waiting time of 26 weeks from the end of 2005. The Skin Action Scotland national redesign project is piloting innovations including nurse-led and GP with special interest-led clinics, which should improve patient access and reduce waiting times and the implementation of patient-focused booking will allow patients to have input into the timing of their appointment. NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-Patient Appointment with a Consultant in Dermatology, Following a General Medical Practitioner Referral, by NHS Board of Residence: Year Ended 31 December 2004P | NHS Board | Median Wait | | Argyll and Clyde | 71 days | | Ayrshire and Arran | 66 days | | Borders | 85 days | | Dumfries and Galloway | 19 days | | Fife | 74 days | | Forth Valley | 150 days | | Grampian | 93 days | | Greater Glasgow | 45 days | | Highland | 28 days | | Lanarkshire | 71 days | | Lothian | 49 days | | Orkney | 88 days | | Shetland | 130 days | | Tayside | 48 days | | Western Isles | 35 days | | Scotland | 53 Days | Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00. PProvisional. Note: Excludes patients with an Availability Status Code. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187109,"EventID":"S2W-14405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monitoring cycle is for the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monitoring cycle is for the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory reports on an annual cycle based on a calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187110,"EventID":"S2W-14406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why data on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory is only available up to 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why data on the Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory is only available up to 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Pollutant ReleaseInventory (SPRI) data are only available for 2002 as this was the first statutoryreporting year. Data will be available for 2004 as the next statutory reportingyear and then for each subsequent calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187111,"EventID":"S2W-14407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions for environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Environmental offences covera wide range of statutory offences including, but not limited to, the Control ofPollution Act 1974, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environment Act1995, and can be reported to the Procurator Fiscal by a number of different reportingagencies. It is not possible to obtain the information requested from the CrownOffice and Procurator Fiscal database. The information sought therefore could notbe obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187112,"EventID":"S2W-14408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions for environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions for environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14407 on 2 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187113,"EventID":"S2W-14409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2201,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many procurators fiscal specialising in environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of procurators","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many procurators fiscal specialising in environmental crime there have been in each year since 1999, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of procurators fiscal.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer to question S2W-11556 on 17 November 2004, the introduction of a network of environmental specialists was announced on 9 February 2004, when there were 15 environmental specialists appointed. There are 15 environmental specialists at present.I refer the Member to the answer to question S2W-13744 on 3 February 2005. 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":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187114,"EventID":"S2W-14410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific actions it has taken to implement the advice on enhancing the status of the Scots language contained in the last report of the European Committee of Experts","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific actions it has taken to implement the advice on enhancing the status of the Scots language contained in the last report of the European Committee of Experts on the United Kingdom's application of the provisions of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.","AnswerText":"The Committee of Experts recommended to the UK government that it should help create conditions for the use of Scots in public life, through the adoption of a language policy and concrete measures, in co-operation with the speakers of the language. The Executive has committed itself to the development of a national language strategy to this end.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187115,"EventID":"S2W-14411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline has received in each month since it was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline has received in each month since it was established.","AnswerText":"The amount of calls received monthly by the “Dumb Dumpers” stop line since it commenced on 9 March 2004 is as follows: | March 2004 | 266 | | April 2004 | 173 | | May 2004 | 116 | | June 2004 | 189 | | July 2004 | 120 | | August 2004 | 105 | | September 2004 | 86 | | October 2004 | 67 | | November 2004 | 74 | | December 2004 | 41 | | January 2005 | 68 | | Total | 1,305 | These figures were supplied by Keep Scotland Beautiful. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187116,"EventID":"S2W-14412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged by the police as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged by the police as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187117,"EventID":"S2W-14413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged by the police for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged by the police for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187118,"EventID":"S2W-14414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought before the courts as a result of the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought before the courts as a result of the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","AnswerText":"Reports to the Procurator Fiscal will not necessarily record in every case whether the hotline was the origin of the investigation. Further, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal database will not record whether a case is as a result of a call to the Dumb Dumpers hotline or not. While it would be possible to examine all cases to seeif the report contained any information in relation to the Dumb Dumpers hotline,this would involve disproportionate cost and would not necessarily identify every hotline case in any event.