| Dundee City | 1,430 | 1,509 | 1,599 | 1,577 ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203355,"EventID":"S2W-30782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are available for (a) men and (b) women who are victims of domestic violence in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are available for (a) men and (b) women who are victims of domestic violence in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203356,"EventID":"S2W-30783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the provision of services for (a) men and (b) women who are victims of domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the provision of services for (a) men and (b) women who are victims of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committedto tackling domestic abuse in all its forms and works with the National Groupto Address Violence Against Women in progressing this agenda, includingconsideration of ways in which to encourage and develop improved serviceprovision. While the focus of this work is on women who experience domesticabuse, as outlined in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse inScotland, we are looking into issues around domestic abuse and same sexrelationships and the Scottish Executive has provided funding to LGBT YouthScotland to help equip mainstream organisations provide services to lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing abuse usually from a same sexpartner. In addition, following research carried out in 2002 we wrote toservice providers – local authorities; health boards and others; to ask them toconsider how they can best publicise their services to enable more male victimsof domestic abuse to find the help they need and to encourage them to do so.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203357,"EventID":"S2W-30784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of motor neurone disease there have been in each NHS board area since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of motor neurone disease there have been in each NHS board area since 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of patientstreated in Scottish hospitals with a main diagnosis of motor neurone disease ineach financial year since 1999-2000 is shown in the following table: | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | 192 | 220 | 204 | 196 | 205 | 190 | 199 | Source: Scottish MorbidityRecord SMR01 – in-patient/day case discharge summaries. Due to the smallnumbers of patients involved, a break down by NHS board of residence would riskcompromising patient confidentiality. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203358,"EventID":"S2W-30785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board has spent on care for people with motor neurone disease since 1999 and, in particular, on the motor neurone care team service which operates with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board has spent on care for people with motor neurone disease since 1999 and, in particular, on the motor neurone care team service which operates with support from the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association.","AnswerText":"This informationis not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203359,"EventID":"S2W-30786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase spending to meet the needs of the motor neurone care team service, in light of the commitment by the Scottish Motor Neurone Diseas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase spending to meet the needs of the motor neurone care team service, in light of the commitment by the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association to meet 50% of the costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Motor NeuroneDisease Association has had discussions with officials in the Health Departmentabout developing a national Managed Clinical Network for Motor Neurone Disease.NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is developing standards for neurologicalservices, and that process offers an opportunity to consider issues relating tothe way in which services are provided, and by whom.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203360,"EventID":"S2W-30787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to reducing verbal and physical abuse towards NHS staff in hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in relation to reducing verbal and physical abuse towards NHS staff in hospitals.","AnswerText":"TheStaff Governance Standard commits NHSScotland employers to providing a staff witha safe and secure environment.To help employers, the HealthDepartment has invested over £700,000 in the last few years on measures aimed atreducing violent and abusive behaviour towards NHSScotland staff. This includeszero tolerance awareness poster campaigns for hospitals in 2003 and 2005 with furtherposters planned for 2007. Last December we issued awareness posters specificallydesigned for GP practices. Around £500,000 has been provided to NHS boards for localprojects to reduce the risk of violence to staff. Examples of what this providedare: installing door entry systems provision of alarms and panicbuttons increased security mobile phone contact, such asguardian angel for staff working in the community. It is proposed to gather informationon what NHS boards are doing locally and to share good practice with otherboards. NHS employers have also installedCCTV cameras and some have a hot line to the local police or have a police presenceat accident and emergency wards. The Emergency Workers Act provides legal protectionto nurses and doctors and anyone helping them in an emergency. This applies to anyoneworking in the in the hospital setting. In addition, NHS employers also have a sanctionto withdraw treatment in specific instances. Statistics related to violenceis collected and can be seen at Current publishedon the Scottish Health Statistics website under workforce statistics, www.isdscotland.org/workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203361,"EventID":"S2W-30788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding a cruise liner terminal being built outwith the port gates at Leith and when a final decision on the issue will be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding a cruise liner terminal being built outwith the port gates at Leith and when a final decision on the issue will be announced.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matterfor Forth Ports plc.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203362,"EventID":"S2W-30789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the impact of an acquisition of Forth Ports plc by a foreign buyer; what effect such an acquisition would have on Edinburgh and its economy, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the impact of an acquisition of Forth Ports plc by a foreign buyer; what effect such an acquisition would have on Edinburgh and its economy, and what action it plans to take on the matter.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any proposalsfor acquisition of Forth Ports plc by a foreign buyer, other than speculation inthe press.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203363,"EventID":"S2W-30790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pensioners will be entitled to concessionary fares on the proposed Edinburgh tram scheme and, if no decision has been made on the issue, when a decision will be m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pensioners will be entitled to concessionary fares on the proposed Edinburgh tram scheme and, if no decision has been made on the issue, when a decision will be made and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No decision has been made onwhether the free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people should be extendedto cover travel on any future Edinburgh tram network. The current scheme will be reviewed afterits first few years of operation and Scottish ministers may make regulatory changesto it in light of any relevant findings available then.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203364,"EventID":"S2W-30791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29249 by Hugh Henry on 7 November 2006, what expertise is required to be a proficient person under the terms of Practical Fire Safe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29249 by Hugh Henry on 7 November 2006, what expertise is required to be a proficient person under the terms of Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Care Homes and how the circumstances under which a greater level of knowledge and expertise is required are assessed.","AnswerText":"Anyone with any degree ofcontrol over premises covered by the new fire safety regime (as introduced on 1October 2006 by Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, as amended, and theFire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006) must, to the extent of that control,assess the risk from fire in those premises and take reasonable fire safetymeasures in response, to ensure other persons’ safety. However, thisresponsibility will be in direct proportion to the level of control: the morecontrol, the greater the fire safety responsibility. The greater theresponsibility, the greater the level of knowledge and expertise which may berequired in order to undertake a fire safety risk assessment in respect of thepremises.Neither the fire safetylegislation nor Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Care Homes offer aprescriptive definition of the knowledge or expertise required to undertake therisk assessment as this will be unique to the circumstances and the premises.For example, factors which might affect the level of expertise required of theperson undertaking the assessment could be: the nature of the activities undertakenon the premises; the layout of the premises; the persons likely to be on, or inthe immediate vicinity of, the premises; and the fire safety measures already inplace. The person carrying out the assessment must be familiar with thesefactors. In some circumstances, such as where a care home’s layout or structuremay increase the likelihood of fire spread, a greater awareness of thesefactors may be necessary in order fully to understand the fire risks involvedand assess what fire safety measures are required in order to minimise theserisks. It is for those with firesafety responsibilities to ensure that the person undertaking a risk assessmenthas sufficient technical training and experience or knowledge of the premises(its features, the activities undertaken on it and by whom) and therequirements of the fire safety legislation in respect of fire safety measures. In the majority of cases, responsibilityfor enforcing the new fire safety legislation lies with the fire and rescueauthority/joint fire and rescue board. When visited by an enforcement officer,the person with fire safety responsibilities may be asked to discuss the firesafety risk assessment and explain the action taken as a result of theassessment. If the enforcement officer considers that the action taken wasinsufficient to meet the fire safety duties, enforcement action may be takensuch as the service of an enforcement notice which requires specified action tobe taken within a specified time. In cases of serious risk, a prohibitionnotice may be served which prohibits or restricts the use of the premises untilthe specified action has been taken. The powers and duties of enforcementofficers are outlined in Chapter 3 of Practical Fire Safety Guidance forCare Homes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203365,"EventID":"S2W-30792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30162 by Lewis Macdonald on 11 December 2006, when the study into drinking at harmful levels and the availability of treatment serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30162 by Lewis Macdonald on 11 December 2006, when the study into drinking at harmful levels and the availability of treatment services in local areas will be published.","AnswerText":"We are finalising the detailof the specification for the study with the Scottish Association of Drug andAlcohol Action Teams who will be putting the work out to competitive tender inthe near future. This study should be completed by February 2008.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203366,"EventID":"S2W-30793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the (a) planned and (b) outturn expenditure was in respect of (i) total managed expenditure for Scotland and (ii) the housing component of the Communities budget","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the (a) planned and (b) outturn expenditure was in respect of (i) total managed expenditure for Scotland and (ii) the housing component of the Communities budget, or previous equivalent, excluding the Supporting People budget, for each year from 1999-2000 to 2005-06 and what the planned and estimated outturn figures are for 2006-07 and 2007-08.\r\n","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table: | Year | Total Managed Expenditure | Housing | | Budget (£ Million) | Outturn (£ Million) | Plans (£ Million) | Outturn (£ Million) | | 1999-2000 | 15,019 | 15,008 | 374 | 323 | | 2000-01 | 16,540 | 16,166 | 421 | 349 | | 2001-02 | 18,043 | 17,719 | 434 | 385 | | 2002-03 | 20,614 | 20,246 | 508 | 462 | | 2003-04 | 20,993 | 20,313 | 568 | 534 | | 2004-05 | 22,177 | 21,989 | 650 | 669 | | 2005-06 | 23,843 | 23,547 | 640 | 636 | | 2006-07 | 26,114 | n/a | 652 | n/a | | 2007-08 | 27,543 | n/a | 702 | n/a | Notes: 1. Numbers for 1999-2000 to 2005-06are those detailed in the Scottish Executive’s consolidated accounts. 2. Total Managed Expenditurenumbers include DEL, AME and Other Expenditure (e.g. Health income from NationalInsurance contributions). 3. Housing Plans figures takenfrom the following published documents: Making It Work Together (for 1999-2000 figures),The Annual Expenditure Report: The Scottish Budget (for 2000-01 and 2001-02 figures),Draft Budget 2007-08 (for 2002-03 to 2007-08 figures). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203367,"EventID":"S2W-30794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30162 by Lewis Macdonald on 11 December 2006, when the study into drinking at harmful levels and the availability of treatment serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30162 by Lewis Macdonald on 11 December 2006, when the study into drinking at harmful levels and the availability of treatment services in local areas will be published.","AnswerText":"I intimated in myresponse to your constituent on 27 December 2006 thatI could not take up his invitation at this time but that he may wish to approachmy officials regarding attendance at the proposed meeting.The Executive’s consultationon proposals to establish Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park closed on 10 January 2007. My officials have started an analysis of the responsesto the consultation and will take account of the views expressed by the local residentsof Mallaig, along with the other responses received as part of the consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203368,"EventID":"S2W-30795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much total (a) planned expenditure and (b) outturn expenditure was in respect of (i) total managed expenditure for Scotland and (ii) the housing component of the Comm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much total (a) planned expenditure and (b) outturn expenditure was in respect of (i) total managed expenditure for Scotland and (ii) the housing component of the Communities budget, or previous equivalent, excluding the Supporting People budget, for each year from 1999-2000 to 2005-06 and what the planned and estimated outturn figures are for 2006-07 and 2007-08.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. The recruitment of police officers and police support staff is a matterfor individual chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203369,"EventID":"S2W-30796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in the last five years the publication dates of statistics that it produces have been changed and, in each case, what the subject matter was, what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in the last five years the publication dates of statistics that it produces have been changed and, in each case, what the subject matter was, what the original and final date of publication were, what the reasons were for the delay in publication and who took the decision to delay.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the NationalStatistics Code of Practice (2002), the Chief Statistician has final responsibilityfor determining, pre-announcing and, if necessary, altering the dates of publicationof National Statistics and other relevant statistics produced by the Executive.Any decision to change a pre-announcedpublication date will be based on a range of professional considerations. When dates are changed, detailsare placed on the Executive website and key users are notified. The Executive has no historicalrecord of the occasions on which a pre-announced publication date was changed inthe last five years. However, we are aware of eight occasions in the 2006 calendaryear. The details are shown in the following table: Table 1: Changes toPre-Announced Publication Dates, Scottish Executive, 2006 | Publication Name | Pre-Announced Date | Publication Date | Reason for Change | | People Assisted Through Supporting People Funding 2004-2005 | 31-01-2006 | 21-02-2006 | Delay in receiving and checking data. | | Fire Statistics 2004 | 28-02-2006 | 16-02-2006 | To coincide with publication of UK statistics bulletin. | | Operation of Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland: Quarters ending 30 June and 30 September 2005 (temporary accommodation to 31 December 2005) | 29-03-2006 | 28-03-2006 | To keep day of the week in line with previous years. | | Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture | 15-05-2006 | 17-05-2006 | To keep day of the week in line with previous years. | | Firearm Certificate Statistics 2005 | 19-05-2006 | 25-05-2006 | Delay in receiving data. | | Bank Advances to Agriculture | 01-08-2006 | 03-08-2006 | To keep day of the week in line with previous years. | | Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland: National & Local Authority Analyses 2005-06 | 05-09-2006 | 26-09-2006 | Delay in checking data. | | Final Results of the June 2006 Agricultural Census | 26-10-2006 | 25-10-2006 | To keep day of the week in line with previous years. | Note: Publications released bythe General Register Office for Scotland and ISD NHS National Services Scotland have not beenincluded. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203370,"EventID":"S2W-30797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the number of prisoners who continue to use illegal drugs after release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the number of prisoners who continue to use illegal drugs after release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS does not hold theseestimates. However, from August 2005 till July 2006, 1,211 prisoners accessedthe National Throughcare Addiction Service on release from prison. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203371,"EventID":"S2W-30798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female prisoners are mothers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of female prisoners are mothers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:I refer themember to the answer to question S2W-25930 on 23 May 2006. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.< I refer themember to the answer to question S2W-25930 on 23 May 2006. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, thesearch facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203373,"EventID":"S2W-30800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners have a child under 18 years old.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners have a child under 18 years old.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:I refer the memberto the answer to question S2W-25930 on 23 May 2006. 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":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203374,"EventID":"S2W-30801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the average cost per year of keeping an offender in (a) an adult prison and (b) a young offenders’ institution, broken down by main bu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the average cost per year of keeping an offender in (a) an adult prison and (b) a young offenders’ institution, broken down by main budget heading.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS Annual Report and Accountsfor 2005-2006, copies of which are available in the Scottish ParliamentInformation Centre (Bib. number 40385) or via the Scottish Prison Service websiteat www.sps.gov.uk provides information in respectof the expenditure incurred in the Scottish Prison Service. The cost per prisonerplace is not available separately for adult prisons and young offender institutions. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203375,"EventID":"S2W-30802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were housed (a) with one other person in a cell designated for one and (b) with two other persons in a cell designated for two in each of the last 10 y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were housed (a) with one other person in a cell designated for one and (b) with two other persons in a cell designated for two in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Information at that level ofdetail is not collected. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203376,"EventID":"S2W-30803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there were in prisons classified as overcrowded in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there were in prisons classified as overcrowded in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Electronic information is onlyavailable for the period since 2001. | Prison | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Aberdeen | 1 | 2 | | 6 | | 1 | | Barlinnie | 2 | | | 2 | 5 | 5 | | Dumfries | | | | 1 | | | | Edinburgh | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | 1 | | Greenock | 1 | 1 | | | | | | Inverness | | | | 1 | | 1 | | Perth | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | | Total | 6 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 7 | 9 | The prisons identified in thetable have had periods where prisoner numbers have exceeded the design capacityfor those particular prisons. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203377,"EventID":"S2W-30804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment have been released in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment have been released in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Information on the time spentin custody by persons first released from life sentences can be found in AppendixC of the 2005 Annual Report of the Parole Board for Scotland.A link to this document, which is on the Parole Board for Scotland websiteat: http://www.scottishparoleboard.gov.uk/pdf/Parole%20Board%202005.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203378,"EventID":"S2W-30805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners were convicted for drug offences in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners were convicted for drug offences in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The number of direct sentencedreceptions to prison where the main crime was a drugs crime in each of the lastten financial years are given in the following table: | Year | Male | Female | Total | | 1996-97 | 933 | 58 | 991 | | 1997-98 | 955 | 64 | 1,019 | | 1998-99 | 876 | 84 | 960 | | 1999-2000 | 809 | 70 | 879 | | 2000-01 | 763 | 69 | 832 | | 2001-02 | 806 | 81 | 887 | | 2002-03 | 864 | 85 | 949 | | 2003-04 | 867 | 102 | 969 | | 2004-05 | 844 | 126 | 970 | | 2005-06 | 880 | 125 | 1,005 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203379,"EventID":"S2W-30806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the Scottish Prison Service budget was spent on education in 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the Scottish Prison Service budget was spent on education in 2005-06.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The information requested isnot available. The Scottish Prison Service incurred direct expenditure of some £3.5million on education in 2005-06. This figure excludes the cost of education serviceincluded in the cost of the HM Prison Kilmarnock contract – which has a unitary payment for the full service– and internal resources at all establishments which provided education servicesduring this period. An extensive analysis of correctionalopportunities for prisoners was published in January 2005 by Audit Scotland. Thisreport sought to provide estimated costs for correctional opportunities and thisremains the most comprehensive attempt to quantify the associated costs. A similarexercise has not been undertaken since then. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203380,"EventID":"S2W-30807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were prosecuted for offences committed in prison involving (a) violence, (b) drugs and (c) threatening or abusive behaviour and how many offences were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were prosecuted for offences committed in prison involving (a) violence, (b) drugs and (c) threatening or abusive behaviour and how many offences were committed involving two or more of these categories in each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Prosecution is a matter for theCrown Office Procurator Fiscals Office who do not routinely inform the ScottishPrison Service of such cases. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203381,"EventID":"S2W-30808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practitioners have offered NHS dental services in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practitioners have offered NHS dental services in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in table 1.1 of NHS General Dental Services Information a copy of which hasbeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41550).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203382,"EventID":"S2W-30809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults have been registered with an NHS dentist in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults have been registered with an NHS dentist in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in table 1.2 of NHS General Dental Services Information a copy of which hasbeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41550).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203383,"EventID":"S2W-30810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been registered with an NHS dentist in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been registered with an NHS dentist in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in table 1.3 of NHS General Dental Services Information a copy of which hasbeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41550).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203384,"EventID":"S2W-30811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult NHS dental patients have been deregistered in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult NHS dental patients have been deregistered in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Separate data are not maintainedon dental patients who are deregistered as NHS patients by general dental practitioners;these will be included among those patients whose registration status indicates“withdrawn”.Data on the number of adult NHSgeneral dental service patients whose registration status indicates “withdrawn”in the year in question are robust from 2000-01 only and are provided in table 1.4 of NHS General Dental Services Information a copyof which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number41550). Some registrations may have beenwithdrawn because a patient has registered with another NHS dentist. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203385,"EventID":"S2W-30812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child NHS dental patients have been deregistered in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many child NHS dental patients have been deregistered in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Separate data are not maintainedon dental patients who are deregistered as NHS patients by general dental practitioners;these will be included among those patients whose registration status indicates“withdrawn”.Data on the number of child NHSgeneral dental service patients whose registration status indicates “withdrawn”in the year in question are robust from 2000-01 only and are provided in table 1.5 of NHS General Dental Services Information a copyof which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number41550). Some registrations may have beenwithdrawn because a patient has registered with another NHS dentist. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203386,"EventID":"S2W-30813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve road access to Aberdeen from the south.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve road access to Aberdeen from the south.","AnswerText":"The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Fastlink, which are programmed for completion by2011, will provide a safe and reliable route for traffic wishing to bypass the cityand to access areas around the western perimeter. This will be of considerable benefitto the industrial areas around Dyce and Aberdeen Airport. The proposed Fastlinkwill relieve the increasingly congested A90 between Stonehaven and Aberdeen androutes into and through the city centre including the Bridge of Dee.I also refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30814 on 25 January 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203387,"EventID":"S2W-30814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to upgrade the current road infrastructure at the Bridge of Dee in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to upgrade the current road infrastructure at the Bridge of Dee in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and NorthEast of Scotland Transport Partnership (NESTRANS) jointly funded a study on trunkroad access to the Bridge of Dee from the south, in order to identify measures to reducecongestion. A draft report has been produced, and further work is required to considerthe impact of the revised route of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203388,"EventID":"S2W-30815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to local authorities for delivering the access provisions set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; how much of that money has been spen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to local authorities for delivering the access provisions set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; how much of that money has been spent on delivering access, and how much has been diverted to other functions, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Following the introduction ofPart 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, additional funds of £29.2 million were includedin the local government settlement for the period 2001-02 to 2005-06 for accessrelated activity. A further £8.1 million was included for 2006-07 and for 2007-08.These sums form part of the total block grant allocation and areallocated to local authorities as part of the GAE provision.The Scottish Executive has establisheda monitoring scheme to collect information from local authorities on the progressachieved in the delivery of access measures. Progress information is collected ona bi-annual basis and expenditure information on an annual basis. Details are availableon the Executive website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Countryside/16328/AccessAuthorities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203389,"EventID":"S2W-30816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any indicative figures for Aggregate External Finance to local authorities for 2008-09 and 2009-10 and, if so, what these figures are for each local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any indicative figures for Aggregate External Finance to local authorities for 2008-09 and 2009-10 and, if so, what these figures are for each local authority.","AnswerText":"No. The Aggregate External Finance(AEF) totals for the period 2008-11 will not be known until after the conclusionof the 2007 Spending Review. Under the expected timetable, local authorities wouldbe notified of the new figures in late November or early December 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203390,"EventID":"S2W-30817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, under the proposed UK Statistics and Registration Services Bill, what the position of the Chief Statistician for Scotland will be in relation to (a) Scottish ministers, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, under the proposed UK Statistics and Registration Services Bill, what the position of the Chief Statistician for Scotland will be in relation to (a) Scottish ministers, (b) the National Statistician and (c) the proposed statistics board and to which organisation or individual the Chief Statistician for Scotland will be responsible.","AnswerText":"Subject to the passage of thenecessary legislative consent motion (LCM), the Statistics and Registration ServiceBill will give the Statistics Board a rolein setting and monitoring the standards of Scottish statistics.If the LCM is passed, the chiefstatistician in the Scottish Executive will be accountable to Scottishministers as he is now. Inaccordance with the current National Statistics Framework, the chiefstatistician is professionally accountable to the national statistician. The bill does not set out theposition of the national statistician or the board in relation to chief statisticiansof the devolved administrations or the head of professions of UK governmentdepartments. The framework, which currently outlines roles and responsibilities,will be reviewed. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203391,"EventID":"S2W-30818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional policing costs were incurred by Strathclyde Police in relation to policing and security in and around Oban from 24 to 26 November 2006 and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional policing costs were incurred by Strathclyde Police in relation to policing and security in and around Oban from 24 to 26 November 2006 and, if so, what those costs were.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30819 on 2 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203392,"EventID":"S2W-30819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the UK Government will compensate Strathclyde Police for any additional policing costs incurred in relation to policing and security in and around Oban from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the UK Government will compensate Strathclyde Police for any additional policing costs incurred in relation to policing and security in and around Oban from 24 to 26 November 2006 and, if so, who will pay such compensation.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Police wasallocated in the region of £496 million, out of a total police budget of almost£1.1 billion, for 2006-07. In the last five years alone funding for StrathclydePolice has increased by £125.4 million and the number of police officers hasrisen by 472 with support staff rising by 895.The Chief Constable ofStrathclyde Police is responsible for planning the use of the resources available to him to deliver the full range ofpolicing activities, including maintaining public order and security. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203393,"EventID":"S2W-30820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weekly financial penalties were imposed on HM Prison Inverness for being below the contracted level of 150 places at any points from 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2006","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weekly financial penalties were imposed on HM Prison Inverness for being below the contracted level of 150 places at any points from 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2006 and how any such penalties were calculated.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The Scottish Prison Service doesnot operate a system of financial penalties. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203394,"EventID":"S2W-30821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding HM Prison Inverness received for being above the contracted level of 150 places at any points from 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2006 and how this w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding HM Prison Inverness received for being above the contracted level of 150 places at any points from 1 April 2006 to 31 December 2006 and how this was calculated.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:HM Prison Inverness is notcontracted to provide additional prisoner places. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203395,"EventID":"S2W-30822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms the Scottish Prison Service employs to determine the workload of individual prisons and its impact on each prison’s workforce and key functions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms the Scottish Prison Service employs to determine the workload of individual prisons and its impact on each prison’s workforce and key functions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:Each public sector prison issubject to a performance contract which identifies the required outputs and theresources provided. These are determined on an annual basis. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203396,"EventID":"S2W-30823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what method the Scottish Prison Service identifies efficiency gains when determining the levels of savings required of prison governors from their allocated budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what method the Scottish Prison Service identifies efficiency gains when determining the levels of savings required of prison governors from their allocated budgets.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:All parts of the service arerequired by me to keep expenditure under strict review and identify areas for savingswhich are then agreed with Trade Union partners. Once agreed these are reviewedby a director who decides whether or not the saving should be taken. Savings areonly accepted if it is considered that agreed performance levels can be deliveredin line with the establishment’s performance contract. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203397,"EventID":"S2W-30824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings were required of HM Prison Inverness for the financial year 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings were required of HM Prison Inverness for the financial year 2006-07.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS is seeking todeliver efficiency savings. Each establishment is required to use its bestendeavours to contribute to this objective. Where establishments fall shortthis inevitably increases the requirement for others. To date, HM Prison Invernesshas not yet delivered any efficiency savings for 2006-07. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203398,"EventID":"S2W-30825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what period the Scottish Prison Service anticipates that the position in respect of acting governors at HM Prison Inverness and HM Prison Peterhead will continue; whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what period the Scottish Prison Service anticipates that the position in respect of acting governors at HM Prison Inverness and HM Prison Peterhead will continue; whether the current incumbents will be confirmed in post, and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The current incumbents areon temporary promotion. There are no plans to confirm the current incumbents inpost. The SPS will run an external recruitment for H Band staff in the nearfuture. These positions will bereviewed in due course along with other operational posts. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203399,"EventID":"S2W-30826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has taken to fill all current vacancies at prison governor and deputy governor level; whether the SPS has a succession planni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has taken to fill all current vacancies at prison governor and deputy governor level; whether the SPS has a succession planning strategy and, if so, whether this strategy has been revised.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS regularly reviews thesenior management teams in establishments. As deemed appropriate, the SPS will initiatemoves to satisfy individual personal and developmental preferences and organisationalneeds. The SPS has a succession planning strategy which is reviewed on an on-goingbasis. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203400,"EventID":"S2W-30827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) unpublished structural and organisational review informs succession planning in the SPS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) unpublished structural and organisational review informs succession planning in the SPS.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The structural andorganisational review has made a number of recommendations which are currently beingconsidered by the SPS Board and its Trade Union partners. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203401,"EventID":"S2W-30828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of the Scottish Prison Service’s structural and organisational review, broken down into (a) internal costs and (b) costs incurred on external cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of the Scottish Prison Service’s structural and organisational review, broken down into (a) internal costs and (b) costs incurred on external consultants.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Internal costs of £250,000 andexternal costs of £10,000 were incurred in the SPS structural and organisationalreview which seeks to make the Scottish Prison Service more competitive by developingprocesses to improve operational flexibility, speed of deployment and staff flexibility. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203402,"EventID":"S2W-30829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Disclosure Scotland should amend the existing disclosure application form without adequate consultation with service users, given the cost of am","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Disclosure Scotland should amend the existing disclosure application form without adequate consultation with service users, given the cost of amending the form and its possible obsolescence should the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill be enacted.","AnswerText":"The new Disclosure Scotland applicationform is set out in the Schedule to Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) 2006 No 521.The SSI came into force on 15 December 2006 after completing the normal Parliamentaryprocess for Instruments that are subject to negative procedure. The new form wasintroduced following criticism by users that the previous form was too complicated.The top 35 users of Disclosure Scotland, including the Central Registered Body forScotland (CRBS), which processes free checks for the voluntary sector, were consultedon the planned revisions. The new form is simpler and more logical. It includestwo new questions. The first ensures that the Disqualified from Working with ChildrenList and its English counterpart is checked for all childcare posts and the Protectionof Vulnerable Adults list from England checked for posts working with protectedadults. The second allows free checks for volunteers working with children and protectedadults in the voluntary sector to be processed without the involvement of the CRBS.The new form can be used for applications for disclosures underthe Police Act 1997 for at least the next seven years. It will also be used by thoseapplicants who will in future join the vetting and barring Scheme proposed in theProtection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill until such time as the scheme isup and running, which is expected to be during 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203403,"EventID":"S2W-30830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review or terminate any existing contracts that its departments or agencies have with Scottish Gas following the company’s recent announcement that i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review or terminate any existing contracts that its departments or agencies have with Scottish Gas following the company’s recent announcement that it intends to introduce £5 fines for customers who do not pay within 28 days.","AnswerText":"Scottish Gas hold thecontract to manage the central heating programme and the Warm Deal on behalf of the Scottish Executive. I do not intend to review or terminate thiscontract in light of the company’s introduction of fines on customers who arelate in paying bills. Scottish Gas has provided assurance that vulnerablecustomers will not be subject to these fines.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203404,"EventID":"S2W-30831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money has been allocated by Scottish ministers to Scottish Gas or its parent company, British Gas, over the last seven years in connection with any projec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money has been allocated by Scottish ministers to Scottish Gas or its parent company, British Gas, over the last seven years in connection with any projects or programmes initiated by Scottish ministers in which Scottish Gas is a partner.","AnswerText":"Between October 2006 andApril 2008 Scottish ministers will have allocated £70 million to Scottish Gasto manage the central heating programme and Warm Deal and install centralheating systems in 18,000 homes and Warm Deal measures in 8,000 properties.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203405,"EventID":"S2W-30832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations Scottish ministers have made to Scottish Gas following recent price rises and the announcement that the firm intends to levy a £5 fine on customers w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations Scottish ministers have made to Scottish Gas following recent price rises and the announcement that the firm intends to levy a £5 fine on customers who pay late, in light of any impact of such actions on vulnerable and low-income families across Scotland.","AnswerText":"My predecessor, Malcolm Chisholm,met with representatives of the three main Scottish energy suppliers late lastyear to discuss rising prices and actions that they are taking to protectvulnerable customers. My officials are in regular dialogue with Scottish Gasand have been assured that vulnerable customers will be exempt from the £5 fineintroduced for late payment of bills.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203406,"EventID":"S2W-30833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mortality rate for skin cancer has been in each year since 1995, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mortality rate for skin cancer has been in each year since 1995, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the table Mortality rates forskin cancer, by parliamentary constituency,1995-2005 a copy of which is availablein the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41643).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203407,"EventID":"S2W-30834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what official residences have been made available to Scottish ministers in the course of their duties; where each residence is; what the council tax banding of each is, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what official residences have been made available to Scottish ministers in the course of their duties; where each residence is; what the council tax banding of each is, and to which Scottish minister each residence is allocated.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30835 on 30 January 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203408,"EventID":"S2W-30835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on each official residence made available to a Scottish minister on (a) council tax, (b) rent, (c) repairs and maintenance, (d) redecoration and (e) other running costs in 2005-06.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-29639 on 22 December 2006, whichgave the relevant information in respect of Bute House which is used in part asan official residence for the First Minister and is the only building the Executiveuses as such. Of the £75,500 spent on maintenance and new works in 2005-06, £9,781related to redecoration.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203409,"EventID":"S2W-30836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special advisers have made use of an official car in the last 12 months, excluding travel when accompanying a minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special advisers have made use of an official car in the last 12 months, excluding travel when accompanying a minister.","AnswerText":"No. Special advisors do not havean entitlement to use the cars operated by the Government Car Service unless accompanyingsomeone who has that entitlement.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203410,"EventID":"S2W-30837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers were found guilty of a speed limit offences and what (a) maximum, (b) minimum and (c) average penalty was imposed for such offences in each of the last f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drivers were found guilty of a speed limit offences and what (a) maximum, (b) minimum and (c) average penalty was imposed for such offences in each of the last five years, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information isgiven in the following table. Many speeding offences result in a police conditionaloffers of a fixed penalty. In 2004-05, a total of 193,240 conditional offers wereissued in relation to speeding offencesSpeeding Offences1with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts, by Police Force Area, 1999-2000 to 2004-05 | Police Force Area | Total | Number Resulting in a Fine | Value of Fine Imposed (£) | | Maximum | Minimum | Mean | | 1999-2000 | | | | | | | Central | 1,006 | 1,005 | 600 | 25 | 104 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,926 | 1,909 | 750 | 30 | 125 | | Fife | 575 | 573 | 700 | 40 | 99 | | Grampian | 2,447 | 2,437 | 900 | 30 | 124 | | Lothian and Borders | 2,020 | 2,011 | 1,000 | 20 | 135 | | Northern | 1,118 | 1,112 | 575 | 25 | 149 | | Strathclyde | The information requested isprovided in the document entitled SEAS record of monies paid by the ScottishExecutive and its agencies to business organisations for the financial years 2005-06,and 2006-07 (to date). A copy of this document has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41473). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203412,"EventID":"S2W-30839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any dates and times when any one of the three accident and emergency (A&E) units in Lanarkshire have been unable to accept any more patients or when ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any dates and times when any one of the three accident and emergency (A&E) units in Lanarkshire have been unable to accept any more patients or when they have referred patients to other A&E units in each of the last 12 months, also indicating for how long on each occasion this situation existed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Lanarkshire.The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203413,"EventID":"S2W-30840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government in respect of the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the joint venture between Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government in respect of the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the joint venture between Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink and the manner in which the inquiry was conducted.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provideda written response to the Competition Commission (CC) inquiry on 3 April 2006 which isavailable on the CC website at:http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/citylink/third_party_submissions.htm Officials also gave evidenceat an oral hearing dealing with the CC inquiry on the 27 March 2006; a summary ofevidence provided at this hearing is available on the CC website at: http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/ref2006/citylink/third_party_summaries.htm Officials are also in contactwith the commission to ensure that it takes a well informed and well consideredapproach that does not have unintended unhelpful consequences for passenger services. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203414,"EventID":"S2W-30841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment is made of the availability of residential detoxification programmes for prisoners whose offences are alcohol or drug related to enable offenders to move","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment is made of the availability of residential detoxification programmes for prisoners whose offences are alcohol or drug related to enable offenders to move straight from custody into such programmes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:There is no assessment madeof the availability of residential detoxification programmes. However,prisoners with identified substance misuse problems are assessed by enhanced addictioncasework services as a part of the wider integrated case management process.Should the community integration plan identify that the prisoner requires aresidential detoxification programme on release, links are made withappropriate community based service providers to carry out a full assessmentwhilst the individual is in prison. Where this does not happen (due to sentencelength) a referral will be made to the appropriate service provider in thecommunity who has the responsibility of assessing for residential care places. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203415,"EventID":"S2W-30842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the locations of residential detoxification programmes for discharged prisoners, showing the number of places available on each programme in each ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the locations of residential detoxification programmes for discharged prisoners, showing the number of places available on each programme in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30841 on 31 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203416,"EventID":"S2W-30843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available quota in the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence area has been in litres in each year since 1999 and, of this, how much has been unused by producers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available quota in the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence area has been in litres in each year since 1999 and, of this, how much has been unused by producers.","AnswerText":"Information on milk quota utilisationis collected by the Rural Payments Agency. Details of the net quota held and unusedquota by producers in the Southern Isles ring fence area since 2003-04 is set outin the following table. Figures are not available for previous years as milk purchaserswere not required to supply the RPA with this information. | Quota Year | Net Quota Held by Producers (Million Litres) | Net Unused Quota (Million Litres) | | 2003-04 | 53,750,581 | 2,169,168 | | 2004-05 | 60,020,230 | 8,121,076 | | 2005-06 | 54,308,949 | 1,295,359 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203417,"EventID":"S2W-30844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30581 by Mr Tom McCabe on 4 January 2007, what the value is of its contract with Serco Integrated Services and how much it has paid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30581 by Mr Tom McCabe on 4 January 2007, what the value is of its contract with Serco Integrated Services and how much it has paid to Serco in each year since the contract commenced.","AnswerText":"The value of the Serco IntegratedServices contract is £10.4 million, based on a five year contract which has an enddate of 30 March 2007. There is an option for an extension by two additionalone year periods however these have yet to be taken up.The following table shows theexpenditure due under the contract on an annual basis broken down into financialyears. Payments have been made to Serco in accordance with all submitted/agreedinvoices. | Financial Year | Expenditure | | 2002-03 | £1,862,943 | | 2003-04 | £2,006,237 | | 2004-05 | £1,931,091 | | 2005-06 | £2,231,240 | | 2006 – 31-12-2006 | £1,912,395 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203418,"EventID":"S2W-30845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the police or the Ministry of Defence about policing policy in respect of the Faslane 365 campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the police or the Ministry of Defence about policing policy in respect of the Faslane 365 campaign.","AnswerText":"None. Policing within theFaslane base is carried out by the MOD Police and is a reserved matter. Policingoutside the perimeter of Faslane is carried out by Strathclyde Police and operational policing is a matter for individual chiefconstables.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203419,"EventID":"S2W-30846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it is permissible to hold an arrested person in a police cell overnight.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it is permissible to hold an arrested person in a police cell overnight.","AnswerText":"Section 22 of the CriminalProcedure (Scotland) Act 1995 states that where a person has beenarrested and charged with an offence which may be tried summarily, the officerin charge of a police station may:(a) liberate them upon awritten undertaking, signed by them and certified by the officer, in terms ofwhich the person agrees to appear at a specified court at a specific time; (b) liberate them withoutany such undertaking, or (c) refuse to liberate them. A person who is notliberated should be brought into court on the next day it sits after the day of the arrest. It is a matter for the police how they deal with individual cases. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203420,"EventID":"S2W-30847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the cross-border public authorities as defined in the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the cross-border public authorities as defined in the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-BorderPublic Authorities) (Specification) Order 1999 (S.I.1999/1319) sets out the cross-borderpublic authorities as specified under section 88 of the Scotland Act 1998. A copyof this order can be found in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.number 23320).Only one such order has everbeen made. The statutory framework for the operation of new bodies with devolvedand non-devolved functions created since devolution is set out in the relevant establishingstatutes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203421,"EventID":"S2W-30848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which European Council meetings since 1999 Scottish ministers have led the UK delegation, as defined in Article 146 of the Maastricht Treaty, detailing the names of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which European Council meetings since 1999 Scottish ministers have led the UK delegation, as defined in Article 146 of the Maastricht Treaty, detailing the names of the relevant ministers, the subjects discussed and decisions taken in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to theanswers to questions S2W-23043 on 2 March 2006, and S2W-30519, on 16 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203422,"EventID":"S2W-30849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which European Council meetings Scottish ministers have participated since May 1999, detailing the names of the relevant ministers, the subjects discussed and decision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which European Council meetings Scottish ministers have participated since May 1999, detailing the names of the relevant ministers, the subjects discussed and decisions taken in each case.","AnswerText":"Details of Scottish Executiveministerial attendance at European Union Council of Ministers meetings are availableon the Scottish Executive website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/International-Relations/Europe/Page6. Information on the subjects discussedand decisions taken is available on the Council of the European Union website at: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp?id=221&lang=en&mode=g. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203423,"EventID":"S2W-30850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the membership of the Judicial Committee responsible for resolving any dispute between the Scottish Parliament and the Westminster Government in resp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the membership of the Judicial Committee responsible for resolving any dispute between the Scottish Parliament and the Westminster Government in respect of the former’s exercise of its powers under the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The membership of the JudicialCommittee of the Privy Council is available on the Privy Council website, accessibleat www.privy-council.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203424,"EventID":"S2W-30851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all changes that have been made since May 1999, 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 changes that have been made since May 1999, or are in the process of being made, to Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to thequestion S2W-30852 answered on 1 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203425,"EventID":"S2W-30852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5062 by Patricia Ferguson on 19 January 2004, what subsequent discussions it has had with Her Majesty’s Government on any modificat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-5062 by Patricia Ferguson on 19 January 2004, what subsequent discussions it has had with Her Majesty’s Government on any modifications of the Schedule of reserved matters under section 29(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 and what any such modifications were.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is inregular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, includingissues relating to legislative competence where appropriate.Schedules 4 and 5 to theScotland Act 1998 have been amended by a series of Orders made under section30(2) of the Scotland Act 1998. The Orders are available in the public domainand may be viewed on the Office of Public Sector Information website: www.opsi.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203426,"EventID":"S2W-30853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28367 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, how many Scottish judges are currently members of the Privy Council and whether it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28367 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, how many Scottish judges are currently members of the Privy Council and whether it will list them.","AnswerText":"The total number of Scottishjudges, including retired judges, is 23. The names in alphabetical order are listedas follows.The Rt Hon Lord Abernethy The Rt Hon Lord Cameron of Lochbroom* The Rt Hon Lord Coulsfield* The Rt Hon Lord Cullen of Whitekirk* The Rt Hon Lord Eassie The Rt Hon Lord Gill The Rt Hon Lord Hamilton The Rt Hon Lord Hardie The Rt Hon Lord Hope of Craighead The Rt Hon Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle* The Rt Hon Lord Johnston The Rt Hon Lord Kingarth The Rt Hon Lord Macfadyen The Rt Hon Lord Mackay of Clashfern* The Rt Hon Lord Mackay of Drumadoon The Rt Hon Lord Marnoch* The Rt Hon Lord Nimmo Smith The Rt Hon Lord Osborne The Rt Hon Lord Penrose* The Rt Hon Lord Philip The Rt Hon Lord Prosser* The Rt Hon Lord Rodger of Earlsferry* The Rt Hon Lord Sutherland* *Retired. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203427,"EventID":"S2W-30854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel or legislative consent motions it has lodged in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel or legislative consent motions it has lodged in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isavailable online at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/legConMem/index.htm. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203428,"EventID":"S2W-30855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28342 by Patricia Ferguson on 9 September 2002, whether it will list any feudal superiorities in Scotland owned by Prince Charles, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28342 by Patricia Ferguson on 9 September 2002, whether it will list any feudal superiorities in Scotland owned by Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, in his role as the Prince and Steward of Scotland, as referred to in Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The feudal system of landtenure in Scotland was brought to an end on 28 November 2004 when theAbolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 was fully brought into force. On thatdate, all superiority interests in land were extinguished. Section 58 of theAct applies the provisions in the act to The Crown and the Prince and Stewardof Scotland. Therefore, the Prince and Steward of Scotland doesnot now own any feudal superiorities.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203429,"EventID":"S2W-30856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the report on the role of prison visiting committees and, if so, when.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the report on the role of prison visiting committees and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"We intend to publish thereport Review of Prison Visiting Committees by March 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203430,"EventID":"S2W-30858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average weekly cost per resident in (a) Scotland and (b) each local authority area of providing care home services in (i) local authority a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the average weekly cost per resident in (a) Scotland and (b) each local authority area of providing care home services in (i) local authority and (ii) private sector care homes in the most recent year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-30520 on 19 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203431,"EventID":"S2W-30859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount was spent in (a) Scotland and (b) each local authority area on local authority-run care homes in the last full year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount was spent in (a) Scotland and (b) each local authority area on local authority-run care homes in the last full year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Figures detailing the amountspent on local authority-run care homes are not held centrally. The following tableshows the total expenditure by each local authority on care homes for allclient groups. This will include money paid to operators of private sector carehomes as well as money spent on care homes run by local authorities.Gross1 and Net2Expenditure by Local Authorities on Care Homes, 2005-06 | | Gross Expenditure1 (£000) | Net Expenditure2 (£000) | | Aberdeen City | 66,556 | 46,992 | | Aberdeenshire | 44,211 | 27,738 | | Angus | 23,397 | 16,938 | | Argyll and Bute | 20,150 | 15,836 | | Clackmannanshire | 10,831 | 4,424 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 23,344 | 13,219 | | Dundee City | 31,000 | 24,656 | | East Ayrshire | 18,732 | 13,991 | | East Dunbartonshire | 9,032 | 6,789 | | East Lothian | 13,371 | 12,024 | | East Renfrewshire | 6,731 | 6,575 | | Edinburgh, City of | 98,964 | 73,070 | | Eilean Siar | 8,948 | 6,853 | | Falkirk | 23,930 | 12,025 | | Fife | 53,477 | 37,394 | | Glasgow City | 45,932 | 40,359 | | Highland | 53,141 | 36,190 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203433,"EventID":"S2W-30861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average gross weekly fee per care home resident has been charged by each local authority for care and accommodation services, other than for personal and nursing car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average gross weekly fee per care home resident has been charged by each local authority for care and accommodation services, other than for personal and nursing care, in (a) 2005-06 and (b) the current financial year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-30520, on 19 January 2007, which shows the average gross weeklycharge for local authority run care homes and for privately operated care homesas at 30 September 2005. More recent data is not currently available. Theinformation requested can be found in the local authority column.Thesefee levels are inclusive of money for personal and nursing care as dataexcluding these charges is not available. 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":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203434,"EventID":"S2W-30862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes were (a) started and (b) completed in each year since May 1999, broken down into (i) private sector, (ii) public sector and (iii) housing association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes were (a) started and (b) completed in each year since May 1999, broken down into (i) private sector, (ii) public sector and (iii) housing association.","AnswerText":"The number of new dwellings startedand completed since 1996 is published in the Housing trends in Scotland: quarterending 30 June 2006 bulletin (tables 6 and 7). This is available on-line in the publications sectionof the housing statistics branch reference site:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/PubHousingTrend. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203435,"EventID":"S2W-30863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of houses affected by (a) dampness and (b) condensation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of houses affected by (a) dampness and (b) condensation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House ConditionSurvey for the year from October 2003 to September 2004 estimates that around 103,000households in Scotland (5%) live in dwellings showing signs of rising or penetratingdamp. The survey estimates that around 243,000 households (11%) live in dwellingsshowing signs of condensation.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203436,"EventID":"S2W-30864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of people or families on local authority housing waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of people or families on local authority housing waiting lists.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30466 on 19 December 2006. Information on waiting lists is collectedon an annual basis and there have been no updates since the most recent informationfor 2005-06 was published.All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203437,"EventID":"S2W-30865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of homeless people, broken down by status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of homeless people, broken down by status.","AnswerText":"The latest figures on homelessnessare published in the statistical bulletin Operation of the Homeless Persons legislationin Scotland: National and Local Authority Analysis 2005-06. Thisgives a full breakdown of the characteristics of applicant households and assessmentsmade (tables 11 and 12), and is available on-line in the publications section of the housing statistics branch reference site:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/PubHomeless. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203438,"EventID":"S2W-30866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of net migration into Scotland it estimates is required to offset any population loss resulting from current projections of a birth rate below the replacement ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of net migration into Scotland it estimates is required to offset any population loss resulting from current projections of a birth rate below the replacement level required to maintain a stable population figure.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) publish the populationprojections for Scotland. In addition to the principalprojection, which uses assumptions considered to reflect current trends, GROSalso publish a series of projections reflecting different scenarios which areavailable on the GROS website:http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/library/popproj/index.html#2004-based. The principal projection,including net inflow of 4,000 per year, envisages a broadly stable populationover the next 25 years. A variant assuming a long-term net inflow of 12,500persons a year would result in a population of today’s size in 70 years butwould result in a small population increase in the meantime. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203439,"EventID":"S2W-30867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of children living in (a) absolute and (b) relative poverty and what the comparative figures were in May (i) 1997, (ii) 1999 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of children living in (a) absolute and (b) relative poverty and what the comparative figures were in May (i) 1997, (ii) 1999 and (iii) 2003.","AnswerText":"The information requested isavailable in the publication Scottish Households Below Average Income, 2004-05which is available either in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number39177) or on the Scottish Executive website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/95793/0023203.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203440,"EventID":"S2W-30868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the gross domestic product would be in Scotland (a) in total and (b) per capita had the growth of the Scottish economy matched that of the United Kingdo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the gross domestic product would be in Scotland (a) in total and (b) per capita had the growth of the Scottish economy matched that of the United Kingdom since May (a) 1997 and (b) 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executivecannot provide estimates of GDP changes from a particular month, as requested,as data are not collected on a monthly basis. Annual GVA (gross value added) figuresare available on the Office for National Statistics website using the followinglink:http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=14650. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203441,"EventID":"S2W-30869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of Scotland’s gross domestic product, expressed in (a) pounds sterling and (b) US dollars.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of Scotland’s gross domestic product, expressed in (a) pounds sterling and (b) US dollars.","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), the Scottish GVA in 2005 was£86.3 billion, which is the equivalent of $157.1 billion at an exchange rate of1.8195.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203442,"EventID":"S2W-30870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimates are of the number of people who are (a) unemployed, (b) economically inactive and (c) economically inactive but fit and able to work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimates are of the number of people who are (a) unemployed, (b) economically inactive and (c) economically inactive but fit and able to work.","AnswerText":"The latest available data onthe composition of economic inactivity is for the period of July to September2006. The number of people who were unemployed in this period was 131,000. Thenumber of people of working age who were economically inactive was 641,000 ofwhich 397,000 were economically inactive for reasons other than being sick ordisabled.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203443,"EventID":"S2W-30871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed under the successor programmes to the New Deal, broken down by programme and age group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed under the successor programmes to the New Deal, broken down by programme and age group.","AnswerText":"New Deal programmes stillexist so there is no successor to these programmes at present.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203444,"EventID":"S2W-30872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average household income is in Scotland and what it estimates the average household income would have been if it had grown at the same rate as in the United King","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average household income is in Scotland and what it estimates the average household income would have been if it had grown at the same rate as in the United Kingdom since May (a) 1997 and (b) 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table presentsthe median weekly household income estimates for Scotland based on the Family ResourcesSurvey. Results have been presented using GB information as the Family ResourcesSurvey has only included Northern Ireland since 2002-03.Table: Median Weekly Household Income for Scotland, 2004-05 | £ Per Week | Equivalised Net Disposable Household Income, Before Housing Costs | Equivalised Net Disposable Household Income, After Housing Costs | | Scotland’s median in 2004-05 | 349 | 313 | | Scotland’s median if it followed a GB growth rate since 1996-97 | 339 | 301 | | Scotland’s median if it followed a GB growth rate since 1998-99 | 343 | 305 | Source: Households Below AverageIncome, DWP. Further information can be foundin the latest Scottish Households Below Average Income 2004-05 publicationhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/95793/0023203.pdf. Notes: Net disposable household income: Total income after deductions for income tax,National Insurance Contributions, council tax, pension contributions and maintenancepayments. Housing costs: Net disposable income but with rent/mortgage payments,water charges, structural insurance premiums, ground rent and service charges deducted. Equivalised net disposable householdincome: “Equivalised” Income is used to allowcomparisons of living standards between different household types. Income is adjustedto take into account variations in the size and composition of the household. Thisadjustment reflects the fact that a family of several people requires a higher incomethan a single person in order for both households to enjoy a comparable standardof living. The key assumption is that all individuals in the household benefit equallyfrom the combined (equivalised) income of the household. There are distinct equivalencescales used for income before housing costs (BHC) and income after housing costs(AHC). Median: The income valuewhich divides a population, when ranked by income, into two equal-sized groups.The measure is most commonly used to represent average income due to the highlyskewed nature of the income distribution, which leads to the very high incomes ofa few having a disproportionate impact on the mean. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203445,"EventID":"S2W-30873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the ratio of workers to non-workers and what the comparative ratio was in 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the ratio of workers to non-workers and what the comparative ratio was in 1997.","AnswerText":"The latest data, taken fromthe Office for National Statistics labour market first release, on the ratiofor workers to non-workers at a Scottish level relates to the period ofSeptember to November 2006. The ratio of working age people in employment toworking age people who were not in employment in this period was 3.05. Theequivalent ratio for September to November 1997 was 2.48.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203446,"EventID":"S2W-30874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisation is responsible for monitoring, supervising and regulating pilotage in the Forth ports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisation is responsible for monitoring, supervising and regulating pilotage in the Forth ports.","AnswerText":"Forth Ports plc is the competentharbour authority for the Firth of Forth. It is responsible for regulating arrangementsfor pilotage on the Forth as required by the Pilotage Act 1987, and also for authorisingpilots to conduct pilotage on the Forth. Part of this duty involves keeping the need for pilotageand the service provided under review.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203447,"EventID":"S2W-30875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilots and regulation of pilotage on the River Forth can be sold or acquired as part of any prospective sale of Forth Ports plc and, if so, what steps the Exe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilots and regulation of pilotage on the River Forth can be sold or acquired as part of any prospective sale of Forth Ports plc and, if so, what steps the Executive can take in event of ownership of the ports by a foreign buyer.","AnswerText":"Forth Ports plc is the competentharbour authority for the Firth of Forth and is responsible for regulating arrangementsfor pilotage on the Forth as required by the Pilotage Act 1987. Any potential changeof ownership would not affect the designated status of the port and its abilityand duty to provide pilotage services.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203448,"EventID":"S2W-30876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1845,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the GP out-of-hours service has been operating in remote and rural areas, particularly over the recent festive period, and how many foreign agency staff have been bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the GP out-of-hours service has been operating in remote and rural areas, particularly over the recent festive period, and how many foreign agency staff have been brought in to assist with out-of-hours provision.","AnswerText":"Independent GP practices continueto provide much of the out-of-hours cover in remote and rural areas, and the informationon their operational performance is not held centrally.The rest of the out-of-hoursservice has performed well over the festive period. For example, NHS 24 and NHSboard out-of-hours services were able to manage a 15 per cent increase in callsover the festive period compared with the previous year. Information on the involvementof foreign staff in the out-of-hours service is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203449,"EventID":"S2W-30877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outcome of its consultation, Review of Access Criteria for Infertility Services in Scotland, before dissolution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outcome of its consultation, Review of Access Criteria for Infertility Services in Scotland, before dissolution.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executiveintends to publish the report of the Review of Access Criteria for InfertilityServices in Scotland shortly. Additional work on recommendations arisingfrom the review is underway and we will publish the findings of this in duecourse.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203450,"EventID":"S2W-30878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has costed the provision of equal and full fertility services for all those requiring them and, if so, whether it will publish the costings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has costed the provision of equal and full fertility services for all those requiring them and, if so, whether it will publish the costings.","AnswerText":"Work on estimating the costsof possible changes to the provision of infertility treatment arising from therecent Review of Access Criteria for Infertility Services in Scotland isunderway and we will publish our findings in due course.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203451,"EventID":"S2W-30879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest waiting times are for infertility services in each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest waiting times are for infertility services in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203452,"EventID":"S2W-30880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has declined to meet representatives of the Infertility Network to discuss the review of infertility services and, if so, what its reasons were for this decisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has declined to meet representatives of the Infertility Network to discuss the review of infertility services and, if so, what its reasons were for this decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive metwith representatives of Infertility Network UK in May 2006, and it wasagreed there would be a follow-up meeting, a date for which has yet to bearranged.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203453,"EventID":"S2W-30881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died from cancer in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died from cancer in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the table Deaths from cancer,by parliamentary constituency, 1999-2005 a copy of which is available in the Scottish ParliamentInformation Centre (Bib. number 41644).As requested, the table presentsthe absolute numbers of deaths from cancer. However, because the population of Scotlandis ageing, these may give a false impression of trends in the risk of dying fromcancer. To aid interpretation, a table giving age-standardised rates, which takeaccount of changes in the age structure of the population, has also been provided. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203454,"EventID":"S2W-30882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died from lung cancer in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died from lung cancer in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the table Deaths from lung cancer,by parliamentary constituency, 1999– 2005 a copy of which is available inthe Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 41645).As requested, the table presentsthe absolute numbers of deaths from cancer. However, because the population of Scotlandis ageing, these may give a false impression of trends in the risk of dying fromlung cancer. To aid interpretation, a table giving age-standardised rates, whichtake account of changes in the age structure of the population, has also been provided. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203455,"EventID":"S2W-30883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mortality rates from coronary heart disease per 100,000 population have been in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mortality rates from coronary heart disease per 100,000 population have been in each parliamentary constituency in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the table Mortality rates of coronary heart disease by parliamentaryconstituency since 1997, a copy of which is available in the Scottish ParliamentInformation Centre (Bib. number 41483).Note that populations by parliamentaryconstituency are not readily available. However, these populations can be estimatedby aggregating populations, which are available by datazone geography level. Thereare instances where a datazone is split across more than one parliamentary constituency.In these cases, the datazone populationis allocated to the parliamentary constituency that contains the highest numberof postcode areas that make up the datazone. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203456,"EventID":"S2W-30884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for drug trafficking in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded convictions there have been for drug trafficking in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriff court.","AnswerText":"The available information isgiven in the following table.Persons with a Charge Provedin Scottish Courts for Drug Trafficking1,2, by Court, 2000-01- 2004-05 | Court | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Sheriff Court | | | | | | | Aberdeen | 52 | 47 | 68 | 57 | 88 | | Airdrie | 23 | 25 | 31 | 25 | 29 | | Alloa | 9 | 7 | 17 | 28 | 27 | | Arbroath | 5 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 18 | | Ayr | 27 | 24 | 41 | 40 | 28 | | Banff | 1 | 11 | 7 | 9 | 5 | | Campbeltown | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | | Cupar | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | | Dingwall | 7 | 2 | Number of Dentists Providing NHS GDS by Parliamentary Constituencya copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.number 41525). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203458,"EventID":"S2W-30886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board area and how much money has been allocated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, to tackle drug misuse in each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board area and how much money has been allocated to each area for this purpose in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive providesfunding, through local authorities and health boards, to Alcohol and Drug ActionTeams (ADATs) to tackle drug misuse. It is up to the ADATs to decide how to allocate resourcesaccording to local needs and priorities. Detail of the services and initiativesADATs fund are set out in their annual Corporate Action Plans which are availableat http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/index.htm.The following table details totalfunding provided, since 1999, to health boards to tackle drug misuse. | NHS Board | 1999-2000 (£000) | 2000-01 (£000) | 2001-02 (£000) | 2002-03 (£000) | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | 2005-06 (£000) | 2006-07 (£000) | | Argyll and Clyde | 901 | 984 | 1,111 | 1,338 | 1,388 | 1,988 | 2,226 | 2,226 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 535 | 609 | 737 | 987 | 987 | 1,037 | 1,155 | 1,155 | | Borders | 96 | 118 | 160 | 162 | 162 | 170 | 189 | 189 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 96 | 124 | 298 | 258 | 258 | 271 | 482 | 482 | | Fife | 445 | 514 | 698 | 789 | 789 | 829 | 1,378 | 1,378 | | Forth Valley | 172 | 226 | 462 | 557 | 557 | 585 | 828 | http://www.gad.gov.uk/Population/index.asp?y=2004&v=Principal&dataCountry=scotland&chkDataTable=yy_5y&subTable=Perform+search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203460,"EventID":"S2W-30888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the (a) total and (b) business spend was on research and development in both cash terms and as a percentage of gross domestic product in 2006; how these","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the (a) total and (b) business spend was on research and development in both cash terms and as a percentage of gross domestic product in 2006; how these figures compare with those for the United Kingdom, and what the comparative figures were in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1999.","AnswerText":"Figures for 2006 are not yetavailable. The latest available data is shown in the following tables:Gross Expenditure onResearch and Development | | | 1997 | 1999 | 2003 | | Scotland | £ millions | 811 | 1,004 | 1,355 | | % of GDP | 1.17 | 1.34 | 1.51 | | UK | £ millions | 14,654 | 16,969 | 20,824 | | % of GDP | 1.78 | 1.84 | 1.85 | Source: Office for NationalStatistics. Business Expenditure onResearch and Development | | | 1997 | 1999 | 2005 | | Scotland | £ millions | 291 | 393 | 584 | | % of GDP | 0.43 | 0.53 | 0.59 | | UK | £ millions | 9,556 | 11,302 | 13,410 | | % of GDP | 1.16 | 1.23 | 1.08 | Source: Office for NationalStatistics. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203461,"EventID":"S2W-30889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) initial cost of construction, (b) buy-out cost and (c) total cost to the public purse was for (i) the Skye Bridge, (ii) Inverness Airport and (iii) West Loth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) initial cost of construction, (b) buy-out cost and (c) total cost to the public purse was for (i) the Skye Bridge, (ii) Inverness Airport and (iii) West Lothian College.","AnswerText":"The information required is setout as follows.(i) Skye Bridge (a) The total construction cost of the Skye Bridge projectwas £39 million, of which some £15 million was publicly funded. These figures areexpressed at 1991 prices. (b) The final cost to end thetolls on Skye Bridge was £26.75 million, at 2005 prices. (c) Total costs to the publicpurse are not held centrally. However, in addition to the above, the following costswere incurred by central government: - compensation payments, totalling£7,564,517 in cash terms, in respect of the costs of increased frequent user discountsfrom 1998, the freeze on toll levels from 2000 and the imposition of VAT on tollsfrom February 2003. - payments to external advisersin relation to the ending of the tolling regime, totalling £314,418 in cash terms. (ii) Inverness Airport (a) The total construction costof the Inverness Airport terminal was £9 million at 1998 prices or £11 millionat 2006 prices. (b) The cost of the buy out was£27.6 million at 2006 prices. (c) Total costs to the publicpurse are not held centrally (iii) West Lothian College Further education colleges areindependently constituted institutions and neither the Scottish Executive nor itspredecessor, the Scottish Office, is a party to the West Lothian College PFI contract.Ministers are aware, however, that the Final Business Case prepared by the Collegeindicated a construction cost of £14,076,000 (exclusive of fees and at 1997 prices). The West Lothian College PFIcontract is currently operational so no buy-out cost is known. In December 2006,ministers authorised the Scottish Funding Council to review the contract with aview to the possibility of introducing alternative arrangements should these beshown to provide better value for money. The total cost to the public purse willbe known once any associated negotiations have been concluded. The Scottish Executive has committed internalresources by way of policy and technical advice on all of these projects, however,detailed costs are not recorded separately. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203462,"EventID":"S2W-30890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial cost of construction was and estimated total lifetime cost to the public purse is for (a) Hairmyres Hospital and (b) Wishaw Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the initial cost of construction was and estimated total lifetime cost to the public purse is for (a) Hairmyres Hospital and (b) Wishaw Hospital.","AnswerText":"The initial construction costfor Hairmyres Hospital was £68 million and for Wishaw Hospital it was £121 million.The following tables show the annual payments over the period of the respectivecontracts. The aggregate of these annual payments however cannot be directly comparedto the construction costs as these payments include the provision of hard and softFM services over the life of the contract.Had the hospitals been procuredby a traditional procurement route additional annual costs would be incurred includingcapital charges and costs for the provision of hard and soft FM services. Hairmyres Hospital | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | | 2004-05 | 15.45 | 2011-12 | 19.31 | 2018-19 | 22.52 | 2025-26 | 24.98 | | 2005-06 | 17.10 | 2012-13 | 19.78 | 2019-20 | 23.10 | 2026-27 | 25.48 | | 2006-07 | 17.42 | 2013-14 | 20.15 | 2020-21 | 23.60 | 2027-28 | 26.84 | | 2007-08 | 17.75 | 2014-15 | 20.78 | 2021-22 | 23.15 | 2028-29 | 27.38 | | 2008-09 | 17.98 | 2015-16 | 21.12 | 2022-23 | 23.61 | 2029-30 | 28.07 | | 2009-10 | 18.43 | 2016-17 | 21.58 | 2023-24 | 24.08 | 2030-31 | 28.49 | | 2010-11 | 18.82 | 2017-18 | 22.10 | 2024-25 | Scottish Households Below Average Income, 2004-05which is available either in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number39177) or on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/95793/0023203.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203464,"EventID":"S2W-30892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional annual cost would be of providing free school meals to every (a) nursery, (b) primary and (c) secondary school pupil.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional annual cost would be of providing free school meals to every (a) nursery, (b) primary and (c) secondary school pupil.","AnswerText":"We do not hold estimates of the total additional cost of providingall nursery pupils with free school meals.The additional annual costof providing all primary school pupils and all secondary school pupils with afree school meal is estimated at between £51 million to £97 million and £46 millionto £82 million respectively. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203465,"EventID":"S2W-30893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) three and (b) four-year-olds are in receipt of (i) pre-school childcare provision or (ii) nursery education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) three and (b) four-year-olds are in receipt of (i) pre-school childcare provision or (ii) nursery education.","AnswerText":"In January 2006, the latest datefor which figures are available, it is estimated that 96% of eligible three-year-oldsand 99% of four-year-olds were registered for pre-school education. As childrenare counted at each centre where they are registered, children who attend more thanone centre will be counted more than once.There were 51,610 registrationsfor three-year-olds and 55,690 registrations for four year olds at a pre-schooleducation or day care centre in January 2006, with a further 3,050 registrationsof three-year-olds and 2,840 registrations of four-year-olds attending a childminder.As children are counted once for each centre or childminder that they attend, thesefigures include double counting. It is not possible to disaggregate the figuresfurther to produce figures for the number of children taking up child care and pre-schooleducation as the figures are based on the settings children attend rather than theservices each child receives. The figures are published inthe Pre-School and Childcare Statistics 2006 (Bib. number 40411). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203466,"EventID":"S2W-30894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of households living in fuel poverty in both actual and percentage terms and what the comparative figures were for 1997 and 1999","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimate is of the number of households living in fuel poverty in both actual and percentage terms and what the comparative figures were for 1997 and 1999.","AnswerText":"The latest available estimatefrom the Scottish House Condition Survey, for the year from October 2003 to September2004, is that 328,000 households in Scotland (14.5%) were in fuel poverty. Estimates are availableonly for the years for which house condition surveys were conducted. In 1996, 738,000households (35%) were estimated to be in fuel poverty. In 2002, 286,000 households(13%) were estimated to be in fuel poverty.These are estimates derived froma sample, so they have an associated confidence interval within which the true valuewill lie. The 95% confidence intervals for 2003-04 and 2002 are 14.5% +/- 2% and13% +/-0.5%. Given these ranges, the estimated increase in fuel poverty between2002 and 2003-04 is not statistically significant. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203467,"EventID":"S2W-30895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the UK Government in respect of the impact on Scotland of its proposals to raise the state pension age, in light of the average","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the UK Government in respect of the impact on Scotland of its proposals to raise the state pension age, in light of the average lifespan in Scotland being less than that in the United Kingdom, and whether the Executive has made any assessment of the likely impact of these proposals on its own policies and budget, including the eligibility criteria for concessionary fares and similar initiatives.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers fully endorsethe UK proposals to raise the state pension age. The Executive is actively engagedin assessing the potential impact of the pension proposals on its own policies andis liaising with the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure that Scottish circumstancesare taken into account in taking forward pension reform.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203468,"EventID":"S2W-30896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been made to the Home Secretary anent the signing by Her Majesty’s Government of the Council of Europe’s convention on action against tra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been made to the Home Secretary anent the signing by Her Majesty’s Government of the Council of Europe’s convention on action against trafficking in human beings.","AnswerText":"The Deputy Minister for Justicewrote to Vernon Coaker, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Policing, Securityand Community Safety, in June 2006 to draw his attention to the debate on humantrafficking in the Scottish Parliament on 25 May, and in particular to the factthat a number of members had expressed concern that the UK had not, as yet, signedthe Council of Europe Convention on Trafficking in Human Beings.The Home Secretary set out theUK Government’s current position in answer to House of Commons PQ-114675 answeredon 15 January 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203469,"EventID":"S2W-30897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Her Majesty’s Government anent the setting up of a UK human trafficking centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Her Majesty’s Government anent the setting up of a UK human trafficking centre.","AnswerText":"The UK Human TraffickingCentre is based in Sheffield and was launched in October 2006. Officials at the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency will work with the UK HumanTrafficking Centre to ensure that intelligence is shared across the UK.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203470,"EventID":"S2W-30898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions have been secured in (a) sheriff courts and (b) the High Court in the last two years in relation to human trafficking offences and what range of sent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions have been secured in (a) sheriff courts and (b) the High Court in the last two years in relation to human trafficking offences and what range of sentences were given to those found guilty.","AnswerText":"Trafficking for sexualexploitation was made a specific offence by section 22 of the Criminal Justice(Scotland) Act 2003. Trafficking for any purpose was made a specific offence by Section4 of the Asylum & Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004. To date, therehave been no convictions recorded under either of these offences in Scotland.People involved intrafficking are likely to have committed a number of offences, both at statuteand in common law, including kidnap, false imprisonment, deception andimmigration offences. However, it is not possible to separately identifyconvictions for those offences which relate to human trafficking activity. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203471,"EventID":"S2W-30899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of victims of human trafficking freed by police raids in the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of victims of human trafficking freed by police raids in the last two years.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203472,"EventID":"S2W-30900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been made by community groups, voluntary organisations and other interested parties anent the implications for community-based projects i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been made by community groups, voluntary organisations and other interested parties anent the implications for community-based projects in Scotland of National Lottery funds being re-allocated or redirected to fund the London 2012 Olympic Games.","AnswerText":"No recent representations havebeen received.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203473,"EventID":"S2W-30901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish local authorities have any statutory obligation, in respect of houses owned by the Ministry of Defence and occupied by members of the armed services, to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish local authorities have any statutory obligation, in respect of houses owned by the Ministry of Defence and occupied by members of the armed services, to ensure that they are of a tolerable standard and on a par with local authority and housing association properties.","AnswerText":"Under the Housing (Scotland)Act 1987, a Scottish local authority has the statutory power to require that ahouse owned by the Ministry of Defence be brought up to the tolerable standard,but only if the Ministry of Defence consents to the service of an improvement orderin respect of the house. Once the relevant provisions of the Housing (Scotland)Act 2006 are brought into force, a local authority will have the statutoryobligation and power to require that such a house be brought up to thetolerable standard, with no need to seek consent.There is no statutoryobligation on local authorities to ensure that houses owned by the Ministry ofDefence meet the same standards as houses owned by local authorities andhousing associations. The Ministry of Defenceoperates its own four-tier accommodation standard. Although this is notdirectly comparable to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, we understandthat all or the vast majority of service families accommodation meets the criteriadefined in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203474,"EventID":"S2W-30902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is given to local authorities and other interested parties involved in the housing of, care for and assistance with the employment of former mem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is given to local authorities and other interested parties involved in the housing of, care for and assistance with the employment of former members of the armed services who have been discharged because of injuries received in the course of their duties.","AnswerText":"Provision for former membersof the armed services on discharge is primarily the responsibility of theMinistry of Defence and it has contributed to the following information.No financial assistance isgiven to local authorities or other interested parties for provision of housingfor this specific group. However, entitlement to occupy service accommodationat service rates is extended for a period of 93 days after discharge because ofinjuries received in the course of duty. When service personnel leavethe armed forces, responsibility for their healthcare is transferred from theDefence Medical Services to the National Health Service (as has been the casesince 1948). Priority treatment of war pensioners is an NHS provision and decisionson the allocation of treatment to individuals are made by the clinician incharge. In addition, the ScottishExecutive Health Department offered Combat Stress (formerly known as theEx-Services Mental Welfare Society) a total capital grant of £100,000 over 2005-06and 2006-07, to support Combat Stress’s refurbishment of, and new build at,their Hollybush House care home in Ayrshire, to help them comply with therelevant National Care standards. The Scottish Executive is also providingtotal revenue grant funding of £54,000 between 2004-2007 to help support theCombat Stress welfare team in its community outreach work. Local authorities receive noadditional funding in respect of the employment of ex-service personnel. Thereare, however, several service charities which receive Ministry of Defenceand/or other government funding. These charities may choose to spend thisfunding on employment or training matters but are not required to do so. TheMinistry of Defence assists ex-service personnel directly with findingemployment including making grants towards training costs. All service memberswho are medically discharged are entitled to a full package of support offeredby its resettlement service, the Career Transition Partnership. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203475,"EventID":"S2W-30903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Defence anent the rehabilitation, care and nursing of Scottish servicemen and women who have been discharged from m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Defence anent the rehabilitation, care and nursing of Scottish servicemen and women who have been discharged from military service because of injuries received in the course of duty.","AnswerText":"Since 2004 there has been aconcordat in place between the UK Departments of Health and the Ministry ofDefence (MOD Defence Medical Services) on Delivering our Armed Forces HealthcareNeeds. Implementation of this agreement is overseen by a partnershipboard which meets three times per year; and on which Scotland isrepresented by the Chief Medical Officer.Separately there are also on-goingdiscussions between the health departments and MOD in the context of UK-widediscussions about support for the mental health needs of veterans. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203476,"EventID":"S2W-30904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal procedure will be put in place anent the recruitment and selection of a director of corporate affairs for Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal procedure will be put in place anent the recruitment and selection of a director of corporate affairs for Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"Staff recruitment and selection,and the procedures underpinning these, are matters for Scottish Water to determine.I understand Scottish Water is in the final stages of recruiting a director of communications(formerly corporate affairs) and will make an announcement shortly.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203477,"EventID":"S2W-30905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which journals, periodicals and newspapers carry advertisements anent the recruitment and selection of candidates for senior positions within public utilities and similar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which journals, periodicals and newspapers carry advertisements anent the recruitment and selection of candidates for senior positions within public utilities and similar organisations.","AnswerText":"I can only answer in relationto senior recruitment in Scottish Executive departments. Public utilities and similarorganisations are responsible for their own recruitment advertising. The main mediaoutlets used to date for advertising senior positions in the Scottish Executiveare The Scotsman, The Herald, The Times and their associatedSunday newspapers. Where posts are of a particularly specialist nature, professionaljournals are also considered.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203478,"EventID":"S2W-30906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements there are for local authorities to ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are in place in (a) sheltered housing, (b) care homes and (c) general housing s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements there are for local authorities to ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are in place in (a) sheltered housing, (b) care homes and (c) general housing stock under their control containing gas central heating or gas fires.","AnswerText":"Gas safety is a matter reservedto the UK Parliament and dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive. Installationof carbon monoxide detectors is not mandatory.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203479,"EventID":"S2W-30907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to reply to my letter dated 21 November 2006 regarding my constituent, Mr A Lyons of Mintlaw. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to reply to my letter dated 21 November 2006 regarding my constituent, Mr A Lyons of Mintlaw. ","AnswerText":"I am sorry for the delay inresponding. My reply was sent on 17 January 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203480,"EventID":"S2W-30908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-28311 by Ross Finnie on 22 September 2006, whether it will publish the legal advice received by its Environment and Rural Affairs D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-28311 by Ross Finnie on 22 September 2006, whether it will publish the legal advice received by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","AnswerText":"Our policy is not to publishthe legal advice we receive, this being covered by solicitor-client confidentiality.I am satisfied, however, that last year’s decision to set aside convictions in Scotlandunder the Cattle Identification Regulations did not undermine decisions taken topenalise farmers who did not meet the conditions of the bovine subsidy schemes.The application of bovine scheme penalties did not rely on domestic legislation;the requirement to apply penalties, and our authority to do so, was laid down inEU legislation.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203481,"EventID":"S2W-30909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interim arrangements it has put in place to protect and promote the rights of prisoners aged under 21, following the expiry of the remit of prison visiting committee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interim arrangements it has put in place to protect and promote the rights of prisoners aged under 21, following the expiry of the remit of prison visiting committees for young offenders’ institutions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Interim arrangements wereput in place by SPS to allow existing YOI VC members who have re-applied for anappointment to continue in their role until new appointments are made. Additionally some existingYOI VC members, who have not reapplied, agreed to continue in their role untilnew appointees are in place. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203482,"EventID":"S2W-30910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to establish prison visiting committees for young offenders’ institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to establish prison visiting committees for young offenders’ institutions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:A recruitment campaign for YoungOffender Institution Visiting Committees was run in the national press during October.A number of applications were received and a selection process was run during November/December. The Minister of Justice has ratifiedthe appointment of the successful candidates. Letters confirming appointmentshave now been sent to the VC members. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203483,"EventID":"S2W-30911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29323 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 November 2006 in which the minister stated that he hoped to publish the review of NHS prescription c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29323 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 November 2006 in which the minister stated that he hoped to publish the review of NHS prescription charges and exemption arrangements before the end of the year, what the reason is for the delay and when the Executive now expects to publish the review.","AnswerText":"We are carefully consideringthe results of our consultation on NHS prescription charges and exemptionarrangements in Scotland. Changes to the current arrangements may havecomplex financial and social consequences. We intend to publish a report on theconsultation together with our decisions on the way forward in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203484,"EventID":"S2W-30912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its precise timetable is for the commencement of outstanding sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform Miscellaneous Provisions (Scotland) Act 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its precise timetable is for the commencement of outstanding sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform Miscellaneous Provisions (Scotland) Act 1990.","AnswerText":"Sections 25-29 of the Law Reform(Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 provides for rights of audience andrights to conduct litigation to be granted to members of professional or other bodieswhich meet the criteria described in the legislation. The commencement of thesesections is expected to take place in March 2007, in tandem with section 61 of theLegal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill 2006, which contains a provision to remove a defectrelated to the provisions on rights to conduct litigation.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203485,"EventID":"S2W-30913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many improvement notices have been served on the Scottish Ambulance Service by the Health and Safety Executive since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many improvement notices have been served on the Scottish Ambulance Service by the Health and Safety Executive since 2000.","AnswerText":"The number of improvement noticesservice on the Scottish Ambulance Service by the Health and Safety Executive since2000 are listed in the following table: | Year | Number of Improvement Notices | | 2000 | 1 | | 2001 | 2 | | 2002 | 2 | | 2003 | 0 | | 2004 | 0 | | 2005 | 7 | | 2006 | 0 | Note: *Data provided by the ScottishAmbulance Service The Chairman of the ScottishAmbulance Service has, at my request, been keeping me informed on the progress towardscompliance of the seven improvement notices served in 2005. All seven of these notices,along with the previous five in 2000-02, have been discharged. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203486,"EventID":"S2W-30914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria rapid response ambulance vehicles are staffed only by ambulance technicians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria rapid response ambulance vehicles are staffed only by ambulance technicians.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Servicedeploys the most appropriate resource to an emergency call, and in relation to CategoryA (life-threatening) calls, the policy provides for this to be a paramedic response,whether that paramedic is in a single-manned rapid response unit or is part of adouble crewed ambulance. There may however be exceptional circumstances when, owingto short notice sick absences or other situations, the choice is whether to deploya rapid response unit manned by a technician or to run with one less emergency resourcefor that particular shift.The ambulance service has inrecent months introduced nearly 100 additional technicians in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.This influx of staff has skewed the ratio of technicians to paramedics meaning thatcurrently there are seven technicians out of a staff of 30 who may be deployed onrapid response units, while other technicians are being trained up to paramediclevel. The ambulance service plans to have full paramedic cover in place by December2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203487,"EventID":"S2W-30915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Scottish Ambulance Service to purchase shock boxes to prevent staff being injured while carrying heavy defibrillators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Scottish Ambulance Service to purchase shock boxes to prevent staff being injured while carrying heavy defibrillators.","AnswerText":"In 2003, the Scottish Executiveagreed to meet the £5 million capital costs to the Scottish Ambulance Service ofit implementing a defibrillator replacement programme, with the revenue consequencesbeing met by the ambulance service through its normal allocation. This programmecovered both the procurement of shock boxes and new defibrillators capable of beingfurther upgraded. In 2005-06, the ambulance service purchased 25 shock boxes withECG capabilities and 58 basic shock boxes (without ECG capability) at a cost ofapproximately £120,000.The ambulance service has receivedconsiderable increases in revenue funding over recent years. Since 2002-03, itsallocation has increased by some 30% and currently stands at £167.8 million. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203488,"EventID":"S2W-30916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors the health and safety improvement notices served on the Scottish Ambulance Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors the health and safety improvement notices served on the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30913 on 25 January 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203489,"EventID":"S2W-30917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions of the 2002 health and safety improvement notice on the Scottish Ambulance Service, under which ambulance staff are to be given appropriate time to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions of the 2002 health and safety improvement notice on the Scottish Ambulance Service, under which ambulance staff are to be given appropriate time to change out of uniform before carrying out a control-of-infection procedure, are being implemented.","AnswerText":"In 2001, the Scottish AmbulanceService was served with a health and safety improvement notice with regard to infectioncontrol standards across the ambulance service. I am informed that it has compliedwith this notice.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203490,"EventID":"S2W-30918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Stern report and the Executive’s stated commitment to tackling climate change, whether it will introduce a requirement for a climate change impact assess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Stern report and the Executive’s stated commitment to tackling climate change, whether it will introduce a requirement for a climate change impact assessment to be undertaken in respect of major projects, such as the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and Aberdeen Airport extension, in order that planning decisions are informed by environmental considerations and current thinking on climate change.","AnswerText":"Where a major project falls tobe determined under planning legislation, it is already a requirement that environmentalconsiderations are taken into account. Planning applications must be determinedin accordance with the relevant development plan – with environmental considerationsfactored into the preparation of that plan – unless material considerations indicateotherwise. Material considerations may include statements of Scottish Executivepolicy, such as that issued through the Scottish Planning Policies series whichincludes guidance on climate change.In addition, all new and replacementdevelopment plans are subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) legislation,including requirements concerning the consideration of effects on climatic factors.Further, under the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, the National Planning Framework and developmentplans will be subject to a duty to contribute to sustainable development. Under the Environmental ImpactAssessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 as amended, individual planning applicationsmay also be subject to an environmental impact assessment on the likely significantenvironmental effects of that project, including climatic factors where appropriate. Trunk roads projects, such asthe Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, are already subject to comprehensive environmental impactassessments, including consideration of greenhouse gas emission predictions. Newarrangements for major transport projects are currently under consideration in theTransport and Works (Scotland) Bill currently before parliament, which includes provisionfor the environmental impact assessment of proposed projects. In view of these measures we haveno plans to introduce an additional climate change impact assessment for major projects.However, we are developing a “carbon balance sheet”, as part of future reviews of the National Transport Strategy, which will present the impact of all Scottish transportpolicies and projects that are expected to have a significant impact on carbon,whether positive or negative. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203491,"EventID":"S2W-30919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider granting permitted development status to small domestic wind turbines to encourage the use of renewable energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider granting permitted development status to small domestic wind turbines to encourage the use of renewable energy.","AnswerText":"The Executive is strongly committedto increasing energy from all renewable energy sources, including micro-generation.Research was commissioned in 2006 to consider the scope of extending permitted developmentrights for some micro-generation projects. Officials are currently studying thisreport with a view to consulting on proposed legislation during 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203492,"EventID":"S2W-30920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish draft statutory instruments following the review of householder permitted developments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish draft statutory instruments following the review of householder permitted developments.","AnswerText":"We expect to consult on proposedchanges to householder permitted development rights later in 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203493,"EventID":"S2W-30921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to disseminate information on its hand hygiene campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to disseminate information on its hand hygiene campaign.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland isleading the National Hand Hygiene Campaign on behalf of the Healthcare AssociatedInfection Task Force, and is providing information through a number of channels,including:the campaign website www.washyourhandsofthem.com; the media via TV and press advertising; on products and in facilitiesused by the public, such as public toilets, cash machines and milk cartons, and through posters, leaflets andinformation packs, which will be distributed to NHS boards, GP surgeries,community pharmacies, dental practices, opticians and the care sector,including nurseries and primary schools. NHS boards have also receivedfunding to employ local health board co-ordinators who will be responsible for ensuringfull local implementation of the campaign, including the effective disseminationof information at a local level and display in Hospitals. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203494,"EventID":"S2W-30922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include care homes, private homes and nurseries in the remit of its hand hygiene campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include care homes, private homes and nurseries in the remit of its hand hygiene campaign.","AnswerText":"The Care Commission, which isrepresented on the Scottish Executive’s Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force,has given its full support to the National Hand Hygiene Campaign. Health ProtectionScotland will disseminate information posters and leaflets to care homes, includingthose run by the private sector.An information and resource packfor nurseries and primary schools is currently under development and will issuein March 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203495,"EventID":"S2W-30923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with further and higher education institutions in respect of increasing awareness of the importance of good hand hygiene practices among stude","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with further and higher education institutions in respect of increasing awareness of the importance of good hand hygiene practices among students entering the medical, caring and nursing professions.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland’s CleanlinessChampions Training Programme, which includes a specific module on hand hygiene,has been included in undergraduate medical and nursing courses. To date, around1,500 undergraduates have completed the programme.The programe has also been madeavailable to staff working in the Care Sector and work is on-going to extend itto undergraduate courses for other disciplines, such as dentistry. The hand hygienemodule from the programme is also accessible online to widen its availability tothose wishing to undertake it. In addition, all new staff inthe NHS now have to undertake mandatory induction training in infection control,which includes hand hygiene. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203496,"EventID":"S2W-30924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran in respect of the implementation of the hand hygiene campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with NHS Ayrshire and Arran in respect of the implementation of the hand hygiene campaign.","AnswerText":"Scottish Medical Directors arerepresented on the Scottish Executive’s Healthcare Associated Infection Task Force,which commissioned the National Hand Hygiene Campaign, by a member from NHS Ayrshireand Arran. Throughout the Campaign, information has been circulated to NHS boardchief executives and other local interests. NHS Ayrshire and Arran are in the processof recruiting a local health board co-ordinator, who will be responsible for localimplementation of the campaign.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203497,"EventID":"S2W-30925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were assigned to cover the protest at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, broken down by (a) police division and (b) rank.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were assigned to cover the protest at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, broken down by (a) police division and (b) rank.","AnswerText":"Due to operationalcomplexities the number of officers assigned to this precise operation is notavailable centrally. The organisation of police operations, including theallocation of resources to this operation, is first and foremost a matter forthe Chief Constable of Strathclyde.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203498,"EventID":"S2W-30926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to provide police officers to cover the protest at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, also broken down by police division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to provide police officers to cover the protest at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, also broken down by police division.","AnswerText":"Due to operationalcomplexities the costs associated with the number of officers assigned to thisprecise operation is not centrally available. The organisation of policeoperations, including the allocation of resources to this operation, is firstand foremost a matter for the Chief Constable of Strathclyde.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203499,"EventID":"S2W-30927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers and civilian staff were involved in the operation at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, including those involved in the processi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers and civilian staff were involved in the operation at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane, on 8 January 2007, including those involved in the processing of those arrested, and what the overall cost was.","AnswerText":"Due to operationalcomplexities the number of officers assigned to this precise operation is notavailable centrally. The organisation of police operations, including theallocation of resources to this operation, is first and foremost a matter forthe Chief Constable of Strathclyde.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203500,"EventID":"S2W-30928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current estimated total monetary and staff cost is of policing the Faslane 365 protest, based on the stated intention of disruptive protests on a daily basis unt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current estimated total monetary and staff cost is of policing the Faslane 365 protest, based on the stated intention of disruptive protests on a daily basis until 30 September 2007, broken down by police division where applicable.","AnswerText":"Due to operationalcomplexities the costs associated with this precise operation are not centrallyavailable. The organisation of police operations, including the allocation ofresources to this operation, is first and foremost a matter for the ChiefConstable of Strathclyde.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203501,"EventID":"S2W-30929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the recent annual fisheries negotiations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the recent annual fisheries negotiations.","AnswerText":"A note has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41530) summarising the detaileddecisions taken during last year’s fishing negotiations.These decisions included quotaincreases for a number of important fisheries, in particular North Sea haddock(5%), western mackerel (13%), Northern monkfish (10%), Rockall haddock (773%) andwest coast nephrops (13%). In addition cuts in a number of secondary fisheries weresuccessfully resisted. There were reductionsin North Sea nephrops (7%), North Sea cod (14%) and a significant reductionin North Sea herring (25%) a move which has been recognised by theindustry as necessary to conserve the stock. On days at sea, cuts of 7% forthe whitefish fleet and 10% for most of the nephrops fleet were agreed, an improvementon the Commission’s original position of 25% cuts for both fleets. In addition thereare provisions to allow whitefish boats to regain most of their lost days by optingfor the UK’s system of automatic licence suspensions, and 11 additional days fornephrops boats which choose to use more selective gear. Whilst some of these decisionswere disappointing, I am convinced that the overall deal represented the best availablein the circumstances. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203502,"EventID":"S2W-30930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposals are being considered in relation to Scotland’s role within the UK negotiating team following the outcome of the recent fisheries negotiations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposals are being considered in relation to Scotland’s role within the UK negotiating team following the outcome of the recent fisheries negotiations.","AnswerText":"As in previous years, the Scottish Executive played a full and influential role as part of the UK’snegotiating team. There are no plans to change the current arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203503,"EventID":"S2W-30931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all funding applications in respect of bus services in Moray currently being considered and what the timescales are for decisions on these applicatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all funding applications in respect of bus services in Moray currently being considered and what the timescales are for decisions on these applications.","AnswerText":"There are currently no outstandingfunding applications for bus services in Moray.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203504,"EventID":"S2W-30932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all public transport schemes in Moray that have received public funding in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all public transport schemes in Moray that have received public funding in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"All public transport schemesin Moray that have received specific public funding from the Executive in the lastthree full financial years are set out in the following table. The Executive alsoprovides general, non-project specific funding for public transport on an annualbasis to Moray Council, such as its cycling, walking and safer streets; RuralPublic Passenger Grant, and Grant Aided Expenditure allocations.The former voluntary regionaltransport partnership HITRANS received general, non-project specific funding forpublic transport from the Executive in each of the three financial years concerned.With the approval of the Executive, the partnership applied part of this fundingto a number of schemes within the Moray area, such as buying low floor buses, enhancingbus shelters and rail stations and establishing a demand responsive transport service. | Financial Year | Name of Project/ Funding Regime | | 2003-04 | Bus and Cycling Measures in Forres, Kinloss and Buckie (Public Transport Fund) | | 2004-05 | Bus and Cycling Measures in Forres, Kinloss and Buckie (Public Transport Fund) | | Buckie Accessible Bus Scheme (Rural Community Transport Initiative) | | Speyside Community Transport Group Social Car Scheme (Rural Community Transport Initiative) | | 2005-06 | Enhancement of bus service 10 between Inverness and Elgin (Bus Route Development Grant) | | Buckie Accessible Bus Scheme (Rural Community Transport Initiative) | | Speyside Community Transport Group Social Car Scheme (Rural Community Transport Initiative) | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203505,"EventID":"S2W-30933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, not in work or unable to work, were given a primary diagnosis of alcoholism by their GP in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people, not in work or unable to work, were given a primary diagnosis of alcoholism by their GP in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203506,"EventID":"S2W-30934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost to health services has been as a result of the increase in primary diagnoses of alcoholism in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost to health services has been as a result of the increase in primary diagnoses of alcoholism in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203507,"EventID":"S2W-30935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related admissions there were to hospitals in each year since 1997, broken down by age and sex of patient and by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related admissions there were to hospitals in each year since 1997, broken down by age and sex of patient and by hospital.","AnswerText":"Information is provided onthe number of discharges from Scottish general/acute hospitals and Scottishmental and psychiatric hospitals by hospital, gender and 10-year age groupsfrom 1997-98 to 2004-05.Tables 1 to 8 showalcohol-related discharges from Scottish general/acute hospitals by hospital,gender and 10 to year age groups (under 15 years, 15 to 24 years, 25 to 34years, 35 to 44 years, 45 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years, and 65 years and over). Tables 9-16 showalcohol-related discharges from Scottish mental and psychiatric hospitals byhospital, gender and 10 to year age groups (under 15 years, 15 to 24 years, 25to 34 years, 35 to 44 years, 45 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years, and 65 years andover). A copy of these tables havebeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41496). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203508,"EventID":"S2W-30936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related admissions there were to hospitals in each year since 1997, broken down by age, sex and hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related admissions there were to hospitals in each year since 1997, broken down by age, sex and hospital.","AnswerText":"Patients undergoing hospitaltreatment for alcohol related dependency can be treated in acute generalhospitals or psychiatric units/mental illness hospitals. Information onreadmission is available separately for patients treated in each of these butis not readily available for patients who move between the two.Tables 1a to 1c and 2a to 2cof Patients admitted to hospital with an alcohol-related dependency andsubsequently readmitted within 1 day, 1 week and 1 month since 1997 by NHSBoard contain this information a copy of which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41572). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203509,"EventID":"S2W-30937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Aberdeen city in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Aberdeen city in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203510,"EventID":"S2W-30938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Aberdeenshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Aberdeenshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203511,"EventID":"S2W-30939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Angus in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Angus in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203512,"EventID":"S2W-30940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Argyll and Bute in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Argyll and Bute in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203513,"EventID":"S2W-30941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Clackmannanshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Clackmannanshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203514,"EventID":"S2W-30942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203515,"EventID":"S2W-30943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Dumfries and Galloway in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Dumfries and Galloway in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203516,"EventID":"S2W-30944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Dundee in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Dundee in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203517,"EventID":"S2W-30945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203518,"EventID":"S2W-30946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Dunbartonshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Dunbartonshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203519,"EventID":"S2W-30947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Lothian in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Lothian in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203520,"EventID":"S2W-30948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Renfrewshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in East Renfrewshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203521,"EventID":"S2W-30949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in the city of Edinburgh in each year since 1999. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in the city of Edinburgh in each year since 1999. ","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203522,"EventID":"S2W-30950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Falkirk in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Falkirk in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203523,"EventID":"S2W-30951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Fife in each year since 1999. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Fife in each year since 1999. ","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203524,"EventID":"S2W-30952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Highland in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Highland in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203525,"EventID":"S2W-30953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Inverclyde in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Inverclyde in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203526,"EventID":"S2W-30954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Midlothian in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Midlothian in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203527,"EventID":"S2W-30955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Moray in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Moray in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website which can be accessed at: www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203528,"EventID":"S2W-30956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in North Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in North Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203529,"EventID":"S2W-30957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in North Lanarkshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in North Lanarkshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203530,"EventID":"S2W-30958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Orkney in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Orkney in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203531,"EventID":"S2W-30959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Perth and Kinross in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Perth and Kinross in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203532,"EventID":"S2W-30960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Renfrewshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Renfrewshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203533,"EventID":"S2W-30961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Scottish Borders in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Scottish Borders in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203534,"EventID":"S2W-30962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Shetland in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Shetland in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data onclaimant count unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the NationalOnline Manpower Information Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203535,"EventID":"S2W-30963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in South Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in South Ayrshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203536,"EventID":"S2W-30964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in South Lanarkshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in South Lanarkshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203537,"EventID":"S2W-30965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Stirling in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in Stirling in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203538,"EventID":"S2W-30966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in West Dunbartonshire in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in West Dunbartonshire in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203539,"EventID":"S2W-30967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in West Lothian in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the residence-based claimant count unemployment rate was for each council ward in West Lothian in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables showingthe residence based claimant count unemployment rates by council ward in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41454).For information, data on claimantcount unemployment by ward is available free of charge at the National Online ManpowerInformation Website (NOMIS) which can be accessed at www.nomisweb.co.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203540,"EventID":"S2W-30968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have occurred as a result of alcoholic liver disease in each year since 1997, broken down by age and sex of patient and by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths have occurred as a result of alcoholic liver disease in each year since 1997, broken down by age and sex of patient and by hospital.","AnswerText":"The information requested isset out in the following tables. Deaths from Alcoholic Liver Disease,by Sex and Age Group, Scotland, 1997 - 2005 | | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Persons All ages | 527 | 565 | 638 | 779 | 866 | 957 | 976 | 876 | 976 | | Under 30 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | | 30-44 | 98 | 97 | 116 | 135 | 140 | 160 | 159 | 145 | 162 | | 45-59 | 246 | 292 | 299 | 367 | 392 | 464 | 440 | 413 | 449 | | 60-74 | 164 | 148 | 187 | 237 | 295 | 297 | 329 | 269 | 319 | | 75 and over | 16 | 23 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 34 | 42 | 41 | 41 | | Males All ages | 366 | 388 ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203542,"EventID":"S2W-30970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total health expenditure was in purchasing power parities per capita in each year since 1999, expressed in US dollars and calculated on the same basis as the World H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total health expenditure was in purchasing power parities per capita in each year since 1999, expressed in US dollars and calculated on the same basis as the World Health Organization’s European health for all database.","AnswerText":"The Information Services Division(ISD) have been working on producing Scottish data which are equivalent to thatpresented in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) European Health for All database.The current version covers around 80% of the indicators included in this database.However, to avoid the possibilityof misleading comparisons being made, ISD have excluded indicators where the requireddata were not readily available or where they could not produce a Scottish indicatorbased on the WHO definition. The total health expenditure figures requested areone of these excluded indicators. Calculating this indicator depends on having detaileddata on private health expenditure and ensuring that it is compatible with WHO definitions.This is not currently possible. ISD are continuing to investigate,along with the Health Department, all of the indicators which are currently excludedand will add any new indicators to future versions of the database. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203543,"EventID":"S2W-30971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency savings Scottish Water made in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06 and what these savings were used to fund, broken down into (a) Scottish Water-related projects,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency savings Scottish Water made in (a) 2004-05 and (b) 2005-06 and what these savings were used to fund, broken down into (a) Scottish Water-related projects, (b) other Executive projects and (c) projects undertaken by other Executive agencies.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for assessingthe efficiencies delivered by Scottish Water lies with the Water Industry Commission.In its Cost and Performance Report 2003-06, it calculated that for the lastfour-year regulatory period 2002-06, Scottish Water delivered nearly £1 billionof efficiency savings. This is a record for the UK water industry.These savings have been passedthrough to customers in the form of lower charges. Over the four years, averagehousehold bills were in total £211 lower than they would otherwise have been. Lookingto the future, these efficiency gains mean that customers will pay the lowest overallreasonable cost for the services they receive. Further details of the efficiencysavings can be sought from the Water Industry Commission and its Cost and performancereport 2003-06 at: http://www.watercommissioner.co.uk/Documents/Costs_Performance_Report_03-06.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203544,"EventID":"S2W-30972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilots on the River Forth can be transferred as part of any prospective sale or acquisition of Forth Ports plc and, if so, what steps the Executive can take i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the pilots on the River Forth can be transferred as part of any prospective sale or acquisition of Forth Ports plc and, if so, what steps the Executive can take in respect of this issue in the event of ownership of the ports by a foreign buyer.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-30875 on 18 January 2007. 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":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203545,"EventID":"S2W-30973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether the United Kingdom is a signatory to the Burra Charter and, if it is a signatory, on what date it became one.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether the United Kingdom is a signatory to the Burra Charter and, if it is a signatory, on what date it became one.","AnswerText":"The Burra Charter, which providesguidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural heritage significance,was written and adopted by Australia ICOMOS (International Council on Monumentsand Sites). It does not have international signatories.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203546,"EventID":"S2W-30974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contents of the Historic Scotland document, Conservation of Architectural Ancient Monuments in Scotland, represent Executive policy and, if so, how this polic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contents of the Historic Scotland document, Conservation of Architectural Ancient Monuments in Scotland, represent Executive policy and, if so, how this policy was determined and whether it will publish any relevant consultation papers and responses.","AnswerText":"The status of the Historic Scotlanddocument The Conservation of Architectural Ancient Monuments in Scotland: Guidanceon Principles is made clear by its title: as is made explicit in theforeword and introduction, the document provides guidance and advice to the ownersof scheduled and other monuments with structural remains, and those working fortheir owners, based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of several generationsof ancient monuments inspectors and architects.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203547,"EventID":"S2W-30975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been removed from official NHS in-patient waiting lists in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been removed from official NHS in-patient waiting lists in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available centrally.Information on inpatient/daycase waiting lists is collected via a monthly census and published quarterly byISD Scotland. Between census dates, thousands of patients are added to or removedfrom NHS boards’ waiting lists. There are many reasons for the removal of patientsfrom lists, including for example, those admitted for treatment, those whose conditionhas improved and no longer require hospital treatment, and those who move addressoutwith the NHS board area. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203548,"EventID":"S2W-30976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the total number of NHS staff who have worked in the (a) acute and (b) community sector in each year since 1997 shown in terms of (i) headcount an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the total number of NHS staff who have worked in the (a) acute and (b) community sector in each year since 1997 shown in terms of (i) headcount and (ii) full-time equivalent.","AnswerText":"The way in which workforce datais collected means that it is not possible to differentiate between those who workin the acute and community sectors for all staff groups.This data is available for medical,dental and nursing staff. and is published on the Scottish Health Statistics websiteunder Workforce Statistics, at www.isdscotland.org/workforce. The following table 1 shows thebreakdown and percentage of all nursing and midwifery staff across hospital andcommunity sectors by whole-time equivalent (WTE). The following table 2 shows thesimilar breakdown by headcount. Table 1 | At 30 September | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Whole-Time Equivalent | | All nursing and midwifery staff | 51,478.97 | 51,106.7 | 51,390.5 | 51,310.1 | 52,234.3 | 53,196.5 | 54,119.98 | 54,552.9 | 55,468.7 | | Hospital Specialties | 44,893.53 | 44,399 | 44,485.2 | 44,210.3 | 44,791.5 | 45,263.8 | 45,779.39 | 46,026.9 | 46,739.1 | | Community Specialties | 6,048.55 | 6,140.95 | 6,304.78 | 6,391.99 | 6,723.48 | 6,919.59 | 7,216.669 | 7,305.72 | 7,457.84 | | % in Hospital Specialties | 87.20% | 86.90% | 86.50% | 86.20% | 86.70% | 86.10% | 84.60% | 84.40% | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203550,"EventID":"S2W-30978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) coronary artery bypass operations and (b) percutaneous coronary interventions took place in the NHS in each year since 2000-01, also broken down by NHS board","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) coronary artery bypass operations and (b) percutaneous coronary interventions took place in the NHS in each year since 2000-01, also broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers ofdischarges from acute general hospitals involving an operation of coronary arterybypass graft or angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention) for years ended31 March 2001-2006 by NHS board of treatment is published on ISD Scotland’swebsite at: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/Annual_trends_in_surgical_procedures_hbt_November2006.xls. Information for the year ended31 March 2006 is provisional. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203551,"EventID":"S2W-30979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether war pensions and gratuities can be disregarded by local authorities when means testing access to local services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether war pensions and gratuities can be disregarded by local authorities when means testing access to local services.","AnswerText":"There is a statutory disregardof the first £10 of a war pension in the assessment, by local authorities, of eligibilityfor access to some local services. These include the charging for residential accommodationand the assessment of eligibility for housing and council tax benefits.There is also provision, underthe housing and council tax benefits regulations, for local authorities to allowa further discretionary disregard at their own expense. This discretionary disregardis a matter for each individual local authority. There are no current plans tochange the rules relating to the disregard of war pensions. Any plans to changethe regulations relating to housing and council tax benefits would be a matter forthe Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as such benefits are reserved to the UKGovernment. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203552,"EventID":"S2W-30980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities disregard the first £10 of a war pension when assessing income in the context of access to local services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities disregard the first £10 of a war pension when assessing income in the context of access to local services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30979 on 23 January 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203553,"EventID":"S2W-30981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any statutory basis for disregarding war pensions or war gratuities or parts thereof when income is being assessed in the context of access to services p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any statutory basis for disregarding war pensions or war gratuities or parts thereof when income is being assessed in the context of access to services provided by local authorities, provided either by the local authority alone or in partnership with other agencies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30979 on 23 January 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203554,"EventID":"S2W-30982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop an early warning system to forewarn coastal communities of potential storm and flood events.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop an early warning system to forewarn coastal communities of potential storm and flood events.","AnswerText":"Following the coastal floodingexperienced around Scotland in January 2005, the Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency (SEPA) was asked by the Scottish Executive if a national solution could bedeveloped to provide a general early alert of coastal flooding.My predecessor, Rhona BrankinMSP, agreed that, a solution based on the Met Office Storm Tide Forecasting Servicebe developed by SEPA to provide Flood Watch (an early alert of the possibility offlooding) for nine broad coastal areas. This has been funded by the Scottish Executiveas an extension to the existing Storm Tide Forecasting Service. Alerts from the Storm Tide ForecastingService are received by SEPA when sea levels are forecast to exceed predeterminedthresholds. Messages can then be posted to the “Floodline” service and to floodwarning partners giving around 12 hours warning of conditions that may lead to flooding. If trials are successful andstaff training can be completed in time, this service will go live in February 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203555,"EventID":"S2W-30983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish data gathering equipment such as monitoring buoys or tidal measuring stations west of the Outer Hebrides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish data gathering equipment such as monitoring buoys or tidal measuring stations west of the Outer Hebrides.","AnswerText":"Tidal measuring stations at keylocations in the Outer Hebrides would improve understanding of the coastal processesand performance of the Storm Tide Forecasting Service model, on which flood watchand flood warning alerts are based.The Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency has been in discussion with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and have agreed thatthey will work together on this issue. The installation of tidal measuringstations and the provision of the staff resource to maintain sites and to processand analyse data, should be implemented in partnership with other Storm Tide ForecastingService partners i.e. the Environment Agency, Proudman Oceanographic Lab, Met Officeand Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, to ensure that thedata is collected to the standard required to feed back into the Storm Tide ForecastingService. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203556,"EventID":"S2W-30984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that replacement windows comply with building regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that replacement windows comply with building regulations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. PaulStollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), toanswer. His response is as follows:A new guidance leaflet, ReplacementWindows to 1 and 2 Storey Houses, is presently being prepared for publicationand is expected to be issued to all local authorities by the end of January. Theguidance, which is intended to help anyone intending to replace windows intheir home, will also be published on the SBSA website and will refer to thestatutory requirements within building regulations. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203557,"EventID":"S2W-30985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a public consultation on its forthcoming energy efficiency strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a public consultation on its forthcoming energy efficiency strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive has carried outsignificant consultation with a range of stakeholders during the development of the Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Strategy. A public consultation will takeplace as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process. Further publicconsultation has and will take place on a number of the individual policy measurescontained within the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203558,"EventID":"S2W-30986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which stakeholders it has consulted in respect of its forthcoming energy efficiency strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which stakeholders it has consulted in respect of its forthcoming energy efficiency strategy.","AnswerText":"In developing an EnergyEfficiency and Microgeneration strategy, the Executive has spoken to a range ofstakeholders including: Friends of the Earth Scotland, Scottish Council forDevelopment and Industry, Building Research Establishment, Scottish RenewablesForum, COSLA, Communities Scotland, Energy Saving Trust Scotland and the CarbonTrust Scotland. Meetings with stakeholders continue.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203559,"EventID":"S2W-30987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why VisitScotland will send copies of The Essential Guide to Scotland 2007 only to addresses in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why VisitScotland will send copies of The Essential Guide to Scotland 2007 only to addresses in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland publishesa number of Scotland guides, each targeted at specific key marketsboth at home and abroad. The Essential Guide to Scotland is tailored to potentialvisitors from the UK and Republic of Ireland, and so is targeted at this market. Otherguides are used to target different overseas markets. These have similar contentto the Essential Guide to Scotland, but are tailored specifically for thetarget audience, and are written in the relevant language. Tailoring its brochuresin this way ensures that VisitScotland’s marketing is highly effective.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203560,"EventID":"S2W-30988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what material it sends to individuals who inquire on websites or by other means about visiting Scotland from overseas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what material it sends to individuals who inquire on websites or by other means about visiting Scotland from overseas.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland and VisitScotland.comrespond to enquiries from potential visitors by sending out brochure material appropriateto the nature of the request. In addition, staff will also refer consumers to relevantpages or sections of the VisitScotland.com website or any other websites that theymay find useful in relation to their potential trip to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203561,"EventID":"S2W-30989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic, social or environmental benefits have arisen as a result of the designation and management of the Cairngorms National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic, social or environmental benefits have arisen as a result of the designation and management of the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The Cairngorms National Parkwas designated in 2003. It would not be meaningful at this early stage toattempt an assessment of the economic, social and environmental benefits arisingfrom the designation; since many of the benefits which the National Parkdesignation sought to achieve will only be fully realised over a longer periodof time. The National Park Authority, like other public bodies, will be subjectto review after its first five years of operation and I envisage that thatwould provide a first opportunity for an assessment of the benefits which thedesignation has secured.In the meantime, the annual reportsof the National Park Authority (copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 41116,38506, and 34782) provide a detailedaccount of the work which it has undertaken. For example, the National ParkAuthority was able to report in its 2005-06 Annual Report its success in becomingthe first national park authority in the UK to secure award of the European Charter forSustainable Tourism. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203562,"EventID":"S2W-30990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to ban the sale and use of electric shock collars and similar animal traini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to ban the sale and use of electric shock collars and similar animal training devices.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is mindedto ban the use of devices that cause pain and distress unless there is a good casefor them to be permitted. However, before any decision is made on whether to banthe sale and use of electric shock collars, it will be necessary to consult andseek views from organisations and individuals which oppose and support the use ofsuch devices. Therefore we plan to issue a consultation paper seeking views on electronicdog training aids which administer an electric shock later this year. A decisionon whether to bring forward regulations to ban their use and sale will be made inthe light of any consultation.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203563,"EventID":"S2W-30991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in the last year it met the Scottish Kennel Club to discuss the issue of electric shock collars and similar animal training devices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times in the last year it met the Scottish Kennel Club to discuss the issue of electric shock collars and similar animal training devices.","AnswerText":"Officials have met the ScottishKennel Club twice during 2006 when electric shock collars were discussed.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203564,"EventID":"S2W-30992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation has been paid under the sea eagle reintroduction programme to farmers on Mull for loss of lambs in each financial year since the inception of the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation has been paid under the sea eagle reintroduction programme to farmers on Mull for loss of lambs in each financial year since the inception of the programme.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the distributionof compensation to farmers impacted by the sea eagle reintroduction programme onMull lies with SNH rather than Scottish ministers. As indicated in the followingtable, such compensation payments by SNH were discontinued after 2003, in favourof a positive incentive scheme for the management of sea eagles and golden eaglesin Mull. | Year | Compensation Payments | | 1997-98 | 5,925 | | 1998-99 | 7,081 | | 1999-2000 | 6,123 | | 2000-01 | 5,027 | | 2001-02 | 4,979 | | 2002-03 | 4,979 | | 2003-04 | discontinued | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203565,"EventID":"S2W-30993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to record and publish the number of methadone-related deaths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to record and publish the number of methadone-related deaths.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office forScotland (GROS) publishes an annual paper on drug-related deaths in Scotland. Theinformation presented in these papers, which includes data on deaths involving methadone,is compiled from death registrations and associated returns from procurators fiscaland forensic pathologists.The papers, which include backgroundinformation on the methodology and definitions used, may be found at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/library/drug-related-deaths/index.html. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203566,"EventID":"S2W-30994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many methadone-related deaths there were in each year from 1999 to 2006, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many methadone-related deaths there were in each year from 1999 to 2006, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-29476 on 15 November 2006 which gives data for 1999-2005. Data for 2006 will not be available until August 2007.All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203567,"EventID":"S2W-30995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of recording replaced the National Confidential Enquiry into Methadone Related Deaths reports and where such information can be accessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of recording replaced the National Confidential Enquiry into Methadone Related Deaths reports and where such information can be accessed.","AnswerText":"The National Investigation intoall Drug-related Deaths in Scotland in 2003 was published in July 2005. A summary of thisreport can be accessed on the internet at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/08/03161745/17507. Subsequently, the National Forumon Drug-related Deaths was established following publication of the Executive’saction plan, Taking Action to Reduce Drug-related Deaths, to look at trends in drugdeaths and identify “hot spot” areas where there may be a need for more targetedaction locally. The forum will report to ministers in the autumn. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203568,"EventID":"S2W-30996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced specific advice for GPs, based on the drug misuse and dependence guidelines, in relation to the prescribing of methadone.\r\n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced specific advice for GPs, based on the drug misuse and dependence guidelines, in relation to the prescribing of methadone.\r\n","AnswerText":"No.The current guidelines Drug Misuse and Dependence – Guidelines on ClinicalManagement, published in 1999, were produced jointly by the health departmentsof all four UK countries and ratified by the then Scottish Office Department ofHealth. The guidelines are for all clinicians, not just for GPs. Scottish Executiveofficials have “observer” status on the UK group which is currently meeting to update the guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203569,"EventID":"S2W-30997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that GPs follow the drug misuse and dependence guidelines when prescribing methadone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that GPs follow the drug misuse and dependence guidelines when prescribing methadone.","AnswerText":"As part of their continuing professionaldevelopment, GPs are expected to keep up-to-date with the latest developments inclinical practice, including the latest guidelines which relate to their areas ofclinical practice.GPs working in practices providingan enhanced service for drug misusers under the terms of the General Medical Servicescontract will be required to adhere to the standards laid down in the specificationof this enhanced service. Although each NHS board’s specification will vary accordingto local circumstances, the drug misuse and dependence guidelines are the clinicalmanagement standard on which all current drug misuser services are based. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203570,"EventID":"S2W-30998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take if the drug misuse and dependence guidelines are not followed in relation to the prescribing of methadone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take if the drug misuse and dependence guidelines are not followed in relation to the prescribing of methadone.","AnswerText":"The guidelines Drug Misuse andDependence – Guidelines on Clinical Management are designed to guide doctors inthe clinical management of their drug misusing patients. Any doctor not fulfillingthe standards and quality of care in the appropriate treatment of drug misusersthat are set out in the guidelines will have this taken into account if, for anyreason, consideration of their performance in this clinical area is undertaken.Such consideration would be for the appropriate NHS board as employer, or the GeneralMedical Council if the case were referred to them.However, the final decision toprescribe methadone rests with the individual practitioner in consultation withand based on the specific health needs of their patient. There may be circumstancesin which a GP would be justified in not following the guidelines. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203571,"EventID":"S2W-30999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been undertaken to ascertain the level of compliance with the drug misuse and dependence guidelines in relation to the prescribing of methadone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been undertaken to ascertain the level of compliance with the drug misuse and dependence guidelines in relation to the prescribing of methadone.","AnswerText":"As part of the Scottish Executive’sreview of the place of methadone in the treatment of drug misusers, Health Departmentofficials have written to NHS boards in Scotland seeking information on their arrangementsfor monitoring the implementation of the current UK guidelines Drug Misuse and Dependence– Guidelines on Clinical Management and any local clinical guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203572,"EventID":"S2W-31000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11655 by Des McNulty on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 30992), why it does not believe that there was any breach of EC competi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11655 by Des McNulty on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 30992), why it does not believe that there was any breach of EC competition law in the Glasgow stock transfer in respect of the commercial properties referred to in European Parliament petition 0863/2005.\r\n","AnswerText":"In European Parliament petition0863/2005, the complainant claims that Glasgow City Council should have put thesale of its commercial properties out to European Union-wide tendering. As far asthe Scottish Executive is aware, the complaint does not allege any breach of competitionlaw, but instead of European Community procurement law.Furthermore, EU procurement lawdoes not require European-wide competitive tendering for the acquisition of existingbuildings or the disposal of property. The acquisition of existing buildings andother structures is exempt from advertising under Regulation 6 of the Public Contracts(Scotland) Regulations, which give effect to EU procurement Directive 2004/18/EC. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203573,"EventID":"S2W-31001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it (a) received and (b) replied to the administrative inquiry from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it (a) received and (b) replied to the administrative inquiry from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial properties acquired by Glasgow Housing Association.\r\n","AnswerText":"A letter from the European Commissionregarding the Glasgow housing stock transfer was received by the Scottish Executiveon 1 August 2006. The reply was sent on 2 October 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203574,"EventID":"S2W-31002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhether it will provide a copy of the administrative inquiry from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executivewhether it will provide a copy of the administrative inquiry from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial properties acquired by Glasgow Housing Association.\r\n","AnswerText":"Correspondence of this type betweenthe European Commission and a member state is regarded as confidential.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203575,"EventID":"S2W-31003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a copy of its reply and any other documents that it submitted to the European Commission relating to the administrative inquiry from the Commissio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a copy of its reply and any other documents that it submitted to the European Commission relating to the administrative inquiry from the Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial properties acquired by Glasgow Housing Association.\r\n","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31002 on 24 January 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203576,"EventID":"S2W-31004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received the administrative inquiry directly from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial propert","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received the administrative inquiry directly from the European Commission regarding European Parliament petition 0863/2005 in respect of the commercial properties acquired by Glasgow Housing Association or whether this request was forwarded from another UK body and, if so, from which body.\r\n","AnswerText":"The European Commission sendsall administrative inquiries to the United Kingdom Representation to the EuropeanUnion.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203577,"EventID":"S2W-31005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all correspondence it has had with the European Parliament in respect of Glasgow Housing Association, broken down by year and subject m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all correspondence it has had with the European Parliament in respect of Glasgow Housing Association, broken down by year and subject matter.\r\n","AnswerText":"According to our records, the Scottish Executive has not had any correspondence with the European Parliament regardingGlasgow Housing Association. The European Parliament has not contacted the ScottishExecutive regarding petition number 0863/2005.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203578,"EventID":"S2W-31006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of all correspondence it has had with the UK Government in respect of Glasgow Housing Association, broken down by year and subject mat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of all correspondence it has had with the UK Government in respect of Glasgow Housing Association, broken down by year and subject matter.\r\n\r\n","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionatecost.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203579,"EventID":"S2W-31007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 December 2006, whether it has had any discussions with the NHS with a view to deploying a clinical nurs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 December 2006, whether it has had any discussions with the NHS with a view to deploying a clinical nurse specialist in neuroscience/neurology in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsiblefor planning services in their area based on clinical need and for securing thestaff needed to deliver them.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203580,"EventID":"S2W-31008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum wait for an angioplasty should be for a patient following an angiogram that identifies a need for the procedure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum wait for an angioplasty should be for a patient following an angiogram that identifies a need for the procedure.","AnswerText":"The current national maximumwaiting time for angioplasty, following angiography, is 18 weeks.Published information shows thaton 30 September 2006 – the latest data available - all NHS boards met thiscommitment on that date, as they have done on every waiting list census date since30 September 2004. From the end of thisyear, no patient presenting with chest pain will wait more than 16 weeks from GeneralMedical Practitioner referral through a rapid access chest pain clinic or equivalent,to cardiac intervention thereafter. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203581,"EventID":"S2W-31009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to sharing information about patients who require to transfer to another NHS board area for further treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to sharing information about patients who require to transfer to another NHS board area for further treatment.","AnswerText":"NHS patients in Scotland mayreceive treatment outside their NHS board of residence for a range of reasons, includingaccessing services at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital and highly specialised (tertiary) services at the majorteaching centres. Many thousands of patients receive treatment outwith theirboard of residence each year.NHS Quality Improvement Scotlandworks with NHS boards to improve the quality of health care by reducing variationin practice and outcome, through developing and disseminating national clinicalguidelines containing recommendations for effective practice based on current evidence.This covers guidance on referrals, including referrals to services in otherboard areas. The NHS in Scotland is increasinglyusing information technology to support effective practice by enabling electronictransmission of referrals from any GP practice to any hospital in Scotland usingstandard forms. The intention is to provide the same facility for referrals betweenconsultants, including referrals to services in different board areas. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203582,"EventID":"S2W-31010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent average waiting times for angioplasty were in (a) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) NHS Ayrshire and Arran.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent average waiting times for angioplasty were in (a) NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and (b) NHS Ayrshire and Arran.","AnswerText":"Mostpatients who require in-patient or day case treatment, including angioplasty, aretreated very quickly. Over 53% of patients treated in NHSScotland hospitals receiveimmediate treatment and never join a waiting list. Of those who wait, almost 40%are admitted for treatment within one month and over 70% within three months.For those patients who wait longer,the current national maximum waiting time for angioplasty, following angiography,is 18 weeks. Published information shows that on 30 September 2006 – the latestdata available - all NHS boards met this commitment on that date, as they have doneon every waiting list census date since 30 September 2004. From the end of this year, no patient presenting withchest pain will wait more than 16 weeks from General Medical Practitioner referralthrough a rapid access chest pain clinic or equivalent, to cardiac interventionthereafter. Provisional informationfor the year ending 30 September 2006 shows that the median waitingtime for angioplasty was 28 days in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and 26 days in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Median waiting timesfor angioplasty are derived from information on patients treated during the year.This data includes patients who have had an Availability Status Code (ASC) applied,for example because they were medically unfit or had asked for their admission tobe deferred for personal or social reasons. Periods of unavailability are thereforeincluded in the calculations of median waiting times, which means that the waitsare systematically overstated. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203583,"EventID":"S2W-31011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total (a) recurring and (b) non-recurring allocation of funding was to NHS Orkney in each year since 1996-97. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total (a) recurring and (b) non-recurring allocation of funding was to NHS Orkney in each year since 1996-97. ","AnswerText":"Details are as follows: | | Recurring Allocation (£ Million) | Non-Recurring Allocation (£ Million) | | 1996-97 | 17.307 | 2.065 | | 1997-98 | 19.042 | 2.152 | | 1998-99 | 19.438 | 3.63 | | 1999-2000 | 19.805 | 3.909 | | 2000-01 | 20.972 | 5.835 | | 2001-02 | 22.963 | 2.506 | | 2002-03 | 24.676 | 3.133 | | 2003-04 | 25.746 | 4.488 | | 2004-05 | 30.577 | 3.174 | | 2005-06 | 32.982 | 6.607 | | 2006-07 to date | 34.528 | 3.638 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203584,"EventID":"S2W-31012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total funding allocated for primary medical services was in Orkney in each year since 1996-97.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total funding allocated for primary medical services was in Orkney in each year since 1996-97.","AnswerText":"Details are as follows: | | £ Million | | 1996-97 | 2.08 | | 1997-98 | 1.974 | | 1998-99 | 2.238 | | 1999-2000 | 2.335 | | 2000-01 | 2.595 | | 2001-02 | 2.728 | | 2002-03 | 2.851 | | 2003-04 | 3.726 | | 2004-05 | 3.886 | | 2005-06 | 3.884 | | 2006-07 | 4.413 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203585,"EventID":"S2W-31013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, what steps have been taken to reduce the time taken to assess, plan and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, what steps have been taken to reduce the time taken to assess, plan and build new defences against coastal erosion and storm damage.","AnswerText":"Primary responsibility for preventingcoastal erosion of land by the sea lies with the landowner. Local authorities havediscretionary powers to deal with coastal erosion and it is for the local authoritiesto bring forward schemes in the first instance. In taking forward such schemes,local authorities are bound by the statutory process required by the Coast ProtectionAct 1949, as are the Scottish ministers. At present we have no plans to review thisstatutory process.