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187119,"EventID":"S2W-14415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought before the courts for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought before the courts for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14414, answered on 1 March 2005,All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament'swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187120,"EventID":"S2W-14416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions have been made as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions have been made as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answergiven to question S2W-14414, answered on 1 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187121,"EventID":"S2W-14417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions have been made for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions have been made for fly-tipping not as a result of information from the \"Dumb Dumpers\" hotline since the hotline was established.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14414, answered on 1 March 2005.All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament'swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187122,"EventID":"S2W-14418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speeding offences detected by fixed-site cameras involved (a) UK nationals, (b) EU nationals, excluding UK nationals, and (c) non-EU nationals in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speeding offences detected by fixed-site cameras involved (a) UK nationals, (b) EU nationals, excluding UK nationals, and (c) non-EU nationals in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187123,"EventID":"S2W-14419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speeding offences detected by the police through methods other than fixed-site cameras involved (a) UK nationals, (b) EU nationals, excluding UK nationals, and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speeding offences detected by the police through methods other than fixed-site cameras involved (a) UK nationals, (b) EU nationals, excluding UK nationals, and (c) non-EU nationals in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187124,"EventID":"S2W-14420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will deal with those cattle on farms that do not have a passport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will deal with those cattle on farms that do not have a passport.","AnswerText":"These cattle are registered on the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) database and issued with a Notice of Registration (NoR). These cattle can only be used for breeding purposes and milking if appropriate. Any properly registered offspring will be issued with cattle passports. In some cases the keeper will decide to destroy non-passported animals because they are of little economic value. This is regrettable, but the responsibility lies with the keeper to meet the EU deadline for registering cattle. NoR cattle are not allowed into the food chain and can only be moved under licence to be destroyed.Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department inspectors,as part of the Cattle Identification Inspection Regime, have a list of all NoR cattle from CTS and are inspecting holdings to ensure that any abuse is identified. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187125,"EventID":"S2W-14421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recruits to police training leave before the completion of the training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recruits to police training leave before the completion of the training.","AnswerText":"The percentage of recruits who leave before the end of their training is not held centrally but is likely to vary from year to year. In 2003-04 there were 966 recruits to the Scottish Police Service. In the same year, 34 recruits (equivalent to 3.5% of the number joining in that year) left through voluntary resignation. However, the initial training period for new recruits lasts for up to two years, and some of these leavers may have been recruited in 2002-03. Information relating to those who may have been required to resign or who may have transferred to other forces outside Scotland is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187126,"EventID":"S2W-14422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female recruits to police training leave before the completion of the training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female recruits to police training leave before the completion of the training.","AnswerText":"The percentage of recruits who leave before the end of their training is not held centrally but is likely to vary from year to year. In 2003-04 there were 306 female recruits to the Scottish Police Service. In the same year, 11 female recruits (equivalent to 3.6% of the number joining in that year) left through voluntary resignation. However, the initial training period for new recruits lasts for up to two years and some of these leavers may have been recruited in 2002-03. Information about those who may have been required to resign or who may have transferred to other forces outside Scotland is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187127,"EventID":"S2W-14423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recruits to police training from an ethnic minority leave before the completion of the training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recruits to police training from an ethnic minority leave before the completion of the training.","AnswerText":"The percentage of recruits who leave before the end of their training is not held centrally but is likely to vary from year to year. In 2003-04 there were 15 ethnic minority recruits to the Scottish Police Service. In the same year, one ethnic minority recruit left through voluntary resignation. However, because the initial training period for new recruits lasts for up to two years, the information held centrally does not indicate whether this leaver was recruited in 2002-03 or 2003-04. Information relating to those who may have been required to resign or who may have transferred to other forces outside Scotland is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2004-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187128,"EventID":"S2W-14424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers leave within two years of joining the service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers leave within two years of joining the service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to S2W-14421 on 22 February 2005 . Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187129,"EventID":"S2W-14425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female police officers leave within two years of joining the service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female police officers leave within two years of joining the service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to question S2W-14422 answered on 22 February 2005. All answersto 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/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187130,"EventID":"S2W-14426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers from an ethnic minority leave within two years of joining the service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers from an ethnic minority leave within two years of joining the service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-14423 on 22 February 2005. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’swebsite, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187131,"EventID":"S2W-14427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether there will be any flexibility within the new points system for economic immigrants entering Britain, as announced in the Home Office do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether there will be any flexibility within the new points system for economic immigrants entering Britain, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, to allow any extra points to be awarded to potential economic immigrants with skills that are particularly needed in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answersto question S2W-14627 on 8 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187132,"EventID":"S2W-14428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it expects that the new four-tier points system for economic immigration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it expects that the new four-tier points system for economic immigration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will have on the Executive's aim of increasing immigration to Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I welcome the recognition in the Home Office’s Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain that Scotland faces particular demographicchallenges. We are pursuing these challenges through our Fresh Talent policy withinthe framework of the UK immigration system. I look forward to workingclosely with the Home Office as details of the plan are developed.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187133,"EventID":"S2W-14429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish representation there will be on the skills advisory body, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Brita","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish representation there will be on the skills advisory body, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, to ensure that skills shortages and labour gaps in Scotland are taken into account when drawing up a points system for potential economic immigrants.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be represented on the new body which will be drawn from existing sectorskills councils and the Skills for Business Network. The new body will cover interestsacross the UK.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187134,"EventID":"S2W-14430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is, with regard to the situation in Scotland, on the Home Office view that following EU enlargement it is unlikely that there will continue to be a case","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is, with regard to the situation in Scotland, on the Home Office view that following EU enlargement it is unlikely that there will continue to be a case for low-skill immigration schemes and that the schemes currently in existence should be phased out, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain.","AnswerText":"I welcome the recognition in the Home Office’s Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain that Scotland faces particular demographicchallenges. We are pursuing these challenges through our Fresh Talent policy withinthe framework of the UK immigration system. I look forward to workingclosely with the Home Office on the detail of how the five year plan will be implemented.The existing low-skill schemesaccount for only a very small proportion of low-skilled migration to the UK. Accessioncountry nationals are increasingly filling low-skill jobs in the hospitality andagriculture sectors. Almost 8,000 workers from these countries have registered inScotland since the worker registration scheme came into effect on 1 May 2005 and we arelooking at ways in which we can promote Scotland in these countries and raise this figure still higher. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187135,"EventID":"S2W-14431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to phase out schemes for low-skill immigration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to phase out schemes for low-skill immigration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Scottish labour market.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14430 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187136,"EventID":"S2W-14432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict immigrants to bringing only immediate family to the United Kingdom, as announced in the Home Office document, Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict immigrants to bringing only immediate family to the United Kingdom, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more immigrants to Scotland, taking account of the countries from where Scotland attracts immigrants that have cultures of extended families.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187137,"EventID":"S2W-14433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to introduce mandatory English language tests for immigrants, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our bord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to introduce mandatory English language tests for immigrants, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more economic immigrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answergiven to question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187138,"EventID":"S2W-14434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to introduce mandatory UK knowledge tests to achieve permanent residence in the United Kingdom, as announced in the Home Off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to introduce mandatory UK knowledge tests to achieve permanent residence in the United Kingdom, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more economic immigrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187139,"EventID":"S2W-14435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to lengthen the period before immigrants are offered permanent settlement in the United Kingdom to five years in employment,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to lengthen the period before immigrants are offered permanent settlement in the United Kingdom to five years in employment, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more immigrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187140,"EventID":"S2W-14436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available to assist in English language training for immigrants following the UK Government's announcement of mandatory English language","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available to assist in English language training for immigrants following the UK Government's announcement of mandatory English language tests for all immigrants, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187141,"EventID":"S2W-14437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available to assist in UK knowledge classes for immigrants following the UK Government's announcement of mandatory UK knowledge tests fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra resources it will make available to assist in UK knowledge classes for immigrants following the UK Government's announcement of mandatory UK knowledge tests for all immigrants, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187142,"EventID":"S2W-14438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict the categories of immigrants with a \"route to settlement\" to only skilled or highly-skilled immigrants, as annou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict the categories of immigrants with a \"route to settlement\" to only skilled or highly-skilled immigrants, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more immigrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on
10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187143,"EventID":"S2W-14439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict chain migration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects that the UK Government's plans to restrict chain migration, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, will impact on the Executive's aim of attracting more immigrants to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14428 on 10 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187144,"EventID":"S2W-14440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the UK Government with regard to the impact of the potential increase in the use of Dungavel House immigration removal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the UK Government with regard to the impact of the potential increase in the use of Dungavel House immigration removal centre for the detention of asylum seekers following the UK Government's aim of increasing the use of detention centres for dealing with asylum seekers, as announced in the Home Office document, Controlling our borders: Making migration work for Britain, and what the outcome of any such discussions was.","AnswerText":"The operation and managementof Dungavel are matters for the Home Office. Scottish Executive and Home Officeofficials have regular meetings to keep abreast of developments and discuss asylummatters as they relate to devolved services. The next meeting is scheduled for 23 March 2005 at whichwe expect the Home Office to brief Scottish Executive officials on their document.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187145,"EventID":"S2W-14441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers in the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) is female, broken down by rank.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers in the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) is female, broken down by rank.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. | | Percentage of SDEA Police Officers who are Female (%) | | Chief Officer | 0 | | Superintendent | 33 | | Inspector | 0 | | Sergeant | 7 | | Constable | 14 | Note: Chief Officer includes the ranks of chief constable, deputy chief constable and assistant chief constable; superintendent includes the rank of chief superintendent, and inspector includes the rank of chief inspector. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187146,"EventID":"S2W-14442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers in the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) is from an ethnic minority, broken down by rank.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers in the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) is from an ethnic minority, broken down by rank.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. | | Percentage of SDEA Police Officers from an Ethnic Minority (%) | | Chief Officer | 0 | | Superintendent | 0 | | Inspector | 0 | | Sergeant | 0 | | Constable | 0.5 | Note: Chief officer includes the ranks of chief constable, deputy chief constable and assistant chief constable; superintendent includes the rank of chief superintendent, and inspector includes the rank of chief inspector. ","AnswerDate":"2005-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187147,"EventID":"S2W-14443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13939 by Rhona Brankin on 10 February 2005, why data on the number of NHS dentists at 31 December 2004 is not available centrally w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-13939 by Rhona Brankin on 10 February 2005, why data on the number of NHS dentists at 31 December 2004 is not available centrally whereas data on the number of NHS dentists at 31 December 2003 was made available in the answer to question S2W-5720 by Mr Tom McCabe on 6 February 2004.","AnswerText":"ISD Scotland now co-ordinate the publication of data on all NHS dentistry, both hospital and community health service (HCHS) and general dental service (GDS) dentists, at 30 September each year. Data as at 30 September 2004 for both HCHS and GDS dentists was used within the answer to question S2W-13939.In question S2W-5720, Table 1 related to the number of all NHS dentists. In the notes, under 6, it is clarified that data for hospital and community health service (HCHS) dentists was correct as at 30 September 2002. At the time that this parliamentary question was answered, data on GDS dentists was available as at 31 December 2003, clarified under note 5. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187148,"EventID":"S2W-14444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded to it from other organisations since May 2004 and from which organisations these staff have been seconded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded to it from other organisations since May 2004 and from which organisations these staff have been seconded.","AnswerText":"Since May 2004, 101 staff have been seconded from other organisations to the Scottish Executive. Of these 23 have been seconded from local authorities; 32 from NHS; 18 from other public bodies; 15 from other government departments; nine from the private sector; two from academic institutions; one each from Europe and the voluntary sector. A following tables outline details of the exporting organisations. | Local Authorities | Total | NHS | Total | | Aberdeen City Council | 2 | Alison Lea Medical Centre | 1 | | Argyll and Bute Council | 1 | Common Services Agency | 1 | | City of Edinburgh Council | 4 | NHS Lothian | 3 | | East Dunbartonshire Council | 2 | NHS Modernisation Agency | 1 | | East Lothian District Council | 1 | NHS Scotland | 1 | | Fife Council | 2 | NHS Tayside | 1 | | Fife Constabulary | 1 | Perth Royal Infirmary | 1 | | Pert and Kinross Council | 1 | Royal College of Nurses Scotland | 1 | | Scottish Borders Council | 1 | Royal College of Physicians | 1 | | Fife Special Housing Association | 1 | Salus Occupational Health | 1 | | Glasgow City Council | 1 | Scottish Ambulance Service | 1 | | Grampian Police | 2 | Scottish Care Information | 1 | | Highland Council | 1 | Fife Primary Care | 1 | | Lothian and Borders Police | 1 | Healthskills Ltd. | 1 | | Midlothian Council | 1 | Lanarkshire Primary Trust | 1 | | Moray Council | 1 | Lothian Primary Care | 1 | | Totals | 23 | NHS 24 | 2 | | NHS Argyll and Clyde | 2 | | NHS Fife | 1 | | NHS Grampian | 1 | | NHS Greater Glasgow | 2 | | NHS Highland | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187149,"EventID":"S2W-14445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded from it to other organisations since May 2004 and to which organisations these staff have been seconded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded from it to other organisations since May 2004 and to which organisations these staff have been seconded.","AnswerText":"Since May 2004, 58 staff havebeen seconded from the Scottish Executive to a variety of organisations in the public, voluntaryand academic sectors. These include 13 people to Europe and overseas; 14 to othergovernment departments; 16 to other public bodies; four to local authorities;10 to voluntary organisations, and 1 person to an academic institution. The followingtable details the organisations to which those staff have been seconded. | Europe and Overseas | Total | Other Govt. Dept | Total | | Bi-Lateral Exchange (France) | 1 | Cabinet Office | 1 | | Bi-Lateral Exchange (Denmark) | 1 | Crown Office | 1 | | British Embassy, Washington | 1 | DTI | 1 | | Ecole Nationale d’Administration | 1 | DfES | 1 | | European Commission | 3 | DfID | 1 | | European Parliament | 1 | FCO UKREP | 1 | | Stagiaire | 5 | Food Standards Agency | 1 | | Total | 13 | HM Treasury | 4 | | Home Office | 1 | | No.10 Downing Street | 1 | | Scottish Prison Service | 1 | | Total | 14 | | Other Public Body | Total | Local Authority | Total | | Rural Payments Agency | 1 | Aberdeen City Council | 1 | | Scottish Civic Forum | 3 | Fife Council | 2 | | Scottish Council Foundation | 1 | Moray Council | 1 | | Solway Heritage | 1 | | | | Water Industry Commissioner | 1 | | | | Social Investment Scotland | 2 | | | | Scottish Enterprise | 2 | | | | Scottish Business in the Community | 1 | | ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187150,"EventID":"S2W-14446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what testing and treatment facilities are available for patients suffering from acoustic neuroma.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what testing and treatment facilities are available for patients suffering from acoustic neuroma.","AnswerText":"Acoustic neuromas are benigntumours that develop in the covering of the acoustic or auditory nerve. Tests andinvestigations include hearing tests, neurological examination CT or MRI scan andresults will enable a decision on the best type of treatment in individual cases.Treatment decisions will be basedon a number of factors including general health and the size, rate of growth andposition of the tumour. In some cases, if the tumour is small or if it is not causingany symptoms, treatment may not be needed. Some treatment is highly specialisedinvolving a team of clinical specialists in a few locations in Scotland. Theseinclude ENT surgery, Neurosurgery or Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187151,"EventID":"S2W-14447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 contains provision for the Environment Agency's function in relation to the introduction of rod lice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Border Rivers) Order 1999 contains provision for the Environment Agency's function in relation to the introduction of rod licences on the Border Esk.","AnswerText":"Article 5 of the Border Rivers Order does not make any provision concerning the Environment Agency’s rod licensing functions. It specifically refers to functions of ministers of the Crown, and rod licensing is a duty placed directly on the Environment Agency by the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187152,"EventID":"S2W-14448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it specifies for the maintenance of A class principal routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it specifies for the maintenance of A class principal routes.","AnswerText":"Each local authority is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the non-trunk road network within its area. The Executive does not specify maintenance standards, but has commended to authorities the use of the Code of Practice for Highway Maintenance Delivering Best Value in Highway Maintenance, published by The Institution of Highways and Transportation.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187153,"EventID":"S2W-14449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12683 by Nicol Stephen on 20 December 2004 and in light of the abolition of tolls on the Skye Bridge, whether it has calculated how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12683 by Nicol Stephen on 20 December 2004 and in light of the abolition of tolls on the Skye Bridge, whether it has calculated how much the abolition of tolls cost and, if this calculation has not been made, when it expects it will do so.","AnswerText":"The final cost for ending the tolls on Skye Bridge as agreed in the Termination Agreement was dependent upon the calculation of the corporation tax element. The corporation tax has now been agreed and the total cost is £26.75 million which is very close to my previous announcement that stated the ending of the tolls on Skye Bridge would cost around £27 million. This is the total amount as there is no VAT to be paid. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187154,"EventID":"S2W-14450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-13942, S2W-13944, S2W-13946, S2W-13948, S2W-13950, S2W-13952, S2W-13954 by Rhona Brankin on 11 February 2005 and in light of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-13942, S2W-13944, S2W-13946, S2W-13948, S2W-13950, S2W-13952, S2W-13954 by Rhona Brankin on 11 February 2005 and in light of the calculation of costs for hospitalisation days by total ICD-10 code in Cost to Society of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland: An Update to Alcohol Misuse in Scotland Trends and Costs, published on 20 January 2005, why it is not possible to calculate the cost of hospitalisation days against individual ICD-10 codes in each of the answers.","AnswerText":"NHS costs are available at speciality level only. It is therefore not possible to provide costs for individual alcohol related conditions and/or by ICD-10 codes. The costs quoted in Cost to Society of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland: An Update to Alcohol Misuse in Scotland Trends and Costs are an approximation based on all alcohol related hospitalisations (which include a wide range of diagnostic conditions). It is not possible to use this figure to provide information on the cost of hospitalisation days against individual ICD-10 codes. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187155,"EventID":"S2W-14451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any request or is aware of any request being made by the police or any other authority to a government or police authority outwith the United Kingdom ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any request or is aware of any request being made by the police or any other authority to a government or police authority outwith the United Kingdom for the use of equipment such as water cannons during the hosting of the G8 Summit and, if so, what request for what equipment has been made and to whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no such request, nor has it been made aware of any request by any other organisation in connection with the Summit. Tayside Police, which will have overall responsibility for the policing of the G8 Summit, stated in a press release on 11 February 2005 that it had not ordered any water cannons.","AnswerDate":"2005-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187156,"EventID":"S2W-14452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied to take over the development funding function for their area from Communities Scotland and which local authorities have had such appl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have applied to take over the development funding function for their area from Communities Scotland and which local authorities have had such applications approved, showing each implementation date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to reply. Her response is as follows.Glasgow City and the City of Edinburgh have had their business cases approved and now manage the development funding programmes in their areas. The transfer of programme management was implemented in Glasgow City on 1 September 2003 and in the City of Edinburgh on 12 July 2004. East Lothian, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire and West Lothian have also submitted business cases to transfer the management of development funding in their respective local authority areas. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187157,"EventID":"S2W-14453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have submitted a local housing strategy and how many of these have been approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have submitted a local housing strategy and how many of these have been approved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to reply. Her response is as follows:All 32 local authorities have submitted a local housing strategy to Communities Scotland for assessment. All have been assessed and Communities Scotland has provided feedback to each local authority. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187158,"EventID":"S2W-14454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role local authorities have in the provision by registered social landlords of new build housing and housing regeneration in their areas following the submission and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role local authorities have in the provision by registered social landlords of new build housing and housing regeneration in their areas following the submission and approval of local housing strategies.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Guidance on the preparation ofLocal Housing Strategies produced for local authorities suggests that Strategiesshould identify the broad picture of investment needs for existing and new housing. While Local Housing Strategiesare not intended to be bidding documents, the priorities identified in Strategiesare expected to determine councils' future expenditure priorities. A fit for purpose Local HousingStrategy should set out a clear investment framework for Registered Social Landlordsand for other partners and providers that would allow them to prioritise and targettheir actions and resources in support of the strategy. Where the management of developmentfunding has transferred from Communities Scotland, local authorities are also responsiblefor the administration of funding to Registered Social Landlords and other providers– in all other cases this function remains with Communities Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187159,"EventID":"S2W-14455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently local housing strategies should be updated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently local housing strategies should be updated.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to reply. Her response is as follows:Local housing strategies setout a view of the local housing system for a period of at least five years. Local authorities are requiredto submit the material needed to update their first LHS (dated 2003 or 2004) toCommunities Scotland by 1 July 2005. In addition councils are dueto submit their Scottish Housing Quality Standard Delivery Plans by the end of April2005 and these will also form a significant element of updating the local housingstrategies. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187160,"EventID":"S2W-14456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities registered social landlords have in relation to area renewal and the wider action agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities registered social landlords have in relation to area renewal and the wider action agenda.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:We are keen to encourage registered social landlords (RSLs) to maximise the positive impact they can have on communities beyond the provision and management of housing. This should be done within the framework of the Executive’s Closing the Opportunity Gap objectives. However, we are clear that RSLs are not obliged to get involved in this wider agenda and each RSL must make any decision based on its own circumstances. A full explanation of our policy on supporting the Wider Role of RSLs can be found at www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187161,"EventID":"S2W-14457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossessions there have been in each year since 1980, broken down by sheriff court district and, of these, how many were of properties sold under (a) r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossessions there have been in each year since 1980, broken down by sheriff court district and, of these, how many were of properties sold under (a) right to buy and (b) rent to mortgage in each year since the schemes were introduced.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The Scottish Court Service does not have information which identifies the number of repossessions either for Scotland as a whole or by sheriff court district.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187162,"EventID":"S2W-14458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major capital procurement projects it is working on, broken down by procurement method.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many major capital procurement projects it is working on, broken down by procurement method.","AnswerText":"Atpresent, there are 40 major capital projects (defined as projects with an estimatedvalue of at least £5 million) being undertaken by core Scottish Executive Departments.The breakdown of projects byprocurement method is 29 conventional contracts, 10 as yet undecided and one PPP. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187163,"EventID":"S2W-14459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of staff in its procurement division is working on major capital projects other than PFI/PPP, detailing each project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of staff in its procurement division is working on major capital projects other than PFI/PPP, detailing each project.","AnswerText":"There are 13% of staff compliment in the building division of the Scottish Procurement Directorate (SPD) and 13% of staff compliment in the Procurement Operations branch of SPD advising on major capital projects. This represents a total of nine projects; sevem IT-enabled business change projects, one building project for Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency and one estate development project at Jordanhill School.The majority of all other major capital projects being handled by the core Executive are dealt with by roads division. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187164,"EventID":"S2W-14460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11414 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 November 2004, when it will publish guidance on procurement strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-11414 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 November 2004, when it will publish guidance on procurement strategies.","AnswerText":"The guidance on procurement strategies will be published as part of a construction procurement manual which substantially amends and supersedes the existing construction client pack. It is expected that this will be available by May 2005.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187165,"EventID":"S2W-14461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out in respect of the Empty Homes Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out in respect of the Empty Homes Initiative.","AnswerText":"In September 1999, the ScottishExecutive commissioned a detailed evaluation of the Empty Homes Initiative fromCaledonian Economics Ltd, in association with Arneil Johnston. The evaluationreport was published by the Scottish Executive in February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187166,"EventID":"S2W-14462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken any to identify land owned by public bodies which may be made available for housing development and what these steps are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken any to identify land owned by public bodies which may be made available for housing development and what these steps are.","AnswerText":"We are working to improve arrangementswith other public bodies and UK government departments for the disposal of surpluspublic sector land to make use of such land for housing where appropriate. Thiswork is being taken forward jointly with the Convention of Scottish LocalAuthorities.A key focus is thedevelopment of new agreements for the identification and release by publicbodies of sites suitable for affordable housing. The Executive has alreadyagreed a land release policy with Forestry Commission Scotland. The commission nowprovides a preferential opportunity for registered social landlords, supportedby Communities Scotland, to acquire its surplus land for affordable housing. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187167,"EventID":"S2W-14463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will bring forward proposals for the reform of standard securities for mortgage purposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will bring forward proposals for the reform of standard securities for mortgage purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans for reform of standard securities for mortgage purposes. However, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, we are studying the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Registration of Rights in Security by Companies which is available at http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/downloads/rep197.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187168,"EventID":"S2W-14464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Land Register to be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Land Register to be completed.","AnswerText":"The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland is responsible for the administration of the two property registers in Scotland. These registers are the General Register of Sasines, a register of deeds, which is gradually being superseded by the Land Register, a register of title. The Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 introduced the system of land registration in Scotland. The act envisaged the progressive introduction of the Land Register over Scotland on an area-by-area basis. This was completed in 2003, and the whole of Scotland is now operational for the purposes of land registration. Transactions that induce first registration in the Land Register are set out in the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979. Generally, only a transfer of property for valuable consideration (i.e. a price) will induce the first registration of a property in the Land Register. Thus any property transfer involving deeds recorded in the General Register of Sasines that does not attract a price will remain on that register. There is no set timescale for every property in Scotland to be held on the Land Register. Over time, as more properties held on the Register of Sasines are sold, the stock of properties in Scotland held on the Land Register will increase. The percentage of properties in the Land Register is presently rising by around 3% a year. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187169,"EventID":"S2W-14465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Land Register to be completely available online.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Land Register to be completely available online.","AnswerText":"The Land Register is made up of title sheets for each individual property registered and is held electronically.Information from the Land Register is already available online. In 2001 Registers of Scotland introduced a service known as Registers Direct. This service provides information from the Land Register, and certain other registers, on the internet. Subject to passage of the necessary subordinate legislation, Registers of Scotland plans to begin the roll-out of electronic registration – known as Automated Registration of Title to Land (ARTL) – from November 2006. This system will permit straightforward land registration transactions to be undertaken online. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187170,"EventID":"S2W-14466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will end the cross-subsidy of costs and charges in land registration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will end the cross-subsidy of costs and charges in land registration.","AnswerText":"The fees set in respect of the services provided by Registers of Scotland distinguish between the fees for registration in the registers and the fees for inspecting the information contained in those registers. There is no cross-subsidisation of costs and fees between the registration of property in the property registers and the inspection of information from those registers. The overall costs of registration are met from the overall fee income for registration. Similarly the fees charged for inspection of the registers are intended to meet the overall costs associated with making the registers available for public inspection. The scales upon which fees are calculated for registration of titles and standard securities differ, to reflect generally the different levels of work required. Registers of Scotland is currently undertaking a review of fees relating to the provision of information from the registers, and plans to undertake a review of registration fees in 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187171,"EventID":"S2W-14467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is confident that land certificates issued by the Land Register are accurate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is confident that land certificates issued by the Land Register are accurate.