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203586,"EventID":"S2W-31014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, what specific funding has been allocated to tackle storm and coastal ero","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, what specific funding has been allocated to tackle storm and coastal erosion in the Western Isles in respect of the storm of January 2005.","AnswerText":"My answer to answer to questionS2W 31015 on 26 January 2007, sets out the process under the Coastal Protection Act1949 with regard to coast protection works. As Rhona Brankin stated in her replyto question S2W-21076, answered on 6 December 2005, primary responsibility for preventingerosion to land by the sea lies with the landowner although local authorities havediscretionary powers to take forward coast protection schemes to prevent erosionto the land.All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203587,"EventID":"S2W-31015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, whether it will explain the procedure and time required to authorise app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, whether it will explain the procedure and time required to authorise applications made by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to undertake remedial action following storm damage and coastal erosion caused by the January 2005 storm.","AnswerText":"The Coast Protection Act 1949sets out the statutory process to be followed for the undertaking of coast protectionworks, other than for maintenance or repair. Subject to the provisions of theact, a local authority proposing to carry out any coast protection work must publishnotice of the proposal, including an estimate of the cost of the work and an indicationof the effect of the work, in local newspapers. There is a five week period formaking objections against approval of the scheme on limited grounds. Thereafterministers may approve the works, or direct the local authority not to carry outthe work, or may impose such modifications or conditions as they deem fit. Grants of 80%of eligible costs are available for approved schemes which meet our criteria.Prior to embarking on the statutoryprocess, local authorities may choose to discuss their proposal informally withthe Executive to ensure that the business case for funding support meets the Executive’senvironmental, technical and economic criteria. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203588,"EventID":"S2W-31016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, whether it will list the applications made by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-21076 and S2W-21077 by Rhona Brankin on 6 December 2006, whether it will list the applications made by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for grant aid to tackle storm damage and coastal erosion due to the January 2005 storm, including the dates of receipt and disposal and the decisions arrived at on each application.","AnswerText":"Comhairle nan Eilean Siar hasapproached the Executive with six coast protection schemes. Discussions are on-going.The scheme at Balivanich has met the Executive’s economic, environmental and technicalcriteria but Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has not submitted the scheme for approval.The following table lists thesix proposals. | Name of Scheme | Date First Approached Executive | Current Situation | | Ludag | April 2006 | On-going informal discussion with the Executive to ensure proposal meets criteria | | Pol na Craan | April 2006 | On-going informal discussion with the Executive to ensure the proposal meets criteria | | Balivanich | April 2006 | June 2006, letter sent to Comhairle confirming that the proposal forms a satisfactory basis for proceeding to the formal stage. | | Gualan Island | April 2006 | On-going informal discussion with the Executive to ensure proposal meets criteria | | Stoney Bridge | April 2006 | On-going informal discussion with the Executive to ensure proposal meets criteria | | Craigston | April 2006 | On-going informal discussion with the Executive to ensure proposal meets criteria | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203589,"EventID":"S2W-31017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005), on what dates requests for aid were received from Comhairl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005), on what dates requests for aid were received from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar following the storm damage of January 2005; when decisions were made on each request, and what aid was offered.","AnswerText":"The following table sets outdetails of the requests for aid received from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, whenthese were received and when the Executive responded. | Subject of request | Actual or estimated Executive funding | Comments | | Bellwin Scheme | £368,000 | Invoice received June 2005, claim paid July 2005 | | | £72,201 | Invoice received April 2006, claim paid April 2006 | | Civil Contingency | £80,000 | Invoice received August 2005, claim paid August 2005 | | Coastal Protection - Balivanich | £1,100,000 | Comhairle’s total estimated cost for proposed Scheme is £1.4 million which, if scheme approved, would attract grant aid of 80% of eligible costs. At this stage, given that Comhairle has not yet submitted a Scheme for approval, the best estimate of funding is £1.1 million | | Roads Infrastructure | £4,500,000 | Formal grant offer made by Executive in August 2005. Comhairle has claimed £944,000 so far. Transport group officials are regularly in touch with Comhairle to discuss progress | | Escape routes | £432,000 | Commitment made by the Minister for Finance and Public Sector Reform in a letter dated 4 July 2006. Resources available, no claim made yet | | Balivanich School | £4,000,000 | Commitment to funding made August 2005. Part of Schools PPP project. Funding dependent on the progress of the project, of which the Comhairle are in control. Executive will make payment when the facility is built. | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203590,"EventID":"S2W-31018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005), what resources were offered to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to progres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005), what resources were offered to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to progress its bids for storm mitigation schemes.","AnswerText":"There is no provision for stormmitigation schemes, hence no resources were offered to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203591,"EventID":"S2W-31019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005) whether there is any review in progress to assess the efficiency of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S2F-2643 by Mr Jack McConnell on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31005) whether there is any review in progress to assess the efficiency of Executive responses to storm and coastal erosion.","AnswerText":"No review of the efficiency of the Executive’s response to storm and coastal erosion is underway. Primary responsibilityfor preventing coastal erosion of land by the sea lies with the landowner althoughlocal authorities have discretionary powers to deal with coastal erosion. It isfor the local authorities to bring forward schemes in the first instance.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203592,"EventID":"S2W-31020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many PPP contracts where land has been disposed of by local authorities that land has been transferred to the developer for disposal of surplus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many PPP contracts where land has been disposed of by local authorities that land has been transferred to the developer for disposal of surplus.","AnswerText":"This information is not routinelycollected. Local authorities, as public sector procuring bodies, are required todemonstrate that the PPP projects they are undertaking represent value for moneyas compared to a conventional procurement approach. They are also bound by the dutyof Best Value as stated in the Local Government in Scotland Act (2003). Section74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 allows for disposal of land at less than marketvalue but only in specific circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203593,"EventID":"S2W-31021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ministerial visits have been arranged, or are being planned, to (a) Banff and Buchan and (b) north-east Scotland between now and 3 May 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ministerial visits have been arranged, or are being planned, to (a) Banff and Buchan and (b) north-east Scotland between now and 3 May 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held in this format. Ministerial diaries retain a record of engagements carriedout. We cannot provide an accurate picture of forthcoming events, as planned orscheduled ministerial visits are subject to constant change, often at short notice,because of changing parliamentary commitments.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203594,"EventID":"S2W-31022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to extend the remit of the Standards Commission for Scotland to cover the operation of prison visiting committees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to extend the remit of the Standards Commission for Scotland to cover the operation of prison visiting committees.","AnswerText":"Parliament agreed to theremit of the Standards Commission for Scotland, as set out in the EthicalStandards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. That remit did not include the operationof, or the investigation of members of, prison visiting committees. However,the Scottish Executive has asked Professor Lorne Crerar to carry out anindependent review of the regulation, inspection audit and complaints handling ofpublic services in Scotland. It is likely that the Standards Commission andprison visiting committees will be considered within that independent review.Any consideration of changing existing remits would have to take account of thereview’s findings.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203595,"EventID":"S2W-31023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding has been allocated to NHS Lanarkshire to enhance the provision of dental services in Clydesdale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding has been allocated to NHS Lanarkshire to enhance the provision of dental services in Clydesdale.","AnswerText":"Under the Primary Care PremisesModernisation Programme NHS Lanarkshire successfully bid for £500,000 to providea new three surgery dental facility attached to the existing Health Centre in Biggar.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203596,"EventID":"S2W-31024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the safety of pedestrians and road users on the A702.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the safety of pedestrians and road users on the A702.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland monitors the safety performance of the trunk road networkannually to identify accident cluster sites. Identified sites are prioritisedfor remedial action.In the case of the A702 a Route Accident Reduction Plan fromAbington to Lothianburn is currently underway. This will examine the safetyrecord of the route for all road users, including pedestrians. The study is dueto be completed by March 2007 and will identify the potential for safetyimprovements on the route. Transport Scotland hasoperational responsibility for this area and can be contacted for moreinformation if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203597,"EventID":"S2W-31025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities in relation to determining the criteria used to agree partnerships with private or voluntary sector nurseries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it provides to local authorities in relation to determining the criteria used to agree partnerships with private or voluntary sector nurseries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issuedthe Guidance on Commissioning Pre-School Education Partners in July 2003,which advises that authorities should provide clear guidance on the conditions thatwill be applied in selecting partner providers.The Guidance on Pre-SchoolEducation, issued in 2002, also includes some general advice on commissioningpre-school places from other providers. Both documents are availableon the Scottish Executive website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/08/gpse/1. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/07/17851/23766. Following Ministerial commitmentsmade in the Scottish Executive response to the National Review of the Early Yearsand Childcare Workforce (Bib. number 40193), both guidance documents are currentlyunder review. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203598,"EventID":"S2W-31026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to discourage under-age drinking in Clydesdale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to discourage under-age drinking in Clydesdale.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executiveallocates funding to Health Scotland to provide national advertising campaigns targeting underage drinking.The Scottish Executivealso provides £500,000 for the Choices for Life Event which is targeted at allprimary 7 children and gives them information about making positive and informedchoices about alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The Scottish Executiveprovides funding to the alcohol and drug action teams and it is for them to decideon local action which meets the needs of their areas. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203599,"EventID":"S2W-31027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage retailers in Clydesdale to sell alcohol responsibly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage retailers in Clydesdale to sell alcohol responsibly.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of retailersacross Scotland to sell alcohol responsibly and act within the law. the Scottish Executive is working with representatives of retailers as part of its partnershipwith the alcohol industry announced in September 2006.In addition, the Scottish Executivehas supported the roll out of the Young Scot branded accredited Proof of Age StandardsScheme (PASS) card so that retailers can operate a “no proof no sale” policy tohelp them avoid unwittingly making underage sales. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203600,"EventID":"S2W-31028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions there have been in each of the last two years for (a) illegal purchase of fireworks, (b) illegal use of fireworks and (c) use of firework","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions there have been in each of the last two years for (a) illegal purchase of fireworks, (b) illegal use of fireworks and (c) use of fireworks as a weapon likely to cause human harm, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.Information in relation to other offences which involved the use of fireworksas a weapon is not currently identifiable within the available statistics.Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts for FireworksOffences1, by Police Force Area, 2003-04 to 2004-05 | Police Force Area | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Dumfries and Galloway | | | | Sale of fireworks to under 18s | 1 | - | | Throwing fireworks in thoroughfare | - | 1 | | Grampian | | | | Illegal use of fireworks | - | 1 | | Throwing fireworks in thoroughfare | 2 | - | | Lothian and Borders | | | | Illegal use of fireworks | - | 2 | | Throwing fireworks in thoroughfare | 1 | - | | Northern | | | | Sale of fireworks to under 18s | 1 | - | | Strathclyde | | | | Sale of fireworks to under 18s | 3 | 2 | | Throwing fireworks in thoroughfare | 14 | 4 | | Tayside | | | | Year | Number of Murders Committed by those on Licence | | 2001 | 1 | | 2002 | None | | 2003 | 2 | | 2004 | None | | 2005 | 2 | The offenders in question werereleased subject to the provisions of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act1993. They had all been sentenced to four years or more. Offenders sentenced toterms four years or more are eligible to be released on parole licence at the directionof the Parole Board after serving one half of the sentence and will be releasedon licence at the two thirds stage of sentence. The Custodial Sentences and Weapons(Scotland) Bill, currently before Parliament, proposes to end the current system ofunconditional early release and replace it with a system based on an individualassessment of risk. There will be no change to the current law covering the treatmentof life sentence prisoners. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203602,"EventID":"S2W-31030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been since 1996 for (a) the murder of a child or young person under 18, (b) the manslaughter of a child or young person under 18, (c) com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been since 1996 for (a) the murder of a child or young person under 18, (b) the manslaughter of a child or young person under 18, (c) common assault and battery and (d) cruelty to a person under 16 where the prosecuted person had parental responsibility for the victim or was the partner of the person with parental responsibility, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information in relation to accused persons inhomicides where the victim was aged under 18 is given in the following table.Information on victim characteristics and on the relationship between victimand accused are not included in the available statistics on persons proceededagainst for assault on or cruelty to children.Accused persons proceeded against in Scottish courts forhomicides1 involving a victim aged under 18, 1996-97 to 2005-06 | Year | Number | | 1996-97 | 12 | | 1997-98 | 14 | | 1998-99 | 5 | | 1999-2000 | 12 | | 2000-01 | 15 | | 2001-02 | 12 | | 2002-03 | 19 | | 2003-04 | 10 | | 2004-05 | 8 | | 2005-06 | 4 | Note: 1. Currently (as at 8 November 2006)recorded as homicide. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203603,"EventID":"S2W-31031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average house price was in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average house price was in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table 1 providesthe count of sales, median and mean price for house sales for each localauthority area for the years 1999 and 2000. The following table 2 shows providesthe same information for the years 2001 and 2002. The following table 3 providesthe same information for the years 2003 and 2004. The following table 4 providesthe same information for 2005. The analysis uses information provided by the LandValue Information Unit (LVIU) at Paisley University. LVIU in turn source their data from Registers of Scotland.The count and median relates to all sales recorded within the Local Authority areain the specified time period. The mean value excludes all sales with a value ofless than £20,000 and over £1 million with the aim of excluding non market salesand non-residential sales. | Table 1 | 1999 | 2000 | | Local Authority | Count | Median | Mean | Count | Median | Mean | | Aberdeen City | 6,618 | £ 53,500 | £ 70,083 | 6,211 | £ 55,000 | £ 73,826 | | Aberdeenshire | 4,640 | £ 60,000 | £ 74,620 | 4,909 | £ 60,000 | £ 76,230 | | Angus | 2,402 | £ 46,875 | £ 59,470 | 2,355 | £ 47,000 | £ 61,433 | | Argyll and Bute | 1,957 | £ 46,000 | £ 66,228 | 1,717 | £ 52,000 | £ 71,407 | | Clackmannanshire | 995 | £ 40,000 | £ 55,679 | 1,038 | £ 40,750 | £ 58,201 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 2,918 | £ 44,500 | £ 60,832 | 3,121 | £ 44,000 | £ 61,310 | I have placed tables from ASHEcontaining the median gross weekly full-time earnings by local authority area for1999-2006 in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41935). The data are based on place ofwork as place of residence statistics are not available prior to 2002. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203605,"EventID":"S2W-31033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crimes resulted in a conviction in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crimes resulted in a conviction in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information isgiven in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and courtproceedings are not directly comparable for a number of reasons. A person may beproceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and acrime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Crimescommitted by children will also generally be dealt with through the children’s hearingssystem rather than courts, while some minor crimes can be dealt with by alternativesto prosecution such as fiscal fines. The implementation in April 2004 of the morevictim oriented Scottish Crime Recording Standard increased the numbers of minorcrimes recorded by the police, such as minor crimes of vandalism and minor thefts.Persons with a Charge Provedin Scottish Courts Expressed as a Percentage of Crimes Recorded by the Police1,1999-2000 to 2004-05. | Police Force Area | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Central | 13 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 16 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 13 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | | Fife | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | | Grampian | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | | Lothian and Borders | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | | Northern | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 12 | | Strathclyde | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | | Tayside | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203607,"EventID":"S2W-31035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount of aggregate external finance (AEF) was paid to Orkney Islands Council in each year since 1995-96 (a) in actual terms and (b) at 1996 prices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount of aggregate external finance (AEF) was paid to Orkney Islands Council in each year since 1995-96 (a) in actual terms and (b) at 1996 prices.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following table. | | AEF (£ Million) | AEF at 1995-96 Prices (£ Million) | | 1995-96 | 37.539 | 37.539 | | 1996-97 | 37.977 | 36.740 | | 1997-98 | 38.208 | 35.919 | | 1998-99 | 39.508 | 36.221 | | 1999-2000 | 40.424 | 36.326 | | 2000-01 | 40.306 | 35.718 | | 2001-02 | 43.119 | 37.325 | | 2002-03 | 46.212 | 38.802 | | 2003-04 | 49.410 | 40.289 | | 2004-05 | 52.331 | 41.527 | | 2005-06 | 54.836 | 42.718 | | 2006-07 | 58.510 | 44.389 | The AEF figures used above areactuals as announced in the annual Local Government Finance settlements and havenot been adjusted for transfers of responsibility. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203608,"EventID":"S2W-31036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to (a) Orkney Islands Council, (b) Shetland Islands Council and (c) Highlands Council for port and harbour infrastructure development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to (a) Orkney Islands Council, (b) Shetland Islands Council and (c) Highlands Council for port and harbour infrastructure developments in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made£26.273 million available to Orkney IslandsCouncil, Shetland Islands Council and The Highland Council towards ports and harbourinfrastructure developments that support lifeline ferry services and emergency improvement works at fishing ports in their areas since 1999-2000, as detailedin the following table (£ Million): | | Orkney Islands Council | Shetland Islands Council | The Highland Council | Total | | 1999-2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | 2000-01 | 0 | 0 | 0.247 | 0.247 | | 2001-02 | 0.491 | 0 | 0 | 0.491 | | 2002-03 | 11.429 | 0 | 3.195 | 14.624 | | 2003-04 | 4.430 | 0 | 1.863 | 6.293 | | 2004-05 | 0.748 | 0 | 1.236 | 1.984 | | 2005-06 | 0.383 | 0 | 1.387 | 1.770 | | 2006-07 (to January 2007) | 0 | 0.153 | 0.711 | 0.864 | | Total | 17.481 | 0.153 | 8.639 | 26.273 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203609,"EventID":"S2W-31037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding has been (a) paid or (b) agreed to be paid to Orkney Islands Council for the maintenance, refurbishment and development of its school estate in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding has been (a) paid or (b) agreed to be paid to Orkney Islands Council for the maintenance, refurbishment and development of its school estate in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s SchoolsFund capital grant allocations to Orkney Islands Council are set out in the followingtable 1. The money is used for schools capital investment both large and small.In addition, the Executive has made an indicative offer of future revenue supporttowards the cost of a £50 million Orkney schools PPP project.In addition to these specificresources, authorities also have general resources at their disposal, principallythrough borrowing and capital receipts, for capital expenditure on infrastructure,including school buildings. The Executive provides loan charges support for suchborrowing, which is not specific to particular services. Total gross capital expenditureby Orkney on education is set out in the following table 2. The authority also hasdiscretion in the use of its current expenditure resources for smaller scale maintenanceactivities on school buildings in its area. Table 1: Schools Fund CapitalGrant Allocations (£000) | | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | | Orkney | 169 | 169 | 252 | 174 | 227 | 474 | 598 | 936 | 655 | Table 2: Education - Total GrossCapital Expenditure (including payments funded from revenue) (£000) | | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Orkney | 6,250 | 2,724 | 2,503 | 1,527 | 1,229 | 1,740 | 3,043 | Source: As reported by localauthorities on Capital Payment Returns (CPR5) Notes: 1. Education includes nursery,primary, secondary and special schools 2. Figures do not include expenditureon public private partnership (PPP) schemes, where the capital expenditure is incurredby the private sector partner, not the local authority. Authorities make annualpayments to their PPP partners over the contract period in respect of capital works,services and on-going maintenance. 3. Figures in table 2 includeSchools Fund capital grant expenditure. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203610,"EventID":"S2W-31038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of its recent talks with the Scottish Rural Schools Network that involved members of the Moray Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of its recent talks with the Scottish Rural Schools Network that involved members of the Moray Forum.","AnswerText":"My meeting with the network wasuseful and allowed their representatives to describe to me at first hand their concernsabout some aspects of the way in which rural school closure proposals are consideredby local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203611,"EventID":"S2W-31039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30108 by Rhona Brankin on 5 December 2006, whether it considers that the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan would be more effectivel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30108 by Rhona Brankin on 5 December 2006, whether it considers that the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan would be more effectively executed if directed by an individual with specific responsibility for its implementation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Squirrel ActionPlan was prepared by a Working Group comprising Forestry Commission Scotland,Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Executive. Successful implementationof the plan will call for a similar level of co-operation and partnership workingbetween these bodies who have the lead responsibility as well as others with aninterest. I do not think that the appointment of a single individual to direct implementationof the plan would enhance the partnership approach that is required.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203612,"EventID":"S2W-31040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30110 by Rhona Brankin on 5 December 2006, what work is currently being undertaken on immunocontraception of grey squirrels, statin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30110 by Rhona Brankin on 5 December 2006, what work is currently being undertaken on immunocontraception of grey squirrels, stating the amount of money that has been allocated to research and the species on which the work is based.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission Scotland(FCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are providing £103,000 of combined financialsupport, over the current financial year, to a Defra-led project that aims to testand adapt fertility control agents. These agents were initially developed for usein the USA on several wild and domestic species and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are currently investigating their suitabilityand effectiveness as a measure for grey squirrel control in Britain.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203613,"EventID":"S2W-31041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3538,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will award the main roadworks contract for the completion of the M74.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will award the main roadworks contract for the completion of the M74.","AnswerText":"Subject to satisfactory completionof the tendering exercise which is currently underway, it is expected that the mainroadworks contract will be awarded in the summer of this year.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203614,"EventID":"S2W-31042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard Strategic Transport Appraisal Guidance technique is being applied when comparing the options for a new Forth crossing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the standard Strategic Transport Appraisal Guidance technique is being applied when comparing the options for a new Forth crossing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2O-11967 on the 8 February 2007.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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203615,"EventID":"S2W-31043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-14953 by Mr Tom McCabe on 14 March 2005, whether it will list all Executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-14953 by Mr Tom McCabe on 14 March 2005, whether it will list all Executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other public bodies now in existence.","AnswerText":"Information on Executive Agenciesand public bodies formally classified as non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs),is contained on the Public Bodies and Appointments website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies/ Details of bodies not classifiedas Executive Agencies or NDPBs are not held centrally by the Executive. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203616,"EventID":"S2W-31044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30458 by Elish Angiolini QC on 21 December 2006, whether the Crown could not raise criminal proceedings against any of the officers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30458 by Elish Angiolini QC on 21 December 2006, whether the Crown could not raise criminal proceedings against any of the officers concerned even if new evidence came to light.","AnswerText":"In Scots Law, when a decisionto take no proceedings has been intimated by the Crown to a person against whoma criminal allegation is made, the Crown are held to it, and such intimation isregarded by the court as constituting a bar to any proceedings thereafter. Thisrule applies even where new evidence comes to light at a later date.Accordingly, the decision notto take proceedings against the four Scottish Criminal Record Office officers againstwhom criminal allegations were made is final. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203617,"EventID":"S2W-31045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30458 by Elish Angiolini QC on 21 December 2006, on what basis and on whose authority the decision was made that no proceedings wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30458 by Elish Angiolini QC on 21 December 2006, on what basis and on whose authority the decision was made that no proceedings were to be taken against officers of the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerText":"The decision not to raise proceedingsagainst the four Scottish Criminal Record Office officers against whom criminalallegations were made was taken by the former Lord Advocate, Lord Boyd, in 2001.A public announcement of this decision was made in September 2001.The decision was taken on thebasis that there was insufficient reliable evidence upon which to found a prosecution. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203618,"EventID":"S2W-31046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in Orkney have benefited from installations under the central heating programme since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in Orkney have benefited from installations under the central heating programme since its inception.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is held by main postcodearea. In the KW postcode area a total of 1,043 households in the private sectorare now centrally heated as a result of the Central Heating Programme. In the publicsector Orkney Island Council installed 119 central heating systems through theprogramme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203619,"EventID":"S2W-31047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in Orkney have benefited from the provision of insulation under the Warm Deal scheme since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in Orkney have benefited from the provision of insulation under the Warm Deal scheme since its inception.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is held by main postcodearea. In the KW postcode area a total of 1,364 households across all sector benefitedfrom Warm Deal insulation measures provided through the managing agent. In the publicsector Orkney Island Council insulated 237 households as part of the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203620,"EventID":"S2W-31048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals and community groups in Orkney have received support under the Scottish Communities and Householder Renewables initiative since its inception and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals and community groups in Orkney have received support under the Scottish Communities and Householder Renewables initiative since its inception and what the total value of that support has been.","AnswerText":"Since its inception in 2002,56 householder grants in Orkney have been approved under Scottish Communities andHouseholder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI), with a total value of £148,042. Underthe community stream, 55 grants have been approved for 25 organisations, with atotal value of £618,324.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203621,"EventID":"S2W-31049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest on land in its ownership, or in the ownership of any body accountable to Scottish ministers, have been damaged in the last f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites of special scientific interest on land in its ownership, or in the ownership of any body accountable to Scottish ministers, have been damaged in the last five years for which figures are available, also indicating in each case of damage who owns the land, the agency responsible for the site and the action being taken to restore the affected area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)has reported that in the last five years they have recorded one instance of significantdamage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on land owned by the ScottishExecutive or any body accountable to Scottish ministers.The damage occurred on the BalernoCommon SSSI on land owned by Scottish Water and resulted from the drawing down of the reservoir to undertake necessary maintenance work. SNH has advised that althoughefforts were made to restore the water level, the problem was exacerbated by unseasonablylow rainfall. Action is underway to prevent a similar situation arising in future. TheNature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 requires public bodies and office holders toconsider the impacts of any and all their activities on the protected natural featuresof SSSIs. Under section 12 of the act,public bodies and office holders must consult SNH in relation to the exercise ofany function is so far as it affects any land which is or forms part of an SSSI. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203622,"EventID":"S2W-31050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the occasions, since 2000, on which damage has been caused to a site of special scientific interest by (a) a local authority, (b) a non-departmental ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the occasions, since 2000, on which damage has been caused to a site of special scientific interest by (a) a local authority, (b) a non-departmental public body, (c) Scottish Water and (d) any other statutory body or contractors acting on behalf of such bodies, also indicating in each case the agency concerned and any remedial action undertaken.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage hasadvised that there are three Sites of Special Scientific Interest where damage hasoccurred due to the actions of statutory bodies. The details are as follows: | Year of Damage | Site Name | Damage Caused by | Remedial Action Undertaken | | 2000-01 | Durness | NoSWA (pre establishment of Scottish Water) | SNH met with utility contractor and sent letter. Managed recovery likely in the long term. | | 2002-03 | Balerno Common | Scottish Water | SNH met landowner. Issue partly due to natural factors, action is underway to prevent future damage. | | 2004-05 | Clauchlands Point - Corrygills | Scottish Water (Solutions) | SNH contacted contractor. Matter reported to the police. | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203623,"EventID":"S2W-31051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital was raised by the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium to deliver that project, broken down into (a) equity, (b) subordinated debt and (c) senior debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital was raised by the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium to deliver that project, broken down into (a) equity, (b) subordinated debt and (c) senior debt.","AnswerText":"The capital raised by the WishawGeneral Hospital PFI consortium to deliver the project was as follows: | | (£ Million) | | Senior Debt | 135.555 | | Subordinated Debt | 11.759 | | Equity | 0.100 | | Total | 147.414 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203624,"EventID":"S2W-31052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital was raised by the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium to deliver that project, broken down into (a) equity, (b) subordinated debt and (c) senior debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital was raised by the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium to deliver that project, broken down into (a) equity, (b) subordinated debt and (c) senior debt.","AnswerText":"The capital raised by the HairmyresHospital PFI consortium to deliver the project was as follows: | | £000 | | Senior Debt | 74,473.3 | | Subordinated Debt | 8,400.0 | | Equity | 0.1 | | Total | 82.8734 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203625,"EventID":"S2W-31053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the equity providers were for the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the equity providers were for the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project.","AnswerText":"The equity providers for theWishaw General Hospital PFI project at financial close were as follows:Sir Robert MacAlpine and, Uberior Infrastructure InvestorsLimited. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203626,"EventID":"S2W-31054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the equity providers were for the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the equity providers were for the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project.","AnswerText":"The original equity providerswere Innisfree Partners Limited as general partner of the Innisfree PFI Fund (50%)and Kier Limited (50%).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203627,"EventID":"S2W-31055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any equity shares in the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project have changed hands since financial close.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any equity shares in the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project have changed hands since financial close.","AnswerText":"Since financial closeof the Wishaw General hospital PFI project there has been an equity transfer fromSir Robert McAlpine to Lanterndew Limited.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203628,"EventID":"S2W-31056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any equity shares in the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project have changed hands since financial close.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any equity shares in the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project have changed hands since financial close.","AnswerText":"The equity shares have changedhands since financial close. The current equity shareholders are Innisfree NomineesLimited as custodian of the partnership assets of Innisfree M&G PPP LP (50%)and Kier Project Investment Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Kier Limited)(50%).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203629,"EventID":"S2W-31057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual payments are to be made to the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium over the contract term and how these changed as a result of the refinancing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual payments are to be made to the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium over the contract term and how these changed as a result of the refinancing.","AnswerText":"The following table shows theestimated annual payments to be made to the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortiumover the current contract period. | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | Year | Amount (£ Million) | | 2004-05 | 22.5 | 2011-12 | 25.3 | 2018-19 | 28.3 | 2025-26 | 31.5 | | 2005-06 | 23.1 | 2012-13 | 25.7 | 2019-20 | 28.7 | 2026-27 | 32.0 | | 2006-07 | 23.4 | 2013-14 | 26.1 | 2020-21 | 29.2 | 2027-28 | 32.5 | | 2007-08 | 23.8 | 2014-15 | 26.6 | 2021-22 | 29.6 | 2028-29 | 33.0 | | 2008-09 | 24.2 | 2015-16 | 27.0 | 2022-23 | 30.1 | 2029-30 | 33.5 | | 2009-10 | 24.6 | 2016-17 | 27.4 | 2023-24 | 30.6 | 2030-31 | 34.1 | | 2010-11 | 25.0 | 2017-18 | 27.8 | 2024-25 | 31.0 | 2031-32 | 5.8 | The Wishaw General Hospital PFIProject has not been subject to refinancing. Had the hospital been procuredby a traditional procurement route additional annual costs would be incurred includingcapital charges and costs for the provision of hard and soft FM services. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203630,"EventID":"S2W-31058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual payments are to be made to the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium over the contract term and how these changed as a result of the refinancing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual payments are to be made to the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium over the contract term and how these changed as a result of the refinancing.","AnswerText":"The original total costs (uninflated)over the life of the contract were approximately £428 million. These costs reduceby around £10 million to £418 million as a result of re-financing.These costs include the provisionof hard and soft FM services over the life of the contract. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203631,"EventID":"S2W-31059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS Lanarkshire’s income the annual charge arising from the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project represents and how that has changed as a result of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS Lanarkshire’s income the annual charge arising from the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project represents and how that has changed as a result of the refinancing.","AnswerText":"The current annual spend on theWishaw Contract is approx. £22.4 million. NHS Lanarkshire’s annual income is £860million and the annual spend on Wishaw equates to 2.6% of this income. As the contracthas not been refinanced this has not changed.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203632,"EventID":"S2W-31060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS Lanarkshire’s income the annual charge arising from the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project represents and how that has changed as a result of the refin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of NHS Lanarkshire’s income the annual charge arising from the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project represents and how that has changed as a result of the refinancing.","AnswerText":"The current annual charge forHairmyres is £16.4 million after accounting for re-financing gain of £440,000 andthe annual inflation uplifts since the hospital opened. NHS Lanarkshire’s currentyear income is £860 million and therefore the Hairmyres costs represent 1.9% ofthis. The impact of re-financing is a reduction of 0.05%.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203633,"EventID":"S2W-31061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the net present value and cash value of the cash flow to Wishaw General Hospital PFI project consortium shareholders over the contract term.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the net present value and cash value of the cash flow to Wishaw General Hospital PFI project consortium shareholders over the contract term.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203634,"EventID":"S2W-31062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the net present value and cash value of the cash flow to Hairmyres Hospital PFI project consortium shareholders over the contract term.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the net present value and cash value of the cash flow to Hairmyres Hospital PFI project consortium shareholders over the contract term.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203635,"EventID":"S2W-31063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) percentage capital growth and (b) total capital gain has been on investors’ investment in the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) percentage capital growth and (b) total capital gain has been on investors’ investment in the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project.","AnswerText":"This informationis not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203636,"EventID":"S2W-31064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) percentage capital growth and (b) total capital gain has been on investors’ investment in the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) percentage capital growth and (b) total capital gain has been on investors’ investment in the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203637,"EventID":"S2W-31065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the base internal rate of return to the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the base internal rate of return to the Wishaw General Hospital PFI consortium.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203638,"EventID":"S2W-31066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the base internal rate of return to the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how refinancing has changed the base internal rate of return to the Hairmyres Hospital PFI consortium.","AnswerText":"The information is ascontained in the following tables: | Original Financing | | | Nominal | 19.55% | | Real | 16.05% | | Refinancing Model | | | Nominal | 18.61% | | Real | 16.13% | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203639,"EventID":"S2W-31067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net present value and cash value gains of the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project are to (a) the private sector and (b) NHS Lanarkshire and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net present value and cash value gains of the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project are to (a) the private sector and (b) NHS Lanarkshire and, in respect of NHS Lanarkshire, in what form these gains have been made, such as reductions in annual payments or reduced parking charges.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203640,"EventID":"S2W-31068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net present value and cash value gains of the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project are to (a) the private sector and (b) NHS Lanarkshire and, in res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net present value and cash value gains of the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project are to (a) the private sector and (b) NHS Lanarkshire and, in respect of NHS Lanarkshire, in what form these gains have been made, such as reductions in annual payments or reduced parking charges.","AnswerText":"The refinancing of Hairmyres Hospital inAugust 2004 provided an opportunity for both Prospect and NHS Lanarkshire towork in partnership and capture the considerable benefits from the reducedrisks inherent in the project following the successful completion ofconstruction and the experience gained of operating the hospital.NHS Lanarkshire took itsshare of the gain as a reduction in its annual unitary charge payment of£419,000 per annum in 2004 prices over 26.75 years. At the time of refinancingthe NPV of NHS Lanarkshire’s share of the gain was calculated as £2.735 million. The consortium made acapital gain on the refinancing in August 2004 of £16.7 million. Information isnot held on the basis that this was extracted. The refinancing providessubstantial financial gain for NHSL and was undertaken in line with the Code ofConduct issued by the Office of Government Commerce in July 2002. PartnershipsUK Refinancing Task Force confirmed the business case complied with the termsof the Code. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203641,"EventID":"S2W-31069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the refinancing gain arising from the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project has been retained by the private sector to compensate for a lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the refinancing gain arising from the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project has been retained by the private sector to compensate for a lower rate of return than that expected at bidding stage.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203642,"EventID":"S2W-31070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the refinancing gain arising from the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project has been retained by the private sector to compensate for a lower r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the refinancing gain arising from the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project has been retained by the private sector to compensate for a lower rate of return than that expected at bidding stage.","AnswerText":"None of the refinancing gainhas been retained by the private sector to compensate for a lower rate ofreturn than that expected at bidding stage.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203643,"EventID":"S2W-31071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project has changed the contract length from financial close and, if so, what the change has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project has changed the contract length from financial close and, if so, what the change has been.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203644,"EventID":"S2W-31072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project has changed the contract length from financial close and, if so, what the change has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project has changed the contract length from financial close and, if so, what the change has been.","AnswerText":"The refinancing has notchanged the length of the contract from that at financial close.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203645,"EventID":"S2W-31073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project resulted in any change in risk allocation and termination liabilities and, if so, how the additional ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Wishaw General Hospital PFI project resulted in any change in risk allocation and termination liabilities and, if so, how the additional risks have been priced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31057 on 29 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203646,"EventID":"S2W-31074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project resulted in any change in risk allocation and termination liabilities and, if so, how the additional risks h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the refinancing of the Hairmyres Hospital PFI project resulted in any change in risk allocation and termination liabilities and, if so, how the additional risks have been priced.","AnswerText":"The refinancing of Hairmyres Hospital inAugust 2004 provided an opportunity for both Prospect and NHS Lanarkshire towork in partnership and capture the considerable benefits from the reducedrisks inherent in the project following the successful completion ofconstruction and the experience gained of operating the hospital.There are three distinctcategories of termination. These are client default/voluntary termination, forcemajeure; and contractor default. Under each of these, thereare defined liabilities that the board is contracted to pay in the event theConcession Agreement terminates. The contractual definition of theseliabilities did not change post refinancing. The first of these is consideredto be within NHS Lanarkshire’s control. The second is essentially outwitheither NHS Lanarkshire’s or the contractor’s control. Based on Prospect’s (thecontractor), and their bankers’ commitment to the project and the due diligenceundertaken by the bankers in agreeing the refinancing, the probability ofdefault by the contractor was considered to be low. The potential terminationliabilities under these scenarios were subjected to a detailed value for moneyanalysis and scenario modelling which focused on the trade off between a potentialincrease in liabilities and NHS Lanarkshire’s share of refinancing gain. Thisanalysis suggested that there needs to be a high probability of contractordefault before the VFM was eroded. Whilst there were some consequential changesto the termination sums under contractor default, the termination sum payableunder such a default scenario is expected to be lower than had the refinancingnot taken place. The refinancing agreementincreased the amount of borrowing by £20.4 million and the total debt is repaidover a longer time period. However, the actual sum paid at termination would bedetermined by the actual date of termination. he refinancing providedsubstantial financial gain for NHS Lanarkshire and was undertaken in line withthe Code of Conduct issued by the Office of Government Commerce in July 2002. PartnershipsUK (PUK) Refinancing Task Force confirmed the business case complied with theterms of the code. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203647,"EventID":"S2W-31075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dangerous dogs it estimates are being kept illegally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dangerous dogs it estimates are being kept illegally.","AnswerText":"This information is notcurrently held centrally but we have written to Chief Constables to ask, amongother things, if they can estimate the number of dogs that are currently beingkept in their areas in contravention of the ban imposed by the Dangerous DogsAct 1991.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203648,"EventID":"S2W-31076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since it came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since it came into force.","AnswerText":"The available information is givenin the following table.Persons proceeded against in Scottish courts for an offence underthe Dangerous Dogs Act 19911, 1991-92 to 2004-05 | Year | Number | | 1991-92 | 24 | | 1992-93 | 71 | | 1993-94 | 65 | | 1994-95 | 62 | | 1995-96 | 46 | | 1996-97 | 42 | | 1997-98 | 51 | | 1998-99 | 66 | | 1999-2000 | 70 | | 2000-01 | 54 | | 2001-02 | 42 | | 2002-03 | 51 | | 2003-04 | 67 | | 2004-05 | 68 | Note: 1. Where main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203649,"EventID":"S2W-31077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the scope of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is,as a matter of priority, reviewing the effectiveness of the ban on keeping pitbull terriers, and other types of dog, and also the law relating to all typesof breeds of dogs that are dangerously out of control in private premises.As a first step in thereview process, we have written to Chief Constables to establish facts andevidence about how the law operates in their areas, what can be done to makeenforcement of the law more effective, and whether the law needs to be changed.We will also be seeking facts and evidence from other key stakeholders. Once such facts and evidencehave been established from this process, we will consider what action may benecessary and the most appropriate way to take any action forward. Any changesproposed will of course be subject to a full consultation process. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203650,"EventID":"S2W-31078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised from North Sea oil in each year since GERS was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised from North Sea oil in each year since GERS was first published.","AnswerText":"Since Government Expenditureand Revenue in Scotland (GERS) was first published (for 1990-91), £45.6 billionpounds has been raised, cumulatively, in North Sea revenue by the UK Government.Over the same period the cumulative fiscal deficit excluding North Sea revenueswas £105.7 billion.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203651,"EventID":"S2W-31079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised in Scotland from (a) employers’ national insura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised in Scotland from (a) employers’ national insurance contributions, (b) the 11% rate of employees’ national insurance contributions and (c) the 1% rate of employees’ national insurance contributions in each year since GERS was first published.","AnswerText":"The latest estimates of Employers’National Insurance Contributions in Scotland (a) are presented in the following table for 2000-01to 2004-05. Further disaggregation (b and c) is not available.The figures are notseparately identified in the Government Expenditure and Revenues for Scotland(GERS) publications. They form part of, and are consistent with, the publishedestimates of Social Security Contributions. The figures for the years2000-01 to 2004-05 are consistent with figures in the GERS 2004-05 publication.Figures for earlier years are not available on a consistent basis. All estimatesare subject to future revisions. Estimates of Employers’National Insurance Contributions in Scotland 2000-01 to 2004-05 (£ Million) | Year | Employers’ National Insurance Contributions | | 2000-01 | 2,811 | | 2001-02 | 2,941 | | 2002-03 | 3,013 | | 2003-04 | 3,370 | | 2004-05 | 3,625 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203652,"EventID":"S2W-31080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised from (a) income tax, (b) corporation tax (c) na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what total revenue has been raised from (a) income tax, (b) corporation tax (c) national insurance contributions, (d) value added tax, (e) business rates, (f) council tax and (g) petrol duty in each year since GERS was first published.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thelatest estimates which are consistent with figures in the Government Expenditureand Revenue in Scotland (GERS) 2004-05 publication. Estimates for earlier yearsare available in earlier GERS publications, but these are not directly comparable.All estimates are subject to future revisions.Estimates of Elements of GovernmentRevenue in Scotland 2000-01 to 2004-05 (£ Million) | | Income Tax | Corporation Tax | National Insurance Contributions | Value Added Tax | Business Rates | Council Tax | Fuel Duty1 | | 2000-01 | 7,281 | 2,569 | 4,963 | 4,698 | 1,578 | 1,284 | 1,447 | | 2001-02 | 7,671 | 2,380 | 5,179 | 5,022 | 1,671 | 1,387 | 1,328 | | 2002-03 | 7,810 | 2,108 | 5,312 | 5,101 | 1,705 | 1,459 | 1,290 | | 2003-04 | 8,265 | 2,062 | 5,972 | 5,647 | 1,706 | 1,532 | 1,323 | | 2004-05 | 8,914 | 2,422 | 6,461 | 5,949 | 1,813 | 1,615 | 1,313 | Note: 1. Petrol Duty is included as part of Fuel Duty in the table– separate estimates for Petrol Duty are not available. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203653,"EventID":"S2W-31081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland, what assumptions are made about the estimated multiplier effect on the Scottish economy o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of its estimates in Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland, what assumptions are made about the estimated multiplier effect on the Scottish economy of identifiable expenditure by the UK Government, other than the monies used to fund devolved services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The purpose of Government Expenditureand Revenue in Scotland (GERS) is to estimate, using the most rigorous statisticalinformation and techniques available, the actual public expenditures and revenuesfor Scotland.The economic impacts of expendituresand revenues are beyond the scope of the analysis and would not be appropriate toinclude. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203654,"EventID":"S2W-31082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is to answer a call to NHS 24 and, if triage by NHS 24 were to replace the current 999 system, what it estimates the average (a) response ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is to answer a call to NHS 24 and, if triage by NHS 24 were to replace the current 999 system, what it estimates the average (a) response time and (b) length of time it would take to complete a call would be, and whether 999 calls would be given a priority rating.","AnswerText":"The average length of time forNHS 24 to answer a call is currently three seconds.There are no plans to redirect999 emergency ambulance calls to NHS 24 – calls will continue to be answered bythe Scottish Ambulance Service’s emergency medical dispatch centres. Scottish AmbulanceService call handlers will continue to use the clinical algorithms that supportdecisions about the priority of the call and the nature of the response that isrequired. The vast majority of emergencyambulance calls require an ambulance to be sent, but there are a number that donot. At present, a caller who does not require an ambulance may be asked to hangup and contact their own GP or NHS 24. In future, it will be possible for the calldetails to be passed electronically to NHS 24, to enable an appropriate advisorto call the patient back without the patient having to repeat the information thathe or she has already provided. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203655,"EventID":"S2W-31083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls to NHS 24 have been abandoned because of a slow response time in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls to NHS 24 have been abandoned because of a slow response time in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 rolled out across Scotland fromMay 2002 to November 2004. The call figures listed in the following table thereforerelate to partial coverage of Scotland until November 2004. The abandoned callsfigures is measured by collecting data on the number of calls that are abandonedafter the threshold of 30 seconds following the end of the welcome message.It is not possible to tell howmany callers abandoned their calls because of a slow response time and there couldbe a number of reasons for their decision to hang up. In November 2006, the last availablereporting date, 99.9% of calls to NHS 24 were answered within 30 seconds with theaverage time to answer three seconds and number of calls abandoned after thresholdwas six in total (0.01%). | | Call Demand | Number of Calls Abandoned After the Threshold | Percentage of Calls Abandoned After the Threshold | | 08-05-02 to 31-03-03 | 224,548 | 1,052 | 0.47%* | | 01-04-03 to 31-03-04 | 644,747 | 1,920 | 0.30%* | | 01-04-04 to 31-03-05 | 1,353,533 | 75,309 | 5.56%* | | 01-04-05 to 31-03-06 | 1,509,387 | 23,895 | 1.58% | | 01-04-06 to 30-11-06 | 914,923 | 1,920 | 0.21% | Notes: # Information provided by NHS24 *Until 2005, NHS 24 used a differentformula to calculate calls abandoned, therefore the figures reported at the timeare different to those shown in the table. The 2002-05 figures have been calculatedusing the new formula, which was introduced in April 2005, so that they can be comparedagainst the more recent performance. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203656,"EventID":"S2W-31084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the revenue return has been from modulation of single farm payments in each year since their inception and what sum is estimated to be raised in the (a) current and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the revenue return has been from modulation of single farm payments in each year since their inception and what sum is estimated to be raised in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.","AnswerText":"The Single Farm Payment Schemecame into effect from 1 January 2005 with the first payments being made from 1 December 2005. Thetotal modulation receipts for financial year 2005-06 were £28.158 million. My departmentcurrently forecasts these receipts being £36.266 million for financial year2006-07 and £43.6 million for 2007-08.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203657,"EventID":"S2W-31085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how financial contributions from modulation of single farm payments were spent in each year since the inception of modulated payments and what proposals there are with re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how financial contributions from modulation of single farm payments were spent in each year since the inception of modulated payments and what proposals there are with regard to planned expenditure of modulation payments in the next financial year.","AnswerText":"The Single Farm Payment Scheme(SFPS) was only introduced in 2005, so the information detailed below is based oninformation for the financial year 2005-06.Compulsory modulation is currentlyused to fund the Land Management Contract Menu Scheme, which is part of the 2000-06Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). The first expenditure under the MenuScheme was incurred in 2006, and £6,685,744 was allocated in the financial year.It is estimated that a further £10 million will be paid out under the Menu Schemein 2006-07. Voluntary modulation is currentlyused to fund agri-environment and afforestation measures within the SRDP. The expenditureof funds from voluntary modulation in 2005-06 was as follows: | Countryside Premium Scheme | £433,651 | | Environmentally Sensitive Areas | £422,996 | | Organic Aid Scheme | £1,045,353 | | Rural Stewardship Scheme | £7.889.134 | | Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme | £903,969 | | Woodlands Grant Scheme | £121,236 | | | £10,816,339 | These are multi-annual commitmentswhich will continue to be funded from modulation. Under present co-financing limitsit is likely that modulation receipts will fund these commitments until early in2008. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203658,"EventID":"S2W-31086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has concerning the number of recently discharged Scottish servicemen and servicewomen who are receiving psychiatric treatment for mental health proble","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has concerning the number of recently discharged Scottish servicemen and servicewomen who are receiving psychiatric treatment for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and whether the Ministry of Defence contributes to the cost of such care and treatment.","AnswerText":"The statistical information requestedis not held centrally. The Transfer of Functions (Ministry of Pensions) Order 1953passed the financial and administrative responsibility for the provision of medicaland surgical services for war pensioners to health departments. In Scotland fundingwas transferred to NHS boards. Travel and subsistence costs remain the responsibilityof the Veterans Agency.The Ministry of Defence funds a programme for membersof the Reserve Forces with mental health problems associated with operational deployment.The services are available to current Reserve Services personnel and those demobilisedsince January 2003 following overseas operational deployment. Referrals are throughindividual general practitioners. Followingassessment, appropriate out patient treatment is provided and funded by the DefenceMedical Services from facilities in Kinloss, Leuchars and Faslane. Those assessedas requiring in patient treatment are referred through their generalpractitioner to NHS care. NHS mental health care provided to discharged servicemen and women is funded from NHS resources. The Health Department is workingwith the Ministry of Defence and others, for the better organisation of servicesand care of former servicemen and women including attention to psychiatric needs. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203659,"EventID":"S2W-31087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have declared medical secretaries’ posts redundant in the last two years and have outsourced secretarial transcription services to specialist secretarial","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have declared medical secretaries’ posts redundant in the last two years and have outsourced secretarial transcription services to specialist secretarial agencies and what the cost has been to each board of this outsourcing. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the boardsthemselves and information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203660,"EventID":"S2W-31088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received from fishermen’s organisations and other interested parties anent the proposed siting of offshore windfarms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has received from fishermen’s organisations and other interested parties anent the proposed siting of offshore windfarms.","AnswerText":"In determining applications forconsent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in respect of offshore windfarms, Scottish ministers would consult widely inviting representations from statutorybodies and other interested parties including fishermen’s and other organisations.The Scottish Executive has notreceived any recent applications for consent of any proposed offshore wind farmdevelopment, consequently no recent consultations have taken place. However, the Executive receiveda request from AMEC Wind Energy for advice on the preparation of an EnvironmentalStatement for the Aberdeen Offshore Project which is at pre-application stage. Inorder to produce this advice, we consulted local planning authorities, statutorybodies and other interested parties including organisations with an interest innavigation and maritime safety issues. Further, we willbe conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for offshore wind thisyear. This SEA will examine how we can develop our offshore wind potential sustainablyand site offshore wind farms while minimising impacts on the environment and existingusers of the coastal area. As part of this process we will be contacting all relevantstakeholders, including fisherman’s organisations in the marine environment fortheir views. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203661,"EventID":"S2W-31089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental surgeons operated in the NHS in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde at the most recent date for which figures are available and what the comparable figure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental surgeons operated in the NHS in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde at the most recent date for which figures are available and what the comparable figures were in 2003.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following table.Number of Dentists1Providing NHS General Dental Services; at 31 March | | Renfrewshire2 | Inverclyde2 | | 2006 | 90 | 35 | | 2003 | 89 | 31 | Source: ISD Scotland. Notes: 1. The number of NHSgeneral dentists in post, not the whole-time equivalent, as informationon the working hours of each dentist is not collected. 2. The number of NHS non-salaried and salaried principals,assistants and vocational dental practitioners working in dental practices basedwithin the local authority areas Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203662,"EventID":"S2W-31090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes anent the implementation and consequences of the council housing stock transfer and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes anent the implementation and consequences of the council housing stock transfer and what initial sum of money is to be given to the housing association.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Following the announcement of the successful Inverclyde Stock Transfer ballot result on 1 December 2006, InverclydeCouncil, River Clyde Homes and Communities Scotland have been meeting regularlyand at various levels to progress the transfer of the houses to the new landlordas quickly as possible. The target date for transfer is 1 October 2007. The actualsubsidy to be paid to River Clyde Homes will reflect the requirements of its finalbusiness plan as assessed and appraised by Inverclyde Council and Communities Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203663,"EventID":"S2W-31091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the written evidence dated 3 May 2006 by John McLean, former Director of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO), to the Justice 1 Committee’s inquiry, (pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the written evidence dated 3 May 2006 by John McLean, former Director of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO), to the Justice 1 Committee’s inquiry, (paper J1/S2/06/17/2), whether it will provide full information in respect of the misidentification of fingerprint evidence in the Scottish Fingerprint Service in June 2000; whether any of the experts concerned in this misidentification were involved in the misidentification of mark Y7 in the Marion Ross murder case; whether there was an independent inquiry into this misidentification and, if so, who carried it out and what the result was; whether the work of the experts concerned with this misidentification was checked for other misidentifications and, if so, over what period of time; whether the experts accepted that they had made mistakes and what remedial action was taken, and whether any of these experts are involved in providing expert evidence in Scottish courts at present.","AnswerText":"There was no misidentification confirmedin the written evidence dated 3 May 2006 by John McLean. That written evidence isavailable at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/justice1/papers-06/j1p06-17.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203664,"EventID":"S2W-31092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Head of the Scottish Fingerprint Service visited and met staff in the four Scottish fingerprint bureaux in (a) 2004, (b) 2005 and (c) 2006 and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Head of the Scottish Fingerprint Service visited and met staff in the four Scottish fingerprint bureaux in (a) 2004, (b) 2005 and (c) 2006 and how many times he has visited the four bureaux since the publication in June 2006 of the Independent Counselling and Advisory Services’ report into the Scottish Fingerprint Service.","AnswerText":"The operational detail requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203665,"EventID":"S2W-31093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units attending Category A calls are staffed solely by a paramedic or a technician.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units attending Category A calls are staffed solely by a paramedic or a technician.","AnswerText":"As a general rule, rapid responseunits will be staffed by either a single paramedic or a single technician. In somecases they may be double crewed.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203666,"EventID":"S2W-31094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units attending Category B calls are staffed solely by a paramedic or a technician.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units attending Category B calls are staffed solely by a paramedic or a technician.","AnswerText":"Rapid response units are primarilyintended to be deployed to Category A calls, but will attend Category B calls occasionally.As a general rule, rapid response units will be staffed either by a single paramedicor a single technician. In some cases they may be double crewed.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203667,"EventID":"S2W-31095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response unit would ever be staffed solely by a probationary ambulance technician.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response unit would ever be staffed solely by a probationary ambulance technician.","AnswerText":"A rapid response unit shouldnot be staffed solely by a probationary ambulance technician.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203668,"EventID":"S2W-31096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response unit would ever be staffed solely by a probationary paramedic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response unit would ever be staffed solely by a probationary paramedic.","AnswerText":"A probationary paramedic is aqualified technician with at least 18 months’ experience and could be deployed ona single-manned rapid response unit.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203669,"EventID":"S2W-31097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many back-up ambulances have been called to assist rapid response units attending Category A calls in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many back-up ambulances have been called to assist rapid response units attending Category A calls in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.The priority based dispatch systemprovides for the dispatcher in the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre to deploy arapid response unit to Category A calls and to back that up with the deploymentof an ambulance. It may be that the clinical condition later warrants that the ambulancebe stood down. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203670,"EventID":"S2W-31098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many back-up ambulances have been called to assist rapid response units attending Category B calls in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many back-up ambulances have been called to assist rapid response units attending Category B calls in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203671,"EventID":"S2W-31099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance staff have reported incidents of assault while carrying out their duties in single-staffed ambulances or rapid response units in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance staff have reported incidents of assault while carrying out their duties in single-staffed ambulances or rapid response units in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203672,"EventID":"S2W-31100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the training period is for an ambulance (a) technician and (b) paramedic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the training period is for an ambulance (a) technician and (b) paramedic.","AnswerText":"The training period for an ambulancetechnician is nine weeks residential at the Scottish Ambulance College. Theprobationary period for a technician is one year following the training period.Technicians must have a minimumof 18 months post technician experience before applying to become a paramedic. Theyattend six weeks residential training at the Scottish Ambulance College. Thisis followed by a minimum of four weeks clinical training in a teaching hospitalunder the supervision of medical staff where they must demonstrate competence andknowledge in various clinical skills and techniques. Once qualified, the paramedicsmust register with the Health Professions Council to which they are professionallyaccountable. The Scottish Ambulance Service takes a supporting role in their continuousprofessional development, with paramedic staff undertaking refresher training annually. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203673,"EventID":"S2W-31101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the probationary period is for an ambulance (a) technician and (b) paramedic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the probationary period is for an ambulance (a) technician and (b) paramedic.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31100 on 30 January 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203674,"EventID":"S2W-31102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a separate budget for Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units and, if so, what that budget has been in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a separate budget for Scottish Ambulance Service rapid response units and, if so, what that budget has been in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The ambulance service has receivedconsiderable increases in revenue funding over recent years. Since 2002-03, itsallocation has increased by some 30% and currently stands at £167.8 million. Itis for that organisation to decide how best to invest its funding in the interestsof patient care and value for money.The ambulance service does nothave a separate budget for rapid response units. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203675,"EventID":"S2W-31103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of all ambulances sent out as a result of Category A calls are staffed by one ambulance technician or paramedic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of all ambulances sent out as a result of Category A calls are staffed by one ambulance technician or paramedic.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203676,"EventID":"S2W-31104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether mechanics employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service to service and repair ambulances and rapid response vehicles also service and repair vehicles of NHS boards o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether mechanics employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service to service and repair ambulances and rapid response vehicles also service and repair vehicles of NHS boards or private individuals.","AnswerText":"The ambulance service worksin partnership with NHS boards and other bodies in this way, where there is capacityto do so.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203677,"EventID":"S2W-31105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service’s target of reaching 75% of Category A calls within eight minutes is being met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service’s target of reaching 75% of Category A calls within eight minutes is being met.","AnswerText":"The target is to respond to 75%of Category A calls within eight minutes by the last quarter of 2007-08. Againstthe background of an increase of over 11% in the number of emergency calls sincelast year, the ambulance service currently responds to patient in an average of8.4 minutes.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203678,"EventID":"S2W-31106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on twin tracking the railway line between Annan and Gretna.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on twin tracking the railway line between Annan and Gretna.","AnswerText":"Network Rail is working towardsa redoubling of the track between Annan and Gretna for completion in February 2008.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203679,"EventID":"S2W-31107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been received by Transport Scotland regarding the provision of a new rail halt at Eastriggs in Dumfriesshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been received by Transport Scotland regarding the provision of a new rail halt at Eastriggs in Dumfriesshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has receivedtwo responses to the Consultation on Rail Priorities in support of reopening Eastriggsstation in Dumfriesshire. One from Dumfries and Galloway Council, the other did not give permissionfor their response to be made public.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203680,"EventID":"S2W-31108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers are proposing that renumeration for some leaders of local authorities, including Moray Council, will be lower than that proposed for chairs of joint boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers are proposing that renumeration for some leaders of local authorities, including Moray Council, will be lower than that proposed for chairs of joint boards, such as Grampian Valuation Board, that have smaller budgets and numbers of employees and, if so, what the justification is for these proposals.","AnswerText":"I accepted the recommendationby the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee that the salary of seniormembers of joint boards should be linked to that of the highest banded council representedon joint board. I recently consulted on that proposal and I am considering commentsmade, including those in relation to Moray Council’s position on the Grampian ValuationBoard. I shall be making regulations to implement the new arrangements shortly.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203681,"EventID":"S2W-31109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the modes of transport used by ministers on official business in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the modes of transport used by ministers on official business in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the main modesof transport used by ministers on official business is provided in this and thethree related questions referred to as follows. It is also likely thatministers will have travelled on occasion by other means but there is no centralrecord of such travel. In particular, details of journeys made on foot or by busare not held centrally.S2W-31111 answered on 2 February 2007 providesdetails of ministers’ travel by rail. S2W-31112 answered on 2 February 2007 providesdetails of ministers’ travel by official car. S2W-31113 answered on 2 February 2007 providesdetails of ministers’ travel by air. Information on ministers’ travelby taxi is only available from 2004 as follows: Taxi Journeys | | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Journeys | 272 | 282 | 252 | Car Hire data is available fromApril 2000. One hire was made in 2001 and one in 2006. Travel guidance insists thatconsideration be given to whether a proposed journey is necessary, and if it isministers must use the most cost effective method of travel. This includes takingaccount of the time it takes to travel by different methods of transport. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203682,"EventID":"S2W-31111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled by rail on official business in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled by rail on official business in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on rail travel byministers is only available from April 2002. | | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Journeys | 152 * | 112 | 107 | 127 | 86 | Note: *2002 applies to the period April to end of December 2002,as January to March 2002 data is no longer held by the travel agent. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203683,"EventID":"S2W-31112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled in official cars on official business in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled in official cars on official business in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information available onthe number of journeys ministers have travelled in official cars on officialbusiness in each year since 1999 is set out in the following tables.Tables 1 and 2: Journeys UndertakenBetween 1999 and 20041 Table 1: Manual SchedulingSystem | Calendar Year | Journeys | | 1999 | 5,538 | | 2000 | 6,149 | | 2001 | 6,673 | | 2002 (up to and including July)2 | 3,999 | Table 2: ComputerisedScheduling System | Calendar Year | Journeys | | 2002 (from August to December)2 | 5,709 | | 2003 | 11,531 | | 2004 | 12,317 | Notes: 1. The information in thesetables is taken from a Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act request answeredon 7 March 2005. The tables include journeys undertaken by Scottish ministers,ministers of the UK Government Departments when in Scotland, some seniorofficials at the Scottish Executive, visiting dignitaries and where necessarythe transportation of official documents. The underlying records are no longerheld. 2. The numbers provided werecompiled using data from two different scheduling methods. Up to and includingJuly 2002, the Government Car Service (GCS) relied on a manual schedulingsystem where journeys were recorded as one, regardless of the number of pointsof call. From 1 August 2002, GCS installed a computerised scheduling systemwhich only accepts a single point of call as one journey. The totals in each of the tables are therefore not comparable. The large variation between thenumbers journeys carried out during the first seven months and those completedin the latter months simply reflect the different recording methods, and notbecause of any increase in the workload. Table 3: Journeys UndertakenBetween 2005 and 20061 | Calendar Year | Journeys | | 2005 | 10,2502 | | 2006 | 9,933 | Notes: 1. The table includes journeys undertaken by Scottish ministersand where necessary the transportation of official documents. 2. The figure is anapproximation as data for the period of January to March 2005 is no longer heldon Government Car Service Scheduling software. Seven thousand six hundred andsixty-nine journeys were recorded from April to end of December 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203684,"EventID":"S2W-31113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled by air on official business in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have travelled by air on official business in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on air travel byministers is only available from April 2002. | | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Journeys | 274 * | 204 | 234 | 245 | 230 | Note:*2002 applies to theperiod April to end of December 2002, as January to March 2002 data is nolonger held by the travel agent. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203685,"EventID":"S2W-31114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any examples of developers who have applied for, and received, the right to pay a commuted sum, calculated by the district valuer, in lieu of buildin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any examples of developers who have applied for, and received, the right to pay a commuted sum, calculated by the district valuer, in lieu of building an agreed percentage of affordable homes in a permitted housing development, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203686,"EventID":"S2W-31115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) longest, (b) shortest and (c) average waiting times were for persons seeking (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four-bedroom local authority homes in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) longest, (b) shortest and (c) average waiting times were for persons seeking (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four-bedroom local authority homes in each of the last five years, broken down by authority, and which local authorities had the (A) longest and (B) shortest waiting times.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally. The numbers of households on waiting lists for each local authorityare published on an annual basis in the quarterly Scottish Executive StatisticalBulletin (Housing Series) Housing trends in Scotland: quarters ending 31 March.This is available online in the publications section of the housing statistics branchreference site http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/PubHousingTrend.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203687,"EventID":"S2W-31116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant local authority houses there were in each of the last five years, broken down by authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant local authority houses there were in each of the last five years, broken down by authority.","AnswerText":"The numbers of vacant local authoritydwellings as at 31 March are published on an annual basis in the quarterly ScottishExecutive Statistical Bulletin (Housing Series) Housing trends in Scotland: quartersending 31 March. Bulletins for the past five years are available on-line in thepublications section of the housing statistics branch reference site:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/PubHousingTrend. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203688,"EventID":"S2W-31117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there were for antisocial behaviour in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there were for antisocial behaviour in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Antisocial Behaviour etc(Scotland) Act 2004 defines antisocial behaviour (ASB) as acting in a manner, or pursuinga course of conduct that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress to at leastone person not of the same household as them. It therefore covers a wide range ofoffences, some of which are subject to criminal court procedures, and some to civilcourt procedures.Table4 (a) of the publication Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts, 2004-05provides data on the numbers of people convicted of offences that can be consideredantisocial, for example vandalism, breach of the peace, fire-raising, drunkennessand other crimes and offences since 1995. This table can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/25104019/13.It is not possible to aggregate these figures to local authority level becausesome sheriff courts serve more than one local authority area. The act provides for the useof a wide range of different measures to tackle ASB. The following table 1 providesa list of those measures in the act which are subject to court proceedings and whoseuse can be reported by local authority, together with data on their use over thelast two full years. The following table 2 providesinformation on proven charges of breach of Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) ineach sheriff court. Table 1. Use of Measures in theAntisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act for Scotland and by Local Authority, 2004 from 1 October 2004 to 30 September 2006 | Measure | 1 October 2004 to 30 September 2005 | 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006 | | Scotland | Local Authority or Police Force area totals | Scotland | Local Authority or Police Force area totals | | ASBOs on Conviction | 34 | Aberdeenshire 6, Dumfries and Galloway 2, Falkirk 3, Glasgow 3, Moray 3, Scottish Borders 16, West Lothian 1 | 31 | Angus 1, Argyll and Bute 1, Dumfries and Galloway 5, Dundee City 2, Glasgow 4, Highland 1, North Ayrshire 1, Renfrewshire 1, Scottish Borders 13, South Lanarkshire 1, Western Isles 1 | | ASBOs for 12-15 year olds | 1 | Renfrewshire 1 | 5 | Edinburgh 2, Dundee 1, Fife 1, Midlothian 1. | | Closure of Premises | 9 | Fife 4, Lothian and Borders 1, Strathclyde 1, Tayside 3 | 12 | http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. Persons Proceeded Against in ScottishCourts for Dog Fouling and Littering Offences1, by Police Force Area,2002-03 to 2004-05 | Police Force Area | Dog fouling | Litter | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Central | - | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | | Dumfries and Galloway | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | | Fife | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Grampian | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Lothian and Borders | 1 | 2 | - | 3 | 1 | 3 | | Northern | 1 | | | 1 | | | | Strathclyde | 1 | 1 | - | 21 | 19 | 30 | | Tayside | 5 | 4 | 1","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203691,"EventID":"S2W-31120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have absconded from custody in each of the last 10 years and, of these, how many have not been caught.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have absconded from custody in each of the last 10 years and, of these, how many have not been caught.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows: The number of absconders is publishedin the SPS Annual Reports and Accounts and can be found by using the following link: http://www.sps.gov.uk/default.aspx?documentid=67e156ce-a4c9-49f5-a526-0dab421427f6. At 29 January 2007, 13 absconderswere still at large. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203692,"EventID":"S2W-31121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent applications for funding under the INCREASE waste strategy programme have exceeded the funds available, showing the numbers of successful and unsuccessful ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent applications for funding under the INCREASE waste strategy programme have exceeded the funds available, showing the numbers of successful and unsuccessful applications and the amounts involved in each case, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Through INCREASE, a total of£10 million was available. A total of £18,183,727 was applied for. £9,807,134 hasbeen awarded and £8,376,593 declined. Projects totalling £2,216,652 were withdrawn.Further details on the informationrequested is given in Investment in Community recycling and Social Enterprise (INCREASE programme), a copyof which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number41535). ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203693,"EventID":"S2W-31122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the (a) Strategic Waste Fund and (b) INCREASE programme have been oversubscribed in each year since their introduction, broken down by local authority and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the (a) Strategic Waste Fund and (b) INCREASE programme have been oversubscribed in each year since their introduction, broken down by local authority and also showing year-on-year budgets, percentage changes and national totals.","AnswerText":"I have placed tables in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 41534 and 41535). These show the Amount of Funding Awarded to Local Authorities Through the StrategicWaste Fund – 2000-01 to 2029-2030 and the Investment in Communityrecycling and Social Enterprise (INCREASE programme).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203694,"EventID":"S2W-31123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to each local authority from the (a) Strategic Waste Fund and (b) INCREASE programme in each year since their introduction, also showing year-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to each local authority from the (a) Strategic Waste Fund and (b) INCREASE programme in each year since their introduction, also showing year-on-year percentage changes and national totals.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the Amount of Funding Awarded to Local AuthoritiesThrough the Strategic Waste Fund – 2000-01 to 2029-30 table and the Investmentin Community recycling and Social Enterprise (INCREASE programme), copies ofwhich have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers41534 and 41535).","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203695,"EventID":"S2W-31124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed relocation of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s Highland Showground from Ingliston to Norton Mains will be paid for and whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed relocation of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s Highland Showground from Ingliston to Norton Mains will be paid for and whether there will be any cost to Scottish taxpayers.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to be definitiveat this point about how the relocation of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Societyof Scotland’s Showground from Ingliston to Norton Mains will be paid for and whetherthere will be any cost to Scottish taxpayers. Studies are currently underway, projectmanaged by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, to undertake detailed feasibilityof proposals for the relocation. These studies are expected to provide a range ofcosts for the relocation and construction of the new Showground.Funding for the relocation willcome from a number of sources which will include: BAA acquisition of that part of the existing Showground which they require for their expansion; BAA obligation tofund like for like relocation costs; potential development value of that part of the existing Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s land holdingsnot required by BAA. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203696,"EventID":"S2W-31125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place copies of the submissions made to its consultation on coastal and marine national parks in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and whether it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place copies of the submissions made to its consultation on coastal and marine national parks in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and whether it plans to prepare an analysis of these submissions showing the name, address and position of each of the respondents and a brief summary of their views.","AnswerText":"The Executive places copies ofresponses to consultations in the Scottish Executive library and on the ScottishExecutive website for public access, unless respondents have requested that theirresponse remains confidential. Responses to the consultation on the Coastal andMarine National Park proposals will be placed in the library accordingly along witha summary of responses in line with the Executive’s Publication Scheme. A separatecopy will also be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.My officials are currently preparingan analysis of the responses to the consultation. We have received over 850 responses,all of which will need to be considered and taken account of in our report. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203697,"EventID":"S2W-31126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all advice received in connection with the proposal that a local referendum be held in relation to the proposed designation of any part of Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all advice received in connection with the proposal that a local referendum be held in relation to the proposed designation of any part of Scotland as a coastal and marine national park.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31125 on 31 January 2007 which outlines the Executive’s plansin making available responses received as part of the consultation on proposalsto establish Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park,which closed on 10 January 2007. 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":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203698,"EventID":"S2W-31127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11639 by Ross Finnie on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31009), whether it anticipates that a decision on the location of the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11639 by Ross Finnie on 11 January 2007 (Official Report c. 31009), whether it anticipates that a decision on the location of the first coastal and marine national park will be taken before dissolution of the Parliament; whether it will publish all advice received in connection with the timing of any such decision or decisions, and whether it has given consideration to whether such a decision should be taken after the Scottish parliamentary elections.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31125 on 31 January 2007 which outlines the Executive’s plansin making available responses received as part the consultation on proposals toestablish Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park,which closed on 10 January 2007. 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.We have started analysis of theresponses received but it is not possible to give a timescale of when final decisionswill be made on the designation of a Coastal and Marine National Park.No decisions have yet been made and proposals for the way forward, including thelocation of any park will need to be taken in the light of responses to the consultation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203699,"EventID":"S2W-31128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers from each constabulary have so far been sent to cover the year-long “Faslane 365” protest at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers from each constabulary have so far been sent to cover the year-long “Faslane 365” protest at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"Only officers from StrathclydePolice and the Ministry of Defence Police have been involved in policing the Faslane365 protest.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203700,"EventID":"S2W-31129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals who are currently held in Scottish prisons are eligible for deportation on release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals who are currently held in Scottish prisons are eligible for deportation on release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The deportation of foreign nationalsin Scotland’s prisons is a matter for the Home Office. On 19 January 2007,the SPS held 71 foreign nationals who were the subject of detention orders fromthe Immigration Service or were in dual detention. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203701,"EventID":"S2W-31130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been charged with soliciting in each of the last five years, broken down by police board area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women have been charged with soliciting 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 givenin the following table.FemalesProceeded Against in Scottish Courts for Offences Related to Prostitution1,2,1999-2000 2004-05 | Police Force | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | | Number | | Grampian | 11 | - | 4 | 10 | 12 | | Lothian and Borders | 4 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 6 | | Strathclyde | 176 | 122 | 93 | 105 | 208 | | Tayside | 1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 6 | | Scotland | 192 | 130 | 105 | 134 | 232 | | | Percentage change on previous year | | Grampian | -31 | -100 | na | 150 | 20 | | Lothian and Borders | -33 | 0 | 50 | 133 | -57 | | Strathclyde | -36 | -31 | -24 | 13 | 98 | | Tayside | 0 | 300 | -50 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203703,"EventID":"S2W-31132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value of public procurement by Scottish public sector organisations was in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value of public procurement by Scottish public sector organisations was in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold this information centrally and therefore could only provide this informationat disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203704,"EventID":"S2W-31133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of public sector contracts were awarded to companies based in Scotland in each of the last five years and what the total value of these contracts was in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of public sector contracts were awarded to companies based in Scotland in each of the last five years and what the total value of these contracts was in each year, also showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold this information centrally and therefore could only provide this informationat disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203705,"EventID":"S2W-31134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small and medium-sized enterprises based in Scotland were awarded public sector contracts in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small and medium-sized enterprises based in Scotland were awarded public sector contracts in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold this information centrally and therefore could only provide this informationat disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203706,"EventID":"S2W-31135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will replace the £200,000 funding of Operation Pentameter, the joint police operation against human trafficking, which was withdrawn by Reflex, a serious crime","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will replace the £200,000 funding of Operation Pentameter, the joint police operation against human trafficking, which was withdrawn by Reflex, a serious crime law enforcement taskforce funded by the Home Office.","AnswerText":"Operation Pentameter was alwaysintended to be a short-term, UK-wide operation to raise public awareness of theissue of human trafficking. As a result of its success, the UK Human TraffickingCentre opened in October 2006. The Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency isworking closely with this UK Centre to ensure that intelligence is shared acrossthe UK and that investigation of this appalling crime is tackled effectively.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203707,"EventID":"S2W-31136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has given to prosecutors regarding human trafficking cases where women have been forced into prostitution and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has given to prosecutors regarding human trafficking cases where women have been forced into prostitution and whether such advice includes charging men who pay for sex with such women with rape.","AnswerText":"Relevant Crown Officeguidance sets out the provisions of section 22 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland)Act 2003 which prohibit trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Itis intended that COPFS staff will participate in training with the UKTrafficking Centre this year. In assessing what constitutes rape in anyparticular case, prosecutors will proceed on the basis of the applicable law, theavailable evidence and the individual facts and circumstances of the case.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203708,"EventID":"S2W-31137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Licensing Forum last met and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Licensing Forum last met and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The National Licensing Forumlast met on 18 April 2006. It discussed a number of issues relating to the Licensing(Scotland) Act 2005 including overprovision and the capacity of licensed premisesand training. The Forum also agreed its next phase of work as drafting guidancefor Licensing Boards. This task has now been completed I shall shortly be consideringthe future role of the forum as we move closer towards full implementation of thenew Licensing legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203709,"EventID":"S2W-31138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken by the National Licensing Forum in the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken by the National Licensing Forum in the last six months.","AnswerText":"The National Licensing Forumhas not met collectively in the last six months, but during this time its membershave been involved in the development of policy, regulations, and draft guidancerelating to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. This has included direct engagement with ScottishExecutive officials during the consultation period. In addition, members of theforum have been heavily involved in the development of training specifications forLicensing Board Members, Licensing Standards Officers, Personal Licence Holders,and staff serving alcohol.I shall shortly be consideringthe future role of the forum as we move closer towards full implementation of thenew Licensing legislation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203710,"EventID":"S2W-31139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allow patients and prescribers access to orphan drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to allow patients and prescribers access to orphan drugs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium(SMC) provides NHS boards and their area drug and therapeutics committees with adviceon the prescription of licensed orphan drugs.The SMC has prepared a statementwhich explains their assessment process for orphan drugs. The statement is availableon the SMC website www.scottishmedicines.org. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203711,"EventID":"S2W-31140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when prescribers will be able to prescribe lenalidomide to patients who suffer from multiple myeloma.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when prescribers will be able to prescribe lenalidomide to patients who suffer from multiple myeloma.","AnswerText":"Licensing of medicines is reservedand is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency(MHRA). Before a medicine can be placed on the UK market it must have a marketingauthorisation from either the MHRA or the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). TheMHRA has advised that an application for a marketing authorisation for lenalidomidefor the treatment of multiple myeloma is pending with the EMEA.When a medicine receives a UKmarketing authorisation, either from the MHRA or the EMEA, it can be prescribedon the NHS unless it is subject to a direction by Scottish ministers under section17N(6) of the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978. However, NHS Scotland is expectedto await the advice of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) before making a newmedicine routinely available. SMC conducts rapid and careful appraisals of medicinesusing pre-launch data and provides its advice to NHS Scotland as soon as possibleafter the launch. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203712,"EventID":"S2W-31141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS employees are exempt from the pay agreements, structures or pay scales agreed as part of Agenda for Change and, if so, what roles these employees fill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS employees are exempt from the pay agreements, structures or pay scales agreed as part of Agenda for Change and, if so, what roles these employees fill.","AnswerText":"All health board employees inScotland are subject to Agenda for Change, with the exceptions of all grades of doctors,all grades of dentists and executives and senior managers.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203713,"EventID":"S2W-31142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2596,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for exemption from the notification procedure for marches have been received since the publication of Review of Marches and Parades in Scotland - Gu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for exemption from the notification procedure for marches have been received since the publication of Review of Marches and Parades in Scotland - Guidance for Scottish Local Authorities in December 2006; from which local authorities and on what date each application was (a) received and (b) determined, and what the decision was in each case.","AnswerText":"No applications have been received.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203714,"EventID":"S2W-31143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine parliamentary constituency have benefited from installations under the central heating programme since its in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine parliamentary constituency have benefited from installations under the central heating programme since its inception.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is held by main postcodearea. In the AB postcode area a total of 3,045 households in the private sectorare now centrally heated as a result of the central heating programme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203715,"EventID":"S2W-31144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine parliamentary constituency have benefited from the provision of insulation under the Warm Deal scheme since i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine parliamentary constituency have benefited from the provision of insulation under the Warm Deal scheme since its inception.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is held by main postcodearea. In the AB postcode area a total of 6,657 households across all sector benefitedfrom Warm Deal insulation measures provided through the Managing Agent. In the publicsector Aberdeenshire Council insulated 4,684 households as part of theprogramme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203716,"EventID":"S2W-31145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning enforcement officers there were in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning enforcement officers there were in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203717,"EventID":"S2W-31146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates qualified as planners in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates qualified as planners in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The numbers of graduatesfrom Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in planning subjects in eachacademic year from 1998-99 to 2005-06 are given in the following tables.Graduates from Scottish HEIsin Planning Subjects by Level of Qualification: | Graduates | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Postgraduate | 135 | 140 | 150 | 100 | 90 | 75 | 80 | 160 | | Undergraduate | 105 | 120 | 135 | 115 | 80 | 130 | 95 | 80 | | Total | 245 | 260 | 285 | 210 | 170 | 205 | 175 | 235 | Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency. Numbers have been rounded tothe nearest five. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203718,"EventID":"S2W-31147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning graduates entered the (a) private and (b) public sector in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning graduates entered the (a) private and (b) public sector in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table showsthe information you requested:Estimated Number of PlannersGraduating from Scottish HEIs Working in the Public and Private Sectors Six Monthsafter Graduation | Year | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Public Sector | 45 | 55 | 60 | 30 | 30 | 35 | 25 | | Private Sector | 80 | 80 | 95 | 80 | 60 | 55 | 50 | | Total | 125 | 135 | 155 | 110 | 90 | 90 | 75 | Source: Higher EducationStatistics Agency. Notes: Numbers have been rounded tothe nearest five. Private Sector includes:manufacturing and construction, retail and leisure, transport andcommunication, finance. Public Sector includes:public administration, education and health, social and community work. The table includes graduatesfrom full-time planning related courses who found permanent employment sixmonths after leaving university. Graduates who continue their studies or havenot yet found permanent work are not included in the table. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203719,"EventID":"S2W-31148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planners it estimates are required in the public sector as a consequence of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planners it estimates are required in the public sector as a consequence of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006.","AnswerText":"The Financial Memorandum accompanyingthe Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill set out estimates for the impact of the provisionsof the bill. This included an estimate that, on average, each planning authorityin Scotland might need to employ the approximate equivalent of anadditional three planning staff. The memorandum also indicated the possible implicationsfor the Scottish Executive Planning Divisions and the Scottish Executive InquiryReporters Unit. The actual number of qualified planners required will also dependon the extent to which authorities deploy technical or support staff to performappropriate functions in the modernised planning system.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203720,"EventID":"S2W-31149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to fund a pilot mediation programme and, if so, which project or projects it plan to fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to fund a pilot mediation programme and, if so, which project or projects it plan to fund.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally and is being collected. A full reply will be sent as soon asthe information is available.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203721,"EventID":"S2W-31150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected funding is for planning aid at the end of this financial year, broken down into constituent parts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projected funding is for planning aid at the end of this financial year, broken down into constituent parts.","AnswerText":"Planning Aid for Scotland isa charity independent of the Scottish Executive. In the financial year 2006-07,the projected funding for Planning Aid for Scotland will be up to £232,760 from the Scottish Executive. Thisis made up of the following funding streams:Core funding - £100,000 fromthe Scottish Executive Planning Division; Funding for a VolunteerDevelopment Officer - £24,000 from the Planning Development Budget; Reach Out - £43,796 from theRace Equality, Integration and Community Support Fund, Planning for People -£57,487 from the Sustainable Action Fund, PAS also received £7,477 fortheir supporting work on the PAN on Community Engagement in seeking views fromharder to reach communities of interest. The Executive is not awareof the projected funding expected by Planning Aid for Scotland from other sources. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203722,"EventID":"S2W-31151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-26217 by Mr Tom McCabe on 12 June 2006, whether it will now publish its Brix note, Fiscal Autonomy, Financial Independence and Full","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-26217 by Mr Tom McCabe on 12 June 2006, whether it will now publish its Brix note, Fiscal Autonomy, Financial Independence and Full Fiscal Power, in light of recent public focus on this issue.","AnswerText":"An application has been madeto the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding a request for thisinformation. The Commissioner has not yet issued his decision notice as regardsthat application.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203723,"EventID":"S2W-31152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, whether it has any indication of what the energy efficiency rating of the Parliament might be under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, whether it has any indication of what the energy efficiency rating of the Parliament might be under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) now that the Scottish Executive has adopted the use of the asset-based energy rating methodology, Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), as the principle non-domestic method for assessment of energy rating for non-domestic buildings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish BuildingStandards Agency has issued the 2007 Technical Handbook, which will come intoforce on 1 May 2007. The handbook specifies that the Simplified BuildingEnergy Model (SBEM) is the methodology which is to be used to assess the energyrating of non-domestic buildings. Once the agency finalises the model for usein Scotland by 1 May 2007, we will commence work to calculate the ratingfor the Parliament building.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203724,"EventID":"S2W-31153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidance will be issued by the Scottish Building Standards Agency on how Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidance will be issued by the Scottish Building Standards Agency on how Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) will be implemented in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer.His response is as follows:For Article 7 (Energy performancecertificates) and Article 9 (Inspection of air-conditioning), guidance on compliancehas already been produced for new buildings. This can be found in the latest editionof the Technical Handbooks which come into effect on 1 May 2007. The guidance has beenavailable online from the end of December 2006 at: http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/tech_handbooks/tbooks2007.htm#1. Compliance advice for existingbuildings will be drafted after meetings with stakeholders are held. Advice willbe issued at least three months before the requirements of the Directive are broughtinto effect. For Article 8 (Boilers) of theDirective, guidance on compliance will not be necessary as the provision of adviceoption within the Directive has been taken. An energy efficiency advice leaflethas been produced in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust for domestic boilersand for non-domestic, the Carbon Trust leaflet is to be used. Leaflets are currentlybeing sent out when the Energy Saving Trust is approached for advice. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203725,"EventID":"S2W-31154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards full compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC), which came into force on 4 January 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards full compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC), which came into force on 4 January 2006.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. PaulStollard, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency, to answer.His response is as follows:The amendment to Scottishbuilding regulations, which comes into effect on 1 May 2007, is a significantmilestone, as all the secondary legislation necessary to implement theDirective will be in place. It is intended that the remaining requirements of the Directive will be phased in by January 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203726,"EventID":"S2W-31155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what preparations have been made regarding compliance with Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (92002/91/EC) in res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what preparations have been made regarding compliance with Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (92002/91/EC) in respect of the Parliament building.","AnswerText":"I refer to my answer toquestion S2W-31152 for information on how compliance to article 7, regarding the calculation of the building's energyrating, will be achieved at the Parliament. As to Articles 8 and 9, oninspection of boilers and air conditioning plant respectively, the ScottishBuildings Standards Agency has not confirmed the implementation requirementsfor organisations. When it does so, we shall integrate these requirements intoour environmental management system, which is the mechanism used to ensure on-goingcompliance with any new environmental requirements.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203727,"EventID":"S2W-31156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) permanent and (b) temporary exclusions from school there were in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were as a result of (i) drug taking, (ii) selli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) permanent and (b) temporary exclusions from school there were in each year since 1999 and, of these, how many were as a result of (i) drug taking, (ii) selling drugs, (iii) violence towards other pupils, (iv) violence towards teachers, (v) vandalism of school property, (vi) theft of school property and (vii) possession of a weapon and how many were for other reasons.","AnswerText":"Information on temporary exclusionsand removal from the register and the reasons for those are contained within statisticalpublications produced annually.Information for the period 1999-2000is available from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00055-06.asp. Information for each year from2000-01 onwards is available from: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/School-Education/PubExclusions. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203728,"EventID":"S2W-31157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on repairing damage to schools caused by vandalism in each local education authority in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on repairing damage to schools caused by vandalism in each local education authority in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203729,"EventID":"S2W-31158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving (a) sale and (b) use of illegal drugs on school property have been reported in each local education authority in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving (a) sale and (b) use of illegal drugs on school property have been reported in each local education authority in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203730,"EventID":"S2W-31159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were confiscated in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offensive weapons were confiscated in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203731,"EventID":"S2W-31160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers (a) were recruited and (b) retired in each year from 1997 to 2006, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers (a) were recruited and (b) retired in each year from 1997 to 2006, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Available information on thenumber of teachers who were (a) recruited by and (b) retired from each local authoritysince 1997 is set out in the following tables. Up to 2002-03 the data representsall teachers in the workforce, excluding supply and part-time temporary staff.From 2003-04 the recruitmentdata is obtained by comparing all those in schools on census day, with those inschools on census day of the previous year, excluding supply teachers covering absenceand centrally employed teachers. It will also therefore exclude teachers who wererecruited during the year but who left before the census day. While informationon those leaving is therefore also available, information on why they left, andtherefore how many have retired, is incomplete. | Teachers Recruited | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Aberdeen City | 127 | 114 | 129 | 96 | 73 | 125 | 240 | 237 | | Aberdeenshire | 189 | 166 | 193 | 234 | 210 | 54 | 470 | 441 | | Angus | 99 | 101 | 139 | 68 | 99 | 111 | 121 | 158 | | Argyll and Bute | 72 | 129 | 80 | 50 | 70 | 78 | 169 | 110 | | Clackmannanshire | 27 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 26 | 19 | http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/Annual_trends_in_available_beds_HB_comparison_Nov06_preview.xls Information for the year ended31 March 2006 is provisional. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203733,"EventID":"S2W-31162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the circumstances in which rainbow trout may be introduced to inland waters are regulated and may be further regulated under the Aquaculture and Fisheries ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the circumstances in which rainbow trout may be introduced to inland waters are regulated and may be further regulated under the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill or any other proposed freshwater fisheries legislation.","AnswerText":"Movements of rainbow trout toand from aquaculture facilities are subject to the provisions of the Diseases ofFish Acts 1937 and 1983.The Import of Live Fish (Scotland) act1978 requires that species of fish specified in subordinate legislation made underthat act may only be introduced where permission has been given by the Scottishministers. Although rainbow trout are notnative to Scotland, waters have been stocked with these fish for anglingpurposes since the mid-19th century. Given this long-established practice, rainbowtrout have not been specified under any Statutory Instrument made under the 1978act. In recent years, many more fisherieshave been established, and there continues to be growth in this sector. To addressthis expansion, and any possible impacts that stocking with rainbow trout may have,the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill makes provision for a more effectivesystem that will allow for regulation of such movements, but with a minimal impacton businesses. In addition, the bill brings in regulations to ensure that fish farms,including freshwater trout farms, have satisfactory measures in place for the containmentof fish and to prevent the escape of fish. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203734,"EventID":"S2W-31163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that genetically modified chickens, their eggs or any part thereof do not enter the food chain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that genetically modified chickens, their eggs or any part thereof do not enter the food chain.","AnswerText":"I am advised by theFood Standards Agency that the sale of foods and food ingredients derived from geneticallymodified chickens falls under the EC Regulation on Genetically Modified Food andFeed (1829/2003). This means that any food product derived from GM chickens wouldbe subject to a safety evaluation before it could be legally marketed.These safety assessments are the responsibility of the EuropeanFood Safety Authority (EFSA) in accordance with requirements of Regulation (EC)No.1829/2003, and the final decision on authorisations is taken by the memberstates, who vote on each one. To date no applicationshave been considered in the EC for food products derived from genetically modifiedchickens. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203735,"EventID":"S2W-31164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for the slaughter of genetically modified chickens and disposal of their carcases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for the slaughter of genetically modified chickens and disposal of their carcases.","AnswerText":"The genetically modifiedchickens at the Roslin Institute are dispatched by methods approved by the HomeOffice. The carcases are treated as clinical waste and are incinerated by aspecialist contractor.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203736,"EventID":"S2W-31165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1968,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":6,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-20437 by Mr Tom McCabe on 5 December 2005, whether it is now in a position to give a more accurate prediction of when it will pay o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-20437 by Mr Tom McCabe on 5 December 2005, whether it is now in a position to give a more accurate prediction of when it will pay out the remainder of the £126 million which it agreed to pay out in ex gratia payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension funds surplus.","AnswerText":"It is not possible tospeculate when the remainder of the £126 million will be paid out. This willdepend on the number and frequency of valid claims received from former membersof the Scottish Transport Group pension scheme. Information relating to potentialapplicants has been available on the SPPA and Transport Division web pages since2005.Since 2005, SPPA havereceived valid claims totalling £83,000, and this leaves £167,000 available fordistribution. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203737,"EventID":"S2W-31166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what estimates have been made of Scotland’s notional share of the UK’s public sector borrowing requ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of Government Expenditure and Revenues in Scotland (GERS), what estimates have been made of Scotland’s notional share of the UK’s public sector borrowing requirement in each year since GERS was first published.","AnswerText":"The following table showsthe latest estimates of Scotland’s notional share of the UK’s public-sectorborrowing requirement in each year since Government Expenditure and Revenue inScotland (GERS) was first published. These figures are “notional” in the sensethat Scotland has not actually borrowed during this period: all ofScotland’s deficits were covered by fiscal transfers from the UK Government.ScottishNet Borrowing as a Share of UK Net Borrowing excluding North Sea Revenues | Year | A | B | C | D | E | | Scotland Net Borrowing (£ Billion) (excl. North Sea)1 | UK Net Borrowing (£ Billion) (incl. North Sea)2 | North Sea Revenues (£ Billion) 1 | UK Net Borrowing (£ Billion) (excl. North Sea) (B+C) | Scottish Notional Share of UK Net Borrowing (both excl. North Sea) (A/D) | | 1990-91 | 3.6 | 5.8 | 2.3 | 8.1 | 44% | | 1991-92 | 4.7 | 22.6 | 1.0 | 23.6 | 20% | | 1992-93 | 7.6 | 46.7 | 1.3 | 48.0 | 16% | | 1993-94 | 8.4 | 51.1 | 1.2 | 52.3 | 16% | | 1994-95 | 7.8 | 43.3 | 1.6 | 44.9 | 17% | | 1995-96 | 7.4 | 34.7 | 2.4 | 37.1 | 20% | | 1996-97 | 6.8 | 27.2 | 3.5 | 30.7 | Data from 2000-2001 areconsistent with figures in the Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland (GERS)2004-05 publication. Estimates for earlier years are available in earlier GERSpublications, but these are not directly comparable. All estimates are subjectto future revisions. Estimates of Revenue Raisedfor Air Passenger Duty in Scotland, 2000-01 to 2004-05 (£ Million) | Year | Estimate | | 2000-01 | 82 | | 2001-02 | 69 | | 2002-03 | 70 | | 2003-04 | 67 | | 2004-05 | 73 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203739,"EventID":"S2W-31168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were registered as home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were registered as home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individuallocal authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203740,"EventID":"S2W-31169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were cared for by home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were cared for by home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Copies of a table showing thenumber of home care clients in each year since 1999 have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41537).The table shows home care clientsreceiving a service provided or purchased by local authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203741,"EventID":"S2W-31170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total and (b) average payments were to home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total and (b) average payments were to home carers in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Home Carers may be employed bylocal authorities, private companies, individuals or voluntary organisations. Noinformation is held centrally regarding the total or average payments to home carers.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203742,"EventID":"S2W-31171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were cared for in residential homes in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were cared for in residential homes in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Copies of a table showing thenumber of people cared for in care homes in each year since 2000 have been placedin the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41537).Comparable figures for 1999 arenot held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203743,"EventID":"S2W-31172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total cost and (b) average cost per resident were of providing residential care in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total cost and (b) average cost per resident were of providing residential care in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area and showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Copies of a table showing thetotal net expenditure to local authorities of providing residential care since 1999-2000have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41537).It is not possible to providethe average cost per resident. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203744,"EventID":"S2W-31173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were carried out in hospitals in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were carried out in hospitals in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"In terms of context, itshould be remembered that the successful implementation of Delivering forHealth (launched in October 2005) is already bringing about afundamental shift in the balance of care. This, quite appropriately, places agreater emphasis on anticipatory care so that those at risk of ill healthreceive the services they need. In effect, the NHS in Scotland isno longer waiting for people to become ill, then sending them to hospital forurgent treatment. Instead, the Executive and NHS is doing more than ever beforeto encourage people to lead healthy lives, and spotting and dealing with poorhealth before it can develop into something more serious. When people do needtreatment, the Executive and NHS are committed to delivering more of it closerto home in local communities.Operationsare carried out within NHSScotland in a wide range of settings dependent on anumber of factors including thecomplexity of the operation and the clinical and personal needs of the patient.Table 1 shows the number of operations carried out on patients admitted as in-patientsor day cases. Operations can also be performedin an out-patient setting. From April 2003, the national reporting of surgicalactivity in out-patients has been required and ISD has been working with NHSboards to develop full compliance nationally. At this stage only a proportionof boards have achieved extensive coverage and further work will be necessarybefore a complete account of all out-patient surgical activity can be made. Thenumber of out-patient operations recorded in NHS Tayside in the year ended 31 March 2006 was7,083. Table1: Number of Operations1,2 Performed in Acute Specialties in NHS Tayside Board ofTreatment for Years Ended 31 March 2000 to 2006 | Year Ending 31 March: | In-Patients | Day Cases | | Total Operations | Total Operations | | 2000 | 33,465 | 30,429 | | 2001 | 32,693 | 30,468 | | 2002 | 31,433 | 21,467 | | 2003 | 31,406 | 19,250 | | 2004 | 30,354 | 20,758 | | 2005 | 30,684 | 20,173 | | 2006P | 30,849 | 20,613 | Source:SMR01. PProvisional. Notes: 1. “Operations” has been assumed tobe the number of invasive procedures undertaken. ISD Scotland does not maintaina definitive code list that distin","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203745,"EventID":"S2W-31174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were carried out in each hospital in NHS Tayside in the last year for which the information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were carried out in each hospital in NHS Tayside in the last year for which the information is available.","AnswerText":"In terms of context, itshould be remembered that the successful implementation of Delivering forHealth (launched in October 2005) is already bringing about afundamental shift in the balance of care. This, quite appropriately, places agreater emphasis on anticipatory care so that those at risk of ill healthreceive the services they need. In effect, the NHS in Scotland isno longer waiting for people to become ill, then sending them to hospital forurgent treatment. Instead, the Executive and NHS is doing more than ever beforeto encourage people to lead healthy lives, and spotting and dealing with poorhealth before it can develop into something more serious. When people do needtreatment, the Executive and NHS are committed to delivering more of it closerto home in local communities. Operations are carried outwithin NHSScotland in a wide range of settings dependent on a number of factors including the complexity of the operationand the clinical and personal needs of the patient. Table 1 shows the number ofoperations carried out on patients admitted as in-patients or day cases. Operations can also beperformed in an out-patient setting. From April 2003, the national reporting ofsurgical activity in out-patients has been required and ISD has been workingwith NHS boards to develop full compliance nationally. At this stage only aproportion of boards have achieved extensive coverage and further work will benecessary before a complete account of all out-patient surgical activity can bemade. The number of out-patient operations recorded in NHS Tayside in the yearended 31 March 2006 was 7,083. Table1: Number of Operations1,2 Performed in Acute Specialties in each NHS Tayside Hospital forYear Ended 31 March 2006P | Location | In-Patients | Day Cases | | Total Operations | Total Operations | | Blairgowrie Community Hospital | 14 | 0 | | Brechin Infirmary | 12 | 2 | | Crieff Community Hospital | 5 | 0 | | Fernbrae Hospital | 69 | 3 | | Irvine Memorial Hospital | 5 | 0 | | Ninewells Hospital | 22,866 | 13,430 | | Perth Royal Infirmary | 6,768 | 4,626 | | St Margaret's Hospital | 11 | Delivering forHealth (launched in October 2005) is already bringing about a fundamentalshift in the balance of care. This, quite appropriately, places a greateremphasis on anticipatory care so that those at risk of ill health receive theservices they need. In effect, the NHS in Scotland is no longer waiting for people to become ill, thensending them to hospital for urgent treatment. Instead, the Executive and NHSis doing more than ever before to encourage people to lead healthy lives, andspotting and dealing with poor health before it can develop into something moreserious. When people do need treatment, the Executive and NHS are committed todelivering more of it closer to home in local communities. Operationsare carried out within NHSScotland in a wide range of settings dependent on anumber of factors including thecomplexity of the operation and the clinical and personal needs of the patient.Table 1 shows the number of operations carried out on patients admitted as in-patientsor day cases. Operations can also be performedin an out-patient setting. From April 2003, the national reporting of surgicalactivity in out-patients has been required and ISD has been working with NHSboards to develop full compliance nationally. At this stage only a proportionof boards have achieved extensive coverage and further work will be necessarybefore a complete account of all out-patient surgical activity can be made. Thenumber of out-patient operations recorded in NHS Grampian in the year ended 31 March 2006 was25,381. Table1: Number of operations1,2 performed in acute specialties in NHSGrampian board of treatment for years ended 31 March 2000to 2006 | Year Ending 31 March: | In-Patients | Day Cases | | Total Operations | Principal Operations | Total Operations | Principal Operations | | 2000 | 49,693 | 34,659 | 28,065 | 23,898 | | 2001 | 46,847 | 32,891 | 28,534 | 24,378 | | 2002 | 46,130 | 32,631 | 26,081 | 22,141 | | 2003 | 47,127 | 32,678 | 21,257 | 17,681 | | 2004 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203748,"EventID":"S2W-31177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number of face-to-face contacts with patients by GPs was in NHS Grampian in the last year for which the information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number of face-to-face contacts with patients by GPs was in NHS Grampian in the last year for which the information is available.","AnswerText":"The requested information isnot available.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203749,"EventID":"S2W-31178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendances there were at each accident and emergency centre in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendances there were at each accident and emergency centre in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"Information on the number ofattendances at each accident and emergency centre in NHS Tayside is shown inTable 1. Table 1: Accident and EmergencyAttendances in NHS Tayside by hospital; Years Ended 31 March 2000 to 2006 | Hospital/Location | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005p | 2006P | | Aberfeldy Community Hospital | 734 | 838 | 799 | 742 | 639 | 575 | 340 | | Arbroath Infirmary | 13,483 | 11,745 | 11,763 | 12,026 | 10,920 | 11,070 | 11,996 | | Blairgowrie Community Hospital | 3,318 | 2,966 | 3,136 | 3,954 | 4,699 | 3,021 | 1,502 | | Brechin Infirmary | 1,684 | 1,615 | 1,560 | 1,775 | 3,362 | 4,678 | 5,067 | | Crieff Community Hospital | 4,276 | 3,715 | 3,583 | 4,022 | 3,549 | 2,780 | 2,756 | | Forfar Infirmary | 4,293 | 4,794 | 4,970 | 4,758 | 4,800 | 4,927 | Table 1: Accident and EmergencyAttendances in NHS Grampian by Hospital; Years Ended 31 March 2000 to 2006 | Hospital/Location | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | 78,768 | 76,113 | 76,139 | 70,882 | 62,570 | 57,798 | 59,395 | | Aboyne Hospital | 784 | 719 | 726 | 580 | 862 | 514 | 444 | | Chalmers Hospital | 8,524 | 7,686 | 7,374 | 6,189 | 5,630 | 2,439 | 2,383 | | Dr Gray's Hospital | 16,541 | 16,380 | 17,260 | 18,268 | 19,577 | 18,471 | 25,025 | | Fleming Cottage Hospital | 771 | 546 | 524 | 684 | 559 | 335 | 221 | | Fraserburgh Hospital | 15,891 | 14,846 | 15,189 | 14,515 | 11,290 | 4,435 | 3,759 | | Hyperbaric Centre | - | - | 47 | 37 | 86 | 1 | - | | Insch and District War Memorial Hospital | 618 | 681 | 718 | 772 | 925 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203752,"EventID":"S2W-31181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children received resource-based support through Sure Start Scotland in the (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in the last ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children received resource-based support through Sure Start Scotland in the (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in the last year for which the information is available.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of individualbeneficiaries of services provided under the Sure Start Scotland programme,broken down by local authority area, is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203753,"EventID":"S2W-31182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire councils received under the Sure Start Scotland programme in the last year for which the information is availabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) Dundee City, (b) Angus and (c) Aberdeenshire councils received under the Sure Start Scotland programme in the last year for which the information is available.","AnswerText":"Sure Start Scotland fundingfor the three local authority areas in the financial year 2006-07, was as follows: | Dundee City | £1.77 million | | Angus | £1.13 million | | Aberdeenshire | £2.32 million | ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203754,"EventID":"S2W-31183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures there were in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures there were in NHS Tayside in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"In terms of context, itshould be remembered that the successful implementation of Delivering forHealth (launched in October 2005) is already bringing about a fundamentalshift in the balance of care. This, quite appropriately, places a greateremphasis on anticipatory care so that those at risk of ill health receive theservices they need. In effect, the NHS in Scotland is no longer waiting for people to become ill, thensending them to hospital for urgent treatment. Instead, the Executive and NHSis doing more than ever before to encourage people to lead healthy lives, andspotting and dealing with poor health before it can develop into something moreserious. When people do need treatment, the Executive and NHS are committed todelivering more of it closer to home in local communities.Theinformation requested on the number of inpatient and day case episodes, and newand return outpatient attendances is shown in Table 1. Table1: Number of In-patient and Day Case Episodes, and New and Return Out-patient Attendancesin NHS Tayside Board of Treatment for Years Ending 31 March 2000 to 2006 | Year Ending 31 March: | In-patients | Day Cases | New Out-patients | Return Out-patients | | 2000 | 80,791 | 33,823 | 138,231 | 365,476 | | 2001 | 78,371 | 34,930 | 133,886 | 356,010 | | 2002 | 77,501 | 25,417 | 127,611 | 332,597 | | 2003 | 75,322 | 22,246 | 129,918 | 340,588 | | 2004 | 76,169 | 25,021 | 136,489 | 351,854 | | 2005 | 73,818 | 24,695 | 139,338 | 348,024 | | 2006p | 73,291 | 25,025 | <","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203755,"EventID":"S2W-31184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures there were in NHS Grampian in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures there were in NHS Grampian in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"In terms of context, itshould be remembered that the successful implementation of Delivering forHealth (launched in October 2005) is already bringing about afundamental shift in the balance of care. This, quite appropriately, places agreater emphasis on anticipatory care so that those at risk of ill health receivethe services they need. In effect, the NHS in Scotland is no longer waitingfor people to become ill, then sending them to hospital for urgent treatment.Instead, the Executive and NHS is doing more than ever before to encouragepeople to lead healthy lives, and spotting and dealing with poor health beforeit can develop into something more serious. When people do need treatment, the Executive and NHS are committed to delivering more of it closer to home inlocal communities. Theinformation requested on the number of inpatient and day case episodes, and newand return outpatient attendances is shown in Table 1. Table1: Number of In-patient and Day Case Episodes, and New and Return Out-patient Attendancesin NHS Grampian Board of Treatment for Years Ending 31 March 2000 to 2006 | Year Ending 31 March: | In-patients | Day Cases | New Out-patients | Return Out-patients | | 2000 | 105,003 | 26,354 | 152,533 | 303,541 | | 2001 | 103,044 | 27,314 | 151,036 | 301,978 | | 2002 | 102,745 | 23,526 | 146,683 | 295,771 | | 2003 | 103,695 | 18,797 | 146,780 | 283,893 | | 2004 | 110,499 | 18,360 | 143,901 | 293,752 | | 2005 | 105,711 | 18,783 | 120,785 | 277,178 | | 2006 | 108,108 | 19,333 | Rainbow trout can pose threatsto other native species. They may predate on smaller native fish, compete with nativefish for food and space. Unregulated introductions pose the threat of introducingdiseases, parasites or other species that may be transported with the trout. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203757,"EventID":"S2W-31186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those who have served as policy advisers to the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) or to the Chair of the SAC since 1999, also indicating for each (a) h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those who have served as policy advisers to the Scottish Arts Council (SAC) or to the Chair of the SAC since 1999, also indicating for each (a) how long they served, (b) how much they were paid and (c) what their outputs were.","AnswerText":"Scottish Arts Council policyis decided and developed corporately by the Council taking advice from staff, committeesand specialist advisers. The Scottish Arts Council occasionally appoints expertspecialists to advise on implementation of specific policy decisions to ensure ithas full understanding of specific fields. However, the firms or individualsappointed do not serve as “policy advisers” in general but are contractedspecifically for a single purpose.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203758,"EventID":"S2W-31187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of a potential withdrawal of the University of Glasgow from the Crichton Campus in Dumfries and, if so, what action it can take to help the university","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of a potential withdrawal of the University of Glasgow from the Crichton Campus in Dumfries and, if so, what action it can take to help the university address any shortfall in the funding of its operations in Dumfries.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2F-2690 on 1 February 2007. All answers to parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website the search facility forwhich can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-07/sor0201-02.htm#Col31720. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203759,"EventID":"S2W-31188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of student places funded by the Scottish Funding Council at the University of Glasgow's Crichton Campus in Dumfries has increased in line with actual s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of student places funded by the Scottish Funding Council at the University of Glasgow's Crichton Campus in Dumfries has increased in line with actual student numbers and what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"The allocation of places to theCrichton Campus is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). It is not anarea in which ministers can intervene.The SFC has supported highereducation provision at the Crichton campus by allocating an additional 100 full-timeequivalent (FTE) places in 2001-02 and a further 50 in 2002-03, split between theUniversities of Glasgow (88 FTE places) and Paisley (62 FTE). These places are cumulativeand recurring. Total student numbers at the University of Glasgow’s Crichtoncampus were: 2002-03 - 290; 2003-04 - 245; 2004-05 - 270, and 2005-06 - 240. The Crichton Campus is not aninstitution in its own right. Provision is delivered through the partner institutions.The partner institutions make their own decisions on the allocation of their resourcesto their activity and facilities at Crichton. This includes funded student places.Any decision to allocate additional places above the SFC allocation to Crichtonwould be for the partner institutions themselves to make, in light of their particularcircumstances or priorities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203760,"EventID":"S2W-31189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports universities which establish outreach campuses, such as Crichton Campus in Dumfries, to provide higher education in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it supports universities which establish outreach campuses, such as Crichton Campus in Dumfries, to provide higher education in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have advisedthe Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to ensure the adequacy of provision of furtherand higher education in the South of Scotland.Responsibility for decisionson the funding of individual higher education institutions lies with the SFC.The SFC allocates a block teaching grant to institutions. Consequently, institutionsmake their own decisions on the allocation of their resources to their activitiesand facilities. Under the current highereducation teaching funding methodology, there is no specific funding premium forprovision of outreach campuses. However, the SFC review of college and higher educationinstitution (HEI) teaching funding methodologies will review all the costs of furtherand higher education provision and will clearly have to consider this aspect. In respect of capital funding,the SFC provides targeted support in rural areas for joint HEI/College estates developments.This has included £5.5 million of Learning and Teaching Infrastructure Funding for2006-07 to 2007-08 at the Crichton campus for Bell College, theUniversity of Paisley and the University of Glasgow. This is in addition to £2.3 million towards infrastructurecosts for the early development at the Crichtoncampus and £21.7 million to Dumfries and Galloway College in support of its relocation to a site adjacent to thecampus. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203761,"EventID":"S2W-31190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it values the provision made at Crichton Campus in Dumfries and what its attitude would be to any diminution in the number and variety of courses on offer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it values the provision made at Crichton Campus in Dumfries and what its attitude would be to any diminution in the number and variety of courses on offer.","AnswerText":"We fully support the CrichtonCampus. This successful and innovative cross-sector development is making HigherEducation accessible to those who would not otherwise have been able to engage inthe south west and is forming important links with local businesses and the community.The Scottish Funding Councilis working with the Crichton partners to develop a strategy that protects provisionand supports an increasingly secure and effective future for the Crichton Campuswhich will continue to make higher education more accessible in the south west. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203762,"EventID":"S2W-31191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in each fire and rescue service are specifically trained for emergency water rescue duties and what the nature is of the training they were given.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in each fire and rescue service are specifically trained for emergency water rescue duties and what the nature is of the training they were given.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203763,"EventID":"S2W-31192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was allocated to each fire and rescue service in the most recent year for which figures are available to ensure that sufficient water rescue training is ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was allocated to each fire and rescue service in the most recent year for which figures are available to ensure that sufficient water rescue training is carried out.","AnswerText":"Capital and Grant AidedExpenditure allocated to each Fire & Rescue Authority in 2006-07 is shownin the following table. | Fire Authority | Capital (£m) | GAE (£m) | | Central | 1.415 | 14.774 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1.115 | 8.696 | | Fife | 1.088 | 21.511 | | Grampian | 2.370 | 25.652 | | Highlands and Islands | 3.542 | 18.438 | | Lothian and Borders | 2.854 | 43.199 | | Strathclyde | 7.391 | 124.743 | | Tayside | 1.702 | 25.306 | The amount allocated forwater rescue training is not stipulated by the Scottish Ministers, rather thisis left to the discretion of the individual Chief Fire Officer who mustprioritise resources accordingly. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203764,"EventID":"S2W-31193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a specific number of officers that should be trained in emergency water rescue in each fire and rescue service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a specific number of officers that should be trained in emergency water rescue in each fire and rescue service.","AnswerText":"This is not something thatis specified by the Scottish ministers, rather it is a matter for each ChiefFire Officer to decide depending on the likelihood of being called upon toprovide such a service.","AnswerDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203765,"EventID":"S2W-31194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30843 by Ross Finnie on 18 January 2007 and in light of the amount of unused capacity in the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30843 by Ross Finnie on 18 January 2007 and in light of the amount of unused capacity in the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence, particularly in 2004-05, whether it will investigate the impact that the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence has on milk production, farm income and the viability of farming in that area, given that dairy farmers in this area cannot lease their quota, unlike farmers elsewhere in Scotland, and whether it will allow Southern Isles dairy farmers to lease spare quota capacity.","AnswerText":"In 2006 the Scottish Environmentand Rural Development Department asked the Scottish Agricultural College to carry out a study into the operation of the two remaining Scottish milkquota ring fences, including the Southern Isles. A draft of the study has been submittedand is being considered by my department.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203766,"EventID":"S2W-31195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence.","AnswerText":"The establishment of Scottishmilk quota ring fences followed the introduction of EU-wide milk quotas regime in1984. The ring fence arrangements, which place restrictions on the movement of milkquota, were introduced to support dairy producers and processors in peripheral partsof the country. Restricting the movement of quota and, thus, production helps tounderpin dairying and cheese-making in remote areas.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203767,"EventID":"S2W-31196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has examined the likely consequences of lifting the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence and, if so, what the outcome of the examination was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has examined the likely consequences of lifting the Southern Isles milk quota ring fence and, if so, what the outcome of the examination was.","AnswerText":"In 2006 the Scottish Executive Environmentand Rural Development Department asked the Scottish Agricultural College to carry out a study into the operation of the two remaining Scottish milkquota ring fences, including the Southern Isles. A draft of the study has been submittedand is being considered by my department.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203768,"EventID":"S2W-31197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a target date has been set to announce Scottish Ministers’ decision on the Water of Leith flood prevention scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a target date has been set to announce Scottish Ministers’ decision on the Water of Leith flood prevention scheme.","AnswerText":"Our consideration of theWater of Leith Flood prevention Scheme has presented the Executive with manychallenges in seeking to confirm a scheme which will deliver the maximumresilience against flooding in a way which is fair to all. Our consideration of the complex issues involved is nearing completion and we hope to conclude thisas quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203769,"EventID":"S2W-31198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in respect of the Water of Leith flood prevention scheme, there are any additional factors that Scottish Ministers will take into account, given the time that ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in respect of the Water of Leith flood prevention scheme, there are any additional factors that Scottish Ministers will take into account, given the time that has elapsed since the local public inquiry was held.","AnswerText":"The Public Local Inquiry onthe Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme was held between 2 November and 10 December 2004. Theoutcome of the Public Local Inquiry required the Executive to undertake apublic consultation on proposed modifications, which led to 386 representationsbeing received. Since then, officials have been very busy considering theserepresentations and seeking to resolve the complex issues involved.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203770,"EventID":"S2W-31199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2123,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":32,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce accelerated procedures for the approval of flood prevention schemes, in light of concerns expressed by local communities that the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce accelerated procedures for the approval of flood prevention schemes, in light of concerns expressed by local communities that the proposed plans for the Water of Leith were submitted in 2003 and that the local public inquiry was held in November and December 2004.","AnswerText":"Flood prevention schemes,other than those of maintenance or repair, can only be carried out under theFlood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961. This is to ensure all parties affected bya scheme are properly informed and given the opportunity to object. It isimportant that at all stages the due process and procedures are followed correctly.However we do acknowledge that this can, on occasion, be a lengthy process. the Executive is considering ways to reduce delay in the system, while ensuringthat those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to raise any concerns.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203771,"EventID":"S2W-31200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-25531 by Patricia Ferguson on 22 May 2006, who the members are of the informal Cross Party Group on Fair Trade; how often the group","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-25531 by Patricia Ferguson on 22 May 2006, who the members are of the informal Cross Party Group on Fair Trade; how often the group has met since 25 January 2005; how the Fair Trade agenda and the aspiration for Scotland to become a Fair Trade Nation have progressed, and whether relevant criteria for a Fair Trade Nation have been established following liaison with the Fairtrade Foundation and the Welsh Assembly Government.","AnswerText":"The members of the informalCross Party Group on Fair Trade ,to avoid confusion, now called the All PartyGroup on Fair Trade are:Patricia Ferguson, Ministerfor Tourism, Culture and Sport (Chair) Jamie Stone MSP, ScottishLiberal Democrats Murdo Fraser MSP, ScottishConservative and Unionist Party Mark Ballard MSP, ScottishGreen Party Dennis Canavan MSP,Independent Michael Matheson MSP,Scottish National Party Des McNulty MSP, ScottishLabour (who resigned upon his appointment as Deputy Minister for Communities). The group has met fourtimes: on 26 May 2005, 25 January 2006, 15 June 2006 and 16 November 2006. During this time,significant progress has been made taking forward the fair trade agenda,particularly with reference to the structures required to deliver the aspirationto become a Fair Trade Nation. The first ever conference of the Fair Trademovement in Scotland took place on 27 January 2007 with the specific purpose ofdiscussing the creation of a Scottish Fair Trade Forum to co-ordinateimplementation. The next meeting of the All Party Group will consider anyrecommendations that come out of this conference. The full Fair Trade Nationcriteria (announced by the First Minister on 3 July 2006) which were developed in consultationwith the Welsh Assembly Government and the Fairtrade Foundation, can be foundat http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Extras/fair-trade. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203772,"EventID":"S2W-31201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what modes of transport were used by the First Minister for his visit to Inverness and the surrounding area on 12 and 13 January 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what modes of transport were used by the First Minister for his visit to Inverness and the surrounding area on 12 and 13 January 2007.","AnswerText":"The First Minister used the GovernmentCar Service for his journeys to, from and within Inverness and the surrounding areaon the 11 and 12 January.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203773,"EventID":"S2W-31202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were performed within (a) one, (b) two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) five, (f) six, (g) seven, (h) eight, (i) nine, (j) 10, (k) 11 and (l) 12 weeks or mor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were performed within (a) one, (b) two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) five, (f) six, (g) seven, (h) eight, (i) nine, (j) 10, (k) 11 and (l) 12 weeks or more of referral from a GP or specialist practitioner in each quarter of each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"It is not possible, fromcurrent data sources, to identify the length of the whole wait from a GP orspecialist practitioner referral to the date of in-patient or day caseadmission.Informationon the length of time waited byScottish residents for a new appointment at a consultant-led out-patient clinicin an acute specialty following referral from a GP or dentist is routinelypublished on ISD Scotland’s website at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4013.html Information on thelength of time waited by patients who were routinely admitted from the waitinglist for in-patient/day case treatment is routinely published on ISD Scotland’swebsite at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4031.html. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203774,"EventID":"S2W-31203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were subject to medical deferral in each quarter of each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were subject to medical deferral in each quarter of each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203775,"EventID":"S2W-31204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital readmissions there were of people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 years and over in each quarter of each of the last three years, b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital readmissions there were of people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 years and over in each quarter of each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information on emergencyadmissions within 28 days of discharge is given in Emergency admission rateswithin 28 days of discharge from medical and surgical specialties, by age group,in Scottish Hospitals by quarter and NHS board of treatment, 2003-2005 a copyof which has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.number 41608).Emergency admissions within28 days will include cases that are readmissions for complications resultingfrom the original hospital stay but will also encompass cases which are completelyunrelated to the previous discharge from hospital. The information has been presentedseparately for surgical and medical groupings as the readmissions rates candiffer quite markedly between these two groups. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203776,"EventID":"S2W-31205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 and over were treated for depression in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged (a) 50 to 64, (b) 65 to 74 and (c) 75 and over were treated for depression in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The exact number of those treatedfor depression is not available centrally. The information provided is thelatest available estimates based on returns from a representative sample of generalpractices in Scotland.Estimated Patients, 50 Yearsand Over, Seen by a GP for Depression, by Age Group; Year Ending 31 March | Age group | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | | 50 - 64 | 65,850 | 68,450 | 69,850 | 69,700 | 71,950 | | 65 - 74 | 24,400 | 23,900 | 24,550 | 22,800 | 22,600 | | 75 and over | 20,400 | 20,200 | 18,600 | 19,050 | 18,150 | Source: ISD, Scotland. Note: Rounded in each caseto the nearest 50. Delivering for Mental Health(Bib. number 41410) promotes action to reduce the number of people sufferingfrom depression by intervening through self-help and psychological therapieswhich are supported by targets and commitments. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203777,"EventID":"S2W-31206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the costs associated with Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulations, particularly in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, it considers that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the costs associated with Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulations, particularly in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, it considers that there is a future for the pig or chicken-producing sectors.","AnswerText":"The IPPC Regulations are designedto tackle a range of potential pollution problems which can result from pig andpoultry farming and which may have an adverse impact on the environment, human healthor both. Although the regulations will impose additional costs on the industry,they should help to promote and secure the positive environmental reputation whichis essential for the future of Scottish farming.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203778,"EventID":"S2W-31207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of chicken production in Scotland representing only 50% of consumption, it will consider taking action to raise the proportion of chickens consumed in S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of chicken production in Scotland representing only 50% of consumption, it will consider taking action to raise the proportion of chickens consumed in Scotland that are produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Production and consumption levelsare functions of the market. The Executive, however, encourages retailers to continueto offer consumers the option of purchasing Scottish produce.Since 2001, the Executive hasprovided £0.5 million to Scottish poultry processing businesses through the processinggrant scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203779,"EventID":"S2W-31208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical, policy or financial initiatives it is taking to increase the proportion of food consumed in Scotland that is produced in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical, policy or financial initiatives it is taking to increase the proportion of food consumed in Scotland that is produced in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is seekingto ensure that more Scottish food is processed and consumed in Scotland, byencouraging localised food distribution systems and by supporting local marketingschemes. For example, we have provided over £60 million since 2001 enabling a totalinvestment of £308 million in Scotland to support improvements in the processing and marketingof Scottish primary produce.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203780,"EventID":"S2W-31209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical, policy or financial initiatives it is taking to reduce the miles travelled by food to plate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical, policy or financial initiatives it is taking to reduce the miles travelled by food to plate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is seekingto reduce the distance travelled by food through working with the industry to ensurethat more Scottish food is processed in Scotland, by encouraging localised food distribution systems andby supporting local marketing schemes. For example, we have provided over £60 millionsince 2001 to support investments that add value to Scottish primary produce withinScotland. We also welcome recent initiatives by Marks and Spencer, and by Tesco,to reduce their food miles and label food imported by air.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203781,"EventID":"S2W-31210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average distances (a) beef, (b) lamb, (c) pork and (d) chicken meat travels from production site to local Scottish shop.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average distances (a) beef, (b) lamb, (c) pork and (d) chicken meat travels from production site to local Scottish shop.","AnswerText":"This level of detailed informationis not collected, and the distance that these commodities travel will vary, as willthe definition of “local Scottish shop”.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203782,"EventID":"S2W-31211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on food miles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on food miles.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31209 on 2 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203783,"EventID":"S2W-31213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is of nitrate leaching from the spreading of natural manure after mid-November.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is of nitrate leaching from the spreading of natural manure after mid-November.","AnswerText":"The evidence on the leachingof nitrate to groundwater as a result of the spreading of manure is summarised inAnnex B of the Executive’s consultation paper on proposed amendments to the ActionProgramme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, issued on 16 November.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203784,"EventID":"S2W-31214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is of adverse effects from manure being spread annually on the same ground.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is of adverse effects from manure being spread annually on the same ground.","AnswerText":"The environmental risks frommanure spreading are related to several factors, such as the quantity and the timingof the application, but not to whether it is annual. Evidence on the possible adverseeffects of the spreading of manure is summarised in Annex B of the Executive’s consultationpaper on proposed amendments to the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones,issued on 16 November.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203785,"EventID":"S2W-31215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line will be opened.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line will be opened.","AnswerText":"I expect the railway to open in the summer 2007; as indicated in mystatement of March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203786,"EventID":"S2W-31216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that, because the issue of levying additional charges on freight or passenger rail operators was not raised during the parliamentary consideration of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that, because the issue of levying additional charges on freight or passenger rail operators was not raised during the parliamentary consideration of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway and Linked Improvements Bill, such charges cannot now be made.","AnswerText":"The Office of Rail Regulation(ORR) is responsible for setting an appropriate track access charge regime for newrailways. The Scottish Executive does not consider that the parliamentary considerationof the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway and Linked Improvements Bill will preventthe ORR from discharging this responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203787,"EventID":"S2W-31217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information Transport Scotland has in respect of whether any plans or proposals are being considered to make charges for rail passenger franchise operators such as F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information Transport Scotland has in respect of whether any plans or proposals are being considered to make charges for rail passenger franchise operators such as FirstScotrail for using the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line and whether it will place full details in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Access charges will be paid byFirst ScotRail to Network Rail for use of the railway between Stirling and Alloa.This was anticipated in the ScotRail Franchise contract, in accordance with normalindustry practice.The level of charges will bedetermined between Network Rail and passenger operators in terms of the track accessagreements overseen by the Office of the Rail Regulator. As such, details will notbe placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203788,"EventID":"S2W-31218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the comments by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform on 17 January 2007 (Official Report, c. 31170), whether it will seek to obtain inform","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the comments by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform on 17 January 2007 (Official Report, c. 31170), whether it will seek to obtain information from the Home Office or any other source on the extent to which the powers to disqualify drivers who have been convicted of offences in relation to prostitution have been employed in England and Wales and, in particular, how many disqualifications there have been and what usage has been made of the powers for the motor cars of such persons to be forfeited for each year since such powers became available.","AnswerText":"The Home Office advise that theycollect figures on persons disqualified from driving having been convicted of offencesof kerb crawling. Thirty-six such cases were notified to them in both 2004 and 2005.However, they consider that the figures may be subject to data quality problemsinherent in large scale recording systems. The Home Office advise that a continuingprogram of data quality improvement is in place to improve the quality of the datareceived from courts and police forces.The Home Office have not beenable to provide statistics on the extent to which general powers to seize property,including vehicles, used in the commission of certain offences have been used inrelation to people convicted of “kerb crawling” offences. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203789,"EventID":"S2W-31219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received from Transport Scotland in respect of the Forth crossing; on what dates they were received; why they have not been placed on the Transport Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received from Transport Scotland in respect of the Forth crossing; on what dates they were received; why they have not been placed on the Transport Scotland website, and when they will be so placed.","AnswerText":"An initial draft of each of thefirst three reports into a Forth Replacement Crossing Study was received as outlinedin the following table. These reports willbe published on the Transport Scotland website after both the necessary scrutinyand acceptance by Transport Scotland, and the Cabinet considering the emerging findings. Iam preparing a paper for Cabinet to consider during February 2007. | Report | Date First Draft Received | | Assessment of transport network around the Forth | 3 November 2006 | | Determining network performance around the Forth | 30 November 2006 | | Option generation and sifting for a possible new crossing | 31 December 2006 | Transport Scotland has operationalresponsibility for this area and can be contacted for more information if required.< | Report | Date Received | | Assessment of transport network around the Forth | 3 November 2006 | | Determining network performance around the Forth | 30 November 2006 | | Option generation and sifting for a possible new crossing | 31 December 2006 | Transport Scotland hasoperational responsibility for this area and can be contacted for more informationif required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203791,"EventID":"S2W-31221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was between a pupil being referred to and seen by an educational psychologist in the last period for which figures are a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was between a pupil being referred to and seen by an educational psychologist in the last period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. However, statistical returns indicate that we now have more educationalpsychologists working in local authorities than we have ever had. We now have over400 educational psychologists breaching 400 mark for first time, with a vacancyrate of only 4%. These figures are very encouraging especially when set againsta falling school population.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203792,"EventID":"S2W-31222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid to recruitment agencies for the hire of temporary staff in each year since 1999, broken down by recruitment agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid to recruitment agencies for the hire of temporary staff in each year since 1999, broken down by recruitment agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currentlyhas two central contracts for the provision of agency staff. Administrative andclerical staff are supplied through a contract placed with Pertemps. A contractis also in place for the provision of interim managers and specialist staff withHays. For the period from 1999 to 2003 a central contract for the supply of typistswas in place with Kellys agency.Individual departments may bringin temporary staff from employment agencies outwith these contracts, for examplewhere specific professional skills are required, or to cover work in outlying areas,but this information is not held centrally. Employment agency staff are usedby the Executive to cover temporary staffing needs for a number of reasons includingpressures arising from maternity leave, sick leave, project work, unanticipatedcrisis and critical vacancies. The amount paid by the ScottishExecutive for the hire of temporary staff, under the two centrally managed employmentagency contracts and the contract with Kellys, is set out in the following table. | | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Pertemps | £944,393 | £1,072,929 | £1,070,579 | £2,047,308 | £3,221,652 | £4,115,492 | £3,132,755 | | Hays | | | | £2,611 | £1,031,187 | £2,474,056 | £2,316,461 | | Kellys | £128,563 | £171,215 | £213,603 | | | | | | Total | £1,072,956 | £1,244,144 | £1,284,182 | £2,049,919 | £4,252,839 | £6,859,548 | £5,449,216 | Notes: 1. The Hays contract startedin November 2003. 2. The contract with Kellys endedin early 2003. 3. All figures are for core Executiveexcept Pertemps figures which include spend for Mental Health Tribunal, Social WorkInspection Agency and Transport Scotland for the period since they were formed. Pertemps spendto mid 2004 includes spend by Accountant in Bankruptcy, HM Inspectorate of Education,the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, General Register Office for Scotland,the National Archives of Scotland, and Local Government Boundary Commission. 4. The 2000 figure for Pertempsincludes spend over a relatively short period in 1999. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203793,"EventID":"S2W-31223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many racially motivated assaults (a) were reported and (b) resulted in a case being brought before the courts in each year since 1999, broken down by sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many racially motivated assaults (a) were reported and (b) resulted in a case being brought before the courts in each year since 1999, broken down by sheriff court.","AnswerText":"Official statistics on racist incidentsrecorded by the police in Scotland from 2003-04 to 2005-06 will by published bythe Scottish Executive in March 2007. This will be the first time that such informationhas been collated and published, and it will contain data on racist incidents wherea crime of assault was subsequently recorded.The available data for persons proceededagainst in Scottish courts where a racial aggravator has been recorded is givenin the following table. Racial aggravator data is not available for earlier years. Persons Proceeded Against forAssault1,2 in Scottish Courts where a Racial Aggravator Code3has been Recorded, 2004-05. | Court Procedure | 2004-05 | | High Court | 4 | | Sheriff Summary | | | Aberdeen | 4 | | Airdrie | 3 | | Alloa | - | | Arbroath | - | | Ayr | 1 | | Banff | - | | Campbelltown | - | | Cupar | - | | Dingwall | 1 | | Dornoch | - | | Dumbarton | 2 | | Dumfries | 2 | | Dundee | 8 | | Dunfermline | - | | Dunoon | - | | Duns | - | | Edinburgh | 24 | | Elgin | 2 | | Falkirk | 1 | | Forfar | 1 | | Fort William | - | | Glasgow | 54 | | Greenock | 1 | | Haddington | 3 | <","AnswerDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203794,"EventID":"S2W-31224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests have been made by Scottish prisoners in each year since the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests have been made by Scottish prisoners in each year since the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","AnswerText":"It is for every Scottishpublic authority to adopt its own system for monitoring requests it receives forinformation. It is for each public authority to determine what information canmost effectively be recorded, and there is no requirement to monitor requestsin any particular way, for example by reference to any particular circumstanceof the requester. Further the Executive is not party to the detailed informationheld by any other public authority as a result of that authority’s monitoringsystem. It is therefore not possible for the Executive to answer this question.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203795,"EventID":"S2W-31225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have made (a) one to five, (b) 6 to 20, (c) 21 to 50, (d) 51 to 100 and (e) over 100 freedom of information requests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have made (a) one to five, (b) 6 to 20, (c) 21 to 50, (d) 51 to 100 and (e) over 100 freedom of information requests.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31224 on 1 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament's website the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203796,"EventID":"S2W-31232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Aberdeen Crossrail project.","AnswerText":"The North East of Scotland TransportPartnership has commissioned feasibility work which is expected to be completedby spring 2007. We will then be able to fully assess the proposals.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203797,"EventID":"S2W-31233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional railway stations will open as part of the Aberdeen Crossrail project and where they will be located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional railway stations will open as part of the Aberdeen Crossrail project and where they will be located.","AnswerText":"Current feasibility work on theAberdeen Crossrail proposal is assessing the potential for new stations at Kintore,Newtonhill, Aberdeen North and Aberdeen South.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203798,"EventID":"S2W-31234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of aggregate external finance allocated to each local authority is provided through specific grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of aggregate external finance allocated to each local authority is provided through specific grants.","AnswerText":"Subject to the approval of theLocal Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2007 by the Scottish Parliament, the informationrequested for 2007-08 is shown in the following table. | Council | Specific Grants as a Percentage of 2007-08 Aggregate External Finance | | Aberdeen City | 11.7% | | Aberdeenshire | 8.9% | | Angus | 9.1% | | Argyll and Bute | 8.8% | | Clackmannanshire | 9.1% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 9.3% | | Dundee City | 10.6% | | East Ayrshire | 9.6% | | East Dunbartonshire | 9.0% | | East Lothian | 9.5% | | East Renfrewshire | 8.0% | | Edinburgh, City of | 11.7% | | Eilean Siar | 6.1% | | Falkirk | 9.3% | | Fife | 9.6% | | Glasgow City | 11.3% | | Highland | 9.3% | | Inverclyde | 10.0% | | Midlothian | 9.5% | | Moray | 9.2% | | North Ayrshire | 9.3% | | North Lanarkshire | 9.7% | | Orkney | 5.8% | | Perth and Kinross | 9.1% | | Renfrewshire | 10.1% | | Scottish Borders | 9.7% | | Shetland | 5.3% | | South Ayrshire | 9.8% | | South Lanarkshire | 9.3% | | Sti","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203799,"EventID":"S2W-31235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the increase in aggregate external finance allocated to each local authority in 2007-08 will be provided through specific grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the increase in aggregate external finance allocated to each local authority in 2007-08 will be provided through specific grants.","AnswerText":"Subject to the approval of theLocal Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2007 by the Scottish Parliament, the informationrequested for 2007-08 is shown in the following table. | Council | Percentage Increase Between 2006-07 and 2007-08 | | Aberdeen City | 29.3% | | Aberdeenshire | 20.5% | | Angus | 16.2% | | Argyll and Bute | 18.8% | | Clackmannanshire | 19.1% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 18.3% | | Dundee City | 21.7% | | East Ayrshire | 19.6% | | East Dunbartonshire | 20.0% | | East Lothian | 17.1% | | East Renfrewshire | 16.9% | | Edinburgh, City of | 21.4% | | Eilean Siar | 17.7% | | Falkirk | 18.8% | | Fife | 21.7% | | Glasgow City | 21.1% | | Highland | 19.9% | | Inverclyde | 19.0% | | Midlothian | 18.8% | | Moray | 20.9% | | North Ayrshire | 17.5% | | North Lanarkshire | 17.4% | | Orkney | 16.4% | | Perth and Kinross | 15.1% | | Renfrewshire | 17.6% | | Scottish Borders | 17.5% | | Shetland | 16.1% | | South Ayrshire | 16.5% | | South Lanarkshire | 17.0% | | Stirling | 19.9% | | West Dunbartonshire | 21.6% | | West Lothian | | Council | Aggregate External Finance Per Capita (£) | | Aberdeen City | 1,500 | | Aberdeenshire | 1,532 | | Angus | 1,670 | | Argyll and Bute | 2,008 | | Clackmannanshire | 1,607 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,770 | | Dundee City | 1,854 | | East Ayrshire | 1,692 | | East Dunbartonshire | 1,501 | | East Lothian | 1,547 | | East Renfrewshire | 1,610 | | Edinburgh, City of | 1,438 | | Eilean Siar | 3,803 | | Falkirk | 1,593 | | Fife | 1,586 | | Glasgow City | 2,046 | | Highland | 1,917 | | Inverclyde | 1,856 | | Midlothian | 1,692 | | Moray | 1,647 | | North Ayrshire | 1,716 | | North Lanarkshire | 1,667 | | Orkney | 3,118 | | Perth and Kinross | 1,570 | | Renfrewshire | 1,681 | | Scottish Borders | 1,745 | | Shetland | 3,768 | | South Ayrshire | 1,580 | | South Lanarkshire | 1,595 | | Sti","AnswerDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203801,"EventID":"S2W-31237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding per capita each police authority will receive in aggregate external finance in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding per capita each police authority will receive in aggregate external finance in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Subject to the approval of theLocal Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2007 by the Scottish Parliament, the informationrequested for 2007-08 is shown in the following table. | Joint Police Board or Police Authority | Per Capita Funding (£) | | Central | 182 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 205 | | Fife | 185 | | Grampian | 194 | | Northern | 204 | | Lothian and Borders | 216 | | Strathclyde | 233 | | Tayside | 212 | | Scotland | 216 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203802,"EventID":"S2W-31238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding per capita each fire authority will receive in aggregate external finance in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding per capita each fire authority will receive in aggregate external finance in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Funding for fire authoritiesis included in the block grant given to local authorities as part of the annuallocal government finance settlement and is not separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203803,"EventID":"S2W-31239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social workers have been attacked by clients in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social workers have been attacked by clients in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities.The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203804,"EventID":"S2W-31240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money withheld from single farm payments under modulation in each year since modulation commenced has yet to be allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money withheld from single farm payments under modulation in each year since modulation commenced has yet to be allocated.","AnswerText":"There are two forms of modulationand all funds raised are allocated to different measures.European modulation is compulsoryand contributions from farmers and crofters are allocated to fund the Land ManagementContract Menu Scheme, as part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Member state modulation has beenallocated to support agri-environment and afforestation measures that are also partof the Scottish Rural Development Programme. Details of expenditure for themeasures mentioned above, were provided in answer to question S2W-31085 on 31 January 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s websitethe search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203805,"EventID":"S2W-31241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was withheld from single farm payments under modulation in each year since modulation commenced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was withheld from single farm payments under modulation in each year since modulation commenced.","AnswerText":"The Single Farm Payment Schemecame into effect from 1 January 2005 with the first payments being made from 1 December 2005. Thetotal modulation receipts for financial year 2005-06 were £28.158 million. My departmentcurrently forecasts these receipts being £36.266 million for financial year 2006-07and £43.6 million for 2007-2008.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203806,"EventID":"S2W-31242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the weed known as ranunculus poses a threat to native species in the River Spey and other rivers and whether there are any plans to eradicate, or reduce th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the weed known as ranunculus poses a threat to native species in the River Spey and other rivers and whether there are any plans to eradicate, or reduce the impact of, this weed and, if so, whether it will give details of such plans.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage hasadvised that the spread of river water-crowfoot (Ranunculus fluitans) in the Speymay be having some impact on freshwater pearl mussel and Atlantic salmon but thatthe extent of the threat which this represents for the integrity of these speciesis not clear.I understand that Scottish NaturalHeritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will be meeting with theSpey Fishery Board in the near future to discuss the matter and possible actionsfor the management of the situation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203807,"EventID":"S2W-31243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals in (a) Orkney and (b) the rest of the Highlands and Islands were registered under the Air Discount Scheme at 1 January 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals in (a) Orkney and (b) the rest of the Highlands and Islands were registered under the Air Discount Scheme at 1 January 2007.","AnswerText":"At 1 January 2007, 20,398 residentsof Orkney were registered members of the Air Discount Scheme. Across the eligibleparts of the Highlands and Islands as a whole a total of 90,293 residents were registeredat that date. These figures include members’ dependants under 16 years of age, someof whom will be registered on both parents’/guardians’ cards.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203808,"EventID":"S2W-31244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Orkney residents have registered for concessionary ferry travel under the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Orkney residents have registered for concessionary ferry travel under the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"As at 24 January 2007 thenumber of National Entitlement Cards, which gives an entitlement to Scotland-WideFree Bus Travel and therefore the ferry concession, issued to Orkney residents was4,032.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203809,"EventID":"S2W-31245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the re-offending rate was of non-violent offenders who received a (a) non-custodial and (b) custodial sentence of less than three months in each of the last five yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the re-offending rate was of non-violent offenders who received a (a) non-custodial and (b) custodial sentence of less than three months in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Statistics on the re-offending rateof non-violent offenders are not available since information on offence dates isnot held centrally. The most recent available statistics relate to the reconvictionrates of such offenders and this is given in the following table.Reconvictions of OffendersDischarged from Custody of given Non-Custodial Sentences, 1998-99 to 2002-03, PercentageReconvicted within Two Years | | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | All offenders | 42 | 43 | 44 | 44 | 45 | | Offenders whose index conviction1 was for a non-violent crime2 and which resulted in a non-custodial sentence | 54 | 54 | 56 | 57 | 59 | | Offenders whose index conviction1 was for a non-violent crime2 and which resulted in a custodial sentence of less than 3 months 3 | 74 | 74 | 77 | 77 | 77 | Notes: 1.The conviction which resulted in a non-custodial sentence being imposed or the onewhich originally led to a custodial sentence being served. 2.Crimes in groups 2 to 5 of the Scottish Executive Justice Departments classificationof crimes and offences or the offences of breach of the peace, anti-social behaviouroffences, racially aggravated harassment or conduct, miscellaneous firearms offencesand social security offences. Crimes of violence (including murder, attempted murder,culpable homicide, serious assault, robbery and assault with intent to rob, simpleassault and simple assault on an emergency worker) are not included. 3. Offenders who were sentencedto less than three months in custody. Given current early release arrangements,these offenders will have been released at half their sentenced custody period andpossibly earlier depending on time they may already have spent on remand or bail. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203810,"EventID":"S2W-31246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people convicted of a non-violent offence (a) received a custodial sentence, (b) received a custodial sentence of less than three months a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people convicted of a non-violent offence (a) received a custodial sentence, (b) received a custodial sentence of less than three months and (c) served a custodial sentence of less than three months in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The available information is givenin the following table. All prisoners who are sentenced to custody will serve therequired period of imprisonment, allowing for any time spent on remand and prisonerrelease arrangements.Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts for Non-ViolentOffences1,2, 2000-01 to 2004-05 | | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Total persons with a charge proved | 100,957 | 108,677 | 113,625 | 118,673 | 118,592 | | Of which received a custodial sentence | 13,195 | 13,945 | 14,501 | 13,742 | 13,653 | | % of charge proved | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | | Of which received a custodial sentence < 3 months | 4,030 | 4,336 | 4,499 | 4,378 | 4,714 | | % of charge proved | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Notes: 1. Where main offence. 2. Includes all crimes and offences except non-sexual crimesof violence and petty assault. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203811,"EventID":"S2W-31247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police community support officers were assaulted on duty in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police community support officers were assaulted on duty in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"There are no policecommunity support officers in Scottish police forces.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203812,"EventID":"S2W-31248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of MRSA were recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of MRSA were recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"Health Protection Scotland publishedthe latest figures on MRSA bacteraemia (blood infection) rates on 16 January 2007. A copyof this report is available from: http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/hai/sshaip/publications/mrsa-quarterly-reports/jan-2003-to-sept-2006.pdf Hospital specific informationis not held centrally. MRSA bacteraemia rates have remainedstable in Scotland as a whole since national mandatory reporting began in2003. As part of our drive to improvesurveillance, compulsory reporting of all Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemias (whichincludes MSSA and MRSA) was introduced in July 2006. As expected, this has increasedreporting of MSSA infections (which was previously voluntary), but this will enablemore effective targeting of measures to reduce these infections. Wide-ranging measures to addresshealthcare associated infection (HAI), set in place by the HAI Task Force, includea national campaign to raise awareness amongst NHS staff, patients, visitors andthe public of the benefits of improved hand hygiene to public health. localhealth board co-ordinators are being appointed to help implement and monitor compliancein hospitals. Additional training courses for NHS staff, and robust monitoring of the standards of cleaning in Scotland’s hospitals are also part of the Task Force’s DeliveryPlan. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203813,"EventID":"S2W-31249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend on indoor and outdoor plants in 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will spend on indoor and outdoor plants in 2006-07.","AnswerText":"A budget allowance of £2,000has been allocated for indoor plants and a further £36,300 for grounds maintenanceincluding outdoor plants but also including winter gritting and the maintenanceof grass areas.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203814,"EventID":"S2W-31250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statement in a letter from the Office of Rail Regulation to Transport Scotland that the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line project could not have bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statement in a letter from the Office of Rail Regulation to Transport Scotland that the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line project could not have been undertaken without the prospect of higher charges being made, what decision will now be taken in respect of whether higher charges will be sought from freight or passenger operators and what consideration was given to the potential for such charges during the progress through the Parliament of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine Railway and Linked Improvements Bill.","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203815,"EventID":"S2W-31251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many junior doctors have been found to be in breach of New Deal working hour limits in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many junior doctors have been found to be in breach of New Deal working hour limits in each year since 1999, also broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information relating to the complianceof junior doctors with the New Deal contract has only been recorded centrally, fromdata provided by NHS boards, since 2004. The information you are seeking prior tothis date may be available from individual health boards.Under the New Deal contract,rotas for junior doctors are monitored by health boards twice yearly (February toJuly and August to January). The data is collated centrally and is published byspeciality and NHS board on the Scottish Health Statistics website under WorkforceStatistics at: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/info3.jsp?pContentID=1348&p_applic=CCC&p_service=Content.show&#JunDr. Section B gives details of medicalposts in NHS Scotland with tables B13 to 17 providing summaries of compliance ratesfor junior doctors with the New Deal. The information is based on rota periods ratherthan on calendar years and records only full compliance with the contract, thatis the 56 hour limit as well as rest and natural break requirements. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203816,"EventID":"S2W-31252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of school leavers entered full-time higher or further education in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of school leavers entered full-time higher or further education in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on the percentageof school leavers entering higher and further education can be found in the Scottish Executive’s Statistical Publication Notice Destinations of Leaversfrom Scottish Schools: 2005-06 published on 6 December 2006.A local authority breakdown is available at table 6 of the publication. It canbe accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00550.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203817,"EventID":"S2W-31253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dedicated funding has been made available to Angus and Aberdeenshire councils to tackle antisocial behaviour in each year since 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what dedicated funding has been made available to Angus and Aberdeenshire councils to tackle antisocial behaviour in each year since 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The information requested isprovided in the following table: | Local Authority | 2004-05 (£) | 2005-06 (£) | 2006-07 (£) | 2007-08 (£) | Total (£) | | Aberdeenshire | 248,000 | 275,750 | 320,000 | 335,000 | 1,178,750 | | Angus | 369,000 | 409,400 | 480,000 | 519,000 | 1,777,400 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203818,"EventID":"S2W-31254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to Angus Council for the improvement of local roads in 2006-07.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to Angus Council for the improvement of local roads in 2006-07.","AnswerText":"During the financial year 2006-07,Angus Council will receive £12,706,000 in Roads and Transport Grant Aided Expenditure(GAE) for roads maintenance purposes. However, this forms part of the local governmentfunding formula used to calculate one block grant figure for each council. Thisis agreed through the joint Scottish Executive/COSLA Distribution Committee of theWorking Party on Local Government Finance. All local authorities receive their needs-basedshare of GAE allocations and it is then up to each council to decide how best toallocate the resources available to it based on its local needs and priorities.In addition, TACTRAN, the statutoryregional transport partnership for the area, has been awarded funding by the ScottishExecutive for transport capital projects in 2006-07. TACTRAN has allocated £761,000to Angus Council, of which £230,000 is being directed towards road improvement schemes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203819,"EventID":"S2W-31255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many council-owned houses in Angus are now centrally heated as a result of the Executive’s central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many council-owned houses in Angus are now centrally heated as a result of the Executive’s central heating programme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is asfollows:In the public sector AngusCouncil installed 261 central heating systems through the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203820,"EventID":"S2W-31256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital and revenue allocation has been made available to Angus College in each year since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital and revenue allocation has been made available to Angus College in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Scottish FundingCouncil, and its predecessor the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, hasbeen responsible for allocating funds to further education colleges during theperiod in question. The information requested for Angus College isas follows: | Year | Capital Grant £ | Revenue* £ | | 2003-04 | 638,015 | 7,681,468 | | 2004-05 | 0 | 8,908,147 | | 2005-06 | 0 | 9,205,875 | | 2006-07 | 0 | 9,598,118 | Note: *Includes recurrent grant-in-aid andnon-project specific capital funding. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203821,"EventID":"S2W-31257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for the provision of affordable housing in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available for the provision of affordable housing in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is asfollows:The affordable housingfunding provided by Communities Scotland is set out in the following table: | Year | Angus (£ Million) | Aberdeenshire (£ Million) | | 2003-04 | 4.355 | 12.734 | | 2004-05 | 4.376 | 12.037 | | 2005-06 | 5.518 | 11.139 | | 2006-07* | 6.504 | 13.086 | Note: *Figures for 2006-07are budget figures. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203822,"EventID":"S2W-31258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much specific funding has been allocated for drug and alcohol treatment services in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much specific funding has been allocated for drug and alcohol treatment services in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire in each year since 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Funding is allocated to healthboards for drug treatment and care services and to tackle alcohol problems.Angus falls within the boundaries of Tayside Health Board and Aberdeenshirefalls within the boundaries of Grampian Health Board. The following table sets outthe funding that has been made available to Tayside and Grampian Health Boardsfor drug treatment and care services since 2003-04. | Health Board | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | 2005-06 (£000) | 2006-07 (£000) | | Tayside | 1,483 | 1,559 | 1,965 | 1,965 | | Grampian | 1,314 | 1,963 | 2,202 | 2,202 | Angus Council received£146,000 per annum over the period 2003-04 to 2004-05 to tackle drug misuse.Aberdeenshire Council received £302,000 per annum over the same period totackle drug misuse. The following table sets outthe funding that has been made available to Tayside and Grampian Health Boards totackle alcohol problems since 2004-05. | Health Board | 2003-04 (£000) | 2004-05 (£000) | 2005-06 (£000) | 2006-07 (£000) | | Tayside | 0 | 168 | 556 | 556 | | Grampian | 0 | 212 | 699 | 699 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203823,"EventID":"S2W-31259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make its formal response to the Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems (Arbuthnott Commission) Report, Putting Citizens First: Boundaries, Vot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make its formal response to the Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems (Arbuthnott Commission) Report, Putting Citizens First: Boundaries, Voting and Representation in Scotland, published on 19 January 2006.","AnswerText":"The Executive has separate responsesto four recommendations of the Arbuthnott Report, which are set out as follows:The majority of the other recommendationsof the Arbuthnott Report relate to reserved matters, and the Scotland Office istoday responding to these separately on behalf of the UK Government. Other recommendationsin the report fall to be considered by the Electoral Commission and the Scottish Parliament. Recommendation 2. The boundariesfor Scottish Parliamentary constituencies should be within and respect local authorityareas rather than Westminster constituencies. Recommendation 4. The functionsof the Boundary Commission for Scotland and the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland shouldbe combined to enable the constituencies and regions for the Scottish Parliamentand local authorities to be reviewed together. Consideration should also be givento integrating the review of Westminster constituencies in Scotland into this process. The approach advocated in thereport is consistent with the aims of the Scottish Executive’s public service reformagenda and there could be benefits from aligning boundaries as proposed. The ScottishExecutive is currently looking at the long-term options for reform across a rangeof public bodies in Scotland, including local authorities. Any action which mightneed to be taken by the UK Government, including consideration of possible new structuresfor the regions for Scottish Parliament elections or any future review of constituencyboundaries, would only be after the question of any need for changes had been consideredby the new Scottish administration. Recommendation 12. The Scottish Parliament and local government elections should not be held on the same day. The Executive has noted the ArbuthnottCommission’s conclusion and recommendation, but remains of the view that it is inthe best interests of the voters and turnout that these elections should continueto be combined. Recommendation 21. No pupil shouldleave school without having had an introduction to the voting systems and the workof the parliaments, in the context of Education for Citizenship. The Scottish Executive has endorsedthe recommendation that young people leaving school should have a good understandingof voting and parliamentary democracy. The current review of the curriculum in Scotland, ACurriculum for Excellence, aims to prioritise and simplify existing curricularguidance. The aspiration is that all youngpeople should be given the opportunity to develop as responsible citizens with acapacity to participate fully in political, economic, social and cultural life.It is envisaged that there will be a range of areas through which an understandingof voting and parliamentary democracy could be developed. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203824,"EventID":"S2W-31260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates from (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire have returned to work in their local authority area in each of the last three years for which the information is a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many graduates from (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire have returned to work in their local authority area in each of the last three years for which the information is available.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thenumber of graduates at post graduate, first degree or sub-degree level that weredomiciled in (a) Angus, (b) Aberdeenshire before they started their course. To determinehow many of them left their local authority area to study and then returned to workin their local authority area requires information on commuting which is not availablecentrally.Number of Graduates from HEIsfrom Angus and Aberdeenshire | Domicile Prior to Study | (a) Angus | (b) Aberdeenshire | | 2002-03 | 745 | 1,630 | | 2003-04 | 800 | 1,725 | | 2004-05 | 780 | 1,955 | Note: The table includes studentsgraduating from a postgraduate or undergraduate course at a UK HEI (excluding theOpen University). All numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203825,"EventID":"S2W-31261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from low-income backgrounds in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas have had their university fees paid in each year since 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from low-income backgrounds in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas have had their university fees paid in each year since 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The following table highlightsthe number of fees paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to studentsat higher education institutions from low-income backgrounds who were domiciledin the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each year since2002-03:Students from Low-IncomeBackgrounds who have had their University Fees Paid, by Local Authority Area | Academic Year | (a) Angus | (b) Aberdeenshire | | 2002-03 | 350 | 575 | | 2003-04 | 320 | 625 | | 2004-05 | 325 | 600 | | 2005-06 | 350 | 625 | For the purposes of this answerstudents are defined as being from “low-income” backgrounds if they have declaredparental/spousal income details of not more than £17,500, which was the SAAS means-testedthreshold in 2005-06 for receipt of full financial support through the YoungStudents Bursary (YSB). For comparable results over the period in question thisthreshold has been kept constant, even although the full YSB threshold has changedin this period. Students who have not declaredparental/spousal income details and those that are classed as exempt from parentalcontribution have not been included in the above table. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203826,"EventID":"S2W-31262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each year since 2003 on (i) Bus Service Operators Grant, (ii) Bus Route Developmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each year since 2003 on (i) Bus Service Operators Grant, (ii) Bus Route Development Grant, (iii) the Rural Community Transport Initiative, (iv) the Rural Public Passenger Transport Grants Scheme, (iv) demand-responsive transport and (v) public transport and integrated transport funds.","AnswerText":"Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG)is paid to all operators of local registered bus services. Figures cannot be givenbelow a Scotland wide figure as the information is commercially sensitive.BusRoute Development Grant funding amounting to £0.394 million was awarded to AngusCouncil in 2005. Aberdeenshire Council was awarded £0.59 million in 2005 and £1.889million in 2006. The amounts in the followingtable have been awarded under the Rural Community Transport Initiative (RCTI), RuralPublic Passenger Transport Grant Scheme (RPPTGS) and Demand Responsive TransportSchemes (DRT) in the Aberdeenshire and Angus Council areas in each year since 2003. | | Aberdeenshire Council | Angus Council | | RCTI | RPPTGS | DRT | RCTI | RPPTGS | DRT | | 2003-04 | £183,694 | £475,000 | £67,928.96 | Nil | £181,000 | £26,250 | | 2004-05 | £237,050 | £545,000 | £59,795.04 | Nil | £205,000 | £37,000 | | 2005-06 | £266,425 | £572,000 | Nil | Nil | £216,000 | £42,000 | | 2006-07 | £404,887 | £594,000 | £50,000 | Nil | £223,000 | £48,500 | | Total | £1,092,056 | £2,186,000 | £177,724 | Nil | £825,000 | £153,750 | Since 2003 one Integrated TransportFund award was made to Aberdeenshire Council for up to £4.4 million for its TownsInterchanges programme. The award includes three main interchange projects locatedat Peterhead, Banchory and Inverurie. An award of £0.2 million was also made toAberdeenshire Council for the Laurencekirk rail station re-opening feasibility study.No Public Transport Fund awards were made in the period. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203827,"EventID":"S2W-31263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recipients of council tax benefit aged 60 or over there were in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each of the last three years for which t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recipients of council tax benefit aged 60 or over there were in (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each of the last three years for which the information is available, also showing what percentage of the over-60 age group they represented. ","AnswerText":"The data relating to recipientsof council tax benefit are presented in terms of benefit units, which are basedon households in receipt of council tax benefit and as a result may contain twoor more persons (possibly one of whom may also be aged under 60). These data arereported in the following table.Number of Benefit UnitsContaining One or More Persons Aged Over 60 Receiving Council Tax Benefit** | Local Authority | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Aberdeenshire | 7,240 | 7,490 | 7,640 | | Angus | 5,160 | 5,410 | 5,570 | Note: **The data have been providedby the Department of Work and Pensions and relate to benefit units, not counts ofpersons. Figures include benefit units where there is a single person aged over60, and benefit units containing two or more persons where at least one is agedover 60. Council tax benefit figures exclude any second adult rebate cases. Thesource is the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information Systemquarterly caseload. It is not appropriate to dividecouncil tax benefit units by population figures for the over-60 age group, as theseare on a different basis. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203828,"EventID":"S2W-31264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest annual estimate is of the number of people earning the national minimum wage or below in the (a) Angus, (b) Gordon, (c) West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest annual estimate is of the number of people earning the national minimum wage or below in the (a) Angus, (b) Gordon, (c) West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and (d) Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituencies.","AnswerText":"The preferred source forearnings estimates is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, which is carriedout by the Office for National Statistics.Table 1 shows the estimatednumber of employees earning the national minimum wage or below in Angus,Gordon, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and Banff and Buchan parliamentaryconstituencies in 2006 (latest data). The estimates in the tableare based on a sample survey, and as such, are subject to sampling error. Table 1 Number of People Earningthe Minimum Wage or Below in Selected Parliamentary Constituencies, 2006 | Constituency | 2006 | | Angus | 1600 | | Banff and Buchan | 1000 | | Gordon | 1700 | | West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine | 600 | Source: Annual Survey ofHours and Earnings, Office for National Statistics. Notes: 1. The estimates are basedon the hourly pay excluding overtime and shift premium payments. 2. The estimates are based on asample survey, and as such, are subject to sampling error. 3. The estimates are basedon place of residence. 4. Parliamentaryconstituencies based on 2005 revision. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203829,"EventID":"S2W-31265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the overall change has been in the number of employee jobs since 2003 in the (a) Angus, (b) Gordon, (c) West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and (d) Banff and Buchan pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the overall change has been in the number of employee jobs since 2003 in the (a) Angus, (b) Gordon, (c) West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine and (d) Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituencies.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thenumber of employee jobs in 2003 and 2005 (latest data) and also the net change inlevels of employee jobs between 2003 and 2005 for the Angus, Gordon, West Aberdeenshireand Kincardine and Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituencies.Table 1 Employee Jobs in 2003and 2005 for Selected Parliamentary Constituencies and the Change in EmployeeJobs Between 2003 and 2005 | | 2003 | 2005 | Change between 2003 and 2005 | | Angus | 28,700 | 29,500 | 800 | | Banff and Buchan | 30,700 | 31,200 | 600 | | Gordon | 54,200 | 57,600 | 3,500 | | West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine | 28,700 | 27,800 | -900 | Source: Annual Business Inquiry. Notes: 1. Figures have been roundedto the nearest hundred. 2. These figures are aggregatesbut do not include agriculture class 0100 (1992 SIC). The Scottish Executive iscurrently working on agricultural data at parliamentary constituency level as notedin the answer to question S2W-31371 by Ross Finnie on 5 February 2007. 3. These statistics are workplace based. 4. Parliamentary constituenciesbased on 2005 revision. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203830,"EventID":"S2W-31266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the quality standard regulations it sets for public sector landlords in relation to domestic properties also apply to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in respect of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the quality standard regulations it sets for public sector landlords in relation to domestic properties also apply to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in respect of the houses it provides in Scotland for members of the armed services and, if so, what discussions it has had with the MoD about the improvement or replacement of such housing and what the outcome was of such discussions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to thequestion S2W-31267 answered on 15 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203831,"EventID":"S2W-31267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any owners of domestic properties used by military personnel are required to ensure that these properties meet the same quality standards as those set for any pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any owners of domestic properties used by military personnel are required to ensure that these properties meet the same quality standards as those set for any public sector landlords.","AnswerText":"We understand that servicefamilies accommodation in Scotland may be owned by the Ministry of Defence or may beprivately rented properties contractually provided to the Ministry. In neithercase would the Scottish Housing QualityStandard specifically applicable to Scottishsocial housing apply. Instead, theMinistry of Defence operates its own four-tier accommodation standard. Althoughthis is not directly comparable to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, weunderstand that all or the vast majority of service families accommodationmeets the criteria defined in the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203832,"EventID":"S2W-31268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the joint ministerial (a) committee and (b) sub-committee meetings held since November 2005, including attendees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the joint ministerial (a) committee and (b) sub-committee meetings held since November 2005, including attendees.","AnswerText":"There have been no meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee since 1 November 2005.The following table providesa complete list of Scottish Executive ministerial attendance at all Joint MinisterialSub-Committee meetings that have taken place since 1 November 2005. | Subject | Date | Venue | Scottish Minister | | Europe | 14 November 05 | London | Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform | | Europe | 17 January 06 | London | Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform | | Europe | 13 March 06 | London | No Executive Minister was able to participate | | Europe | 6 June 06 | London | Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform | | Europe | 10 October 06 | London | Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning | | Europe | 27 November 06 | London | Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203833,"EventID":"S2W-31269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30546 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will provide a breakdown of the investigations carried out into the Chirnsyde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30546 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will provide a breakdown of the investigations carried out into the Chirnsyde Initiative over the last five years and their outcomes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:Administration of theChirnsyde Community Initiative is a matter for Glasgow City Council. Allinvestigations into the Initiative over the past five years have been conductedby the City Council with assistance from key partner agencies such asStrathclyde Police. Details of the investigations and their outcomes are notheld centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203834,"EventID":"S2W-31270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30544 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, why it has not made any representations to Glasgow City Council regarding the administra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30544 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, why it has not made any representations to Glasgow City Council regarding the administration of the Chirnsyde Community Initiative.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:The administration ofChirnsyde Community Initiative is a matter for Glasgow City Council. Locally,Communities Scotland in their role as Board members of the local communityplanning partnership, have been updated on investigations into the Initiative. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203835,"EventID":"S2W-31271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will detail the various funds it provides to local authorities and community ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will detail the various funds it provides to local authorities and community planning partners for investment in community groups, also indicating how it monitors how the funding is subsequently allocated and spent.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:Local authorities and CommunityPlanning Partnerships (CPPs) do not receive funding from the Scottish Executivefor investment exclusively in community groups, although these groups oftenreceive funding through a number of programmes, for example the CommunityRegeneration Fund or Community Voices Programme. Communities Scotland monitorsuse of the Community Regeneration Fund and Community Voices Programme thoroughscrutiny of the Regeneration Outcome Agreement between the CPP and Scottish ministers. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203836,"EventID":"S2W-31272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Glasgow City Council has received through the Community Regeneration Fund and other funds for investment in community groups and how the council has allocated th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Glasgow City Council has received through the Community Regeneration Fund and other funds for investment in community groups and how the council has allocated this money, broken down by fund and group.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:The Community RegenerationFund and associated Community Voices Programme are allocated to communityplanning partnerships, not local authorities. The GlasgowCommunity Planning Partnership has been allocated around £128 million from bothfunds for the period 2005-08. Neither grant is exclusively for investment incommunity groups, although these groups do access both. All investment decisions aremade by the Partnership and steered by the Partnership’s Regeneration OutcomeAgreement, a copy of which can be viewed on Communities Scotland’s website www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203837,"EventID":"S2W-31273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will detail and explain those terms and conditions of Community Regeneration ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will detail and explain those terms and conditions of Community Regeneration Fund grants that include the provision to withhold grants from local authorities if any allegations of malpractice come to light.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:Full terms and conditionsassociated with the Community Regeneration Fund are published on CommunitiesScotland’s website www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk.Paragraph 40 sets out the circumstances which may lead to grant being withheldfrom the grant recipient (local authority). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203838,"EventID":"S2W-31274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will give details of what is meant by “if allegations of malpractice in these","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin on 18 January 2007, whether it will give details of what is meant by “if allegations of malpractice in these groups come to light”.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Under the terms and conditionsof the Community Regeneration Fund the grant recipient (local authority) is requiredto submit a full written report to Communities Scotland (acting on behalf of Scottishministers) when allegations are made or come to light about any organisation inreceipt of the grant. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203839,"EventID":"S2W-31275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin in 18 January 2007, whether it considers it appropriate that, if allegations of malpractice come to light wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30545 by Rhona Brankin in 18 January 2007, whether it considers it appropriate that, if allegations of malpractice come to light which in turn could lead to the withholding of a grant to a local authority, the local authority responsible for administering the grant and in danger of losing the grant should be responsible for investigating such allegations and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:As the accountable body, thelocal authority is responsible for disbursing Community Regeneration Fund grantto organisations. Since the local authority is in control of that stage of thetransfer of grant funding it is appropriate that the local authority should beresponsible for investigating allegations of malpractice. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203840,"EventID":"S2W-31276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring replacement community facilities for the Milton area, in light of the closure of Chirnsyde Community Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring replacement community facilities for the Milton area, in light of the closure of Chirnsyde Community Initiative.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is asfollows:As owner of the premisesformerly hosting the Chirnsyde Community Initiative and majority funder of allactivities delivered there, Glasgow City Council is currently attempting to sourcealternative accommodation for affected services. We understand that this workis progressing, with alternative premises already identified for some of theprojects. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203841,"EventID":"S2W-31277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reasons it has been given for the closure of the Chirnsyde Community Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reasons it has been given for the closure of the Chirnsyde Community Initiative.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:A report to Glasgow City Council’sExecutive Committee on 8 December 2006 outlines the reasons for closure of the Initiative. Thisreport is available to consult on the City Council’s website: www.glasgow.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203842,"EventID":"S2W-31278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30550 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2007, whether the Minister for Justice will meet residents of Milton, Glasgow, to discuss the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30550 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2007, whether the Minister for Justice will meet residents of Milton, Glasgow, to discuss the current situation in that area.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer to questionS2W-30550 on 19 January 2007, the Executive is fully committed to working withthe Scottish police service and other partners to reduce violence within everycommunity in Scotland. The specific issues facing the community in Milton are amatter for Strathclyde Police.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":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203843,"EventID":"S2W-31279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting family members access to the medical records of deceased patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting family members access to the medical records of deceased patients.","AnswerText":"Health Rights InformationScotland is a project based within the Scottish Consumer Council, and funded bythe Scottish Executive Health Department. It is a joint initiative to raise thequality of information available to patients in the NHS.The project has produceda paper patient leaflet How to see your Health Records which is widely availableat GP surgeries and other NHS hospitals and clinics. It contains plain english guidance on how patients can see their Health Records.The guidance is also available at their website: http://www.hris.org.uk/?o=1256#8. In relationto granting family members access to the medical records of deceased patients theguidance states that: The law allows you tosee records made after 1 November 1991. But generally, records are only kept forthree years after death. You can only see thatperson’s records if you are their personal representative or executor, or if youhave a claim for compensation as a result of that person’s death. If you are claimingcompensation, you can only see information which is relevant to the claim. You will not be ableto see parts of the records which: could cause serious harmto your, or someone else’s, physical or mental health could identify anotherperson (except members of NHS staff who have treated the patient), unless that persongives their permission You will not be ableto see the records of someone who made it clear that they did not want other peopleto see their records after their death. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203844,"EventID":"S2W-31280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting patients access to their own medical records.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting patients access to their own medical records.","AnswerText":"Health Rights InformationScotland is a project based within the Scottish Consumer Council, and funded bythe Scottish Executive Health Department. It is a joint initiative to raise thequality of information available to patients in the NHS.The project has produceda paper patient leaflet How to see your Health Records which is widely availableat GP surgeries and other NHS hospitals and clinics. It contains plain english guidance on how patients can see their health records.The guidance is also available at their website: http://www.hris.org.uk/?o=1256#8. The guidance covers howa patient gets access to their own records, what they will see, what it might cost,how long it will take, what to do if a patient thinks the information is incorrect,whether a patient can claim compensation and who might see the records of a patientwho has died. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203845,"EventID":"S2W-31281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting patients access to the medical records of living relatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards in relation to granting patients access to the medical records of living relatives.","AnswerText":"Health Rights InformationScotland is a project based within the Scottish Consumer Council, and funded bythe Scottish Executive Health Department. It is a joint initiative to raise thequality of information available to patients in the NHS.The project has produceda paper patient leaflet How to see your Health Records which is widely availableat GP surgeries and other NHS hospitals and clinics. It contains plain english guidance on how patients can see their Health Records.The guidance is also available at their website: http://www.hris.org.uk/?o=1256#8 In relation to granting patients access to the medical recordsof living relatives this can be arranged if: Thepatient has agreed to this. Theperson applying for access is a parent, guardian, or main carer, and The child doesn’t understand what is involved. The person applying for access has a welfare power of attorney ora welfare guardianship order for someone who cannot make decisions for themselvesand the order gives that person the power to look at their health records. The guidance alsopoints to where to get more information about the rights of children and of adultswho cannot make their own decisions or tell others their decisions. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203846,"EventID":"S2W-31282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3538,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":13,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting a date beyond which it will no longer be acceptable for homeless families with young children to be temporarily housed in bed and breakfa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting a date beyond which it will no longer be acceptable for homeless families with young children to be temporarily housed in bed and breakfast accommodation.","AnswerText":"Placing homeless households withchildren or pregnant women in unsuitable temporary accommodation is already prohibitedon a routine basis by the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Order(SSI 2004/489), which was brought into force at the end of 2004. This order definesstandards which accommodation must meet in order not to be deemed unsuitable andfurther sets out exeptional circumstances in which unsuitable accommodation maybe used. Some of these circumstances only allow the use of unsuitable accommodationfor a maximum of fourteen days, others are not time limited.The purpose of the exceptionalcircumstances is to recognise that there will be times in which unsuitable temporaryaccommodation either has to be used as a last resort, or the households itself maywish to use temporary accommodation. The order does not prevent theuse of all B&Bs, rather it requires that B&Bs which are used for temporaryaccommodation for households with children or pregnant women meet the standardsset out in the order unless the exceptional circumstances apply. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203847,"EventID":"S2W-31283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Stirling local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Stirling local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answersto questions S2W-29664 and S2W-29665 on 17 November 2006. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, thesearch facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203848,"EventID":"S2W-31284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Perth and Kinross local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Perth and Kinross local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto questions S2W-29664 and S2W-29665 on 17 November 2006. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, thesearch facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203849,"EventID":"S2W-31285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Angus local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been closed in the Angus local authority area since1997, showing the name of each school and the year of closure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto questions S2W-29664 and S2W-29665 on 17 November 2006. All answers towritten parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, thesearch facility for which can be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203850,"EventID":"S2W-31286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the liquidation of One Plus will have on projects such as the “Grow Your Own” training programme for community workers in north-west Dumfries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the liquidation of One Plus will have on projects such as the “Grow Your Own” training programme for community workers in north-west Dumfries.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:In light of the liquidation ofOne Plus, Dumfries and Galloway Council are working with affected projectsin their area, including the “Grow Your Own” training programme, to determine transitionalarrangements to maintain the service. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203851,"EventID":"S2W-31287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are being provided to support people whose drug misuse involves crack cocaine to end their addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are being provided to support people whose drug misuse involves crack cocaine to end their addiction.","AnswerText":"£23.7 million per annum overthe period 2005-06 to 2007-08 is made available to health boards to providedrug treatment and care services. Planning of drug treatment services is doneat a local level rather than a national level. It is the responsibility oflocal alcohol and drug action teams to decide what services are required,according to local needs and priorities.There are no definedtreatment programmes for crack cocaine or substitute drugs that can beprescribed and therefore treatment is motivational and counselling based. Wehave set up a Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse short-life projectgroup to look at psychostimulants, including crack cocaine, to consider howaccess, quality and the range of services available to psychostimulant userscould be improved. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203852,"EventID":"S2W-31288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are being provided to support people in the Grampian area whose drug misuse involves crack cocaine to end their addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are being provided to support people in the Grampian area whose drug misuse involves crack cocaine to end their addiction.","AnswerText":"£2.2 million per annum overthe period 2005-06 to 2007-08 is made available to Grampian Health Board toprovide drug treatment and care services. It is the responsibility of alcoholand drug action teams to decide what services are required at a local level,according to local needs and priorities.There are no definedtreatment programmes for crack cocaine or substitute drugs that can beprescribed and therefore treatment is motivational and counselling based. Alldrug services in Grampian will provide support to individuals reporting use ofcrack cocaine. Further information on services in Grampian area is set out inthe local alcohol and drug action teams annual corporate action plan which isavailable online at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203853,"EventID":"S2W-31289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2126,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for assessment for and fitting of hearing aids, broken down by NHS board, and when it expects the national audiology collection programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for assessment for and fitting of hearing aids, broken down by NHS board, and when it expects the national audiology collection programme, being established by the Information and Statistics Division of NHS National Services Scotland, to provide such information.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. However, ISD has been working with NHS boards to create a data set toestablish maximum waiting times from referral to fitting. Data has been collectedsince April 2006. ISD recommend that data is collected over four quarters to assessthe trend before it is published. This information will be available in June 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203854,"EventID":"S2W-31291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the impact of the introduction of super casinos would be on the level of gambling addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the impact of the introduction of super casinos would be on the level of gambling addiction.","AnswerText":"The impact of theintroduction of a super casino in Scotland, including the effect on gambling addiction, wasconsidered in the study Research on the Social Impact of Gambling. This waspublished by the Executive on 12 September 2006. A copy can be found at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/Research/17692/SocialResearchPubs/EntLifelongLearning. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203855,"EventID":"S2W-31292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the resource implications are for Lothian and Borders Police of the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe on 30 and 31 January 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the resource implications are for Lothian and Borders Police of the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe on 30 and 31 January 2007.","AnswerText":"Lothian and Borders Police wasallocated in the region of £185.4 million, out of a total police budget of almost£1.1 billion for 2006-07. In the last five years alone funding for Lothian and BordersPolice has increased by £44.5 million and the number of police officers has risenby 172 with support staff rising by 282.The Chief Constable of Lothianand Borders Police is responsible for planning the use of the resources available to him to deliver the full range of policingactivities, including maintaining public order and security. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203856,"EventID":"S2W-31293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the Security Industry Authority and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the Security Industry Authority and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is inregular contact with the Home Office and the Security Industry Authority at bothministerial and official level.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203857,"EventID":"S2W-31294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has used to assess any links between addiction and crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has used to assess any links between addiction and crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has reviewedevidence on the links between alcohol, crime and disorder to help inform the Nicholson Committee’s Review of LiquorLicensing Law in Scotland. The results of this review were published inLiquor Licensing and Public Disorder: Review of Literature on the Impact of Licensingand Other Controls, and Audit of Local Initiatives’ (2003) which can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47032/0025167.pdf.This report is availablein the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 26524). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203858,"EventID":"S2W-31295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address crime that is driven by addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address crime that is driven by addiction.","AnswerText":"The Executive has a broad rangeof interventions in place which ensure that individuals are offered access to treatmentat each stage in the criminal justice system. The range includes arrest referralschemes, mandatory drug treatment for arrestees, diversion from prosecution, pilotingof drug treatment and testing as a condition of bail, drug treatment as a conditionof probation order, Drug Treatment and Testing Orders, drug treatment throughoutprisons sentences and upon release from prison through the Throughcare addictionservice. In addition, the Glasgow and Fife Drug Courts focus specifically on offendersdriven by addiction and the 218 centre in Glasgow provides services for women offenders.The aim of this wide-ranging strategy is to reduce levels of addiction and to reduceor eliminate associated levels of crime.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203859,"EventID":"S2W-31296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has used to assess any links between addiction and antisocial behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has used to assess any links between addiction and antisocial behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has reviewedevidence on the links between alcohol, crime and disorder to help inform the Nicholson Committee’s Review of LiquorLicensing Law in Scotland. The results of this review were published inLiquor Licensing and Public Disorder: Review of Literature on the Impact of Licensingand Other Controls, and Audit of Local Initiatives’ (2003) which can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47032/0025167.pdf.Thisreport is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 26524). We are also aware of a Home Officereview of published evidence on the links between antisocial behaviour and drugs/alcoholmisuse. Home Office RDS: (2004): Anti-social Behaviour: A collection of published evidence(Crime and Policing Group: Home Office Developmentand Practice Report), London, Home Office. http://www.together.gov.uk/article.asp?c=458&aid=3429. This report willshortly be available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number41856). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203860,"EventID":"S2W-31297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address antisocial behaviour that is driven by addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address antisocial behaviour that is driven by addiction.","AnswerText":"We have put in place a rangeof measures to enable local agencies to address antisocial behaviour (ASB) drivenby addiction. For example:We are providing £2 million fundingbetween 2006 and 2008 to three local authorities for Breaking the Cycle projects,testing intensive supervision and intervention models aimed at encouraging behaviouralchange in the small number of families, many of whom have addiction problems, whoare responsible for much of the most serious ASB in each community. We have provided the police withpowers under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 to disperse groupsengaged in persistent ASB, including street drinking, and to close premises beingused as drug or drinking dens. We are supporting local authorityproposals to introduce byelaws prohibiting drinking of alcohol in designated publicplaces under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. These measures are in additionto the £120 million funding which is supporting local authorities between 2004 and2008 to develop a full range of ASB services appropriate to local circumstances.We require local authorities to show how local action to tackle ASB is co-ordinatedwith that to tackle alcohol and drug addictions. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203861,"EventID":"S2W-31298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much addictions have cost the NHS in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much addictions have cost the NHS in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":" Alcohol Alcohol problems are estimatedto cost NHSScotland around £110 million per annum. This includes GP resources andcommunity prescribing, secondary care costs, where the majority of costs relateto hospitalisation days, and NHS resources for voluntary sector services. Tobacco Theestimated costs to the NHSScotland of treating smoking related illnesses is £200million per annum. IllegalDrugs The Scottish Executive will shortlycommission research on the economic and social costs of illegal drug use in Scotland, includingthe costs of addiction to the NHS and other organisations. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203862,"EventID":"S2W-31299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of convictions had a substantial connection to an addiction in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of convictions had a substantial connection to an addiction in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on whether or notan offender had an addiction is not recorded in the statistics held centrally onconvictions.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203863,"EventID":"S2W-31300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding each local authority has received to assist the teaching of English as an additional language in the most recent year for which figures are available and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding each local authority has received to assist the teaching of English as an additional language in the most recent year for which figures are available and what the reasons are for the distribution method used for this funding.","AnswerText":"There is no funding allocatedspecifically to assist the teaching of English as an additional language;however there are a number of GAE lines authorities could use to support theeducation of these children, such as, for example, the line “teachers forminority ethnic pupils”.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203864,"EventID":"S2W-31301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the amount of funding for teaching English as an additional language.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the amount of funding for teaching English as an additional language.","AnswerText":"The overall core localgovernment finance settlement for 2007-08 will amount to over £8.7 billion andthis includes an additional £120.5 million which has been allocated toauthorities to spend on the basis of their own local needs and priorities.Local authorities may allocate funding to support teaching English as anadditional language, as they see fit, including using any additional funding toincrease the amount allocated for that purpose.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203865,"EventID":"S2W-31302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there were in care in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there were in care in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested iscontained in a number of published documents, the details of which are outlinedbelow. Copies of the documents are availablein the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.2006: Looked After Children2005-06 (Bib. number 41103). 2005: Children’s Social WorkStatistics 2004-05 (Bib. number 38157). 2004: Children’s Social WorkStatistics 2003-04 (Bib. number 34321). 2003: Children’s Social WorkStatistics 2002-03 (Bib. number 29834). 2002: Children Looked After2001-02 (Bib. number 25693). 2001: Children Looked AfterIn The Year To 31 March 2001 (Bib. number 21259). 2000: Children Looked AfterIn The Year To 31 March 2000 (Bib. number 12385). 1999: Information on ChildrenLooked After as at 31st March 1999 (Bib. number 25692). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203866,"EventID":"S2W-31303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were in care because of parental alcohol and substance abuse in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children were in care because of parental alcohol and substance abuse in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information about the numberof children in care because of parental alcohol and substance abuse in each yearsince 1999 is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203867,"EventID":"S2W-31304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to reviewing the specifications for the refurbishment of Class 158 diesel trains to include the fitting of controlled emission toilets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to reviewing the specifications for the refurbishment of Class 158 diesel trains to include the fitting of controlled emission toilets.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland willkeep the matter of upgrading existing rolling stock to include controlled emissiontoilets under consideration. This consideration will have regard to the necessaryinfrastructure investments and changes to operating arrangements, as well as therolling stock investment.Wehave no plans to install controlled emission toilets during the current Class 158interior refurbishment programme. TransportScotland has spoken with First ScotRail and Network Rail with regard to station andtrack cleaning, particularly at Inverness Station, and have agreed an action planto improve cleanliness. We will continue to use the ServiceQuality Inspection Regime (SQUIRE) to ensure that the cleanliness of station areatrack is maintained to the standard we expect. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203868,"EventID":"S2W-31305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to clean the railway tracks and station environments in Inverness and the north of Scotland and what plans there are for improving such arr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to clean the railway tracks and station environments in Inverness and the north of Scotland and what plans there are for improving such arrangements.","AnswerText":"Network Rail arrange the cleaningof railway tracks, including the track bed within stations, in accordance with theirAnnual Management Maintenance Plan and in agreement with Environmental Regulations.Through Transport Scotland’s ServiceQuality Inspection Regime, First ScotRail managed stations are audited for tracklitter within station areas. Information on any failure is passed to First ScotRailfor appropriate action to be taken. Network Rail, in partnershipwith First ScotRail, are looking at ways to improve the method with which trackcleaning is undertaken throughout Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203869,"EventID":"S2W-31306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-19064 by Tavish Scott on 20 September 2005 and S2W-22307 by Nicol Stephen on 30 January 2006 and the publication of A Study into ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-19064 by Tavish Scott on 20 September 2005 and S2W-22307 by Nicol Stephen on 30 January 2006 and the publication of A Study into Broadband Reach in Scotland, when it expects broadband to be available in Ewes in Langholm, Dumfriesshire.","AnswerText":"At the end of last year, I allocated£5 million funding to help extend coverage to those who still cannot receive a broadbandservice. We are currently prioritising areas according to need as well as the costsof potential solutions. We expect to announce the first areas to receive supportin March, with delivery thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203870,"EventID":"S2W-31307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness is in all respects satisfactory for today's needs and the traffic flows projected for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness is in all respects satisfactory for today's needs and the traffic flows projected for the next decade.","AnswerText":"The A82 through Inverness is similarto many major roads going through a city and is affected by peak time delays. TheStrategic Transport Projects Review will consider the future needs of strategictransport corridors and links between them.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203871,"EventID":"S2W-31308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic flow projections are for the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness for the next decade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the traffic flow projections are for the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness for the next decade.","AnswerText":"Traffic flow on the A82 trunkroad through Inverness is monitored on the section from Rose Street roundaboutto college roundabout. The Annual Average Daily Flow (AADF) in 2006 was 29,387.National Road Traffic Forecasts presume an annual increase in traffic flows of 1.53%between 2006 and 2011 and 1.48% between 2011 and 2016.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203872,"EventID":"S2W-31309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the Highland Council on the question of the adequacy of the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness and whether r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from the Highland Council on the question of the adequacy of the A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness and whether representatives of the Executive have met the Highland Council in the last five years to discuss this issue.","AnswerText":"No representations have beenreceived from Highland Council about the adequacy of the existing A82 trunk roadthrough Inverness. Highland Council has commissioned the Inverness SouthConnectivity Study which is a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidelines (STAG) appraisalof the transport options for this route. At the invitation of Highland Council anofficial from Transport Scotland sits on the working group to represent trunk roadinterests in relation to the connections between the Inverness Southern DistributorRoad and the existing trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203873,"EventID":"S2W-31310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples there are of it or its agents working in partnership with local authorities to jointly provide a new or upgraded road to meet local and national trunk road ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples there are of it or its agents working in partnership with local authorities to jointly provide a new or upgraded road to meet local and national trunk road needs in which the resultant road was designated as either a local or trunk road and which designation was used.","AnswerText":"Recent examples include the A90 Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, the M74, Completion and the M77/Glasgow Southern Orbital.Transport Scotland is also working in partnership with North Ayrshire Councilin relation to a proposed improvement at The Den on the A737 trunk road and withFalkirk Council on the provision of slip roads at Glenbervie on the M876. Apartfrom the Glasgow Southern Orbital road these roads are part of the trunk road network.The Scottish Executive has previouslymade a limited number of grants available under section 70 of the of the Transport(Scotland) Act 2001 in part funding of local roads projects such as the WesternIsles Spinal Route. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203874,"EventID":"S2W-31311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any impediments in law, or any other impediment not within the discretion of a minister to decide, which would prevent it or its agents responsible for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any impediments in law, or any other impediment not within the discretion of a minister to decide, which would prevent it or its agents responsible for trunk routes working with a local authority and jointly funding new or upgraded roads’ infrastructure which meets both national and local interests simultaneously.","AnswerText":"There are no impediments.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203875,"EventID":"S2W-31312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, prior to investment being made in a trunk route, the route must first be designated as a trunk route, even if it were planned that it would subsequently be desig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, prior to investment being made in a trunk route, the route must first be designated as a trunk route, even if it were planned that it would subsequently be designated as such; whether ministers have discretion over such a decision, and whether they could award funding to a local authority to secure the upgrading of a road designated as a local road which might subsequently be designated as a trunk route.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland’sresponsibility is to fund trunk roads and local authorities are responsible forfunding local roads. Scottish ministers can by order provide that any existingroad, or any road they propose to construct, should become a trunk road.The Scottish Executive haspowers under Section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to award grant funding to localauthorities to construct or improve local roads, regardless of whether they maybe trunked or not at some stage. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203876,"EventID":"S2W-31313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, where a trunk route has been detrunked and the route remains in use for local needs and the local authority adopts responsibility for that route, the extra miles","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, where a trunk route has been detrunked and the route remains in use for local needs and the local authority adopts responsibility for that route, the extra miles of local road created will be recognised as route length for grant purposes to the local authority concerned in subsequent revisions of grant aided expenditure calculations.","AnswerText":"Road lane length data is usedin the distribution methodology to allocate resources to local authorities throughthe local government finance settlement. The most up to date data available fromlocal authorities at the time of each three year settlement is used in calculatinggrant shares and any changes where a trunk road is detrunked and adopted by a localauthority would be reflected in the calculations.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203877,"EventID":"S2W-31314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever considered whether the southern distributor road in Inverness is suitable to be upgraded to a level appropriate for adoption as a trunk route or wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever considered whether the southern distributor road in Inverness is suitable to be upgraded to a level appropriate for adoption as a trunk route or whether it has any plans to consider the issue.","AnswerText":"Neither the Executive nor TransportScotland has yet undertaken any technical appraisal of the case for upgrading thisroute to trunk road status.The effectiveness, or otherwise,of the A82 as a strategic route, and the need for alternatives to the existing routethrough Inverness will be considered as part of the STPR and this will include considerationof the work undertaken by Highlands Council on the Inverness Southern DistributorRoad. At this time we would also consider any issues regarding trunking or detrunkingany part of the network. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203878,"EventID":"S2W-31315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the need for a new trunk road to replace the existing A82 route connecting to the A9 through Inverness; how and where any new route would cross ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the need for a new trunk road to replace the existing A82 route connecting to the A9 through Inverness; how and where any new route would cross the river and canal, given that it would require to be to the south of Inverness, and whether it should consider such issues prior to any expenditure being undertaken by the Highland Council to provide a crossing that might otherwise be designed for purely local distributor purposes.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland hasnot undertaken any technical appraisal of the case for replacing the existing A82trunk route through Inverness.Highland Council have invitedTransport Scotland to be part of the working group overseeing the InvernessSouth Connectivity Study which is a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidelines (STAG)appraisal of the transport options for the Inverness Southern Distributor Road.An official from Transport Scotland is on the working group to represent trunk road interestsin relation to the connection between the Inverness Southern Distributor Road andthe existing trunk road network. British Waterways are also partof the working group and I look forward to them advising me on their conclusionsabout the crossing of the Caledonian Canal. Work being undertaken by HighlandsCouncil is aligned with timescales at a national level for the Strategic TransportProjects Review (STPR) which is taking place and due to report in 2008. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203879,"EventID":"S2W-31316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority the Highland Council gives in its roads expenditure programme to the southern distributor road in Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority the Highland Council gives in its roads expenditure programme to the southern distributor road in Inverness.","AnswerText":"Priorities for the Highlandcouncil are a matter for Highland Council.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203880,"EventID":"S2W-31317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been asked by the Highland Council to adopt the southern distributor road in Inverness as a trunk route and take over the existing A82 trunk route connecti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been asked by the Highland Council to adopt the southern distributor road in Inverness as a trunk route and take over the existing A82 trunk route connecting to the A9 through Inverness; if so, what its response has been and, if not, what its response would be to such a request.","AnswerText":"No approach has been made. Myresponse would be in accordance with my answer to question S2W-31314 on 8 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203881,"EventID":"S2W-31318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Highland Council has considered the adequacy of the connections between the southern distributor road in Inverness and the A9 around the southern boundary of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Highland Council has considered the adequacy of the connections between the southern distributor road in Inverness and the A9 around the southern boundary of Inverness and whether the Executive considers that the current connections are suitable for trunk road purposes.","AnswerText":"Highland Council are currently carrying out the Inverness SouthConnectivity Study into possible improvements to the Inverness Southern DistributorRoad (ISDR), including its connections with the A9 trunk road. This study is programmedto be completed in Autumn 2007. An official from Transport Scotland is onthe working group to represent trunk road interests in relation to the connectionsbetween the ISDR and the existing trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203882,"EventID":"S2W-31319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the principal statutes, policy documents, European or international conventions, accords or agreements are to which the Executive is bound and which governs the work","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the principal statutes, policy documents, European or international conventions, accords or agreements are to which the Executive is bound and which governs the work and considerations of ministers in relation to scheduled monuments, historic and listed buildings, and what relative weight the Executive or its agencies have to give to the various provisions in making decisions.","AnswerText":"The key legislation for the preservationof and management of works on scheduled monuments is the Ancient Monuments andArchaeological Areas Act 1979. Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) 2: Scheduling: protectingScotland’s nationally important monuments sets out Scottish ministers’ policy for theidentification and designation of nationally important ancient monuments. A draftSHEP on Scheduled Monument Consent will be issued for consultation in the near future.The Planning (Listed Buildings andConservation Areas) (Scotland) Act1997 is the key legislation in relation to listed buildings. Historic Scotland haspublished The Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and ConservationAreas which provides guidance on managing change to listed buildings. Draft SHEPs on Listing and Listed Building Consent will be issuedfor consultation in the near future. The legislative framework issupported by the Scottish Executive’s National Planning Policy Guidelines of whichNPPG 5 on archaeological remains and discoveries, NPPG 18 on the historic environmentand NPPG 14 on the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s naturalheritage are the most relevant. In 2002, Ministers publishedPassed to the Future: Historic Scotland’s Policy for the Sustainable Managementof Historic Environment. This will be superseded during 2007 by the publication,following consultation, of the finalised SHEP 1 on Scotland’s Historic Environment. The UK has ratifiedthe following international conventions and is bound to ensure that the legislativeframework is in place for their effective implementation: The European Cultural Convention(ratified in 1955); The Convention on the Protectionof the Architectural Heritage of Europe (ratified in 1987); The European Convention on theProtection of the Archaeological Heritage (ratified in 2000); The European Landscape Convention(ratified in 2006 and coming into force in March 2007), and The Convention concerningthe Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,adopted by UNESCO in 1972. The UK governmentis also planning to ratify the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of CulturalProperty in the Event of an Armed Conflict. UK-wide policy on the care of the historic environment in the care of government departments - particularly scheduledmonuments and listed buildings - is contained in the Department of Culture, Mediaand Sport’s Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estate 2003.There is also a range of policy and guidance produced by Historic Scotland. The most important of these publications is the StirlingCharter, which sets out broad principles for theconservation of the built heritage in Scotland.This will also be superseded by SHEP 1. In addition, there are a numberof international charters which represent best practice in the conservation of thehistoric environment. Historic Scotland’s Technical Advice Note 8 providesa guide to these charters. In terms of decision making,each case has to be considered on its particular merits, and the relative weightto be accorded to particular considerations will vary according to the facts of the case. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203883,"EventID":"S2W-31320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what principal considerations it or its agencies must have in making decisions about the future use of ancient and historic buildings, scheduled monuments, listed buildin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what principal considerations it or its agencies must have in making decisions about the future use of ancient and historic buildings, scheduled monuments, listed buildings and any other built structures of whatever age over which their consent is required.","AnswerText":"When making decisions and/orproviding advice on the future use of scheduled ancient monuments, listed buildings,protected wrecks and sites included on the inventory of gardens and designed landscapeseach case has to be considered on its own facts and circumstances. In general theprincipal considerations will include the relevant legislative and policy framework,the nature and significance of the historic asset the subject of the proposal forchange requiring consent, an assessment of the impacts of the proposed change onthe historic asset, the risks associated with any change of use and any other relevantconsiderations.In relation to nationally importantsites protected as scheduled monuments under the Ancient Monuments and ArchaeologicalAreas Act 1979 an important general principle is that as far as possible scheduledmonuments should be preserved in the state that they have come down to us and thatany proposed works therefore should be the minimum necessary consistent with thepreservation of the monument unless there are exceptional circumstances. Historic Scotland is publishinga series of Scottish Historic Environment Policies (SHEP) which will set out Scottishministers’ vision and strategic policies for the wider historic environment. SHEP 2: Scheduling: protecting Scotland’s nationallyimportant monuments has been published in final form. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203884,"EventID":"S2W-31321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2167,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the designations and classifications used for buildings and monuments, giving the distinctions between each.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the designations and classifications used for buildings and monuments, giving the distinctions between each.","AnswerText":"There are four statutory andnon-statutory designations for historic monuments, buildings and sites. Theseare:Listed buildings are buildingsof special architectural or historic interest which are given legal protectionunder the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland)Act 1997. Those awarded have satisfied criteria for inclusion, broadly age andrarity, architectural interest, close historical associations and groupinterest. Greater selectivity is applied to subjects younger than thirty years old. A listing may legally beapplied to any-man-made structure which meets the criteria. The interiorstructure is always included in a listing as is any object or structure fixedto it. Listing brings with it acurtilage comprised of any object or structure which, though not fixed to thebuilding, forms part of the land and has done so since 1 July 1948. Listing applies a gradingsystem to distinguish between relative levels of interest and assist withfuture management of the resource (categories A, B and C(S)). Scheduled monuments areancient monuments of national importance given legal protection under the Ancient Monumentsand Archaeological Areas Act 1979. A scheduled monument can include: the aboveand below-ground remains of buildings, structures or works; the site ofvehicles, vessels, aircraft or other moveable structures where the actualsituation of these is a matter of public interest; and machinery that isassociated with these if it cannot be detached without dismantling themonument. Underwater monuments in Scottish Territorial Waters (out to 12nautical miles offshore) can also be scheduled. We cannot schedule adwelling or ecclesiastical building that is in use, portable objects, or wrecksprotected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Designated Wreck Sites arenationally important wrecks and the sites of those wrecks which aredesignated as protected areas under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Again,Historic Scotland administers the responsibilities of Scottish ministers underthis act. Conservation Areas: Inaddition, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland)Act 1997, planning authorities have powers to designate areas of their districtas being of special architectural or historic interest, that is as ConservationAreas. Choice of statutorydesignation. Distinction between Listingand Scheduling: Different sites will qualify for different types ofdesignation, and be designated under more than one. Scheduling and listing are subjectto separate legal provision and apply different criteria for selection. Themanagement of listed buildings following designation falls to local authoritiesin the first instance. Historic Scotland deals with scheduled monuments onbehalf of Scottish ministers. If a site is both scheduled and listed,scheduling takes precedence. All scheduled monuments are of national importancewhereas listing may be applied to subjects of national, regional or localinterest. Scheduling aims for thepreservation of the site in the state it has come down to us, with thepresumption that any future works will be the minimum necessary consistent withthe preservation of the monument. Within the planning system listing isdesigned to inform the management of change while aiming to protectthe special architectural or historic interest of the subject. Non-Statutory Designation Gardens and DesignedLandscapes of national importance are identified in the Inventory ofGardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage are the sponsors of the Inventory. Sites are chosen for their importance as individual works of artin their own right and, for ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203885,"EventID":"S2W-31322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what measures have been undertaken to assess and address the security implications for the Parliament building complex of the Microsoft Government Lead","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what measures have been undertaken to assess and address the security implications for the Parliament building complex of the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe being held on 30 and 31 January 2007.","AnswerText":"The security implications ofhosting the 2007 Microsoft Government Leaders Forum have been considered veryseriously. The measures undertaken have been based on advice from Lothian andBorders Police and other security authorities and have drawn on previousexperience of managing events held in the Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203886,"EventID":"S2W-31323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what financial contribution it will receive from the Scottish Executive towards security costs for the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what financial contribution it will receive from the Scottish Executive towards security costs for the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe.","AnswerText":"All additional securitycosts incurred by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will be met byMicrosoft. Any additional costs incurred by the Executive are a matter forthem.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203887,"EventID":"S2W-31324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drafts of the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports have been produced and, of these, how many have been circulated to minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drafts of the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports have been produced and, of these, how many have been circulated to ministers.","AnswerText":"There is only one draft versionof each of the reports and these were submitted to Ministers on 29 September 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203888,"EventID":"S2W-31325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision to publish the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports was taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision to publish the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports was taken.","AnswerText":"No decision has been taken onwhether to publish the reports, as they have not yet been finalised.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203889,"EventID":"S2W-31326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is standard policy to label early drafts of its papers intended for publication as “Restricted - Advice to Ministers”.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is standard policy to label early drafts of its papers intended for publication as “Restricted - Advice to Ministers”.","AnswerText":"It is policy for the Scottish Executive to apply a Protective Marking to a document that meets thecriteria as detailed in the UK’s Protective Marking System guidance. In regard tothe use of the Advice to Ministers descriptor, the Cabinet Officemaintains a core descriptor list, however Departments may devise their owndescriptors and apply them to their information. The Advice to Ministers descriptor is used by the Executive to identifypapers which need to be handled carefully and is most commonly applied topapers during the development of policy.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203890,"EventID":"S2W-31327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for implementing the recommendations contained in the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for implementing the recommendations contained in the EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office reports.","AnswerText":"As the reports are only indraft form, and no recommendations have yet been submitted to Ministers oragreed by them, there is not yet any implementation timetable.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203891,"EventID":"S2W-31328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on labelling “Restricted - Advice to Ministers” on its documents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on labelling “Restricted - Advice to Ministers” on its documents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executivefollows the UK’s Protective Marking System. Guidance on this Systemand on the standard descriptors which can be applied to protective markingswithin the Executive, which denote the nature of the sensitivity involved, ismade available to all Executive employees via its Intranet. Guidance is also embeddedin templates used by civil servants in preparing submissions to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203892,"EventID":"S2W-31329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made to NHS boards about the level of patient care in each year since 2000, also broken down by hospital and category of ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made to NHS boards about the level of patient care in each year since 2000, also broken down by hospital and category of ward.","AnswerText":"The following table providesinformation on complaints made to NHS boards, including the State HospitalCarstairs, where “treatment” was raised as an issue, broken down by financialyear. It is not possible to provide a breakdown by hospital and category ofward or by calendar year. All available statistical information on complaints madeagainst Hospital and Community Services is published annually and can be foundat:http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4362.html. | NHS Board | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Argyll and Clyde | 156 | 137 | 121 | 172 | 120 | 100 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 149 | 179 | 115 | 177 | 161 | 143 | | Borders | 39 | 33 | 36 | 57 | 32 | 39 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 117 | 92 | 93 | 73 | 56 | 103 | | Fife | 97 | 101 | 108 | 145 | 188 | 210 | | Forth Valley | 57 | 69 | 66 | 93 | 104 | 108 | | Grampian | 186 | 177 | 151 | 170 | 192 | 273 | | Greater Glasgow | 431 ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203893,"EventID":"S2W-31330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to NHS boards related to inadequate levels of patient care resulted in patients or their families taking legal action against the NHS in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to NHS boards related to inadequate levels of patient care resulted in patients or their families taking legal action against the NHS in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Full information to thelevel of detail sought is not held centrally. The following table givesinformation on the numbers of new cases where legal action alleging clinicalnegligence has been taken over the whole of Scotland. A breakdown by NHS boardwould not be appropriate, since in the case of smaller boards it might enableindividual cases to be identified. | Year | Number of Complaints | | 2000 | 477 | | 2001 | 465 | | 2002 | 507 | | 2003 | 460 | | 2004 | 454 | | 2005 | 400 | | 2006 | 465 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203894,"EventID":"S2W-31331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation was paid to patients or their families as a result of inadequate levels of NHS patient care in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation was paid to patients or their families as a result of inadequate levels of NHS patient care in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table givesdetails of claims paid by NHSScotland, by financial year. It is not howeverpossible to distinguish between payments for clinical and non-clinical claims.Non-clinical claims against the NHS include claims under, for example,employer’s liability, industrial injury, employment law and third partyliability. | NHS Board | 2001-02 (£) | 2002-03 (£) | 2003-04 (£) | 2004-05 (£) | 2005-06 (£) | | Argyll and Clyde | 265,519 | 2,558,831 | 270,041 | 1,219,640 | 1,019,142 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 828,865 | 671,398 | 230,560 | 234,702 | 152,750 | | Borders | 5,000 | 20,111 | 13,650 | 157,580 | 85,500 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 701,116 | 362,018 | 219,096 | 65,927 | 198,171 | | Fife | 51,693 | 125,346 | 492,449 | 320,806 | 106,000 | | Forth Valley | 292,525 | 112,954 | 2,518,400 | 553,359 | 288,023 | | Grampian | 175,375 | 77,250 | 199,313 | 912,877 | 413,810 | | Greater Glasgow | 2,894,856 | 2,078,799 | 1,419,508 | 1,441,834 | 2,737,011 | | Highland | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203896,"EventID":"S2W-31333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients over the age of 75 and admitted to an acute hospital were recorded as sustaining an injury during their stay in hospital in each year since 2000, broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients over the age of 75 and admitted to an acute hospital were recorded as sustaining an injury during their stay in hospital in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"We would expect allhospitals to record any injury suffered by any patient, but information to thelevel of detail sought is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203897,"EventID":"S2W-31334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time was to formal complaints made to an NHS board by patients or their families in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average response time was to formal complaints made to an NHS board by patients or their families in each year since 2000, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table shows themedian time (working days) to deal with complaints broken down by NHS board andfinancial year. Information broken down by calendar year is not available. All available statistical information on complaints madeagainst Hospital and Community Services is published annually and can be found athttp://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4362.html. | NHS Board | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Argyll and Clyde | 15 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 28 | 32 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 19 | | Borders | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 13 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 15 | 13 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 20 | | Fife | 19 | 20 | 20 | 24 | 20 | 19 | | Forth Valley | 19 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 20 | | Grampian | 20 | 18 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 16 | | Greater Glasgow | 22 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | | Highland | 17 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 21 | | Lanarkshire | <","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203898,"EventID":"S2W-31335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints made to NHS boards concerning levels of patient care resulted in remedial action being taken by the hospital concerned in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints made to NHS boards concerning levels of patient care resulted in remedial action being taken by the hospital concerned in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"I would expect every justifiedcomplaint to an NHS board to be followed by appropriate remedial action. The greatmajority of complaints are, however, resolved locally and detailed information ontheir outcomes is not held centrally. Details of any remedial action required oncomplaints against the NHS upheld by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman areavailable in her reports, which are laid before Parliament and are publicly availableon http://www.spso.org.uk/.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203899,"EventID":"S2W-31336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of charge nurses to staff nurses was in each year since 2000, also broken down by hospital and category of hospital ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of charge nurses to staff nurses was in each year since 2000, also broken down by hospital and category of hospital ward.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. However, information on the number of nurses by grade is available inthe Scottish Health Statistics website under workforce statistics www.isdscotland.org/workforce TableE5.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203900,"EventID":"S2W-31337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many agency nurses were employed in hospitals in each year since 2000, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many agency nurses were employed in hospitals in each year since 2000, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. Workforce statistics are available on the use of agency nurses and midwivesby NHS board. The following table 1 shows thefigures for registered agency nurses. The following table 2 shows the figures fornon-registered agency nurses. | Table 1 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Average Whole-Time Equivalent | | Total | 562.1 | 725.1 | 818.3 | 732.2 | 739.4 | 648.1 | 678.1 | | Registered | 412.6 | 328.6 | 438.7 | 440.4 | 472.7 | 432.9 | 445.8 | | NHS Argyll and Clyde | 16.8 | 12.0 | 38.3 | 40.8 | 45.8 | 53.6 | 90.5 | | NHS Ayrshire and Arran | 8.9 | 7.1 | 5.6 | 14.4 | 11.9 | 9.8 | 11.1 | | NHS Borders | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 4.9 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 5.9 | | NHS Dumfries and Galloway | 0.0 | - | 0.0 | - | 0.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 | | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203902,"EventID":"S2W-31339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many occupational therapy assessments were carried out by occupational therapists in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many occupational therapy assessments were carried out by occupational therapists in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","AnswerText":"This information is not collectedcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203903,"EventID":"S2W-31340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physiotherapy assessments were carried out by staff in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physiotherapy assessments were carried out by staff in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","AnswerText":"This information is notcollected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203904,"EventID":"S2W-31341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments were carried out by geriatricians in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments were carried out by geriatricians in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","AnswerText":"The number of assessmentscarried out is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203905,"EventID":"S2W-31342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments were carried out by dieticians in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments were carried out by dieticians in acute hospitals in each year since 2000, also broken down by category of hospital ward.","AnswerText":"Information on assessments bydieticians is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203906,"EventID":"S2W-31343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Brix notes have been considered by Scottish ministers to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, broken down by month sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Brix notes have been considered by Scottish ministers to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, broken down by month since March 2006.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s Freedomof Information Unit have been notified of the following requests for Brix notesin each month since March 2006 for which a refusal notice has been issuedbecause an exemption under the act applies. April 2006 - 6, May 2006 - 6, June 2006- 12, July 2006 - 18. Between August 2006 and January 2007 - 4.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203907,"EventID":"S2W-31344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exemptions Scottish ministers have applied to justify withholding information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 in each month ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many exemptions Scottish ministers have applied to justify withholding information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 in each month since January 2005.","AnswerText":"There are 17 exemptions tothe disclosure of information provided for in the Freedom of Information (Scotland)Act 2002. The Executive has used all but one of these exemptions - AuditFunctions - as and when appropriate to the particular request.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203908,"EventID":"S2W-31345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it received from Liberal Democrat (a) MSPs and (b) councillors in each month since January 2005 and what percentage of those requ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it received from Liberal Democrat (a) MSPs and (b) councillors in each month since January 2005 and what percentage of those requests resulted in exemptions being applied and non-disclosure of the information requested.","AnswerText":"One FOI request wascentrally recorded which identified the requester as a liberal democrat MSP. Theinformation was disclosed in this case. We do not have any FOIrequests centrally recorded which identified the requester as a liberal democratcouncillor. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203909,"EventID":"S2W-31346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it received from Labour (a) MSPs and (b) councillors in each month since January 2005 and what percentage of those requests resul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many freedom of information requests it received from Labour (a) MSPs and (b) councillors in each month since January 2005 and what percentage of those requests resulted in exemptions being applied and non-disclosure of the information requested.","AnswerText":"We do not have any FOIrequests centrally recorded which identified the requester as a labour MSP.We do not have any FOIrequests centrally recorded which identified the requester as a Labourcouncillor. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203910,"EventID":"S2W-31347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Labour MSPs have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Labour MSPs have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by applying exemptions under the Act and what proportion of those decisions were subsequently upheld.","AnswerText":"We do not have any freedomof information review requests centrally recorded which identified therequester as a labour MSP.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203911,"EventID":"S2W-31348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Liberal Democrat MSPs have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Liberal Democrat MSPs have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by applying exemptions under the Act and what proportion of those decisions were subsequently upheld.","AnswerText":"We do not have any freedomof information review requests centrally recorded which identified therequester as a liberal democrat MSP.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203912,"EventID":"S2W-31349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Liberal Democrat councillors have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Liberal Democrat councillors have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by applying exemptions under the Act and what proportion of those decisions were subsequently upheld.","AnswerText":"We do not have any freedomof review requests centrally recorded which identified the requester as a liberaldemocrat councillor.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203913,"EventID":"S2W-31350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Labour councillors have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Labour councillors have requested a review of a decision by Scottish ministers to withhold information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by applying exemptions under the Act and what proportion of those decisions were subsequently upheld.","AnswerText":"We do not have any freedomof information review requests centrally recorded which identified therequester as a labour councillor.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203914,"EventID":"S2W-31351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the limit is on contingent liabilities into which it can enter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the limit is on contingent liabilities into which it can enter. ","AnswerText":"There is no limit oncontingent liabilities as such – it is the nature of a contingent liabilitythat its actual liability or its extent or its timing is uncertain. the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) does, however, set out a procedure tofollow where the Executive proposes to enter into legally enforceable undertakingswhich could give rise to a contingent liability: the prior approval of the Parliament (via the Finance Committee) must be secured before entering into anyspecific guarantee, indemnity, or letter or statement of comfort unless thereis a specific statutory authority, it arises in the normal course of businessor the sum at risk is of £1 million or less. The Executive’s annual accountsreport contingent liabilities at the relevant Balance Sheet date in accordancewith the Government Financial Reporting Manual. The relevant section of theSPFM can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/Finance/spfm/contingentliabs. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203915,"EventID":"S2W-31352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to NHS boards and other agencies to address gambling addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to NHS boards and other agencies to address gambling addiction.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and other agencieshave the resources to provide a full range of treatment and care services. We confirmedon 1 February the allocation of £10 billion to NHS boards in Scotland in 2007-08.It is for NHS boards to determine how best to use the resources allocated to themto plan and deliver services and support according to local and national prioritiesand needs.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203916,"EventID":"S2W-31353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider creating a public health strategy to address gambling addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider creating a public health strategy to address gambling addiction.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans tocreate a public health strategy in respect of gambling addiction.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203917,"EventID":"S2W-31354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and other police and criminal justice agencies regarding the potential impact of supe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and other police and criminal justice agencies regarding the potential impact of super casinos and increased gambling on criminality and offending; whether it will publish any responses it has received and what the reasons are for its position on this matter; whether it anticipates that there will be an increase in offending and criminality as a result of increased gambling and, if so, to what extent.","AnswerText":"No discussions have taken place.The Deputy First Minister made Scottish ministers’ position on the new casino developmentclear in a press release on 12 September 2006, a link to which is attached http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/09/12111543.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203918,"EventID":"S2W-31355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30909 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2007, what authority the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has to put in place interim arrangemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30909 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 January 2007, what authority the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has to put in place interim arrangements for visiting committees for young offenders institutions; where the power and authority for such action lies between the Executive and the SPS; whether the Executive or the SPS will publish the terms of the interim arrangements; when the interim arrangements were promulgated and who were advised of them, and on what basis and authority past appointees can remain in place.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:Appointments to YOI VCs havenow been made. A selection process was conducted where applicants who hadresponded to a national advertising campaign for YOI VC members wereinterviewed. Interim arrangements wereimplemented to allow existing YOI VC members to continue in their role until theMinister ratified new appointments, these were notified to YOI VC chairs.Additionally, other YOI VC members have alsovolunteered to assist and support the induction of new YOI VC members until theend of March 2007. SPS welcome this public spirited offer to help effect aseamless transition to the new YOI VCs. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203919,"EventID":"S2W-31356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all land sales by local authorities and other public bodies, excluding the NHS, since 1997, also broken down by (a) year and (b) local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of all land sales by local authorities and other public bodies, excluding the NHS, since 1997, also broken down by (a) year and (b) local authority or public body.","AnswerText":"This information is not availablecentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203920,"EventID":"S2W-31357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all transport projects which have been undertaken since 1999 or are currently planned, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all transport projects which have been undertaken since 1999 or are currently planned, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Over 1,000 transportprojects have been announced by the Scottish Executive since 1999 – these rangegreatly in scale and many impact across a number of constituency areas. Projectsare generally announced either through the a Scottish Executive or TransportScotland news release, available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/or http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/,as a ministerial announcement or through the annual reports to Parliament ofgrants paid under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 (copies of the report areavailable in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 22114, 28193, 33166, 36946 and 39974).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203921,"EventID":"S2W-31358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policing and security costs will be associated with the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policing and security costs will be associated with the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31292 on 5 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203922,"EventID":"S2W-31359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the total cost to it will be of the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe, broken down by item, and to what extent, and from which organ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what the total cost to it will be of the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Europe, broken down by item, and to what extent, and from which organisations, these costs will be recovered. ","AnswerText":"All the main costs associatedwith the 2007 Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) such as accommodation, broadcasting,catering, security, transport etc are being met by Microsoft. This is expectedto be in the region of £100,000. Final accounts are still being prepared. As apartner the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body contributed staff time andexperience in helping to organise the event and established a number ofinternal and external working groups for the planning and organisation of theevent. The costs associated with facilitating these working groups are in theregion of £175. In addition, the SPCB provided promotional materials about the Parliament which were distributed to all delegates at the GLF at a cost of about£2,500 and contributed about £1,700 towards the costs of ushering. The SPCB alongwith Microsoft and the Scottish Executive will meet estimated costs of £6,000 betweenthem for the youth programme at the GLF. The final accounts are still beingprepared by Young Scot. The estimated total cost to the SPCB excluding stafftime is in the region of £7,000.00.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203923,"EventID":"S2W-31360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, about the services provided by One Plus in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, and with whom, about the services provided by One Plus in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been incontact with a number of organisations regarding the services provided by OnePlus. The main point of contact has been South Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203924,"EventID":"S2W-31361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or will take, to secure the future of One Plus in Lanarkshire and the services it provides. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or will take, to secure the future of One Plus in Lanarkshire and the services it provides. ","AnswerText":"One Plus is now inliquidation and local authorities and other funders are taking the lead infinding new providers for One Plus services. The Executive has been informed bySouth Lanarkshire council that each of the four child care servicesoperated by One Plus reopened under new management on 29 January 2007, following ashort period when cover was provided by the local authority in co-operationwith other providers.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203925,"EventID":"S2W-31362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30880 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 January 2007, whether it has taken proactive steps to arrange such a meeting and whether it has made","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30880 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 January 2007, whether it has taken proactive steps to arrange such a meeting and whether it has made contact with Infertility Network UK to agree a date and venue.","AnswerText":"My officials have recentlyspoken with Infertility Network UK, however, they have not, at this time, arranged afurther meeting. As soon as the report on the review has been agreed myofficials will seek a further meeting with INUK to discuss next steps.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203926,"EventID":"S2W-31363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30877 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 January 2007, whether the reference to “shortly” means that the report of the Review of Access Crite","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30877 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 January 2007, whether the reference to “shortly” means that the report of the Review of Access Criteria for Infertility Services will be published before dissolution.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203927,"EventID":"S2W-31364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many minor injury and illness units there are in each NHS Board area; where they are located; what size of population they cover, and how many nurses are employed in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many minor injury and illness units there are in each NHS Board area; where they are located; what size of population they cover, and how many nurses are employed in each unit.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available centrally in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203928,"EventID":"S2W-31365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has submitted a response directly to a European Commission consultation in each year since 2003 and to which consultations it responded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has submitted a response directly to a European Commission consultation in each year since 2003 and to which consultations it responded.","AnswerText":"Responding to this question involvesconsiderable background investigation. This information is currently being gatheredand I will write to you when it is available. A copy of the information will beplaced in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41906).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203929,"EventID":"S2W-31366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has participated in European Commission impact assessments in each year since 2003, broken down by subject area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has participated in European Commission impact assessments in each year since 2003, broken down by subject area.","AnswerText":"Responding to this question involvesconsiderable background investigation. This information is currently being gatheredand I will write to you when it is available. A copy of the information will beplaced in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41907).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203930,"EventID":"S2W-31367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Scottish ministers have attended meetings of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe since the Executive joined in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Scottish ministers have attended meetings of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe since the Executive joined in 2002.","AnswerText":"The then Deputy First Minister,Jim Wallace MSP, attended the General Assembly of the CPMR in Ioannina, Greece inSeptember 2002. In September 2004, the then Deputy Minister for Finance, PublicServices and Parliamentary Business, Tavish Scott MSP, attended the CPMRGeneral Assembly in Stavanger, Norway. Mr Scott also addressed the General Assembly of theNorth Sea Commission, a geographical Commission of the CPMR, in Aviemore on 15 June 2006 in hiscapacity as Minister for Transport.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203931,"EventID":"S2W-31368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the final version of the leaked document produced by the head of its European Office, referred to in an article in The Herald on 22 January 2007, to be co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the final version of the leaked document produced by the head of its European Office, referred to in an article in The Herald on 22 January 2007, to be completed and when it will make that document public.","AnswerText":"The document is intended tobe finalised later this year. May I refer the member to the answer to questionS2W-31325 on 5 February 2007, when I said that no decision has been taken onwhether to publish the reports at that stage. It is not our normal policy topublish internal management reports.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":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203932,"EventID":"S2W-31369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Scottish ministers attending European Council meetings have had to listen to proceedings from the “salle d’écoute” and have not been seated in the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Scottish ministers attending European Council meetings have had to listen to proceedings from the “salle d’écoute” and have not been seated in the council meeting room and on which occasions this has occurred.","AnswerText":"In the interest of good governanceand transparency, I include a literal translation of “salle d’ecoute” to aid understandingfor members of the public. “Salle d’ecoute” means “listening room”.In 2006 Scottish ministers attendedten European Union Council of Ministers meetings. No minister was obliged to listento proceedings from the listening room at any of these meetings. Attendance at EuropeanUnion Council of Ministers meetings provides a valuable opportunity for Executiveministers to network with other ministers and Commission officials. Such networkingoccurs both inside and outside the formal Council negotiating room. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203933,"EventID":"S2W-31370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each parliamentary constituency were registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each parliamentary constituency were registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes and national totals, and expressed as a percentage of all dental patients.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203934,"EventID":"S2W-31371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"Agricultural statistics by parliamentaryconstituency are currently under development by the Environment and Rural AffairsDepartment and are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203935,"EventID":"S2W-31372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishermen there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishermen there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-30098 on 5 December 2006, which stated that information by parliamentaryconstituency is not available. All answers to written parliamentary questionsare available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203936,"EventID":"S2W-31373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many forestry workers there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on year percentage changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many forestry workers there have been in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years, also showing year-on year percentage changes.","AnswerText":"The following table 1 shows thenumber of employee jobs in the Forestry, Logging and related service activitiesindustry (SIC 02.01 and 02.02) by parliamentary constituency for the last five years.The following table 2 shows thepercentage change in employee jobs in the Forestry, Logging and related serviceactivities industry by parliamentary constituency over the last five years. Table 1 Employee Jobs in theForestry, Logging and Related Service Activities Industry by ParliamentaryConstituency, 2001-05 | | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Aberdeen Central | * | * | * | * | * | | Aberdeen North | * | * | * | * | * | | Aberdeen South | * | * | * | * | * | | Airdrie and Shotts | * | * | * | * | * | | Angus | * | * | * | * | * | | Argyll and Bute | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | | Ayr | * | * | * | * | * | | Banff and Buchan | * | * | * | * | * | | Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross | 100 | 100 | Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland (GERS)2004-05 – Table 4.2, p24. All answersto written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, thesearch facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203938,"EventID":"S2W-31375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in each police force are specifically trained for emergency water rescue situations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in each police force are specifically trained for emergency water rescue situations.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is an operational matter for individual chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203939,"EventID":"S2W-31376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Cabinet has received a report on the objectives presented in Changing Our Ways: Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, as outlined in Section 7.6 of that docume","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Cabinet has received a report on the objectives presented in Changing Our Ways: Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, as outlined in Section 7.6 of that document, and, if not, when it will do so and discuss any progress.","AnswerText":"Changing Our Ways; Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, publishedon 30 March 2006, commits the Executive to report annually to the ScottishCabinet in the first instance, and to then submit a report to Parliament. In linewith that commitment, the first annual report is due to be submitted to Cabinetby the end of March 2007 and, thereafter, to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203940,"EventID":"S2W-31377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2127,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Parliament will be given a progress report on the objectives presented in Changing Our Ways: Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, as outlined in Section 7.6 of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Parliament will be given a progress report on the objectives presented in Changing Our Ways: Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, as outlined in Section 7.6 of that document, and when the Executive will propose that the Parliament debates the report.","AnswerText":"Changing Our Ways; Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, publishedon 30 March 2006, commits the Executive to report annually to the ScottishCabinet in the first instance, and to then submit a report to Parliament. In linewith that commitment, the first annual report is due to be submitted to Cabinetby the end of March 2007 and, thereafter, to Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203941,"EventID":"S2W-31378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on consents issued by planning authorities under the Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 since the regulation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on consents issued by planning authorities under the Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 since the regulations came into force. ","AnswerText":"The Planning (Control of Major-AccidentHazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 amended, amongst other things, theTown and Country Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations1993. The Scottish Executive holds statistics on the number of applications madeto planning authorities for consent under regulation 5 of the 1993 regulations.These are collected on a six-monthly basis and are shown in the following table.Applications for Hazardous SubstancesConsent Dealt with by Planning Authorities 2000-05 | Planning Authority* | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Aberdeen City | | | | | 3 | | Aberdeenshire | 3 | | 1 | 4 | | | Angus | 2 | | | | | | Argyll and Bute | | | | | 1 | | Clackmannanshire | 3 | | | | | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1 | | | | | | Dundee City | 1 | | | 1 | 1 | | East Ayrshire | 2 | 4 | | | 2 | | Edinburgh | 4 | 1 | 1 | | 1 | | Falkirk | 7 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | | Fife | | 3 | | | 1 | | Glasgow City | 7 | 1 | 2 | | | | Highland | 11 | 1 | 1 | 3 | | | Inver","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203942,"EventID":"S2W-31379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to monitor the consent procedure and collect information on consents granted by planning authorities under the Planning (Control of Major-Accident Haz","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to monitor the consent procedure and collect information on consents granted by planning authorities under the Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000. ","AnswerText":"The Planning (Control of Major-AccidentHazards) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 amended, amongst other things, theTown and Country Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations1993. The Scottish Executive has not yet carried out a review of the operation of the consent procedure set out in the 1993 Regulations. With regard to information onconsents I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31378 on 5 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203943,"EventID":"S2W-31380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made under the NHS Complaints Procedure in (a) 2004, (b) 2005 and (c) 2006, also broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) type of illness involved. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were made under the NHS Complaints Procedure in (a) 2004, (b) 2005 and (c) 2006, also broken down by (i) NHS board and (ii) type of illness involved. ","AnswerText":"Statistical information on complaintsmade though the NHS Complaints Procedure, broken down by NHS board and other NHSbodies and by financial rather than calendar year, is published annually and canbe found at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4362.html.Information on the illnessesaffecting individuals who have made complaints or on whose behalf complaints havebeen made is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203944,"EventID":"S2W-31381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any common themes have emerged from complaints made under the NHS Complaints Procedure from 2004 to 2006. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any common themes have emerged from complaints made under the NHS Complaints Procedure from 2004 to 2006. ","AnswerText":"Statistical information on thenumber of complaints submitted under the NHS Complaints Procedure, broken down bybroad category groups such as treatment issues, transport issues, waiting timesand others, is published annually and is available at:www.isdscotland.org/isd/4362.html. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203945,"EventID":"S2W-31382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to One Plus in each financial year since 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided to One Plus in each financial year since 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Payments made to One Plus bythe Scottish Executive since 2000-01 are listed as follows:European Structural Funds(ESF) (Objective 3 ESF programme, Objective 2 West ESF programme, European Regional Development Fund programme)Payments to One Plus | | £ | | 2001 | 1,277,766 | | 2002 | 1,288,278 | | 2003 | 1,608,415 | | 2004 | 2,114,847 | | 2005 | 2,828,927 | | 2006 | 1,957,082 | | 2007 | 43,965 | | Total | 11,119,280 | Note: ESF payment statisticsare compiled by calendar year. Communities Scotland andSocial Inclusion Project Funding | £ | Communities Scotland | Social Inclusion Project Funding | Social Inclusion Project Funding Shared Equally with One Parent Families Scotland | | 2003-04 | | 105,387 | | | 2004-05 | 250,000 | 120,346 | 150,000 | | 2005-06 | 95,593 | 303,187 | 150,000 | | 2006-07 | | 157,738 | 150,000 | | Total | 345,593 | 686,658 | 450,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203946,"EventID":"S2W-31383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that One Plus was experiencing financial difficulties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it became aware that One Plus was experiencing financial difficulties.","AnswerText":"The Executive first became awareof possible financial difficulties at One Plus on 7 December 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203947,"EventID":"S2W-31384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons were for refusing to provide the additional funding requested by One Plus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons were for refusing to provide the additional funding requested by One Plus.","AnswerText":"The Executive gave careful considerationto the proposal of 9 January 2007 from One Plus for a refinancing of the company.The key factors in arriving ata decision on the refinancing were whether it was a proper role for the Executiveto support One Plus in the way it proposed, with particular reference to state aidrules, and the level of risk associated with the proposal put forward by One Plus.Feedback from local authorities that support should be focused on securing continuityof services, rather than re-financing, was also an important factor. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203948,"EventID":"S2W-31385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed KPMG to carry out an independent investigation into the accounts of One Plus and, if so, what the cost of the investigation is estimated to be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has appointed KPMG to carry out an independent investigation into the accounts of One Plus and, if so, what the cost of the investigation is estimated to be.","AnswerText":"No. KPMG has been appointed byOne Plus as the liquidator.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203949,"EventID":"S2W-31386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency measures for families and children affected by potential care disruption it developed with those local authorities that work with One Plus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency measures for families and children affected by potential care disruption it developed with those local authorities that work with One Plus.","AnswerText":"The Executive worked with localauthorities to ensure that they had an opportunity to consider what contingencymeasures would be appropriate. The contingency measures put in place by each localauthority varied, but in the main concentrated on whether alternative providerswould be able to pick up services at short notice if One Plus ceased trading.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203950,"EventID":"S2W-31387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first discussed contingency measures for families and children affected by potential care disruption with those local authorities that work with One Plus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first discussed contingency measures for families and children affected by potential care disruption with those local authorities that work with One Plus.","AnswerText":"The Executive drew the attentionof local authorities to the possible need for contingency measures in mid December2006. Local authorities were contacted on 14 December 2006 or shortly thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203951,"EventID":"S2W-31388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why families and children have been left without care provision if contingency measures to address potential care disruption were in place to ensure continuity of service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why families and children have been left without care provision if contingency measures to address potential care disruption were in place to ensure continuity of services through providers other than One Plus.","AnswerText":"The Executive worked closelywith local authorities to ensure there was scope for contingency plans to be putin place. Some disruption was inevitable in the circumstances surrounding the liquidationof One Plus but I would like to congratulate local authorities and voluntary sectororganisations for their efforts in ensuring this was held to a minimum.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203952,"EventID":"S2W-31389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessments guidance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Peat Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessments guidance.","AnswerText":"The Peat Landslide Hazard andRisk Assessments guidance will be published on the Executive’s website today. Thewebsite link is as follows http://www.scotland.gov.uk/161862.The publication wasdeveloped in consultation with key stakeholders and provides best practice guidanceon the methods to identify, mitigate and manage peat slide hazards and risks, inrespect of section 36 electricity generation projects. Hardcopies of the guidance havebeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41566) andare also available on request from the Scottish Executive Energy Consents Unit,2nd floor, Meridian Court, Glasgow, G2 6AT or by e-mail at energyconsents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or telephoneHoward Steele on 0141 242 5795. The guidance is also available from Blackwell’sbook shop. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203953,"EventID":"S2W-31390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of support for further and higher education students which will apply for the academic year 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any changes to the rates of support for further and higher education students which will apply for the academic year 2007-08.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to announce thenew rates of support for students in further and higher education for academic year2007-08. I am today placing in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.number 41325) details of the rates of those loans, bursaries and grants, which willbe available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students in full-time highereducation.Ageneral uprating factor of 2.33%, in line with inflation, will be applied to theexisting schemes of support in 2007-08, thus maintaining their value in realterms. This increase is consistent with that announced by the Secretary of Statefor Education and Skills in September 2006 for English and Welsh domiciled students. The Scottish Funding Council(SFC) has also agreed to maintain the alignment between the further and higher educationsectors by, where appropriate, uprating the support available to further educationstudents by 2.33%. ","AnswerDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203954,"EventID":"S2W-31391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it welcomes Fife Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it welcomes Fife Council’s decision not to use the defence of time bar in cases of compensation claims for historic institutional child abuse.","AnswerText":"It is for each local authorityto decide how to respond to individual claims in the light of all relevant circumstancesof each particular case.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203955,"EventID":"S2W-31392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it will recommend to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it will recommend to local authorities that they do not use the defence of time bar in cases of compensation claims for historic institutional child abuse.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for local authoritiesto decide how to handle claims that are brought against them.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203956,"EventID":"S2W-31393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it will cease to use","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the First Minister’s apology on 1 December 2004 to those who, as children, suffered abuse and neglect in residential care homes, it will cease to use the defence of time bar in cases of compensation claims for historic institutional child abuse.","AnswerText":"Prior to 1984 claimsfor damages for personal injury were subject to both the three year limitation periodand the 20 year long negative prescription. The effect of prescription is to extinguishtotally a potential claim so that it no longer exists, whereas limitation imposesa time limit of three years for bringing an action for compensation for personalinjury. However, the court has discretion to allow an action to proceed even thoughit is raised over three years after the incident giving rise to the claim whereit thinks it would be equitable to do so. The Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1984 removed personal injury actions from the scope oflong negative prescription. When the Act came into force on 26 September 1984, allclaims where the cause of action arose prior 26 September 1964 ceased to exist.We have asked the Scottish Law Commission (SLC) to consider certain aspects of thelaw in relation to both limitation and prescription.The SLC Discussion Paper (Scot Law Com No.132) is available on their website atwww.scotlawcom.gov.uk. The Executivewill carefully consider the SLC Report when it is received before taking decisionson future action.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203957,"EventID":"S2W-31394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine the possibility of legislation to remove the time bar to compensation claims in cases of historic child abuse in residential care homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will examine the possibility of legislation to remove the time bar to compensation claims in cases of historic child abuse in residential care homes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31393 on 22 February 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203958,"EventID":"S2W-31395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2247,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average weekly cost is of feeding prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average weekly cost is of feeding prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:The serving of meals toprisoners includes many overheads – staff, utilities, rates etc which are noteasily calculated. However, the average spend on food items is £11.23 perprisoner per week. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203959,"EventID":"S2W-31396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is on the development of a managed clinical network for motor neurone disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest position is on the development of a managed clinical network for motor neurone disease.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has encouragedthe Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association to develop proposals for a nationalManaged Clinical Network for Motor Neurone Disease, for submission to the NationalServices Advisory Group.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203960,"EventID":"S2W-31397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the development of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland standards for neurological services has reached and when it expects these standards to be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the development of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland standards for neurological services has reached and when it expects these standards to be announced.","AnswerText":"Work on the stock take of neurologicalservices is nearly complete, and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland expects its draftclinical standards for neurological services to be ready for publication this autumn.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203961,"EventID":"S2W-31398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure has been incurred on public transport schemes in each of the last three years, also expressed on a per capita basis and broken down by local authority ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure has been incurred on public transport schemes in each of the last three years, also expressed on a per capita basis and broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold informationon public transport scheme expenditure in the form requested. The Executive providesfunding both for specific public transport projects, which in certain circumstancesmay be for a work programme involving a number of different elements rather thana single identifiable physical project, and for general allocations to recipientssuch as local authorities and regional transport partnerships which can be usedfor public transport purposes.The majority of such expenditureover the last three years has been distributed by grants paid under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. Details of these are contained in the annualreports to the Scottish Parliament, copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 22114, 28193, 33166, 36946 and 39974). Information on local governmentgross expenditure on public transport can be found in table 4a of the ScottishLocal Government Financial Statistics annual publication: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/01/09093510/0. Population details for calculatingper capita expenditure are available from the General Register Office for Scotland www.gro-scotland.gov.uk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203962,"EventID":"S2W-31399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by Fisheries Research Services at (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally, also broken down by grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by Fisheries Research Services at (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally, also broken down by grade.","AnswerText":"Staff numbers and gradeswithin Fisheries Research Services are as follows: | Grades | FRS Marine Laboratory | FRS Freshwater Laboratory | | A Grades | 81 | 13 | | B Grades | 192 | 25 | | C Grades | 25 | 5 | | SCS | 2 | 0 | | Total | 300 | 43 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203963,"EventID":"S2W-31400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff employed by Fisheries Research Services at (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally have length of service of (i) less than on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff employed by Fisheries Research Services at (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally have length of service of (i) less than one year, (ii) one to two years, (iii) three to nine years, (iv) 10 to 20 years and (v) more than 20 years.","AnswerText":"Length of service ofFisheries Research Services staff is as follows: | Lengths of Service | FRS Marine Laboratory | FRS Freshwater Laboratory | | (i) Less than one year | 27 | 6 | | (ii) One to two years | 14 | 3 | | (iii) Three to nine years | 151 | 12 | | (iv) 10 to 20 years | 37 | 7 | | (v) More than 20 years | 71 | 15 | | Total | 300 | 43 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203964,"EventID":"S2W-31401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what professional qualifications are held by staff employed by Fisheries Research Services at Freshwater Laboratory Faskally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what professional qualifications are held by staff employed by Fisheries Research Services at Freshwater Laboratory Faskally.","AnswerText":"All staff at FreshwaterLaboratory Faskally hold the qualifications required by the Scottish Executive Payand Grading Benchmark Guidance. This information is given in pages 1 and 2 of theSE Pay and Grading Benchmark Guidance, a copy of which has been placed inthe Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41684). Any additional specialistexperience or formal qualifications necessary for individual posts is stated inrecruitment advertisements and will be held by the staff member in post.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203965,"EventID":"S2W-31402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff vacancies there were at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff vacancies there were at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to thequestion S2W-31404 answered on 6 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203966,"EventID":"S2W-31403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for staff vacancies at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for staff vacancies at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31404 on 6 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203967,"EventID":"S2W-31404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant staff posts at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally have had to be re-advertised in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant staff posts at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally have had to be re-advertised in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"Details of vacant posts,applications and re-advertisements at Fisheries Research Services are asfollows: | Dates | FRS Location | Number of Vacancies | Number of Applications | Number of Re-Advertisements | | 1 April 2004 – 31 March 2005 | Marine Laboratory | 11 | 195 | 1 | | 1 April 2004 – 31 March 2005 | Freshwater Laboratory | 1 | 5 | 0 | | 1 April 2005 – 31 March 2006 | Marine Laboratory | 7 | 57 | 1 | | 1 April 2005 – 31 March 2006 | Freshwater Laboratory | 7 | 100 | 0 | | 1 April 2006 – present | Marine Laboratory | 13 | 166 | 3 | | 1 April 2006 - present | Freshwater Laboratory | 2 | 27 | 1 | Figures for the years 1 April 2000 – 31 March 2004 arenot held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203968,"EventID":"S2W-31405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staff turnover was at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staff turnover was at Fisheries Research Services’ (a) Marine Laboratory Aberdeen and (b) Freshwater Laboratory Faskally in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"Staff turnover at FisheriesResearch Services is as follows: | Year | Staff Turnover – Marine Laboratory | Staff Turnover – Freshwater Laboratory | | 2004 | 11 | 3 | | 2005 | 14 | 5 | | 2006 | 19 | 2 | | 2007 | 1 | 0 | Figures for the years 2000 -2003 are not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203969,"EventID":"S2W-31406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total number of vehicle kilometres on Scottish roads was accounted for by (a) vehicles in private use and (b) commercial vehicles in the most recent year for which i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total number of vehicle kilometres on Scottish roads was accounted for by (a) vehicles in private use and (b) commercial vehicles in the most recent year for which information is available. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2O-11967 on 8 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203970,"EventID":"S2W-31407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for sports projects, such as a 50-metre swimming pool for Aberdeen, if sports lottery funding is diverted to pay for cost increases of the Londo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for sports projects, such as a 50-metre swimming pool for Aberdeen, if sports lottery funding is diverted to pay for cost increases of the London 2012 Olympic Games.","AnswerText":"No decision has yet been takenby the UK Government on how to fund the additional costs of the London 2012 OlympicGames. At present there are no implications for any projects, including the 50-metreswimming pool being considered by Aberdeen.The 2012 Olympics present a oncein a lifetime opportunity for everyone in the UK and the Scottish Executive willcontinue to work closely with the UK Government to maximise the potential benefitsfor Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203971,"EventID":"S2W-31408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release the ministerial paper of July 2005 by the then head of its European Office which considered how the political and administrative resources of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release the ministerial paper of July 2005 by the then head of its European Office which considered how the political and administrative resources of the Executive could be put to best effect in relation to the European Union.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does notintend to release this paper as it contains confidential policy advice toministers.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203972,"EventID":"S2W-31409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fisheries quota was allocated to, and how many vessels qualified as, deep water vessels in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fisheries quota was allocated to, and how many vessels qualified as, deep water vessels in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"104 UK vessels wereallocated a deep sea species (DSS) entitlement when these were first introducedin December 2002. In 2006, 57 Scottish administered active vessels held a DSS entitlement.The equivalent figures for 2005 and 2004 are 54 and 55 respectively.Deep sea quotas allocated toProducer Organisations (POs) in these years were: Tusk Ling Blue ling Black scabbardfish Roundnose grenadier Shark Forkbeard. Once allocated, it is for POsto distribute the available quota to their member vessels. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203973,"EventID":"S2W-31410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the provision of assistance to the owners and crews of deep water vessels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the provision of assistance to the owners and crews of deep water vessels.","AnswerText":"At the December Council wesecured a six-fold quota increase for Rockall haddock in line with thescientific advice and a 10% increase in Northern shelf monkfish. Thesedevelopments will help in part to mitigate the economic impact of the decisiontaken on deep sea species at the November Council, which was necessary as thescience was very bleak and strong action had to be taken to safeguard thestocks.We are also consideringchanges to the UK’s licensing regime, following extensive consultationwith the Fishing Vessel Licensing Review Working Group, which may offeradditional options for owners to restructure their business’s. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203974,"EventID":"S2W-31411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its interpretation is of the meaning of the term “reasonable grounds” in section 48(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its interpretation is of the meaning of the term “reasonable grounds” in section 48(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The act itself provides no definitionof the term “reasonable grounds”. The Executive has not issued any guidance on theterm. Ultimately it is for the courts to determine what grounds are reasonable.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203975,"EventID":"S2W-31412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues guidance to police on the meaning of the term “reasonable grounds” in section 48(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues guidance to police on the meaning of the term “reasonable grounds” in section 48(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"No. It is the responsibilityof individual police forces to develop guidelines regarding stop and search.Police officers have to act according to the law and be able to demonstrate to theCourts that they have done so.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203976,"EventID":"S2W-31413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have been deemed to be no longer NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting them in the last 15 months, broken down by NHS ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have been deemed to be no longer NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting them in the last 15 months, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Information as to why each patientwhose registration as an NHS patient has ceased is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203977,"EventID":"S2W-31414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have been deemed to be no longer NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting the dentist in the last 15 months, where all ot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have been deemed to be no longer NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting the dentist in the last 15 months, where all other criteria are met, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31413 on 8 February 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203978,"EventID":"S2W-31415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the policy which means that dentists are no longer considered to be NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that the policy which means that dentists are no longer considered to be NHS-committed as a consequence of at least 10% of patients not visiting the dentist in the preceding 15 months is helping retain access to NHS dentistry for patients. ","AnswerText":"The policy which the member describesis not the policy of the Scottish Executive. It is, however, the policy of the ScottishExecutive to require dentists within NHS committed practices to maintain their registrationbase, unless there are exceptional circumstances, in order to ensure that the additionalresources we have provided are focused primarily on practices which treat all categoriesof patients on the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203979,"EventID":"S2W-31416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30642 by Mr Tom McCabe on 23 January 2007, whether it will list all independent and external scrutiny bodies which report to Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30642 by Mr Tom McCabe on 23 January 2007, whether it will list all independent and external scrutiny bodies which report to Scottish ministers in respect of inspections and audits of local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committedto improving the way all public services are scrutinised via regulation, audit,inspection and complaints handling. Ministers are aware that the present scrutinylandscape is complex. So, ministers have asked Professor Lorne Crerar to look at how well these current external scrutinyarrangements reflect our principles of public service reform, avoid duplication,ensure common standards and focus on service users. We would expect hisindependent review to include an assessment of the impact of independent and externalinspection and audit on local authorities by scrutiny bodies. That review will bepublished in summer 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203980,"EventID":"S2W-31417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30630 by Nicol Stephen on 19 January 2007, when the assessment referred to will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30630 by Nicol Stephen on 19 January 2007, when the assessment referred to will be completed.","AnswerText":"Work on the assessment referredto in S2W-30630 continues, involving Executive Departments, Scottish Enterprise,Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a number of other public and private bodies.I expect some conclusions to emerge during this year, although follow up and connectedwork will continue.All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203981,"EventID":"S2W-31418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30871 by Nicol Stephen on 19 January 2007, whether it will list all New Deal programmes still in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30871 by Nicol Stephen on 19 January 2007, whether it will list all New Deal programmes still in place.","AnswerText":"The New Deal programmes arereserved to the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered by JobcentrePlus. There are six programmes available:New Deal for Young People New Deal 25 plus New Deal 50 plus New Deal for Lone Parents New Deal for Disabled People New Deal for Partners. There is also a New Deal forMusicians delivered as part of New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25 plus. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203982,"EventID":"S2W-31419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30408 by Mr Tom McCabe on 19 January 2007 and irrespective of the ownership of the land, how much (a) vacant and (b) derelict land ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30408 by Mr Tom McCabe on 19 January 2007 and irrespective of the ownership of the land, how much (a) vacant and (b) derelict land it estimates exists in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the amount ofvacant and derelict land in Scotland, as reported by local authorities in the voluntaryScottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) 2006, are set out in the followingtable. Area of Vacant and Derelict Land(hectares), Scotland, 20061,2,3 | Derelict Land | 7,480 | | Vacant Land | 2,905 | Notes: 1. Sites covering less than0.1 hectares are excluded. 2. The figure for Vacant Land covers vacant land that is located withinsettlements of over 2,000 in population (as defined in council local plans). Alimited number of councils surveyed for vacant land within some or all oftheir settlements below 2,000 in population. Within this more limited survey, afurther 118 hectares of vacant land was identified across Scotland. 3. The SVDLS is not astatutory survey. For those councils that did not provide data for anyparticular year, data from the previous SVDLS has been used. Information from the 2006survey was published on 31 January 2007. This can be viewed on the Scottish Executivewebsite at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/01/30094119/0. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203983,"EventID":"S2W-31420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation and conventions in respect of religion and belief cover police custody protocols.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation and conventions in respect of religion and belief cover police custody protocols.","AnswerText":"Part II of the Criminal Procedure(Scotland) Act 1995 ensures that persons detained in police custody are treated ina humane and dignified manner. The Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2006also applies.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203984,"EventID":"S2W-31421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what police custody protocols are in place in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what police custody protocols are in place in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"All forces have custody and careof prisoners policies which contain specific information on issues such as religiousfood laws, traditions, beliefs and worship.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203985,"EventID":"S2W-31422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues in respect of the practice of religion and belief by those in police custody and what the status is of such guidance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues in respect of the practice of religion and belief by those in police custody and what the status is of such guidance.","AnswerText":"Guidelines regarding religionand faith awareness are a matter for individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203986,"EventID":"S2W-31423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the implementation of police custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the implementation of police custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"Forces monitor adherence to theircustody policies through internal supervisory structures. Her Majesty’s Inspectorateof Constabulary also regularly examines the care and custody of detainees, notesgood practice and makes recommendations to improveprisoner care.External scrutiny is also provided by independent custodyvisitors (ICV) schemes. These visits are carried out regularly and without notice.ICVs are aware of the expected requirements laid out in force policies and speakto detainees during visits to confirm that their needs are being met. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203987,"EventID":"S2W-31424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what denominations are covered by police custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what denominations are covered by police custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"The main religions covered bypolice custody policies are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism andSikhism.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203988,"EventID":"S2W-31425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received in respect of breaches of police custody protocols in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received in respect of breaches of police custody protocols in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The requested information isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203989,"EventID":"S2W-31426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has powers to provide council tax rebates to service personnel serving abroad and, if so, whether it will consider providing such assistance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has powers to provide council tax rebates to service personnel serving abroad and, if so, whether it will consider providing such assistance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament may legislateto create exemptions from council tax for specified groups of people. Scottishministers supported the Prime Minister’s announcement in October 2006 that he wouldlook into providing support for the council tax costs of service personnel on operationsoverseas. Discussions between officials from the Department of Communities and LocalGovernment and the Ministry of Defence, whichhave also involved officials from the ScottishExecutive, about how best to provide supportfor the council tax costs of service personnel on operations overseas areon-going.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203990,"EventID":"S2W-31427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure it has incurred to date in (a) legal and (b) court costs in pursuing the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (Will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure it has incurred to date in (a) legal and (b) court costs in pursuing the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s application).","AnswerText":"The case of The ScottishMinisters v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’sapplication) was heard before the Court of Session with the case of the Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (Mr Elstone’sand Mr Williams’ application).The expenditure invoiced todate covers both of these cases and totals £25,518.15. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203991,"EventID":"S2W-31428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure it expects to incur in (a) legal and (b) court costs in pursuing the case of The Scottish Ministers versus The Scottish Information Commissioner (Wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure it expects to incur in (a) legal and (b) court costs in pursuing the case of The Scottish Ministers versus The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s application).","AnswerText":"The Opinion of the Court ofSession has been received, and its terms and implications are being considered.Any further appeal would be to the House of Lords. At this stage the level ofany expected expenditure would be speculative.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203992,"EventID":"S2W-31429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency have received support from the Executive in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency have received support from the Executive in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold informationon transport projects based on parliamentary constituencies. The range and scaleof transport projects in Scotland varies greatly, and may impact over a number of constituencyareas. In general projects are announced either, through a Scottish Executive orTransport Scotland news release, available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/and http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/,as a ministerial announcement or through the annual reports to Parliament of grantspaid under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 (copies of the reportare available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, Bib. numbers 22114, 28193, 33166, 36946 and 39974).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203993,"EventID":"S2W-31430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have benefited from Sure Start.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have benefited from Sure Start.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of individual beneficiaries ofservices provided under the Sure Start Scotland programme, broken down by postcode area, are notheld centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203994,"EventID":"S2W-31431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have undertaken a modern apprenticeship since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have undertaken a modern apprenticeship since 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of modern apprenticesbroken down by post code area and by year is an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203995,"EventID":"S2W-31432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have started their own businesses since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have started their own businesses since 1999.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of VAT registrationsare released annually by the Small BusinessService, an agency of the Department for Trade and Industry. These figures are usedto monitor the number of business start-ups; however data are not available at the postcode district level.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203996,"EventID":"S2W-31433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have benefited from the central heating programme and the Warm Deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people living in the (a) ML8, (b) ML9, (c) ML10, (d) ML11 and (e) ML12 postcode areas have benefited from the central heating programme and the Warm Deal.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is asfollows:Information about privatesector installations is held by main postcode area. In the ML postcode area atotal of 2,874 households in the private sector are now centrally heated as aresult of the central heating programme. In the public sector NorthLanarkshire Council have installed 291 central heating systems, South Lanarkshire have installed 3,117 systems and housing associations installed 105systems. In the ML postcode area atotal of 5,933 households across all sectors benefited from Warm Dealinsulation measures provided through the Managing Agent. In addition, in thelocal authority sector North Lanarkshire Council insulated 4,801 households andSouth Lanarkshire Council insulated 3,881 households as part of the programme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203997,"EventID":"S2W-31434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the text of the speech delivered by the First Minister at the Scottish Funding Council’s strategic dia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the text of the speech delivered by the First Minister at the Scottish Funding Council’s strategic dialogue conference in Glasgow on 22 January 2007. ","AnswerText":"This speech was delivered bythe First Minister to an audience from the college and university sectors, at aclosed doors event organised by the Scottish Funding Council. The First Ministerspoke from a list of bullet points and there is therefore no formal script of thespeech as delivered. We are unable, therefore, to place a copy of the text in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203998,"EventID":"S2W-31435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how devolved services may benefit from any monies which become available should a decision be taken not to replace Trident nuclear weapons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how devolved services may benefit from any monies which become available should a decision be taken not to replace Trident nuclear weapons.","AnswerText":"The responsibilities of the Ministryof Defence are reserved to the UK Government and so no Barnett consequentials cometo the Scottish Executive as a result of allocating resources to defence.Only if the UK government reallocated resources to another UK Department, to be spenton functions with a devolved comparator, would any additional resources come toScotland. It would be misleading to suggest that therewould be any automatic additional resources available to the Scottish Executive. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":203999,"EventID":"S2W-31436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S2W-30642 by Mr Tom McCabe on 23 January 2007, whether it will list all independent and external scrutiny bodies tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, further to the answer to question S2W-30642 by Mr Tom McCabe on 23 January 2007, whether it will list all independent and external scrutiny bodies that report to the Scottish Parliament in respect of inspections and audits of local authorities.","AnswerText":"The SPCB is responsible onlyfor the budgetary provision of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, the Scottish Information Commissioner, the Commissioner for Children and YoungPeople in Scotland, the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland andthe Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner all of whom are required tolay reports before the Parliament. None of these bodies, however, report inrespect of inspections and audits of local authorities.The member may find ithelpful to see the list of scrutiny bodies covered by Professor Lorne Crerar’sReview of Regulation, Audit, Inspection and Complaints Handling of PublicServices in Scotland which is attached to Professor Crerar’s letter of 13 June 2006 to thescrutiny bodies. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/PublicServiceReform/IndependentReviewofReg/review-info/letter-13-June-2006. The member may also find ithelpful to see the latest cumulative list of papers laid (July 2006 to date)before the Parliament which is available on the Parliament's website: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/factsheets/documents/Laidpapers.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204000,"EventID":"S2W-31437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what payment, in cash or in kind, has been made, or is expected to be made, to the Scottish Parliament by Microsoft since May 2003 and what the purpose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what payment, in cash or in kind, has been made, or is expected to be made, to the Scottish Parliament by Microsoft since May 2003 and what the purpose of any such payment was.","AnswerText":"The SPCB has received nopayment from Microsoft in cash or kind. The SPCB expects to recover fromMicrosoft all the main costs associated with hosting this event, such as broadcasting,catering, security etc. The final accounts are still being prepared. The SPCBdoes not expect to profit from Microsoft for this event.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Reid","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204001,"EventID":"S2W-31438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage retailers in Clydesdale to promote healthy food options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage retailers in Clydesdale to promote healthy food options.","AnswerText":"The Scottish GrocersFederation Healthyliving Programme is funded by the Scottish Executive toincrease the availability and improve the quality of healthy foods in localneighbourhood shops, especially in low income communities. Phase 3 of the programme,launched on 18 December 2006, aims to expand the initiative as widely aspossible and it now includes a number of stores in the Clydesdale area.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204002,"EventID":"S2W-31439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage young people to live and work in Clydesdale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage young people to live and work in Clydesdale.","AnswerText":"We place great importance onensuring that all our young people have the necessary skills and opportunities tomake Scotland, including Clydesdale, a positive location in which tochoose to live and work.Ourkey strategies, which include; Determined to Succeed, our targeted support for thosein the NEET Group (Not in Education, Employment or Training); our funding of thousandsof modern apprenticeships, and the Young Persons Concessionary Travel Scheme allaim to maximise the opportunities available to young people across Scotland. In addition, young entrepreneursin Clydesdale looking to start their own business can access a £1,000 Business Start-upGrant through the Business Gateway. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204003,"EventID":"S2W-31440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three and four-year-olds received free nursery places in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005 and (d) 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three and four-year-olds received free nursery places in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005 and (d) 2006.","AnswerText":"Information on the number ofregistrations for pre-school education is provided in the following table. | | 3 -Year-Olds | 4-Year-Olds | | 2003 | 45,046 | 55,608 | | 2004 | 44,459 | 54,355 | | 2005 | 41,392 | 50,909 | | 2006 | 41,671 | 51,371 | Please note that children arecounted once for every pre-school they attend, so these figures may contain somedouble counting. In addition, in 2006 “pre-school education” was defined as “inpartnership with the local authority” which was not the case in previous years,so figures are not directly comparable. Figures on the number of childrenregistered for pre-school education are published each year in the pre-school andchildcare statistics. The figures are based on a census taken in January of eachyear. The latest statistics were published in the Pre-School and Childcare Statistics2006 a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament InformationCentre (Bib. number 40411). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204004,"EventID":"S2W-31441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in Clydesdale receive free concessionary bus travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in Clydesdale receive free concessionary bus travel.","AnswerText":"Statistics are only availableby local authority area and cannot be broken down to reflect the number of cardholderswithin particular parliamentary constituencies.However, at 31 January 2007 thenumber of national entitlement cards, which give an entitlement to Scotland-widefree bus travel, issued to South Lanarkshire Council residents over the age of 60was 47,959. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204005,"EventID":"S2W-31442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 16 to 18-year-olds will be eligible for a concessionary travel card.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 16 to 18-year-olds will be eligible for a concessionary travel card.","AnswerText":"Approximately 200,000 16 to 18-year-oldswill be eligible for the Scotland-wide concessionary travel scheme for young people.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204006,"EventID":"S2W-31443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people in Clydesdale receive free concessionary bus travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people in Clydesdale receive free concessionary bus travel.","AnswerText":"Statistics are only availableby local authority area and cannot be broken down to reflect the number of cardholderswithin particular parliamentary constituencies.However, at 31 January 2007 thenumber of national entitlement cards, which give an entitlement to Scotland-widefree bus travel, issued to South Lanarkshire Council residents with a disabilitywas 9,104. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204007,"EventID":"S2W-31444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Clydesdale took up modern apprenticeships in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005 and (d) 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in Clydesdale took up modern apprenticeships in (a) 2003, (b) 2004, (c) 2005 and (d) 2006.","AnswerText":"The number of modern apprentices(MAs) broken down by parliamentary constituency and by year is an operational matterfor Scottish Enterprise. This information is not held centrally.However, Scottish Enterprisehave published these figures for 2005 and are in the public domain. These can befound on their website http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home/training-providers-top/training-providers/performance-and-reports.htm?siblingtoggle=1. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204008,"EventID":"S2W-31445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that sportscotland guidelines are adhered to in PPP new-build school projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that sportscotland guidelines are adhered to in PPP new-build school projects.","AnswerText":"Both the Executive and localauthorities fully acknowledge the need for good quality school sports facilities.The Executive emphasises to authorities the importance of direct engagement withsportscotland in considering school developments. It is, though, for authoritiesthemselves to address and decide on the specific requirements for sports facilitiesat any new school, taking account of all relevant guidance and other considerations.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204009,"EventID":"S2W-31446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines “dangerous and persistent offenders”.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines “dangerous and persistent offenders”.","AnswerText":"Defining “dangerous and persistentoffenders” depends on the circumstances of the individual cases and assessmentsof the risk posed. That is why the Executive has introduced internationally recognised tools for the agenciesinvolved in the assessment and management of offenders and trained them in theiruse. This ensures a consistent approach across the different agencies which canbe adapted to the needs of the individual and for the interests of public protection.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204010,"EventID":"S2W-31447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which joint ministerial committee meetings it has been represented since January 2006; what the subject was of each meeting; which minister attended, and at which meet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which joint ministerial committee meetings it has been represented since January 2006; what the subject was of each meeting; which minister attended, and at which meetings it has not been represented.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31268 on 5 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.The position has not changedsince then. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204011,"EventID":"S2W-31448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has any plans to cull the red deer herd on Rum and what the reasons are for SNH’s position on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has any plans to cull the red deer herd on Rum and what the reasons are for SNH’s position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)has no plans for a reduction cull of the red deer herd on Rum during 2007, only a maintenancecull in line with established practice.SNH manages Rum in line withits objectives for the National Nature Reserve (NNR) as set out in its managementplan. The current 10-year NNR planwas agreed in 1998, and a new plan is due for agreement in 2008. As part of theprocess of producing the NNR plan, SNH will undertake a consultative exercise todraw together future objectives for the reserve. The process will involve the Rumcommunity, independent advisers, representative groups with an interest in Rum,and others. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204012,"EventID":"S2W-31449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adults were admitted to hospital as a result of malnutrition in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adults were admitted to hospital as a result of malnutrition in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Centrally held informationcan provide details for patients where malnutrition is identified on their hospitalrecords. These figures may represent an undercount of the true number of cases becausemalnutrition as an underlying reason for admission to hospital may not always berecorded, by clinicians or coded by coding staff. Furthermore, recent improvementsin the completeness of coding (the number of diagnoses that are recorded) may suggestan undercount of the number of cases of malnutrition recorded in earlier years.The definition of malnutrition includes diagnoses of nutritionaldeficiencies (e.g. vitamin A, thiamine and calcium deficiencies), nutritional anaemiasand malnutrition related diabetes mellitus. Table 1 shows the number of patients discharged from acutehospitals in Scotland with a diagnosis of malnutrition broken downby NHS board of residence and age group. Table1: Number of Patients Discharged with Diagnosis of Malnutrition in NHS Scotland,by NHS Board of Residence; for Years Ending 31 March 1998-2006 | All Ages | Year Ending 31 March | | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | Scotland | 1,755 | 1,808 | 1,784 | 1,627 | 1,586 | 1,731 | 1,752 | 1,821 | 1,909 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 107 | 107 | 144 | 136 | 129 | 164 | 126 | 116 | 117 | | Borders | 44 | 53 | 40 | 29 | 45 | 39 | 59 | 34 | 35 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 86 | 101 | 117 | 104 | 90 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204013,"EventID":"S2W-31450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants have been disciplined for racist behaviour in each of the last five years, broken down by grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants have been disciplined for racist behaviour in each of the last five years, broken down by grade.","AnswerText":"No Scottish Executive staffhave been disciplined for racist behaviour in the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204014,"EventID":"S2W-31451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Single Farm Payment (SFP) claimants have had penalties applied for errors found within their completed (a) 2005 and (b) 2006 SFP forms; what the total sum was of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Single Farm Payment (SFP) claimants have had penalties applied for errors found within their completed (a) 2005 and (b) 2006 SFP forms; what the total sum was of these penalties, and whether it will make a ministerial statement on this matter.","AnswerText":"The extent of penalties appliedunder the arrangements for the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS) and arising fromerrors in completing the Single Application Form etc are as follows:2005: 362 Businesses - Total£581,918.98 2006: 320 Businesses - Total£676,184.69. These figures should be viewedin the context that they have been applied within the framework created by EuropeanCommission regulations to deal with non-compliance with scheme conditions. The currentpenalty regime (which is very similar to that operated under the previous regime)is shaped to address over-declaration of land areas that would otherwise lead toinflated subsidy payments under SFPS (a land-based scheme). The correct declarationof land areas, therefore, is key to the Single Farm Payment Scheme and mydepartment supplies farm businesses with extensive information on how to completetheir applications forms and further guidance is available from local offices. Ultimately,however, it is the producers’ responsibility to ensure that applications for subsidyare completed properly. Whilst it is unfortunate forthe businesses concerned that penalties have been applied, it is worth noting thatthe overwhelming majority of producers complete their applications properly. Thefigures for 2005 and 2006 shown above represent 1.7% and 1.5% respectively of allbusinesses submitting Single Application Forms and 0.14% and 0.15% respectivelyof the total amount claimed. If any business feels that decisionsby the Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) on issues affecting theirsubsidy are wrong, they have recourse to the Agricultural Subsidies (Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations2000. This provides an accessible and affordable way for producers to challengeSEERAD’s decisions to refuse, reduce, or recover support and allow many appealsto be resolved without the need for expensive judicial involvement. The processconsists of three stages: an internal SEERAD review; a review by an external panel,and an appeal to the Scottish Land Court. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204015,"EventID":"S2W-31452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an application from Dumfries and Galloway Council for funds to undertake flood prevention at the Whitesands in Dumfries and, if so, when it will m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an application from Dumfries and Galloway Council for funds to undertake flood prevention at the Whitesands in Dumfries and, if so, when it will make a decision about allocating funds to this project.","AnswerText":"Grants are available to localauthorities at 80% of eligible costs for confirmed flood prevention schemes. Inthe first instance it is for a local authority to bring forward flood preventionschemes. Dumfries and Galloway Council has not approached the Executiveto confirm a flood prevention scheme for the Whitesands in Dumfries and neitherhas it applied for funding for any such scheme.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204016,"EventID":"S2W-31453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding for flood prevention can be allocated for the installation of temporary or demountable flood barriers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding for flood prevention can be allocated for the installation of temporary or demountable flood barriers.","AnswerText":"Flood prevention schemes incorporatingdemountable flood barriers are being taken forward by some Scottish local authorities.Subject to the confirmation of such schemes by the Scottish ministers, the Executivewill consider the grant eligibility of the component parts of a scheme, includingdemountable barriers, on a case-by-case basis.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204017,"EventID":"S2W-31454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the testing of demountable and temporary flood barriers in order to assess whether they can be used in areas such as the Whitesands in Dumfries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage the testing of demountable and temporary flood barriers in order to assess whether they can be used in areas such as the Whitesands in Dumfries.","AnswerText":"Although the Executive has notencouraged or funded the testing of demountable and temporary flood barriers, informationon a range of proprietary barriers is provided on the Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency’s Floodline website at www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/protection/index.htm.Importantly, demountable andtemporary flood barriers can only work successfully in areas where there is sufficientwarning time to enable such defences to be put in place. In the first instance itis for Dumfries and Galloway Council to discuss with its consulting engineers ifthis is an appropriate solution for the Whitesands area of Dumfries. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204018,"EventID":"S2W-31455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek information from the UK Government about its testing of demountable and temporary flood barriers and, if so, whether it will make such information av","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek information from the UK Government about its testing of demountable and temporary flood barriers and, if so, whether it will make such information available to Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive worksclosely with its counterparts in the UK Government to ensure the free flow of informationbetween the two administrations. Demountable defences have been used to good effecton the River Severn and I would expect the Environment Agency will be happy to sharetheir experiences with Scottish local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204019,"EventID":"S2W-31456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely impact of the collapse of One Plus on vulnerable families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely impact of the collapse of One Plus on vulnerable families.","AnswerText":"The Executive and localauthorities are working hard to find alternative providers for services, wherepossible, to reduce the impact of the liquidation of One Plus. This process iscontinuing and good progress is being made, but until this process is further advancedit will not be possible to carry out a thorough assessment of the impact onfamilies.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204020,"EventID":"S2W-31457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to replace the services provided by One Plus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will put in place to replace the services provided by One Plus.","AnswerText":"Alternative provision,either through the local authorities or through new providers, including thevoluntary sector, has now been put in place for the majority of care services,or is in the process of being arranged.The Executive is currentlyin discussion regarding alternative provision of the lone parent helpline andrelated information and advice services, and the sustainable employment projectpreviously provided by One Plus. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204021,"EventID":"S2W-31458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter dated 2 November 2006 regarding the safe containment of hazardous waste during demolition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter dated 2 November 2006 regarding the safe containment of hazardous waste during demolition.","AnswerText":"We do not appear to havereceived the Member’s letter of 2 November 2006 on this issue. However,we did receive an e-mail, dated 10 November, from the Member on the same topic,and a reply to this e-mail will be issued shortly. We apologise for the delayin responding.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204022,"EventID":"S2W-31459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to establishing a reciprocal public transport concession scheme with the government of Northern Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to establishing a reciprocal public transport concession scheme with the government of Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has givenno consideration to establishing a reciprocal public transport concession schemewith the government of Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204023,"EventID":"S2W-31460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be an appropriate upper limit for Scottish Environment Protection Agency charges to grant permission to convert a 20 metre ditch to an enclosed culve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be an appropriate upper limit for Scottish Environment Protection Agency charges to grant permission to convert a 20 metre ditch to an enclosed culvert.","AnswerText":"The culverting of ditches isregulated under the Water Environment (ControlledActivities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (CAR). The charging scheme associatedwith these Regulations was developed in conjunction with stakeholders and approvedby Scottish ministers following extensive public consultation. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is required to ensure its charging schemes arefair, proportionate, transparent and open to scrutiny. I am satisfied that the CARcharging scheme, including maximum charge levels, is a fair mechanism to recoverthe regulatory and monitoring costs involved in carrying out SEPA’s statutoryfunctions in respect of CAR, to protect theenvironment and human health from activities affecting watercourses. Further informationand details of the charges can be found on the SEPA website:http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/wfd/regimes/water_env_charging_scheme_guidance.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204024,"EventID":"S2W-31461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised with it about the implications for national emergency planning of the reduction in size of the Territorial Army.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised with it about the implications for national emergency planning of the reduction in size of the Territorial Army.","AnswerText":"No concerns have been raisedwith the Scottish Executive with regard to the impact of the reduction in size of the Territorial Army on national emergency planning. Matters to do with the ArmedForces are of course a matter reserved to Westminster.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204025,"EventID":"S2W-31462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the recent judgement in the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s Application) and The Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the recent judgement in the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s Application) and The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (David Elstone and Martin Williams’s Applications), regarding the disclosure of ministerial and inter-departmental papers relating to sections 25 to 29 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990, whether it will now publish those papers without delay and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Opinion of the Court of Sessionhas been received and its terms and implications are being considered. Any furtherappeal would be to the House of Lords. At this stage it would be inappropriate tomake any further comment.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204026,"EventID":"S2W-31463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the 55% recycling and composting target for 2020 as set out in the National Waste Plan published in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the 55% recycling and composting target for 2020 as set out in the National Waste Plan published in 2003.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204027,"EventID":"S2W-31464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on IVF treatment in the last financial year and how it is estimated will be spent on such treatment in this financial year, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on IVF treatment in the last financial year and how it is estimated will be spent on such treatment in this financial year, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This is a matter forindividual NHS boards. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204028,"EventID":"S2W-31465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are waiting for IVF treatment, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are waiting for IVF treatment, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This is a matter forindividual NHS boards. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204029,"EventID":"S2W-31466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average house price has been in the East Kilbride parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average house price has been in the East Kilbride parliamentary constituency in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table providesthe count, median and mean house price figures between 2001 and 2005 for the East Kilbrideparliamentary constituency. The analysis uses information provided by the Land ValueInformation Unit (LVIU) at Paisley University. LVIU in turn source their data from Registers of Scotland.The count and median relates to all sales recorded within the East Kilbride parliamentaryconstituency area in the specified time period. The mean value excludes all saleswith a value of less than £20,000 and over £1 million with the aim of excludingnon market sales and non-residential sales.East Kilbride Parliamentary Constituency | Year | Count | Median | Mean | | 2001 | 2,282 | £47,000 | £ 63,248 | | 2002 | 2,499 | £49,000 | £ 68,638 | | 2003 | 2,871 | £60,000 | £ 81,291 | | 2004 | 2,464 | £70,000 | £ 92,702 | | 2005 | 2,709 | £76,107 | £110,777 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204030,"EventID":"S2W-31467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure allocation for education was to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 1999, also expressed as an amount per pupil.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure allocation for education was to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 1999, also expressed as an amount per pupil.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following table. | | Aberdeenshire Council | Angus Council | | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Per Pupil (£) | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Per Pupil (£) | | 1999‑2000 | 122.718 | 2,977 | 55.505 | 3,032 | | 2000‑01 | 126.163 | 3,060 | 57.813 | 3,158 | | 2001‑02 | 138.542 | 3,361 | 63.257 | 3,456 | | 2002-03 | 152.776 | 3,706 | 70.283 | 3,840 | | 2003-04 | 167.339 | 4,059 | 76.883 | 4,200 | | 2004-05 | 181.837 | 4,411 | 82.056 | 4,483 | | 2005-06 | 191.636 | 4,649 | 86.679 | 4,736 | | 2006-07 | 202.410 | 4,910 | 89.124 | 4,869 | Notes: 1. The allocations given aboveare neither budgets nor spending targets for the education service. They are simplya component used in distributing the total block grant that the Executive providesto local authorities. It is for local authorities to decide how best to allocatethe resulting overall block grant across all their services, based on local needsand priorities. 2. Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE)figures are from the GAE Green Books for 1999‑2000 to 2006‑07. Pupilnumbers (including pre-school, primary and secondary pupils) are as provided bylocal authorities and used in the 2005‑06 GAE Green Book which formed thebase year calculation for Spending Review 2004. 3. The GAE allocations providedare derived by aggregating over 23 sub-categories. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204031,"EventID":"S2W-31468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net revenue expenditure for pre-primary education was in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the net revenue expenditure for pre-primary education was in the (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire local authority areas in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The net revenue expenditure forpre-primary education since 2003 is enclosed in the following table:Pre-Primary Education - NetRevenue Expenditure | | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Aberdeenshire | £8.50 million | £9.12 million | £9.62 million | | Angus | £3.68 million | £4.39 million | £4.60 million | Source: LFR 1 (Education) returns. Finalised data for the financialyear 2006-07 is not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204032,"EventID":"S2W-31469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure allocation for pre-school education was to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 1999, also expressed as an amount ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the grant aided expenditure allocation for pre-school education was to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 1999, also expressed as an amount per pupil.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following table. | | Aberdeenshire Council | Angus Council | | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Per Pupil (£ Million) | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Per Pupil (£ Million) | | 1999‑2000 | - | - | - | - | | 2000‑01 | - | - | - | - | | 2001‑02 | - | - | - | - | | 2002-03 | 7.203 | 175 | 3.182 | 174 | | 2003-04 | 7.258 | 176 | 3.206 | 175 | | 2004-05 | 7.644 | 185 | 3.313 | 181 | | 2005-06 | 7.907 | 192 | 3.386 | 185 | | 2006-07 | 8.952 | 217 | 3.415 | 187 | Notes: 1. The allocations given aboveare neither budgets nor spending targets. They are simply a component used in distributingthe total block grant that the Executive provides to local authorities. It is forlocal authorities to decide how best to allocate the resulting overall block grantacross all their services, based on local needs and priorities. 2. Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE)figures are from the GAE Green Books for 1999‑2000 to 2006‑07. Pupilnumbers are as provided by local authorities and used in the 2005‑06 GAE GreenBook which formed the base year calculation for Spending Review 2004. 3. Pre-School Education becamea separate category in the GAE process from 2002-03. Prior to that, local authoritiesreceived specific grant. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204033,"EventID":"S2W-31470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount of private sector grant was approved by (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils for aids and adaptations for householders in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount of private sector grant was approved by (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils for aids and adaptations for householders in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The amount of private sectorgrant approved by Angus and Aberdeenshire for carrying out improvements forpeople with disabilities is shown in the following table.Amount Approved for Aids andAdaptations in Aberdeenshire and Angus: 2002-03 to 2005-06. | Area | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Aberdeenshire | 112,000 | 205,000 | 263,000 | 320,000 | | Angus | 283,000 | 375,000 | 347,000 | 382,000 | Source: IMP1B returnssubmitted by local authorities to the Scottish Executive Development DepartmentAnalytical Services Division (Housing Statistics). Notes: 1. Figures have been roundedto the nearest thousand. 2. The figures shownrepresent amounts approved for work identified by local authoritiesspecifically as improvements for disabled. They do not include grants for moregeneral improvements which may include elements of benefit to people withdisabilities, such as improved accessibility. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204034,"EventID":"S2W-31471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cultural and related services grant aided expenditure and net revenue expenditure was for (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cultural and related services grant aided expenditure and net revenue expenditure was for (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following table. | | Aberdeenshire Council | Angus Council | | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Revenue Expenditure (£ Million) | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Revenue Expenditure (£ Million) | | 2003-04 | 14.077 | 14.577 | 7.474 | 10.492 | | 2004-05 | 14.757 | 16.191 | 7.673 | 11.199 | | 2005-06 | 15.344 | 17.067 | 7.977 | 9.628 | | 2006-07 | 15.645 | - | 7.934 | - | Notes: 1. Revenue spending may differfrom the allocation amounts for a number of reasons. First, the allocations givenabove are neither budgets nor spending targets for culture and related services.They are simply a component used in distributing the total block grant that the Executive provides to local authorities. Second, it is for each local authorityto decide how best to allocate the resulting overall block grant across all itsservices, based on local needs and priorities. 2. Sources for Grant Aided Expenditure(GAE) are the GAE Green Books for 2003-04 to 2006‑07. The GAE allocationsprovided are derived by aggregating over six sub‑categories which togethermake up the cultural and related services GAE line: parks and open spaces;sports facilities and swimming pools; tourism; remainder of leisure andrecreation; libraries, and museums and art galleries. 3. Revenue expenditure is sourcedfrom Local Financial Return (LFR) 2, completed by local authorities, which coversculture and related services. Expenditure figures for 2006-07 are not yet available. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204035,"EventID":"S2W-31472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of mothers were recorded at their six to eight week review as breastfeeding in NHS Tayside and NHS Grampian in each year since 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of mothers were recorded at their six to eight week review as breastfeeding in NHS Tayside and NHS Grampian in each year since 2000.","AnswerText":"Centrally held information onpre-school child health surveillance reviews are derived from the Child Health SystemsProject–Pre-School system (CHSP-PS). NHS Grampian do not participate in this systemand therefore the requested information for NHS Grampian is not centrally available.Information for NHS Tayside is shown in the following table.NHS Tayside – Breastfeeding atthe Six to Eight Week Review by Year of Birth | | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Number of Reviews1 | 3,647 | 3,690 | 3,491 | 3,731 | 3,718 | 3,795 | | Percentage Breastfed2 | 39.4 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 38.4 | 37.0 | 40.1 | Source: ISD Scotland,CHSP-PS November 2006. Ref: IR2007-00255. Notes: 1. Excludes reviews where breastfeedinginformation is not valid. 2. Exclusively breast-fed orfed mixed breast and bottle. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204036,"EventID":"S2W-31473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) amount and (b) percentage of (i) Angus and (ii) Aberdeenshire councils’ budget has been spent on local road maintenance in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) amount and (b) percentage of (i) Angus and (ii) Aberdeenshire councils’ budget has been spent on local road maintenance in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supportslocal authorities’ net revenue expenditure through the core local government financesettlement.The information provided in thefollowing table gives the Scottish Executive’s Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) elementcalculated for roads maintenance as part of each council’s block allocation andcompares it to their net revenue expenditure. However, the setting of budgetsis a matter for the individual councils and these may vary from the allocation figuresshown in the table if, for instance, the council supplements the GAE allocationsfrom its own resources. As the Scottish Executive does not hold data centrally onactual council budgets it is therefore not possible to provide the information requestedon the amounts and percentages in relation to the budgets of the two local authorities. Local Roads Maintenance: GAEAllocation and Net Revenue Expenditure | | Aberdeenshire Council | Angus Council | | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Revenue Expenditure (£ Million) | Grant Aided Expenditure Allocation (£ Million) | Revenue Expenditure (£ Million) | | 2003-04 | 11.085 | 13.744 | 3,804 | 2.441 | | 2004-05 | 11.444 | 13.172 | 3.905 | 2.772 | | 2005-06 | 11.875 | 12.585 | 4.052 | 6.973 | | 2006-07 | 14.698 | - | 4.999 | - | Notes: 1. Sources for Grant Aided Expenditure(GAE) are the GAE Green Books for 2003-04 to 2006-07. 2. Revenue expenditureis sourced from Local Financial Return (LFR) 5, completed by local authorities,which covers local roadsmaintenance net revenue expenditure. Expenditure figures for 2006-07 are not yet available. 3. Revenue spendingmay differ from the allocation amounts for a number of reasons. First the allocationsgiven above are neither budgets nor spending targets for local roads maintenance.They are simply a component used in distributing the total block grant that the Executive provides to local authorities. Second, it is for each local authorityto decide how best to allocate the resulting overall block grant across all itsservices, based on local needs and priorities. 4. The increasein 2005-06 expenditure figure for Angus Council relates to reclassification of expenditurepreviously recorded as construction. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204037,"EventID":"S2W-31474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils from the Strategic Waste Fund in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to (a) Angus and (b) Aberdeenshire councils from the Strategic Waste Fund in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The following table details theamounts allocated to Angus and Aberdeenshire Councils from the Strategic Waste Fundsince 2003. | Year | Angus Council (£) | Aberdeenshire Council (£) | | 2002-03 | 0 | 550,000 | | 2003-04 | 359,000 | 1,979,000 | | 2004-05 | 1,706,000 | 2,242,000 | | 2005-06 | 2,753,000 | 4,742,000 | | 2006-07 | 1,284,065 | 6,367,000 | | 2007-08 | 1,209,000 | 4,078,000 | | Indicative Awards from 2008-09 to 2020 | 13,730,000 | 35,292,000 | | Total (including indicative awards). | 21,041,065 | 55,250,000 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204038,"EventID":"S2W-31475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2947,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with British Airways and the British Airports Authority regarding the impact of the proposed sale of BA Connect to Flybe on local employment a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with British Airways and the British Airports Authority regarding the impact of the proposed sale of BA Connect to Flybe on local employment and the local economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, at bothministerial and official level, is in regular contact with airlines and airportoperators about a wide range of matters.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204039,"EventID":"S2W-31476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published, or intends to publish, a review of the issues covered in the annual statements of education improvement objectives that are required to be publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published, or intends to publish, a review of the issues covered in the annual statements of education improvement objectives that are required to be published by education authorities under section 5 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.","AnswerText":"We published a performance reporton the National Priorities in Education in 2003. More recently, ImprovingScottish Education and Improving Scottish Education: Effectivenessof Education Authorities review the performance of the education system, includinghow priorities for education are distinctively shaped by authorities to meet theneeds of their local area. In light of these publications, we have no plans to publishan update to our original report. Copies of all three reports are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 30161, 38934 and 41128 respectively).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204040,"EventID":"S2W-31477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2892,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published, or intends to publish, a review of the ways in which education authorities encourage equal opportunities, and in particular the observance of eq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has published, or intends to publish, a review of the ways in which education authorities encourage equal opportunities, and in particular the observance of equal opportunities requirements, as specified in section 5(2)(b) of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no currentplans to review how education authorities encourage equal opportunities and complywith their various statutory obligations in the Standards in Scotland’s Schoolsetc. Act 2000 and other subsequent legislation, some of which will only come into force later thisyear. Where appropriate, the legislation already requires authorities to set out their plansand monitor progress.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204041,"EventID":"S2W-31478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was not implemented in Scotland on 4 January 2006, as required by Article 15 of that directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was not implemented in Scotland on 4 January 2006, as required by Article 15 of that directive.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer.His response is as follows:Directive 2002/91/EC was implementedin Scotland on 4 January 2006. However, notification of implementation to the EuropeanCommission was made in April 2006, to align with notification from England and Wales. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204042,"EventID":"S2W-31479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that Scotland does not have sufficient qualified or accredited experts for full implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that Scotland does not have sufficient qualified or accredited experts for full implementation of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. Hisresponse is as follows:In the early years of Directiveimplementation, it is estimated that there will be around 250,000 energy performancecertificates required per annum. The calculation tools which support the methodologyrequired by the Directive 2002/91/EC wereonly finalised in spring of 2006. Also, the agency is in the process of settingup protocols with professional organisations who can accredit their members to dothe certification and inspection work. Clearly there are not yet sufficient expertsto do this work and enable full implementation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204043,"EventID":"S2W-31480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the European Commission was notified of Scotland’s inability to implement the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive on time and what reasons were given to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the European Commission was notified of Scotland’s inability to implement the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive on time and what reasons were given to the commission.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. Hisresponse is as follows:The Directive was implementedin Scotland on time, on 4 January 2006.Notification of implementation to the European Commission was made in April 2006,to align with notification from England and Wales. As with the remainder of the UK, Scotland has chosen to derogate full implementation of Articles 7, 8 and9. The reason given to the Commission by the UK was on the basis of insufficient“Independent Experts” as required by Article 10 and permitted by Article 15. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204044,"EventID":"S2W-31481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Scottish framework is for approval of independent experts, required under Article 10 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and what the timetable ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Scottish framework is for approval of independent experts, required under Article 10 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and what the timetable is for approval of these experts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. Hisresponse is as follows:In broad terms, the framework is that the agency will enter into protocolswith professional organisations that can support their members by facilitating orapproving training in the calculation tools which support the methodology and theenergy performance certification procedures. These organisations then have the abilityto state who has completed courses and are therefore in a position to do energycertification. Another important aspect of protocol is that such organisations havea code of conduct for their members which includes: a requirement that their members do not workbeyond their level of expertise, and have disciplinary procedures for members thatbehave in a reckless manner. Discussions on protocols so far, have been with the Chartered Instituteof Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and Royal Incorporationof Architects (RIAS). The agency, however, will be prepared to enter into protocolswith other professional organisations that can meet similar criteria. The timetable forintroduction of energy performance certificates when buildings are sold (introductionin 2008) and when buildings are rented out (introduction in 2009) is sufficientto allow experts to become accredited. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204045,"EventID":"S2W-31482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many traffic police officers have been employed by each police force in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes and expressed also per he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many traffic police officers have been employed by each police force in each of the last five years, showing year-on-year percentage changes and expressed also per head of population.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30250 on 11 December 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204046,"EventID":"S2W-31483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Canadian citizens have used the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland visa scheme in the past two years and, of these, how many are still living and working in Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Canadian citizens have used the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland visa scheme in the past two years and, of these, how many are still living and working in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Since the Fresh Talent: Workingin Scotland scheme was launched in June 2005, 47 Canadian citizenshave been accepted onto the scheme.During the first year of FreshTalent: Working in Scotland Scheme there were 23 Canadian citizens accepted on thescheme, of these, seven responded to our monitoring questionnaire, and, at the timeof response, all were living and working in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204047,"EventID":"S2W-31484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from the Auditor General for Scotland in respect of the limits on liabilities for which no budget provision is made before special remedial ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received from the Auditor General for Scotland in respect of the limits on liabilities for which no budget provision is made before special remedial action should be taken.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any specificadvice received from the Auditor General for Scotland in respect of the limit onliabilities for which no budget provision is made before special remedial actionshould be taken. Per the Scottish Public Finance Manual, if a liability maturesthe relevant business area should consider, in consultation with its departmentalFinance Team, whether an immediate report should be made to the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204048,"EventID":"S2W-31485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingent liabilities have been recorded in the accounts of the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies in each of the last five years and what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingent liabilities have been recorded in the accounts of the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies in each of the last five years and what triggers led to the removal of any portion of a contingent liability.","AnswerText":"All contingent liabilities recordedin the accounts of the Executive and its agencies in each of the last five yearscan be found in the notes to the consolidated accounts which are available on the Scottish Executive website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent.The contingent liabilities recorded by the Executive’s non-departmental public bodiesin each of the last five years will be found in the notes to their individual annualaccounts which can be accessed at their websites. A contingent liability will beremoved from the accounts if the circumstances which led to its original inclusionchange and it no longer fits the criteria of a contingent liability.For the Executive and its agencies,finance teams maintain a record of all contingent liabilities throughout the year.Preparers of accounts will also consider any other information at the year-end andall items which meet the criteria of a contingent liability as outlined in the ScottishPublic Finance Manual and the Government Financial Reporting Manualare disclosed in the annual accounts. This information is audited for complianceand completeness by Audit Scotland on behalf of the Auditor General. Decisions made by non-departmentalpublic bodies are a matter for those bodies. The information requested is not heldcentrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204049,"EventID":"S2W-31486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals from (a) auditors, (b) contractors, (c) sub-contractors, (d) ministers or (e) officials for inclusion of a contingent liability in the accounts of the Exec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals from (a) auditors, (b) contractors, (c) sub-contractors, (d) ministers or (e) officials for inclusion of a contingent liability in the accounts of the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies were not included in published accounts in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"All contingent liabilities recordedin the accounts of the Executive and its agencies in each of the last five yearscan be found in the notes to the consolidated accounts which are available on the Scottish Executive website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent.The contingent liabilities recorded by the Executive’s non-departmental public bodiesin each of the last five years will be found in the notes to their individual annualaccounts which can be accessed at their websites. A contingent liability will beremoved from the accounts if the circumstances which led to its original inclusionchange and it no longer fits the criteria of a contingent liability.For the Executive and its agencies,finance teams maintain a record of all contingent liabilities throughout the year.Preparers of accounts will also consider any other information at the year-end andall items which meet the criteria of a contingent liability as outlined in the ScottishPublic Finance Manual and the Government Financial Reporting Manual aredisclosed in the annual accounts. This information is audited for compliance andcompleteness by Audit Scotland on behalf of the Auditor General. Decisions made by non-departmentalpublic bodies are a matter for those bodies. The information requested is not heldcentrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204050,"EventID":"S2W-31487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be a prudent limit on contingent liabilities before it should report to the Parliament on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be a prudent limit on contingent liabilities before it should report to the Parliament on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers reportto Parliament on such matters in accordance with the Budgeting Process Agreementagreed between the Executive and the Parliament:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/finance/Written%20Agreement%20between%20FC%20and%20Exec%20at%2022.6.05.pdf. The Scottish ministers must presenttheir proposals to the Finance Committee before granting any guarantees or indemnitiesin excess of £1 million (including those without limit).The Finance Committee will consider the proposal within 20 days and will eitherapprove the proposal or propose an amendment. The Scottish ministers willeither accept the amendment or notify the committee that they disagree and it willthen be for the committee to decide to either allow the Scottish ministers to proceedor to refer the matter to the Parliamentary Bureau for a debate. The Scottish Public Financeand Accountability Manual (SPFM) sets out additional guidance on reportingcontingent liabilities to Parliament. Per the SPFM contingent liabilitieswhich arise in the normal course of business are not covered by the need for priorparliamentary approval unless expenditure at a later date may be of such a natureor size that the Parliament should be given notice. Considerationof whether to give notice will be on a case-by-case basis and depend on the circumstancesof individual cases. Similarly, if a liability matures in respect of a previouslycontingent liability, ministers will consider whether to make a report to the Parliament. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204051,"EventID":"S2W-31488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to use Burns Night to promote Scotland abroad.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to use Burns Night to promote Scotland abroad.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive promotesinternationally key dates in Scotland’s calendar. Burns Night 2007 was marked bya number of activities that included a direct mailing to international journalists,Global Friends and Global Scots and others through FCO posts. A special editionof the quarterly e-zine Scotland‑Now was mailed out and recipientswere encouraged to post information on Burns Night events across the world. The FirstSecretary, Scottish Affairs office in Washington hosted a Burns supper in New Yorkto promote Scotland to local media contacts. Promotional items were sent to supporta number of Burns events across the world.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204052,"EventID":"S2W-31489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken to interact and communicate with Scottish communities and societies abroad in respect of Burns Night.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps were taken to interact and communicate with Scottish communities and societies abroad in respect of Burns Night.","AnswerText":"Scotland-Now, www.scotland-now.com,the e-magazine which is specificallyaimed at those with an affinity for Scotland who live overseas, showcases modern Scotland as a great place to live, work, visit, study andinvest.The special Burns edition ofScotland-Now was issued on 23 January 2007. An e-card promoting bothBurns Night and Scotland-Now wasalso sent to contacts overseas. This edition carried a variety of features on RobertBurns, and included a guide on how to host a Burns Supper. We also highlighted a range of Burns events being heldby Scottish groups and societies internationally, as well as events takingplace throughout Scotland. Details of most of these events were provided by the Scottish communities and societies abroad themselves. Officials from the ScottishAffairs Office in Washington DC also attended Burns Suppers in New York, Boston and Washington. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204053,"EventID":"S2W-31490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Burns suppers it hosted abroad in January 2007; where they were located; who organised them; whether Scottish firms or organisations were invited to attend, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Burns suppers it hosted abroad in January 2007; where they were located; who organised them; whether Scottish firms or organisations were invited to attend, and what similar information it has on Burns suppers organised by the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKRep) or any other UK Government department.","AnswerText":"The First Secretary, ScottishAffairs office in Washington organised and hosted a Burns Supper in New York to promoteTartan Week and Scotland generally to key media contacts.VisitScotland and Scottish DevelopmentInternational hosted a Burns Supper in Boston, to launch the direct globespan flightbetween that city and Scotland. Local media, representatives of the travel industryand local Scottish organisations were invited. The Scottish Executive EuropeanUnion Office in Brussels held a concert to celebrate Burns Night as part of the Scottish musicians’ series 2006-07, in Scotland House. The Scottish Executive does notrecord information about events hosted by UK government departments. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204054,"EventID":"S2W-31491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much expenditure the Scottish Information Commissioner has incurred from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s central contingency fund to da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much expenditure the Scottish Information Commissioner has incurred from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s central contingency fund to date in (a) legal costs and (b) court costs in defending the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s Application).","AnswerText":"No legal or court costs havebeen incurred to date from the SPCB’s central contingency in relation to the Scottish Information Commissioner defending the case referred to in the question.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204055,"EventID":"S2W-31492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much it expects the Scottish Information Commissioner to apply for from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s central contingency fund for (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body how much it expects the Scottish Information Commissioner to apply for from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body’s central contingency fund for (a) legal costs and (b) court costs in defending the case of The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (William Alexander’s Application).","AnswerText":"Whether or not anapplication to the contingency fund is likely to be made is dependent on anumber of factors including any award of costs determined by the courts and ifan appeal is marked.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204056,"EventID":"S2W-31493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the costs to farmers of implementing Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) measures; what representations it has received regard","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the costs to farmers of implementing Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) measures; what representations it has received regarding the costs of implementation, and whether a regulatory impact assessment has been carried out on the application of the IPPC measures to (a) pig and (b) poultry farmers.","AnswerText":"The Executive consulted widelyon the implications of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directiveprior to the new controls being introduced in 2000. This included the preparationof a Regulatory Impact Assessment which estimated compliance costs, in general terms,for all industrial sectors falling within the scope of the Directive, includingthe intensive farming sector.The Executive also participatedin a study in 2006 which estimated the costs incurred by industry during the firstfive years of implementation of the IPPC Directive. This concluded that, in general,pig and poultry farmers incurred costs that were lower than other industrial sitesunder the Directive. In addition, IPPC compliancecosts have been reduced for intensive farming by the introduction of Standard FarmingInstallation Rules (SFIRs). These are designed to make it simpler for pig and poultryfarmers to meet the requirements of IPPC. The Executive received a numberof comments about the cost of implementing IPPC. These included representationsfrom pig and poultry farmers, mainly relating to charges introduced by ScottishEnvironment Protection Agency. Charge levels have been substantially reduced forfarms that comply with SFIRs. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204057,"EventID":"S2W-31494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30374 by Ross Finnie on 15 December 2006, why, given that it was received by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department shortly a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30374 by Ross Finnie on 15 December 2006, why, given that it was received by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department shortly after 21 November 2002, the European Commission Agriculture Directorate General’s Guidance Note 6 on the application of article 36(1) was not included in the guidance issued in the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme 2003 pack in July 2003.","AnswerText":"It is not customary for my officialsto include guidance notes from the European Commission in scheme information packssent to farmers/crofters. Instead, they ensure that they reflect the guidance, insuch notes, in the notes for guidance (NFG) issued to farmers/crofters on the schemesconcerned. Under the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) 2003, the need to includea minimum of 5% heifers on claims of 14 animals or more was set out in the NFG onpage 2 under “Main Changes” and in section 2.4 under “Heifer/cow limits”. Additionally,the need to replace heifers when the heifer/cow ration fell below 5% was set outin the NFG in section 4.2.3 under “Heifers calving” and in the first paragraph ofsection 4.3 under “Replacement and notification of animals”.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204058,"EventID":"S2W-31495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of proceedings in the case of William Smith v K D Scott, Electoral Registration Officer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of proceedings in the case of William Smith v K D Scott, Electoral Registration Officer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has incurredno legal costs in relation to these proceedings. Information on other costs of theproceedings is not held by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204059,"EventID":"S2W-31496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated legal aid bill is of the agents and counsel of William Smith for the proceedings in his case against K D Scott, Electoral Registration Officer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated legal aid bill is of the agents and counsel of William Smith for the proceedings in his case against K D Scott, Electoral Registration Officer.","AnswerText":"Mr Smith originally raisedhis case against the Electoral Registration Officer in the Sheriff Court.Although his application for civil legal aid in this case was ultimatelyrejected, a fee of £809.58 was paid to his legal representatives under specialurgency procedures.The most recent appeal is tothe Court of Session, sitting as the Registration Appeal Court. Civil legal aid for thisappeal was granted in August 2004 and £2,686.29 has been paid to date. Final accounts have yet tobe submitted in this case. Therefore, the final legal aid bill is not yet known.However, solicitors are asked to estimate the final cost of a case before legalaid is granted. Mr Smith’s representatives have estimated the final cost to bein excess of £5,000. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204060,"EventID":"S2W-31497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what written contract has been entered into between NHS Lothian and Consort Healthcare to allow the reduction of parking charges at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what written contract has been entered into between NHS Lothian and Consort Healthcare to allow the reduction of parking charges at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from a maximum of £10 per day to £7 and whether it will publish any such contract.","AnswerText":"An agreement was made to reducethe parking charges levied by Meteor Parking at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburghfrom a maximum of £10 per day to £7 per day at a regular meeting between NHS Lothianand Consort Healthcare. There is no written contract between NHS Lothian and ConsortHealthcare to allow this reduction of parking charges.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204061,"EventID":"S2W-31498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many open prisons there are and how many prisoners are held in each.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many open prisons there are and how many prisoners are held in each.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS Open Estate consistsof two sites offering a total of 452 spaces. In addition, HM Prison Cornton Valeoffers 24 similar spaces in independent living units, and HM Prison Perth offersa varying number of open-type spaces for young adults at the Friarton site. On today’sdate there were 14 prisoners in open conditions at Friarton. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204062,"EventID":"S2W-31499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of prisoner are eligible for transfer to open prison and at what point in a sentence prisoners are routinely transferred to an open prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of prisoner are eligible for transfer to open prison and at what point in a sentence prisoners are routinely transferred to an open prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Short-term prisoners may be transferredat anytime in their sentence. Long-term prisoners are subject to a minimum periodin secure conditions, which varies according to their sentence. No prisoners areroutinely transferred to open prisons; such transfer is dependant on an assessmentof risk. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204063,"EventID":"S2W-31500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any open prisons receive prisoners immediately after sentencing and what guidelines exist on the use of open prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any open prisons receive prisoners immediately after sentencing and what guidelines exist on the use of open prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:Open prisons are used to prepareprisoners for release, and for other prisoners not considered to present a risk.Prisoners must be assessed as requiring only low supervision, and in the case oflong-term prisoners to have served an appropriate portion of their sentence. Prisoners sentenced to less thanfour years may serve their sentence in an open prison at the outset if all othercriteria are met. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204064,"EventID":"S2W-31501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give parent councils the same rights to consultation on proposals for school closures that school boards currently have by substituting “Parent Coun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to give parent councils the same rights to consultation on proposals for school closures that school boards currently have by substituting “Parent Council” for “School Board” in the Education (Publication and Consultation Etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 as amended.","AnswerText":"Yes. Action is in hand to implementthis at the appropriate time.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204065,"EventID":"S2W-31502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have (a) returned to the NHS and (b) taken on additional NHS patients as a result of the incentives introduced for these purposes, broken down by parlia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have (a) returned to the NHS and (b) taken on additional NHS patients as a result of the incentives introduced for these purposes, broken down by parliamentary constituency and NHS board and, in each case, also shown as a percentage of all dentists.","AnswerText":"Information is not collectedon the specific reasons why dentists return to the NHS or take on additional NHSpatients.Since the introduction of allowancespaid only to NHS committed practices the number (headcount) of non-salaried principalsproviding NHS general dental services in Scotland has risen from 1,933 at 30 September 2005 to 2,025 at30 September 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204066,"EventID":"S2W-31503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus journeys were undertaken in each of the last five years in each local authority area, also showing (a) year-on-year and (b) overall percentage changes and na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus journeys were undertaken in each of the last five years in each local authority area, also showing (a) year-on-year and (b) overall percentage changes and national totals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-30445 on 21 December 2006. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204067,"EventID":"S2W-31504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects in Central Scotland parliamentary region have received support from the Executive in each year since 1999, broken down by parliamentary constitue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which transport projects in Central Scotland parliamentary region have received support from the Executive in each year since 1999, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not holdinformation on transport projects based on parliamentary regions or constituencies.The range and scale of transport projects in Scotland varies greatly, andmay impact over a number of constituency areas. In general projects areannounced either through a Scottish Executive or Transport Scotland newsrelease on their websites, as a ministerial announcement or through the annualreports to Parliament of grants paid under section 70 of the Transport(Scotland) Act 2001 (copies of the report are available in the Scottish ParliamentInformation Centre, Bib. numbers 22114,28193, 33166, 36946 and 39974).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204068,"EventID":"S2W-31505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of reports that the UK Government will implement legislation requiring Roman Catholic adoption agencies to handle applications from same-sex couples, whether it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of reports that the UK Government will implement legislation requiring Roman Catholic adoption agencies to handle applications from same-sex couples, whether it will implement the terms of the equalities legislation or raise the issue with the UK Government so that matters involving religious conscience will be taken into account.","AnswerText":"The Prime Minister’s announcementof 29 January 2007 indicated an intention by the UK Government to bringforward regulations on discrimination in provision of goods and services under powersin section 81 of the Equality Act 2006, which would be applied in the case of existingadoption agencies from the end of 2008. These powers relate to a matter reservedunder the Scotland Act 1998 and enable such regulations to apply in England, Scotlandand Wales. As the Prime Minister’s announcement made clear, he took account of representationsmade personally to him by the First Minister on the issue. During the transitionalperiod up to the end of 2008 the Scottish Executive will continue to keep in closecontact with the agencies concerned, the Catholic Church and the UK Government toseek to ensure that the agencies’ valuable work continues.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204069,"EventID":"S2W-31506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects received funding from EventScotland and how much each received from (a) EventScotland, (b) other public sector agencies and (c) the private sector in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which projects received funding from EventScotland and how much each received from (a) EventScotland, (b) other public sector agencies and (c) the private sector in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"EventScotland has provided informationon awards they have made to events and also by partners. This information hasbeen placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41886).Private sector support,however, is often provided on a value-in-kind basis or the levels ofsponsorship are not made available to EventScotland. Therefore EventScotland donot hold figures which express a comprehensive value of support from thissector. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204070,"EventID":"S2W-31507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the EventScotland budget was in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the EventScotland budget was in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The budget available to EventScotlandin each of the last three years was £3 million in 2004-05, rising to £5 millionin both 2005-06 and 2006-07.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204071,"EventID":"S2W-31508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money EventScotland secured in sponsorship from the private sector in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money EventScotland secured in sponsorship from the private sector in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"Private sector sponsorshipfor events supported by EventScotland has provided welcome support to manyevents in the past three years. However, this support is often provided on avalue-in-kind basis or the level of sponsorship is not made available toEventScotland. Therefore EventScotland do not hold figures which express acomprehensive value of private sector support.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204072,"EventID":"S2W-31509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was contributed by other public sector agencies to EventScotland projects in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was contributed by other public sector agencies to EventScotland projects in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In each of the last threeyears the level of funding contributed by other public sector agencies toEventscotland projects is as follows: | Year | Funding | | 2004-05 | £1,409,404 | | 2005-06 | £2,449,938 | | 2006-07 | £3,315, 606 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204073,"EventID":"S2W-31510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund closed and what the reason was for its closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund closed and what the reason was for its closure.","AnswerText":"This initiative was establishedand funded by Scottish Enterprise. As such, this is an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise and I have asked its Chief Executive to respond to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204074,"EventID":"S2W-31511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was budgeted for the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund in each financial year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was budgeted for the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund in each financial year since its inception.","AnswerText":"This initiative was establishedand funded by Scottish Enterprise. As such, this is an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise and I have asked its Chief Executive to respond to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204075,"EventID":"S2W-31512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many projects the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund invested in each financial year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many projects the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund invested in each financial year since its inception.","AnswerText":"This initiative was establishedand funded by Scottish Enterprise. As such, this is an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise and I have asked its Chief Executive to respond to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204076,"EventID":"S2W-31513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated to each project in which the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund invested.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was allocated to each project in which the Digital Media and Creative Industries Project Co-investment Fund invested.","AnswerText":"This initiative was establishedand funded by Scottish Enterprise. As such, this is an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise and I have asked its Chief Executive to respond to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204077,"EventID":"S2W-31514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the Audit Scotland report, Planning ward nursing - legacy or design?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of the Audit Scotland report, Planning ward nursing - legacy or design?.","AnswerText":"In their follow up audit of Planningward nursing – legacy or design?, Audit Scotland has acknowledged thatsignificant progress has been made by the Executive and NHS boards inimplementing their baseline report. This includes improvements to theinformation on the nursing workforce and workload, the development of a robust,standardised, national approach to workforce and workload planning. We continueto work with NHS boards, trade unions and professional bodies to ensure fullimplementation of all recommendations through a range of specific work streams,including the nursing and midwifery workforce and workload planning projectwhich is scheduled to move into its final phase in April 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204078,"EventID":"S2W-31515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that core nursing staff levels are sufficient to meet demand and to cover for holiday, sickness, maternity leave, study leave and pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that core nursing staff levels are sufficient to meet demand and to cover for holiday, sickness, maternity leave, study leave and protected time for senior nursing staff with team leadership responsibilities, in light of the increase in use of bank nurses highlighted in the Audit Scotland report, Planning ward nursing - legacy or design?.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have already madeprogress in achieving recommended predicted absence levels and protected timefor clinical leaders since the publication of Audit Scotland’sfollow up report. On-going progress will be monitored through the workload andworkforce planning programme until full implementation of the recommendationsis reached.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204079,"EventID":"S2W-31516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed how much NHS bank nursing is undertaken by nurses already employed on permanent contracts by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has assessed how much NHS bank nursing is undertaken by nurses already employed on permanent contracts by the NHS.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204080,"EventID":"S2W-31517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring that nursing staff in permanent and bank nurse employment do not work excess hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring that nursing staff in permanent and bank nurse employment do not work excess hours.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have responsibilityfor ensuring permanent and bank staff are deployed in such a way as to comply withlocal Family Friendly Policies, Working Time regulations and other issues that governemployment matters. The Executive also published a report on Nationally Co-ordinatedNurse Bank Arrangements and this sets out clearly the action required by NHSboards to support the valuable contribution that nurse bank staff make.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204081,"EventID":"S2W-31518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on continuity of care of the increased use of bank nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on continuity of care of the increased use of bank nurses.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsiblefor the provision of services to meet local needs. When nurses are off sick, oron unexpected leave, it is important to ensure that patient care comes firstand that the rest of the team are not subject to further workload and pressure.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204082,"EventID":"S2W-31519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the use of overtime rather than bank nurses to cover temporary staff shortages, in order to maintain continuity of care and more easily","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the use of overtime rather than bank nurses to cover temporary staff shortages, in order to maintain continuity of care and more easily monitor compliance with working time regulations.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsiblefor ensuring that they have the appropriate team with the right skill mix andcompetencies to meet patient need and maintain continuity of care. NHS boardstake these decisions based on family friendly policies, the working time regulationsand other issues that govern employment matters.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204083,"EventID":"S2W-31520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of changes to the rules for transporting animals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of changes to the rules for transporting animals.","AnswerText":"Costs of complying with the newprovisions in EC Regulation 1/2005 on the transportation of animals are estimatedto be:A one-off fee of £40 for a drivercompetency test for drivers driving animals over 65km and up to eight hours or £100for drivers driving animals over eight hours. The inspection costs for vehiclesused on journeys of over eight hours will be between £50 and £150. The approvalcertificate will last five years. There is no inspection of vehicles used on shorterjourneys. Alterations to the ramp anglesto some existing vehicles will be in the region of about £100 (for the smallestvehicles and trailers) to £10,000 for large multi-deck vehicles. This requirementwill be phased in over five years. Some existing vehicles used forjourneys over 12 hours may require mechanical ventilation, temperature monitoringand warning equipment and satellite navigation systems to be installed. The costof this could range from £1,750 to £12,250 where it is necessary. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204084,"EventID":"S2W-31521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nursing vacancy rate was in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nursing vacancy rate was in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thefigures for nursing and midwifery vacancies as a percentage of establishment.At 31 March | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | 2.8 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 3.5 | Source: ISD Scotland. Further information on the statistics,including information on how the data is collected and notes to aid interpretation,is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under workforce statistics,at www.isdscotland.org/workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204085,"EventID":"S2W-31522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nursing vacancy rate was for posts vacant for more than three months in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nursing vacancy rate was for posts vacant for more than three months in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thefigures for nursing and midwifery staff vacancies (three months or more) by wholetime equivalent each year since 1999.At 31 March | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 0.7 | Source: ISD Scotland. Further information on the statistics,including information on how the data is collected and notes to aid interpretation,is published on the Scottish Health Statistics website under workforce statistics,at: www.isdscotland.org/workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204086,"EventID":"S2W-31523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage and number of nurses left the profession in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage and number of nurses left the profession in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. However, the number and percentage of registered nurses and midwiveswho left NHSScotland since 1999 is outlined in the following tables.Registered Nursesand Midwives leaving NHS Scotland1 | Headcount | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Leavers | 2,746 | 2,806 | 2,813 | 2,819 | 2,965 | 2,747 | 3,040 | | Leave NHS Scotland2 | 2,495 | 2,560 | 2,471 | 2,371 | 2,675 | 2,358 | 2,623 | | Leave to bank3 | 251 | 246 | 342 | 448 | 290 | 389 | 417 | Percentage of Staff in Post4 | | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Leavers | 6.6% | 6.6% | 6.5% | 6.4% | 6.6% | 6.0% | 6.4% | | Leave NHS Scotland2 | 6.0% | 6.1% | 5.7% | 5.4% | 5.9% | 5.1% | 5.6% | | Leave to ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204087,"EventID":"S2W-31524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults its EU Office in respect of its policy on genetically modified crops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it consults its EU Office in respect of its policy on genetically modified crops.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive policies onGM issues are set by ministers in Scotland. The Scottish Executive EU Office in Brussels providesScotland-based officials with information on EU developments, including those relatingto genetically modified crops. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204088,"EventID":"S2W-31527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, from (a) 1999 to 2003 and (b) 2003 to 2007 an Executive official has been a member of the UK delegation to meetings of the EU Council when i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, from (a) 1999 to 2003 and (b) 2003 to 2007 an Executive official has been a member of the UK delegation to meetings of the EU Council when issues relating to genetically modified crops and foods have been on the agenda.","AnswerText":"GM Issues have been identifiedin the business of the under‑noted Council meetings, but this list may notbe exhaustive because agendas can change and issues relating to genetically modifiedcrops and food may be raised during discussions of other items. The Executive doesnot keep comprehensive records of official attendance at Council meetings, but itis normal practice that an official is present at both the Agriculture and Fisheriesand Environment Council. | Council | Council Date | | Environment | June 1999 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | September 1999 | | Environment | October 1999 | | Environment | December 1999 | | Environment | October 2000 | | Environment | December 2000 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | February 2001 | | Environment | March 2001 | | Environment | June 2001 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | October 2001 | | Environment | October 2001 | | Environment | December 2001 | | Environment | March 2002 | | Environment | June 2002 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | September 2002 | | Environment | October 2002 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | October 2002 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | November 2002 | | Environment | December 2002 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | February 2003 | | Environment | March 2003 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | March 2003 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | May 2003 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | July 2003 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | September 2003 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | April 2004 | | Environment | June 2004 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | July 2004 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | October 2004 | | Environment | December 2004 | | Agriculture and Fisheries | Feb 2005 | | Environment | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204089,"EventID":"S2W-31528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, an Executive official has been a member of the UK delegation to any EU working groups on genetically modified crops and foods. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, an Executive official has been a member of the UK delegation to any EU working groups on genetically modified crops and foods. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold records of specific official attendance at EU working groups in which geneticallymodified crops and food are discussed. The most recent example where an Executiveofficial attended an EU meeting was COEX-NET (the network group on coexistence ofgenetically modified crops with conventional and organic agriculture) in Brussels on 19 December 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204090,"EventID":"S2W-31529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, from (a) 1999 to 2003 and (b) 2003 to 2007 a Scottish minister has been a member of the UK delegation to meetings of the EU Council when iss","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, and on what dates, from (a) 1999 to 2003 and (b) 2003 to 2007 a Scottish minister has been a member of the UK delegation to meetings of the EU Council when issues relating to genetically modified crops and foods have been on the agenda.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministershave been in attendance at the following Council meetings when issues relating togenetically modified crops and foods have been substantive items for discussion. | Date | EU Council | Minister | | 13-14 December 1999 | Environment | Sarah Boyack | | 26 February 2001 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 8 March 2001 | Environment | Sam Galbraith | | 23-24 September 2002 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 14-15 October 2002 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 17 October 2002 | Environment | Ross Finnie | | 27-29 November 2002 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 20 February 2003 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 13 June 2003 | Environment | Ross Finnie | | 26 April 2004 | Agriculture | Allan Wilson | | 18 October 2004 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 26 April 2005 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 30 May 2005 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 19-20 September 2005 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 24 October 2005 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 19-21 December 2005 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 22-23 May 2006 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 27 June 2006 | Environment | Rhona Brankin | | 23 October 2006 | Environment | Rhona Brankin | | 20-21 November 2006 | Agriculture | Ross Finnie | | 18 December 2006 | Environment | Ross Finnie | Further information onministerial attendance at Council meetings can be found on the Scottish Executivewebsite at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204091,"EventID":"S2W-31530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total costs have been incurred by (a) it, (b) other public bodies and (c) Caledonian MacBrayne and its successor companies in relation to the tender for the Clyde an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total costs have been incurred by (a) it, (b) other public bodies and (c) Caledonian MacBrayne and its successor companies in relation to the tender for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services since 1999, including (i) civil servants’ time and related costs, including the time of senior civil servants, (ii) the costs of dividing Caledonian MacBrayne into three companies, offshoring jobs and transferring ownership, including establishing new offices at Port Glasgow and in Jersey, (iii) the costs of all external legal advice sought by the Executive, (iv) the costs to any Executive agency or organisation funded by the Executive in relation to the tender and (v) any other associated costs.","AnswerText":"It is not possible toprovide an exact estimate of the cost of the tendering process. However thefirst of following tables sets out approximate costs incurred by the ScottishExecutive. The following table sets out the identifiable costs incurred by thepublic bodies involved. We are not aware of any other public bodies incurringspecific costs on the process. The costs incurred to datefor tendering the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services are as follows:- The Scottish Executive(November 1999 to 31 January 2007) | Staff Costs* | £1,170,108 | | Travel and Subsistence | £15,526 | | External Legal, Financial and Technical Advice | £937,800 | | Advertising Costs (including Official Journal of European Union and recruitment of non executive directors for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) | £19, 585 | | Consultations/Publications | £47,455 | | Sub total | £2,190,474 | Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd(April 2000 to 30 September 2006) | Staff Costs | £366,000 | | Restructuring Costs | £1,105,000 | | Consideration of State Aids Issues | £206,000 | | Offshore Crewing** | £167,000 | | Sub total | £1,844,000 | CalMac Ferries Ltd (1 October 2006 to 31 January 2007) | Restructuring Costs | £138,000 | | Sub total | £138,000 | Caledonian Maritime AssetsLtd (1 October 2006 to 31 January 2007) | Taxation*** | £11,000,000 | | Staff Costs | £71,133 | | Legal fees etc | £72,772 | | Consultancy fees | £34,793 | | Administration Costs | £15,597 | | Sub total | £11,194,295 | | Total | £15,366,769 | Notes: *This cost doesnot include the cost of senior officials in Transport Group, specialistofficials or ministers as their time cannot be separately accounted for.Neither does it","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204092,"EventID":"S2W-31531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to investigate the reasons behind the decision of V Ships to withdraw from the tender to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to investigate the reasons behind the decision of V Ships to withdraw from the tender to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate tocontact V Ships at the present time while the tender process is on-going. However,once the contract has been awarded, officials will offer a debrief to V Ships. Thiswill provide an opportunity to discuss the reasons for the company’s withdrawaland this will inform the review that normally takes place at the end of tender processes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204093,"EventID":"S2W-31532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet the European Commission to discuss the tender of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service, any problems faced and the options available for the futur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to meet the European Commission to discuss the tender of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service, any problems faced and the options available for the future provision of the service following the initial six-year contract period and, if so, when it expects such a meeting to take place.","AnswerText":"The Executive, atministerial and official level, have met and will continue to meet the EuropeanCommission to discuss this and other transport matters.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204094,"EventID":"S2W-31533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is certain that the tender process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service is compliant with EU legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is certain that the tender process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service is compliant with EU legislation.","AnswerText":"Our key priority is thatthere should be no disruption to the lifeline Clyde and Hebridesferry services. The services are being tendered in a way that is fullycompliant with EU legislation.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204095,"EventID":"S2W-31534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any problems encountered in the current tender process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service, it will ensure that the tender process is not repeat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any problems encountered in the current tender process for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service, it will ensure that the tender process is not repeated in this manner in future.","AnswerText":"A key priority for any ferrytendering process is that there should be no disruption to the lifeline Clyde and Hebridesservices. The current tender exercise, as with all such projects, will bereviewed on completion.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204096,"EventID":"S2W-31535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue with the current Clyde and Hebrides ferry service and how it will assess the appropriateness of awarding the tender to Caledonian MacBrayne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue with the current Clyde and Hebrides ferry service and how it will assess the appropriateness of awarding the tender to Caledonian MacBrayne in the absence of any competitor.","AnswerText":"The European Union’s maritimelegislation and state aid rules mean that we must complete the tendering process.A key priority as we do this is that there should be no disruption to the lifelineClyde and Hebrides ferry services. The new arrangement will, for thefirst time, introduce a robust contractual arrangementfor provision of the services.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204097,"EventID":"S2W-31536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing ferry services with support through aid of a social character instead of direct subsidy and, if so, what stage its consideration has r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing ferry services with support through aid of a social character instead of direct subsidy and, if so, what stage its consideration has reached.","AnswerText":"I refer to member to the answer to question S2W-30068 on 14 December 2006. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204098,"EventID":"S2W-31537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its social enterprise strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its social enterprise strategy.","AnswerText":"It is our intention to publisha social enterprise strategy in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204099,"EventID":"S2W-31538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people subscribed to each issue of Scotland-Now since March 2006 and what the cost is of producing this e-magazine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people subscribed to each issue of Scotland-Now since March 2006 and what the cost is of producing this e-magazine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive engageswith the Scottish diaspora to further Scotland’s interests for the long-term benefit of our economyand society. Scotland-Now showcasesmodern Scotland as a great place to live and work, visit, study and invest.We communicate regularly withthe diaspora, alumni and people with an affinity towards Scotland electronicallythrough regular updates. The first edition of Scotland-Now (www.scotland-now.com)the e-magazine which is specifically aimed at the diaspora audience, was publishedin March 2006. The weblink to Scotland-Now is currently issued to over78,000 individuals. Five thousand, four hundred and seven subscribers register directand, additionally, subscribers to partner organisations, including the globalscotnetwork, Talent Scotland, AncestralScotland, VisitScotland, Scottish NetworksInternational (SNI), various alumni associations, and Rampant Scotland, also receiveupdates on an individual basis. The average cost per editionof Scotland-Now is £8,737.65. Thisrepresents a cost of approximately 0.11p for every individual who receives the weblink. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204100,"EventID":"S2W-31539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the temperature in the Parliament building reached higher than normal levels on 30 January 2007 and, if so, what the reasons were for the incre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether the temperature in the Parliament building reached higher than normal levels on 30 January 2007 and, if so, what the reasons were for the increase.","AnswerText":"Building temperatures weremonitored closely on 30 January and did not reach higher than normal levels.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204101,"EventID":"S2W-31540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether any special measures in respect of the Parliament’s environment, other than any taken for the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum, were taken f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether any special measures in respect of the Parliament’s environment, other than any taken for the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum, were taken for the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of York on 30 January 2007. ","AnswerText":"In the run up to and duringthe Microsoft Government Leaders Forum, no special measures were required tomaintain comfort levels. Standard building procedures were followed, whichinclude closely monitoring building temperatures, switching equipment off whennot in use, adjusting room and air handling unit settings and utilising naturalventilation. No additional measures were taken for the visit of His RoyalHighness The Duke of York.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204102,"EventID":"S2W-31541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether any special measures in respect of the Parliament’s environment were taken for the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether any special measures in respect of the Parliament’s environment were taken for the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum. ","AnswerText":"In the run up to and duringthe Microsoft Government Leaders Forum, no special measures were required tomaintain comfort levels. Standard building procedures were followed, whichinclude closely monitoring building temperatures, switching equipment off whennot in use, adjusting room and air handling unit settings and utilising naturalventilation. No additional measures were taken for the visit of His RoyalHighness The Duke of York.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Kenny MacAskill","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204103,"EventID":"S2W-31542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the recruitment of secondary school teachers in Caithness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the recruitment of secondary school teachers in Caithness.","AnswerText":"The recruitment of teachers isa responsibility of each local authority.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204104,"EventID":"S2W-31543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to assist individuals to establish new businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to assist individuals to establish new businesses.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise andHighlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have the lead responsibility for providingassistance to individuals wishing to establish a business. In addition, there area number of schemes delivered and directly funded by the Scottish Executive. Eligibilityfor support – including funding - will depend on a number of factors, such as location,scale and nature of the business.For advice on the availabilityof funding, the individuals involved should contact Business Gateway in the ScottishEnterprise area or the Local Enterprise Company in the Highlands andIslands Enterprise area. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204105,"EventID":"S2W-31544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why an upper age limit is set for some of the grants available to establish new businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why an upper age limit is set for some of the grants available to establish new businesses.","AnswerText":"The Business Start-up Grant forYoung People in the 18 to 30 age group, delivered by Scottish Enterprise’s BusinessGateway network in conjunction with the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust,is the only grant scheme for new businesses with an upper age limit. This grantis specifically targeted at this age group as research suggests that funding constraintscan be a particular problem for young people.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204106,"EventID":"S2W-31545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were housed in open prisons in each year since 2000, broken down by (a) category recommended for each prisoner at the start of their sentence and (b) l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were housed in open prisons in each year since 2000, broken down by (a) category recommended for each prisoner at the start of their sentence and (b) length of sentence (i) originally handed down and (ii) remaining when transferred to open prison.","AnswerText":"The average daily and maximumpopulation for each prison for each year in the period requested can be obtainedfrom the Scottish Prison Service Annual Reports published at:http://www.sps.gov.uk/default.aspx?documentid=67e156ce-a4c9-49f5-a526-0dab421427f6. (a)All prisoners are categorised as High Supervision at the start of their sentence. (b) The information requestedat (b) is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204107,"EventID":"S2W-31546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners housed in open prisons in each year since 2000 were originally convicted of (a) murder, (b) rape, (c) robbery, (d) culpable homicide, (e) sexual assaul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners housed in open prisons in each year since 2000 were originally convicted of (a) murder, (b) rape, (c) robbery, (d) culpable homicide, (e) sexual assault, (f) assault with a knife or bladed instrument, (g) possession with intent to supply drugs, (h) simple possession of drugs, (i) grievous bodily harm, (j) actual bodily harm and (k) assault.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The available information onprisoners held in the open estate on 30 June by main crime and year is providedin the following table: | Main Crime | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Murder | 32 | 47 | 45 | 40 | 28 | | Attempted murder | 5 | 9 | 4 | 15 | 18 | | Culpable homicide | 14 | 9 | 16 | 17 | 27 | | Serious Assault | 31 | 40 | 48 | 54 | 50 | | Handling an offensive weapon | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | Robbery | 21 | 13 | 20 | 26 | 27 | | Rape and attempted rape | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | | Supply or possession with intent to supply | 77 | 83 | 110 | 102 | 95 | | Possession of drugs | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204109,"EventID":"S2W-31548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-19640 by Peter Peacock on 28 October 2005, whether the details were provided by the relevant organisations to allow a single point ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-19640 by Peter Peacock on 28 October 2005, whether the details were provided by the relevant organisations to allow a single point of contact for each organisation to be published on the Executive's website; when the details were placed on the website; what the current status is of the point of contact, and how many people have used the service.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s website providesinformation to help individuals who lived in a List D school or children’s hometo access their personal records, including contact details of relevant organisations.This has been on the website since early 2006. The information is being updatedas part of the Executive’s development of the website survivorscotland.org.uk, whichwill be launched later this year. Information on the number of people who accessindividual pages of the Executive website is not collected. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204110,"EventID":"S2W-31549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-15682 and S2W-19637 by Peter Peacock on 26 April and 28 October 2005 respectively, whether the helpline is still operated over th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-15682 and S2W-19637 by Peter Peacock on 26 April and 28 October 2005 respectively, whether the helpline is still operated over the same hours; how it continues to be advertised, and how many people have contacted the helpline since it was set up.","AnswerText":"This helpline was establishedto provide information to help abuse survivors who were former residents of ListD schools or children’s homes to access files held by the Scottish Executive onresidential establishments. It was run by Who Cares? Scotland betweenFebruary and August 2005, when it was closed because only three people had usedit.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204111,"EventID":"S2W-31550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group has met since its first meeting in September 2005 and whether it has had any meetings since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group has met since its first meeting in September 2005 and whether it has had any meetings since 17 March 2006 and, if so, whether it will publish the minutes of such meetings on the Executive's website.","AnswerText":"There have been 12 meetings of the group since its inception in September 2005 and minutes appear on the websiteafter they have been formally cleared.The remit of the group focuseson addressing the adult needs of those who have been sexually abused as children.However, it is recognised that sexual abuse may incorporate psychological and physicalabuse. The expertise of the Cross PartyGroup was used to define the core membership, which is largely unaltered. Some additionswere made, for example, a representative from the Scottish Association for MentalHealth. There are currently 25 members, 17 of whom are external, representing healthand local authorities, and the following of voluntary sector groups: the Moira AndersonFoundation; Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project, No More Secrets; SAY Women; VictimSupport Scotland; M-Line, and Children 1st. Given the sensitivity, memberswho are abuse survivors are not identified but some have experience of being incare settings. There have been no resignations. To ensure that the strategy isco-ordinated, there are six Scottish Executive members representing community care,sexual and mental health, criminal justice and children and families. In additionthere are two lead professionals (each employed one day per week) whose role isto implement agreed action points as laid out in the Strategy and agreed with theReference Group. One of the lead professionals has been employed in other areasof the Scottish Executive to conduct research in the past. In addition to full membership,relevant speakers and other contributors are co-opted to task groups as necessary.Other organisations wishing to contribute to the strategy implementation will beable to do so through the forthcoming national conference on 28 February and throughthe expanding network to be routed through the website. It is anticipated that the ReferenceGroup will conclude its business by April 2009. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204112,"EventID":"S2W-31551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the membership of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group has changed since its formation and, if so, who the current members are and which ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the membership of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group has changed since its formation and, if so, who the current members are and which organisations they represent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204113,"EventID":"S2W-31552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the appointment criteria and mechanisms were for members of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group; what process applies to organisations that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the appointment criteria and mechanisms were for members of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group; what process applies to organisations that wish to apply for membership; whether any organisation has had an application for membership rejected and, if so, on what grounds.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204114,"EventID":"S2W-31553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role is of the lead professionals on the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role is of the lead professionals on the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204115,"EventID":"S2W-31554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full members of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group are (a) full-time Executive staff or (b) employed, or have previously been employed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full members of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group are (a) full-time Executive staff or (b) employed, or have previously been employed, by the Executive on a consultancy basis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204116,"EventID":"S2W-31555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the anticipated lifespan is of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the anticipated lifespan is of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204117,"EventID":"S2W-31556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what administration and expenses budget was allocated to the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group and what has been spent under this budget since the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what administration and expenses budget was allocated to the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group and what has been spent under this budget since the group was formed.","AnswerText":"The £2 million Survivors Fundis the total budget available to the Strategy. £60,007 has been spent to date onlead professional salaries, expenses (for example accommodation for service usersattending meetings), and setting up a website that will go live shortly. Thegroup has also taken time and care to devise the criteria for a Development Fund.Applications are currently being sought for new, innovative services as well as supporting existing fragile initiativesthrough demonstration projects. It is anticipatedthat these will absorb the bulk of the monies available. The fund was launched on26 January and closes on 31 March 2007. As yet, no applications have been receivedbut there is a keen interest as evidenced by requests for application forms.There is no requirement thatan organisation has charitable status to be eligible for application to the SurvivorsFund, but there will need to be satisfactory evidence that the organisation meets the criteria aslaid out in the fund guidelines. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204118,"EventID":"S2W-31557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been budgeted for projects arising from recommendations from the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group since its formation; what r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources have been budgeted for projects arising from recommendations from the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group since its formation; what resources have been allocated and how much has been spent, broken down by project are.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31556 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204119,"EventID":"S2W-31558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) allocated or (b) spent from the £2 million Survivors' Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group on the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) allocated or (b) spent from the £2 million Survivors' Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group on the care needs of people who have survived childhood sexual abuse, Services for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31556 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204120,"EventID":"S2W-31559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids have been received for demonstration projects under the £2 million Survivors’ Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids have been received for demonstration projects under the £2 million Survivors’ Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group on the care needs of people who have survived childhood sexual abuse, Services for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, and which bids have been successful.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31556 on 14 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204121,"EventID":"S2W-31560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an organisation requires to be a registered charity to be eligible for funding from the £2 million Survivors’ Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Execu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an organisation requires to be a registered charity to be eligible for funding from the £2 million Survivors’ Fund resulting from the report by the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group on the care needs of people who have survived childhood sexual abuse, Services for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31556 on 14 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204122,"EventID":"S2W-31561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a review of the booklet, A Can of Worms, was considered to be necessary, as referred to in the minute of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a review of the booklet, A Can of Worms, was considered to be necessary, as referred to in the minute of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group’s meeting on 17 March 2006 and, if so, when the review was carried out and what the result was.","AnswerText":"It was considered that somecomments made about the booklet, A Can of Worms, raised issues thatrequired further consideration. I instructed officials to convene a reviewgroup to consider those issues further. The booklet addresses an important needand the review group is considering whether changes are required to improve thebooklet and, if so, to agree what the changes should be.The group met twice in 2006,on 13 October and on 11 December, and has agreed to take forward its work into2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204123,"EventID":"S2W-31562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the website that the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group agreed at its meeting on 17 March 2006 should be set up has been set up.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the website that the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group agreed at its meeting on 17 March 2006 should be set up has been set up.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to thequestion S2W-31556 answered on 14 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204124,"EventID":"S2W-31563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the network of survivors, practitioners and researchers that the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group agreed at its meeting on 17 March 2006 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the network of survivors, practitioners and researchers that the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group agreed at its meeting on 17 March 2006 should be set up has been set up.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204125,"EventID":"S2W-31564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remit of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group covers all forms of abuse of children and not only sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remit of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group covers all forms of abuse of children and not only sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. 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":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204126,"EventID":"S2W-31565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31076 by Cathy Jamieson on 25 January 2007, how many of the prosecutions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year related to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31076 by Cathy Jamieson on 25 January 2007, how many of the prosecutions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year related to illegal dogs, broken down by breed or type of dog.","AnswerText":"Data at the level of detail requestedis not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204127,"EventID":"S2W-31566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2252,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the average salary of emergency workers compares with that of employees in the private sector with similar skills and experience.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the average salary of emergency workers compares with that of employees in the private sector with similar skills and experience.","AnswerText":"The preferred source for earningsestimates is the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which is carried outby the Office for National Statistics. The latest earnings estimates available arefor April 2006.Table 1 shows the median full-timehourly earnings excluding overtime for selected Standard Industrial Classification(SIC) codes which encompass the emergency services. Estimates of earnings of employeesin the private sector with similar skills and experience are not available as detailsof skills and experience are not collected by the ASHE survey. Table 1 – Median Full-TimeHourly Earnings Excluding Overtime by Emergency Services Industry | SIC code | Median Hourly Earnings Excluding Overtime | | 75.24–Public security, law and order activities | £14.36 | | 75.25–Fire service activities | £11.96 | | 85.14–Other human health activities1 | £10.73 | Source: Annual Survey of Hoursand Earnings. Notes: 1. SIC 85.14 – Other human healthactivities includes ambulance transport of patients. 2. The estimates are based onthe pay excluding overtime for employees on adult rates whose pay for the surveypay-period was not affected by absence. 3. The estimates are based on a samplesurvey, and as such, are subject to sampling error. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204128,"EventID":"S2W-31567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are being made available to NHS boards for 2007-08.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have been given ageneral allocation of £6,870.4 million for 2007-08, an average increase over theequivalent 2006-07 allocation of 6.44%. Details of each NHS board’s allocation isas follows: | | Allocation (£ Million) | Increase (£ Million) | Increase % | | Ayrshire and Arran | 530.2 | 31.6 | 6.34% | | Borders | 154.1 | 10.1 | 7.00% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 221.2 | 13.1 | 6.28% | | Fife | 462.4 | 30.2 | 7.00% | | Forth Valley | 363.0 | 23.7 | 7.00% | | Grampian | 627.3 | 39.6 | 6.74% | | Greater Glasgow | 1,734.9 | 98.2 | 6.00% | | Highland | 445.8 | 25.2 | 6.00% | | Lanarkshire | 735.0 | 46.2 | 6.71% | | Lothian | 930.9 | 60.2 | 6.91% | | Orkney | 28.7 | 1.7 | 6.24% | | Shetland | 33.9 | 1.9 | 6.00% | | Tayside | 549.4 | 31.1 | 6.00% | | Western Isles | 53.6 | 3.0 | We have put in place anumber of initiatives to address problems of access to NHS dental services insome parts of Scotland. The number (headcount) of non-salaried principalsproviding NHS general dental services in Scotland has risen from 1,933 at 30September 2005 to 2,025 at 30 September 2006, and in the same period the numberof Community and Salaried Dentists has increased from 550 to 676. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204130,"EventID":"S2W-31569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals are currently housed in each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foreign nationals are currently housed in each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:On 5 February 2007 Foreign Nationalswere recorded as follows. | Establishment | No. | | Aberdeen | 12 | | Barlinnie | 62 | | Castle Huntly | 3 | | Cornton Vale | 23 | | Dumfries | 24 | | Edinburgh | 36 | | Glenochil | 7 | | Greenock | 13 | | Inverness | 3 | | Kilmarnock | 7 | | Low Moss | 1 | | Noranside | 2 | | Perth | 5 | | Peterhead | 6 | | Polmont | 11 | | Shotts | 7 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204131,"EventID":"S2W-31570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be spent on the Warm Deal programme in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in 2007-08 and, of this, how much will be allocated to (i) Renfrewshire Cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money will be spent on the Warm Deal programme in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in 2007-08 and, of this, how much will be allocated to (i) Renfrewshire Council, (ii) Inverclyde Council and (iii) housing associations in these areas. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:It is estimated that £16,000will be spent in Renfrewshire and £56,000 in Inverclyde on Warm Deal measures during2007-08 in council owned properties. No requests for funding had been received fromhousing associations in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde areas when funding for2007-08 was being allocated. It is likely that some Warm Dealmeasures will also be provided to private households in the PA postcode area during2007-08, but as this scheme is demand-led, it is not possible to provide estimatesof possible expenditure. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204132,"EventID":"S2W-31571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made anent the number of households that are eligible for installations under the Warm Deal programme in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made anent the number of households that are eligible for installations under the Warm Deal programme in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:The latest information providedby the local authorities would indicate that 50 council owned properties in Renfrewshireand 500 in Inverclyde would be eligible for Warm Deal measures in 2007-08. No requestsfor funding had been received from housing associations in the Renfrewshire andInverclyde areas when funding for 2007-08 was being allocated. It is likely that some Warm Dealmeasures will also be provided to private households by the managing agent in thePA postcode area during 2007-08, but as this scheme is demand led, it is not possibleto provide estimated numbers. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204133,"EventID":"S2W-31572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of households in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde that have benefited from the Warm Deal programme since its inception. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of households in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde that have benefited from the Warm Deal programme since its inception. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Since the programme began in1999, a total of 1,979 households in council owned properties have benefited fromthe Warm Deal programme in Renfrewshire. For Inverclyde, the total for that periodis 5,853. The managing agent for theprogramme also installed Warm Deal measures, covering the private sector togetherwith local authority and housing association properties during that period, butthe information regarding numbers installed by the managing agent is only availableby main postcode area. The figure for the PA postcode area was 8,445 for the period1999 to 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204134,"EventID":"S2W-31573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the UK Government anent the impact of the dismantling and disposal of redundant offshore oil and gas structures where such w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the UK Government anent the impact of the dismantling and disposal of redundant offshore oil and gas structures where such work takes place in Scottish waterways.","AnswerText":"Most recently the Executive alongwith DTI and other interested parties were invited to meet with Shell and discussthe future decommissioning project of Brent Field.Over the last five years theDepartment for Trade and Industry has consulted with the Scottish Executive priorto approving decommissioning programmes for the Hutton, Frigg, Beatrice and NorthWest Hutton Field facilities and on removal and disposal of the Brent flare towerand Brent Spar anchor blocks all of which are located in Scottish Waters. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204135,"EventID":"S2W-31574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of Scottish companies involved in the disposal of decommissioned, or redundant, offshore oil and gas structures and what estimate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of Scottish companies involved in the disposal of decommissioned, or redundant, offshore oil and gas structures and what estimate has been made of the number of people employed in such work.","AnswerText":"There is no data stored centrallyregarding number of jobs and Scottish companies involved in decommissioning projects.However, Scottish Enterprise published a decommissioning report in 2005 (Oil andGas Decommissioning Opportunity Review) providing forecasts of expenditures, jobsand timescales for when main programmes would begin.With the increase in new technologiesand techniques, the anticipated dates for abandonment are continually being revisedand deferred, giving Scottish companies time to prepare and adapt their skills andservices to take up opportunities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204136,"EventID":"S2W-31575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers take part in discussions concerning the disposal of redundant offshore oil and gas installations with (a) the companies that own such structure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers take part in discussions concerning the disposal of redundant offshore oil and gas installations with (a) the companies that own such structures, (b) UK ministers, (c) commercial fishermen’s organisations and (d) other interested parties.","AnswerText":"The Department of Trade and Industryconsults the Scottish Executive on all decommissioning programmes covering redundantoffshore oil and gas infrastructure located in Scottish waters. Such proposals includethe outcome of consultations by the operator with interested parties including therelevant fishermen’s organisations.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204137,"EventID":"S2W-31576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of occasions in each of the last seven years on which the Erskine Bridge was closed to all types of vehicles because of severe we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of occasions in each of the last seven years on which the Erskine Bridge was closed to all types of vehicles because of severe weather conditions.","AnswerText":"The number of occasions whenthe Erskine Bridge has been closed to all types of traffic since 1 April 2001 becauseof severe weather conditions is set out in the following table: | Year | Number of Closures | Dates and Times of Closures | | 2001 | 0 | - | | 2002 | 1 | 28 January – no times available | | 2003 | 1 | 28 January - 06.00 to 09.55 | | 2004 | 0 | - | | 2005 | 2 | 11 January 19.45 to 12 January 20.00 11 November 15.20 to 12 November 07.00 | | 2006 | 3 | 26 October 14.30 to 17.30 3 December 19.00 to 4 December 14.30 31 December 20.00 to 1 January 06.00 | | 2007 | 3 | 3 January 23.00 to 4 January 14.00 10 January 23.00 to 12 January 01.30 13 January 15.30 to 14 January 03.00 | Transport Scotland has operationalresponsibility for this matter and can be contacted for more information if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204138,"EventID":"S2W-31577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in conjunction with local authorities to tackle climate change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in conjunction with local authorities to tackle climate change.","AnswerText":"As part of Changing Our Ways:Scotland’s Climate Change Programme, the Executive supported a partnership processleading to the announcement last month of Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. This is a common declarationof intent on climate change which all Scotland’s local authorities have committed to sign.We are committed to supportingan on-going process to develop a co-ordinated and improved programme of supporton climate change for Scottish local authorities, and have provided resources toassist the Sustainable Scotland Network develop a climate change programme for localgovernment in Scotland for publication later this year. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204139,"EventID":"S2W-31578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30903 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 January 2007, what recent information was given to the partnership board by the Ministry of Defence (MO","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30903 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 January 2007, what recent information was given to the partnership board by the Ministry of Defence (MOD Defence Medical Services) anent the number of discharged Scottish servicemen and servicewomen who have been (a) directed to Scottish NHS hospitals for the treatment of physical injuries and therapeutic care and (b) referred for psychiatric treatment and care to Scottish NHS hospitals in each of the last seven years.","AnswerText":"None. The statistical informationrequested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204140,"EventID":"S2W-31579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish NHS hospitals and psychiatric clinics have the right to seek financial contributions from the Ministry of Defence (MOD Defence Medical Services) in order","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish NHS hospitals and psychiatric clinics have the right to seek financial contributions from the Ministry of Defence (MOD Defence Medical Services) in order to help meet the cost of the medical treatment of discharged Scottish servicemen and servicewomen. ","AnswerText":"The Transfer of Functions (Ministryof Pensions) Order 1953 passed the financial and administrative responsibility forthe provision of medical and surgical services for war pensioners to Health Departments.In Scotland funding was transferred to NHS boards. Travel and subsistencecosts remain the responsibility of the Veterans Agency.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204141,"EventID":"S2W-31580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires regional transport partnerships to produce transport strategies which work towards road traffic stabilisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires regional transport partnerships to produce transport strategies which work towards road traffic stabilisation.","AnswerText":"The National TransportStrategy (NTS) retained the traffic stabilisation target. A more sophisticatedapproach will be taken to tackling traffic growth by focusing on meaningfuloutcomes in a number of areas, including emissions, congestion, and how manypeople are choosing walking and cycling as an alternative to the car. the Scottish Executive therefore expects regional transport partnerships to makeexplicit references to the aspirational target and to how they will worktowards these associated outcomes in their regions.The NTS also commits the Scottish Executive to drawing up a carbon balance sheet, which is intended toillustrate the impact of our transport policies and projects which have asignificant carbon impact, whether positive or negative. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204142,"EventID":"S2W-31581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1944,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept any regional transport strategy which plans to increase road traffic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept any regional transport strategy which plans to increase road traffic growth.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issuedguidance on the preparation of regional transport strategies. Each regional transportstrategy is expected to take account of the three strategic outcomes of the NationalTransport Strategy: improving journey times and connections; reducing emissions,and improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of public transport.Regional transport strategieswill be viewed holistically against these outcomes and against their support forpromoting economic growth and sustainable development. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204143,"EventID":"S2W-31582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest time was for an ambulance to attend an incident following a 999 call in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the longest time was for an ambulance to attend an incident following a 999 call in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division.","AnswerText":"The information requestedcould only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204144,"EventID":"S2W-31583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls for an ambulance it took more than an hour for a crew to attend in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division and a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls for an ambulance it took more than an hour for a crew to attend in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division and also expressed as a proportion of 999 calls for an ambulance over the same period.","AnswerText":"The figures requested are listedin the following table. The Scottish Ambulance Service rolled out a priority baseddispatch system during 2002-04, so the figures from 2000-03 relate to all 999 emergencycalls and the figures from 2003-06 relate to Category A (life-threatening) and CategoryB (serious but not life-threatening) calls. In 2005-06, the ambulance service respondedto all Category A calls in an average of 8.4 minutes.Number of Responses Over OneHour and Proportion of 999 Calls | Division | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | | Number | Proportion | Number | Proportion | Number | Proportion | | North East | 6 | 0.03% | 5 | 0.02% | 8 | 0.03% | | North West | 9 | 0.10% | 11 | 0.12% | 11 | 0.11% | | East Central | 14 | 0.02% | 9 | 0.02% | 27 | 0.05% | | West Central | 10 | 0.01% | 62 | 0.06% | 56 | 0.06% | | South East | 9 | 0.02% | 3 | 0.01% | 31 | 0.06% | | South West | 23 | 0.04% | 9 | 0.02% | 15 | 0.03% | Number of Responses Over OneHour and Proportion of 999 Calls | Division | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Number | Proportion | Number | Proportion | Number | Proportion | | No","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204145,"EventID":"S2W-31584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of 999 calls for an ambulance where it took more than an hour for a crew to attend subsequently resulted in the patient dying (a) on the way to hospital a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of 999 calls for an ambulance where it took more than an hour for a crew to attend subsequently resulted in the patient dying (a) on the way to hospital and (b) within five hours of arrival at hospital in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204146,"EventID":"S2W-31585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified ambulance personnel there were in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified ambulance personnel there were in each year since 2000, broken down by Scottish Ambulance Service division.","AnswerText":"The whole-time equivalent numberof paramedics and technicians employed in each Scottish Ambulance Service divisionfrom 2000 is listed in this table: | Division | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | North East | 184.0 | 185.0 | 185.0 | 216.3 | 215.3 | 216.3 | | North West | 203.4 | 205.8 | 205.8 | 217.8 | 199.1 | 199.1 | | East Central | 311.5 | 321.5 | 321.5 | 348.7 | 350.7 | 372.0 | | West Central | 384.5 | 408.5 | 406.5 | 464.0 | 458.0 | 468.0 | | South East | 284.5 | 288.5 | 288.5 | 310.0 | 310.0 | 317.0 | | South West | 399.0 | 398.0 | 393.0 | 434.0 | 445.0 | 481.0 | Note: Information supplied bythe Scottish Ambulance Service. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204147,"EventID":"S2W-31586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has invested in social enterprises in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has invested in social enterprises 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:Separate figures are not keptfor investment in social enterprises. However, social enterprises have been eligiblefor support through the Futurebuilders Scotland fund which is providing £18 millionover the three years to March 2007 to support the development of the social economyin Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204148,"EventID":"S2W-31587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has invested in social enterprises in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise has invested in social enterprises in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204149,"EventID":"S2W-31588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Highlands and Islands Enterprise has invested in social enterprises in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Highlands and Islands Enterprise has invested in social enterprises in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204150,"EventID":"S2W-31589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for new funding for social enterprises, analogous to the Community Asset Fund announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in December 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for new funding for social enterprises, analogous to the Community Asset Fund announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in December 2006.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plansfor an analogous Community Asset Fund in Scotland. However, we are considering future support for socialenterprise. The Futurebuilders Scotland programme has provided financial supportto social enterprises to obtain community-owned assets. Many social enterpriseswill also benefit from the Big Lottery Fund’s Growing Community Assets programme.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204151,"EventID":"S2W-31590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many managers have left their posts in each department at each airport controlled by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many managers have left their posts in each department at each airport controlled by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 2003.","AnswerText":"The information requested isset out in the following table:Number of Managers who have leftPosts with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) | HIAL Department* | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | | Airport/Regional Managers | - | - | - | 2 (one retiral and one left at Stornoway | - | | Commercial and Marketing Department | - | - | - | 1 (post holder redeployed) | - | | Human Resources Department | - | - | 1 (left post) | - | - | | Infrastructure Services Department | - | 1 (retiral) | - | - | - | | Operations Department | - | - | 1 (left post) | 2 (left posts) | 1 (director left post) | Note: *All posts based at InvernessHeadquarters except where noted. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204152,"EventID":"S2W-31591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many air traffic controllers have left posts in each airport controlled by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in the last 12 months and how many have been replaced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many air traffic controllers have left posts in each airport controlled by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in the last 12 months and how many have been replaced.","AnswerText":"Four members of the Air TrafficControl staff have left posts with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in the past 12 months. Thesewere a Senior Air Traffic Control Officer and two Air Traffic Control Officers atStornoway and a Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at Kirkwall. Twoof the posts at Stornoway have so far been replaced.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204153,"EventID":"S2W-31592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is for the public sector to bid for the right to build and operate the replacement HM Prison Low Moss.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is for the public sector to bid for the right to build and operate the replacement HM Prison Low Moss.","AnswerText":"As indicated to the Justice Committee2 on 25 June 2005, a £2 million budget had been allocated to the publicsector bid team.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204154,"EventID":"S2W-31593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists there are in NHS Highland and what the average number is of patients per dentist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS dentists there are in NHS Highland and what the average number is of patients per dentist.","AnswerText":"At 30 September 2006, there were1611 NHS general dental practitioners in NHS Highland. The average numberof registered patients per dentist was 620.Source: ISD Scotland. Note: 1. The number (headcount)of NHS non-salaried and salaried principals, assistants and vocational dental practitionersin post at 30 September 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204155,"EventID":"S2W-31594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes were sold by each local authority in each of the last 10 years, also expressed as a percentage of stock in each case and showing (a) national totals and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes were sold by each local authority in each of the last 10 years, also expressed as a percentage of stock in each case and showing (a) national totals and (b) cumulative change over the period.","AnswerText":"The table produced for this analysisis too large to be included in this response and has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41881).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204156,"EventID":"S2W-31595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private and (b) public sector homes were built in each local authority area in each of the last 10 years, showing (i) cumulative changes over the period and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private and (b) public sector homes were built in each local authority area in each of the last 10 years, showing (i) cumulative changes over the period and (ii) national totals.","AnswerText":"The table produced for this analysisis too large to be included in this response and has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41873).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204157,"EventID":"S2W-31596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12521 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 December 2004, how many people under 60 receive the disability living allowance and how much it woul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-12521 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 December 2004, how many people under 60 receive the disability living allowance and how much it would cost to include them in the central heating programme, broken down into private tenants, owner occupiers and social housing tenants.","AnswerText":"In May 2006, Department of Workand Pensions (DWP) figures show that in Scotland about 190,000 (189,390) people under 60 received disabilityliving allowance.We have completed the centralheating programme in the Social sector with the exception of Glasgow Housing Associationwhich will complete its work next month. Through this programme we have now offeredfree central heating to all public sector tenants who did not have it - regardlessof their age or benefits entitlement. From responses to the ScottishHouse Condition Survey between October 2003 and September 2004, the latest periodfor which information is available, we estimate that in 2003-04 there were about5,000 private tenants or owner occupiers in Scotland in receipt of Disability LivingAllowance in which all occupants were under 60 and who had no or poor quality centralheating. About 20% of these were private tenants and 80% were owner occupied. The most complete informationabout the cost of central heating grants is from Communities Scotland for the financialyear up to end September 2006. The average grant for the central heating programmewas £3,419. Therefore the cost of extending the programme to these groups wouldbe around £17 million of which about 20% would be for private tenants and 80% owneroccupied. The Scottish House ConditionSurvey is a sample survey and estimates from the survey are subject to samplingerror. Because of the very small numbers of respondents to the survey in these groupsthere is a wide range of uncertainty around the estimated £17 million cost. The95% confidence interval for the estimated cost lies between £5 million and £29 million. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204158,"EventID":"S2W-31597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many installations under the central heating programme and Warm Deal have been completed in each year since inception of the central heating programme, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many installations under the central heating programme and Warm Deal have been completed in each year since inception of the central heating programme, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is asfollows:Information is not held bylocal authority area. Information showing the total number of central heating andWarm Deal installations is shown in the following tables: Central Heating InstallationsAcross All Sectors: 2001-02 to 2006-07 | Year | Totals | | 2001-02 | 8,508 | | 2002-03 | 11,220 | | 2003-04 | 16,788 | | 2004-05 | 15,207 | | 2005-06 | 16,002 | | 2006-07 | 9,769 | | | 77,494 | Warm Deal InstallationsAcross All Sectors: 2001-02 to 2006-07 | Year | Totals | | 2001-02 | 40,877 | | 2002-03 | 29,992 | | 2003-04 | 27,520 | | 2004-05 | 19,013 | | 2005-06 | 15,500 | | 2006-07 | 8,100 | | | 141,002 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204159,"EventID":"S2W-31598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating programme and Warm Deal installations have been (a) approved and (b) installed since the operation of the programme transferred to Scottish Gas, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating programme and Warm Deal installations have been (a) approved and (b) installed since the operation of the programme transferred to Scottish Gas, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is not held by localauthority area. The total number of Warm Deal and central heating installationsapproved and installed by Scottish Gas is shown in the following table. Warm Deal and Central Heating-Approvalsand Installations | Central Heating Approved | Central Heating Installed | Warm Deal Approved | Warm Deal Installed | | 742 | 1,478 | 96 | 112 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204160,"EventID":"S2W-31599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating programme contractors have been (a) approved and (b) appointed by Scottish Gas and where they are located, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating programme contractors have been (a) approved and (b) appointed by Scottish Gas and where they are located, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is asfollows:Scottish Gas has appointed34 contractors and a further seven are currently in the registration processfor inclusion on the programme. Information on the location of Scottish Gascontractors is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204161,"EventID":"S2W-31600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress NHS Highland is making in achieving a maximum 26-week waiting time for orthodontics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress NHS Highland is making in achieving a maximum 26-week waiting time for orthodontics.","AnswerText":"To assist NHS Highland in achievinga maximum 26-week waiting time for orthodontics, the Executive has provided theboard with an additional £250,000 capital and £85,000 revenue funding.The board is finalising a planfor 2007-08 which will set out the action NHS Highland will take to reduce waitsfor orthodontics and achieve and maintain an 18 week maximum waiting time from 2007-08.The Health Department will keep in close contact with NHS Highland as it finalisesand implements this plan. I understand from NHS Highlandthat action to improve waiting times will include improvements in physical capacityand the appointment of a locum consultant from 15 February 2007. The board willalso consider use of the private sector where appropriate. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204162,"EventID":"S2W-31601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31044 by Elish Angiolini QC on 31 January 2007, whether a charge of perverting the course of justice would be appropriate in respec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31044 by Elish Angiolini QC on 31 January 2007, whether a charge of perverting the course of justice would be appropriate in respect of the actions of the SCRO experts if evidence came to light that their evidence given at any trial or inquiry or in any report was false.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any such evidencebeing available. Accordingly, I do not consider it appropriate to speculate on thismatter.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204163,"EventID":"S2W-31602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prosecuted in Scotland under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since it was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prosecuted in Scotland under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in each year since it was introduced.","AnswerText":"The available information isgiven in the following table.Persons Proceeded Against inScottish Courts for Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Offences1, 1991-92 to 2004-05 | Financial Year | Number | | 1991-92 | 12 | | 1992-93 | 35 | | 1993-94 | 17 | | 1994-95 | 14 | | 1995-96 | 7 | | 1996-97 | 3 | | 1997-98 | 2 | | 1998-99 | 1 | | 1999-00 | 3 | | 2000-01 | 2 | | 2001-02 | 2 | | 2002-03 | 1 | | 2003-04 | - | | 2004-05 | - | Note: 1. Where main offence. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204164,"EventID":"S2W-31603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which PFI health projects have been cancelled in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which PFI health projects have been cancelled in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"No signed PFI health projectshave been cancelled. The decision to use PFI is only taken following a full valuefor money study using accepted economic principles and a competitive procurementprocess.The application of value formoney guidance has however resulted in a change in the proposed procurement routesfor a number of projects. The following projects were being considered for PFI fundingbut as a result of on-going value for money appraisal have been/are being pursuedthrough public funding: Hawick Community Hospital Refurbishment of the VictoriaHospital in Kirkcaldy Redevelopment of the State Hospital. This demonstrates that it isvalue for money which determines the procurement route and that this is kept underreview throughout the business case approval process. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204165,"EventID":"S2W-31604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each year since 1999 a minister has had duties removed to avoid a potential conflict of interest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each year since 1999 a minister has had duties removed to avoid a potential conflict of interest.","AnswerText":"There has been one instance,at the outset of devolution in May 1999, of a minister informing officials of apersonal interest that led to those ministerial responsibilities being reviewedto avert any potential conflict of interests.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204166,"EventID":"S2W-31605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total expenditure was on (a) newspapers, magazines and periodicals, (b) landscape gardening and flora and (c) stationery in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total expenditure was on (a) newspapers, magazines and periodicals, (b) landscape gardening and flora and (c) stationery in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The total amounts paid in eachyear are given in the following table and cover the core Executive plus those agencieswhich use its payment system. The figures show the amounts allocated against theperiodicals and stationery codes respectively. | Year | Periodicals, Magazines and Papers | Stationery | | 2004-05 | £323,349 | £1,125,706 | | 2005-06 | £408,791 | £1,098,010 | | 2006-07* | £298,751 | £613,402 | Note: *Figures for 2006 to 2007year to date. With regards to payment for landscapegardening and flora I would refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31249on 1 February 2007, which provides the relevant information for 2006-07. The correspondingfigure for 2005-06 is comparable at £37,000. Figures for the financial year2004-05 are not available. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204167,"EventID":"S2W-31606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people were removed from an NHS waiting list in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people were removed from an NHS waiting list in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available centrally.Information on in-patient/daycase and out-patient waiting lists is collected via monthly censuses and publishedquarterly by ISD Scotland. Between census dates, thousands of patients are addedto or removed from NHS boards’ waiting lists. There are many reasons for the removalof patients from lists, including for example, those seen at an out-patient clinicor admitted to hospital for treatment, those whose condition has improved and nolonger require treatment, and those who move address outwith the NHS board area. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204168,"EventID":"S2W-31607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average prison sentence was for (a) violent and (b) non-violent crimes in each of the last five years and what average sentence was served by prisoners in each c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average prison sentence was for (a) violent and (b) non-violent crimes in each of the last five years and what average sentence was served by prisoners in each category who were released in each of these years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:The available information relatesto non-life sentenced receptions by maincrime/offence and is in the following table: Average Sentence LengthImposed (Days) | | Non-Sexual Crimes of Violence | All Other Crimes and Offences | | 2001-02 | 882 | 246 | | 2002-03 | 905 | 252 | | 2003-04 | 910 | 257 | | 2004-05 | 812 | 225 | | 2005-06 | 815 | 211 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204169,"EventID":"S2W-31608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the conviction rate was for (a) violent and (b) all crimes recorded in each of the last 10 years, broken down by police force area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the conviction rate was for (a) violent and (b) all crimes recorded in each of the last 10 years, broken down by police force area. ","AnswerText":"The available information isgiven in the following tables.Persons Proceeded Against inScottish Courts for Violent Crimes1: Percentage with a Charge Proved,by Police Force, 1995-96 to 2004-052 | Police Force | 1995-96 | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | | Central | 79 | 73 | 76 | 82 | 76 | 66 | 74 | 83 | 76 | 80 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 75 | 80 | 84 | 72 | 80 | 81 | 87 | 74 | 83 | 77 | | Fife | 77 | 82 | 78 | 77 | 80 | 77 | 72 | 85 | 82 | 81 | | Grampian | 82 | 88 | 87 | 78 | 80 | 78 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 82 | | Lothian and Borders | 81 | 82 | 81 | 80 | 76 | | Year | Number | Constabulary | | 2000 | 0 | | | 2001 | 0 | | | 2002 | 1 | Tayside | | 2003 | 1 | Tayside | | 2004 | 2 | Strathclyde Northern | | 2005 | 1 | Strathclyde | | 2006 | 0 | | | 2007 (to date) | 1 | Lothian and Borders | In Scotland offendersare released subject to the provisions of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings(Scotland) Act 1993. Offenders sentenced to four years or more are eligible to bereleased on licence at the direction of the Parole Board after serving one halfof the sentence and will be released on licence at the two thirds stage of sentence.They are subject to supervision in the community by the relevant local authority.Should an offender breach the conditions of theirlicence in the community, they are liable to have their licence revoked and be returnedto custody. Sex offenders sentenced to between six months and up to four years areautomatically released on licence at the halfway point of their sentence. Scottish courts do not have powersto suspend sentences. The Custodial Sentences and Weapons(Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament makes provision for all offenders sentencedto 15 days or more to be subject to licence conditions for a minimum of 25% of theirsentence. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204171,"EventID":"S2W-31610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving people trapped in moving water have taken place in each fire and rescue service area in each of the last five years and how many of these inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving people trapped in moving water have taken place in each fire and rescue service area in each of the last five years and how many of these incidents have resulted in deaths.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204172,"EventID":"S2W-31611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Intellectual Assets Centre’s total budget was in each financial year since its inception and how much of that budget has been allocated by (a) Scottish Enterpris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Intellectual Assets Centre’s total budget was in each financial year since its inception and how much of that budget has been allocated by (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) the Executive in each of those years.","AnswerText":"The information requested isprovided in the following table: | Allocated by: | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | Scottish Executive | £286,250 | £1,025,000 | £1,389,667 | £1,394,650 | | Scottish Enterprise | | | £5,875 | £16,000 | | Highlands and Islands Enterprise | | | £11,116 | £58,750 | | ERDF | | £30,604 | £142,467 | £ 76,086 | | Total Budget: | £286,250 | £1,055,604 | £1,549,125 | £1,545,486 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204173,"EventID":"S2W-31612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have been assisted to protect their assets by the Intellectual Assets Centre in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have been assisted to protect their assets by the Intellectual Assets Centre in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"The total number of businessesassisted by the Intellectual Asset Centre (IAC) to help protect their assets is927, broken down by financial year as follows: | Year | Businesses Assisted | | 2006- 31 January 2007 | 275 | | 2005-06 | 464 | | 2004-05 | 146 | | 2003-04 | 42 | The figures listed only includeinstances of “one to one” assistance. They do not include businesses attending IACevents or co-events such as seminars and workshops, nor do they include companiesmaking use of the centre’s web-enabled tools or website. Nearly 4,000 businesses/individualshave attended IAC events to-date. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204174,"EventID":"S2W-31613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the qualifying criteria for national performing arts company status will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the qualifying criteria for national performing arts company status will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currentlydeveloping criteria for attaining and maintaining national performing company status,in consultation with the current national performing companies and the ScottishArts Council. The criteria will be made publicly available before the end of March2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204175,"EventID":"S2W-31614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Lanarkshire would have been legal entitled to exclude non-GP companies limited by shares from the recent tendering process for GP medical services in Harthill","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS Lanarkshire would have been legal entitled to exclude non-GP companies limited by shares from the recent tendering process for GP medical services in Harthill.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS Lanarkshire tomake arrangements for the provision of primary medical services in its area, andto consider, and comply with, all legal requirements in doing so.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204176,"EventID":"S2W-31615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it is developing to assist town centres and retail businesses located in town centres that are being effected by large out-of-town retail outlets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it is developing to assist town centres and retail businesses located in town centres that are being effected by large out-of-town retail outlets.","AnswerText":"Scottish planning policy supportsthe protection and enhancement of town centres and indicates that they should bethe first choice for new shopping developments. However, planning policy is notconcerned with regulating competition. In addition, our support for Business ImprovementDistricts and funding from various sources, ranging from core local government fundingto funding for housing and regeneration, also brings benefits to town centres.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204177,"EventID":"S2W-31616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce track access charges for the proposed (a) Edinburgh Airport rail link, (b) Glasgow Airport rail link, (c) Waverley line or (d) Airdrie to Ba","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce track access charges for the proposed (a) Edinburgh Airport rail link, (b) Glasgow Airport rail link, (c) Waverley line or (d) Airdrie to Bathgate rail link or for any other rail project under construction or proposed for construction.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland plansto ask the Office of Rail Regulation to set an appropriate access charge for allnew additions to the rail network This is normal with any addition to infrastructurecontrolled by Network Rail. Transport Scotland will fund any necessary increasein the First ScotRail franchise subsidy to cover these charges.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204178,"EventID":"S2W-31617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direction or guidance it has given to Transport Scotland in respect of the preparation of a high-level output statement for Network Rail for the next control period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direction or guidance it has given to Transport Scotland in respect of the preparation of a high-level output statement for Network Rail for the next control period.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland is partof the Scottish Executive, directly accountable to Scottish ministers. Consequently,no such direction or guidance has been given.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204179,"EventID":"S2W-31618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has intimated any view on track access charges on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line and, if so, to whom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has intimated any view on track access charges on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line and, if so, to whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has alwaystaken the view that there should be a charge on the newStirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway and that the charge should be such as to allowthe benefits of the new railway to be shared between the investor and operatorsusing the new railway. This view has been discussed with many bodies since 2001including the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), the Strategic Rail Authority, ClackmannanshireCouncil, Scottish Power, Forth Ports, Clydeport and other industry bodies. Mostrecently we wrote to the ORR in June 2006 asking them to set an appropriate trackaccess charge for the railway.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204180,"EventID":"S2W-31619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of Network Rail’s estate in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of Network Rail’s estate in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold full details on the estate of Network Rail in Scotland. NetworkRail is a private company, its estate is not controlled by the Executive.Reference should be made to eitherNetwork Rail or Registers of Scotland for specific details of Network Rail’s holdingsin Scotland. You can contact both organisations by visiting theirwebsites at www.ros.gov.uk and www.networkrail.co.uk respectively. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204181,"EventID":"S2W-31620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the extent to which Network Rail’s estate is currently used for rail services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of the extent to which Network Rail’s estate is currently used for rail services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31619 on 12 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204182,"EventID":"S2W-31621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent brownfield sites form part of Network Rail’s estate, giving the location of any such sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent brownfield sites form part of Network Rail’s estate, giving the location of any such sites.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31619 on 12 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204183,"EventID":"S2W-31622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has provide access to areas of Network Rail’s estate for other public uses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has provide access to areas of Network Rail’s estate for other public uses.","AnswerText":"Provision of public access toareas of Network Rail’s estate is not a matter for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204184,"EventID":"S2W-31623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the use of redundant areas of Network Rail’s estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the use of redundant areas of Network Rail’s estate.","AnswerText":"Transport Scotland hashad various discussions in respect of individual sites, for example, at Aberdeen Guild Street and Glasgow Queen Street. There have also been discussions on areas of land tobe utilised on delivering the major rail projects.The use and disposal of NetworkRail’s estate are a matter for Network Rail and, in respect of the disposal of surplusland, the regulatory procedures overseen by the Office of Rail Regulation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204185,"EventID":"S2W-31624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the time scales are for the production of a (a) high-level output statement, namely a statement of available finance, showing the funding available for the railway i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the time scales are for the production of a (a) high-level output statement, namely a statement of available finance, showing the funding available for the railway infrastructure and (b) list of infrastructural requirements in respect of the Scottish rail network for the duration of the next control period.","AnswerText":"The process is initiated formallyby the Office of Rail Regulation through the issue of the Access Charges ReviewNotice. This is expected shortly, and it is likely that this will require the submissionof the high-level output statement, together with the statement of funds availablein July 2007.<The Accountant inBankruptcy, as trustee in a personal sequestration, can make a claim in the administrationof Farepak where the debtor is due monies. This would be on the same basis asall other Farepak customers and would be treated as an unsecured creditor’s claimin the administration. In a sequestration where the debtor had made paymentssolely out of social security benefits to Farepak, any money recovered would bereturned to the debtor under section 187 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204187,"EventID":"S2W-31626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31300 by Robert Brown on 1 February 2007, whether it will consider setting up a fund to support local authorities in providing incr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31300 by Robert Brown on 1 February 2007, whether it will consider setting up a fund to support local authorities in providing increased teaching of English as an additional language.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31301 on 1 February 2007. 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. It is for local authorities to use their funding to meetthe needs of young people in their area including those for whom English is an additionallanguage.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204188,"EventID":"S2W-31627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of average speed cameras on the road network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of average speed cameras on the road network.","AnswerText":"Subject to a successful evaluationof the two year SPECS pilot project on the A77, Transport Scotland willdevelop a strategy for more widespread use of average speed camera enforcement onthe trunk road network. The trial period is due to end in July 2007.Transport Scotland is alreadycommitted to the more widespread use of average speed enforcement at major trunkroad works sites. Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more informationif required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204189,"EventID":"S2W-31628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are disregarded in the preparation of NHS waiting list data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are disregarded in the preparation of NHS waiting list data.","AnswerText":"Statistics on patients oninpatient/day case and out-patient waiting lists are routinely published onISD’s website:www.isdscotland.org/waiting_times. Statistics are published onthe total number of patients waiting, and on the subset of patients who aresubject to waiting times guarantees. ISD do not “disregard” any data inpublishing waiting list information on this site and aim to present what is ofutmost interest and validity. ISD review the range of statistics published toensure its continued relevance. Full details of the selection criteria forwaiting list analyses are included on the website. Thestatistics are sourced from two schemes: the in-patient and day case census(SMR3) and the out-patient waiting list census. Thepurpose of the in-patient and day case census is to collect data on allpatients waiting for inpatient or day case admission in any specialty in anyhospital in NHSScotland. The out-patient waiting listcensus was set up in 2004 to monitor the out-patient waiting list guarantee. Thecensus has the facility to capture information on patients outwith the scope of the guarantee, but submissions of data on specialties not covered by theguarantee are very patchy and vary between NHS boards. Technical issues haveled to specific services being excluded from the census on grounds of dataquality. In particular, data from Edinburgh Dental Institute, and primary carespecialties in Fife have been excluded since the beginning of thecollection. Data from some specialties in South Glasgow are also missing from earlier censuses.Full details of coverage are published on ISD’s waiting times web pages www.isdscotland.org/waiting_times. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204190,"EventID":"S2W-31629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid out under the Central Energy Efficiency Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid out under the Central Energy Efficiency Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has paidout £17.68 million under the Central Energy Efficiency Fund to date.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204191,"EventID":"S2W-31630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31083 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 January 2007, whether it will provide the statistics for each year since NHS 24’s inception using the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31083 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 January 2007, whether it will provide the statistics for each year since NHS 24’s inception using the formula that applied before 2005.","AnswerText":"The formula which was appliedbefore 2005 was based on all calls dialled into the service, which included suchthings as mis-dialled numbers. These were described as “calls offered”. From April2005, a new formula was introduced which calculates call abandonment figures basedon call demand. This is the number of calls in the system at the end of the welcomemessage and therefore gives a more accurate representation of the number of callerswho meant to call NHS 24 and who then hang up.The abandonment rates, usingthe old formula of calls offered, are listed in the following table, up to the lastavailable reporting date of 30 November 2006. | | Calls Offered | Number Abandoned | Percentage Abandoned | | 8 May 2002 to 31 March 2003 | 280,306 | 1,052 | 0.38% | | 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 | 729,232 | 1,920 | 0.26% | | 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 | 1,562,364 | 75,309 | 4.82% | | 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006 | 1,628,330 | 23,895 | 1.47% | | 1 April 2006 to 30 November 2006 | 941,194 | 1,920 | 0.20% | Note: Information supplied byNHS 24. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204192,"EventID":"S2W-31631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applications for financial support from Phase 2 of the Strategic Waste Fund will be expected to be fully compatible with the guiding principles of the National Wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applications for financial support from Phase 2 of the Strategic Waste Fund will be expected to be fully compatible with the guiding principles of the National Waste Plan.","AnswerText":"Yes. The guiding principles of the National Waste Plan are to reduce waste so far as possible; to recycle and compostas much waste as is practicable and to use other treatment facilities, such as energyfrom waste, only where it is not reasonably practicable to recycle or compost waste.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204193,"EventID":"S2W-31632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the Glass and Glazing Federation to discuss compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 regarding replacement windows and, if not, whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the Glass and Glazing Federation to discuss compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 regarding replacement windows and, if not, whether it plans to meet it on the issue.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. Hisresponse is as follows:The SBSA consulted the Glassand Glazing Federation before the introduction of the 2004 Regulations and has keptin contact in relation to the use of appropriate glass for all windows, includingreplacements. There are no plans to meet. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204194,"EventID":"S2W-31633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider removing replacement windows from Schedule 3 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 if evidence were presented that this would lead to grea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider removing replacement windows from Schedule 3 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 if evidence were presented that this would lead to greater compliance levels and, if so, what its timetable for such a change would be.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr. Paul Stollard,Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA), to answer. Hisresponse is as follows:Being in Schedule 3 of the Building(Scotland) Regulations 2004, replacement windows are exempt from requiring a buildingwarrant but only provided they comply with the building regulations. It is not feasibleto reconsider the exemption because the large number of replacements would havea severe impact on the building standards work of local authorities. The agencywould, however, welcome an Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme to improvecompliance and has attempted to interest the glass and glazing industry in runningsuch a scheme. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204195,"EventID":"S2W-31634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Law Commission to report on its consultation, Personal Injury Actions - Limitation and Prescribed Claims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Law Commission to report on its consultation, Personal Injury Actions - Limitation and Prescribed Claims.","AnswerText":"The commission expects to publishits report later this year.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204196,"EventID":"S2W-31635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Law Commission has accepted submissions from survivors’ groups during its consultation, Personal Injury Actions - Limitation and Prescribed Claims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Law Commission has accepted submissions from survivors’ groups during its consultation, Personal Injury Actions - Limitation and Prescribed Claims.","AnswerText":"The commission has advised the Executive that it has not received any responses from survivors’ groups to its DiscussionPaper on Personal Injury Actions: Limitation and Prescribed Claims.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204197,"EventID":"S2W-31636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any legal barrier to a (a) housing association and (b) private housing provider providing accommodation only for persons assessed by a local authority as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any legal barrier to a (a) housing association and (b) private housing provider providing accommodation only for persons assessed by a local authority as being homeless.","AnswerText":"Section 20 of the Housing (Scotland)Act 1987 as amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires that registeredsocial landlords give reasonable preference in the selection of their tenantsto homeless persons and persons threatened with homelessness alongside thoseoccupying houses which are overcrowded, below the tolerable standard or provideunsatisfactory housing conditions, and to large families.There is no legal barrier toprivate housing providers providing accommodation to homeless persons only. Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland)Act 2001 gives a registered social landlord a duty to comply with a localauthority’s request to provide accommodation to a person assessed as homelessunless it has good reason not to. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204198,"EventID":"S2W-31