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers set an annual target for Registers of Scotland in respect of the accuracy of land certificates that are issued when an application for registration is complete. The target for the current financial year, 2004-05, requires the Land Register to achieve a registration accuracy rate of at least 98% for land certificates despatched during the previous 12 months. In the 12 months up to 31 December 2004, the Land Register achieved an accuracy rate of 98.60%. 321,918 land certificates were issued from the Land Register during that period, of which 4,503 have required subsequent amendment. Though most are minor and readily remedied, the occurrence of inaccuracies in land certificates is a matter that the Keeper of the Registers and his staff treat very seriously. In order to deliver and maintain improvements in accuracy, a number of measures have been put in place, including the creation of a Data and Information Unit and a Quality Steering Group in Registers of Scotland. Where a Land Certificate contains an inaccuracy, a party affected may apply to the Keeper to have this rectified in the register. The Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 provides for the payment of indemnity to those who have suffered loss as a result of such inaccuracies. Last year, payments were necessary in less than 0.05% of applications. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187172,"EventID":"S2W-14468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to combine planning and title conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to combine planning and title conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to combine planning and title conditions.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187173,"EventID":"S2W-14469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce national title and planning conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce national title and planning conditions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce national title and planning conditions.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187174,"EventID":"S2W-14470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out in respect of stamp duty exemption.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has carried out in respect of stamp duty exemption.","AnswerText":"There are a number of different exemptions and reliefs from Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Land Tax. The Scottish Executive has carried out no analysis of the impact of these reliefs as taxation is a reserved matter. Scottish ministers do however continue to ensure that Scotland’s interests on the issue of taxation, as on other matters, are placed firmly on the agenda in Whitehall.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187175,"EventID":"S2W-14471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to regulate builders' missives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to legislate to regulate builders' missives.","AnswerText":"The Law Society of Scotland is consulting with developers and the home building industry organisation Homes for Scotland on the introduction of a new form of builders’ missive. The Society will then pilot the missive. The Executive will consider the outcome of the pilot before making any decision on whether intervention is necessary. ","AnswerDate":"2005-03-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187176,"EventID":"S2W-14472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to local authorities was of administering royal visits and royal holidays in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to local authorities was of administering royal visits and royal holidays in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The cost to local authorities of administering royal visits and royal holidays is not identified separately in the local authority expenditure returns made to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187177,"EventID":"S2W-14473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to local authorities was of administering and servicing the duties of lords lieutenant and their deputies in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to local authorities was of administering and servicing the duties of lords lieutenant and their deputies in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The cost to local authorities of administering and servicing the duties of lords lieutenant and their deputies is not identified separately in the local authority expenditure returns made to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187178,"EventID":"S2W-14474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to police forces was of policing events attended by members of the royal family in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to police forces was of policing events attended by members of the royal family in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"It is not the policy of the Scottish Executive to comment on, or otherwise disclose details of, the cost of policing eventsattended by members of the royal family as to do so could compromise their securityand play into the hands of those who might wish to intimidate them or cause themharm.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187179,"EventID":"S2W-14475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on events and functions attended by members of the royal family in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by (i) loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on events and functions attended by members of the royal family in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down by (i) local authority area and (ii) police force area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-14476 on 15 March 2005. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2005-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2005-03-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":187180,"EventID":"S2W-14476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2005-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to government bodies, agencies and other public bodies involved in royal visits was in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to government bodies, agencies and other public bodies involved in royal visits was in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001, (d) 2002, (e) 2003 and (f) 2004, broken down into (i) direct expenditure and (ii) cost of time spent in administering and overseeing such visits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold the information for agencies or other public bodies. A proportionof Scottish Executive staff time is spent in administering visits by membersof the Royal Family but we cannot provide yearly breakdowns as records of this typeare not held. We estimate that, for 2004, the cost of staff time was approximately£2000 to £2500. The Executive also runs and paysfor a small number of events most years where members of the Royal Family are inattendance. The information we hold on cost and location is set out below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |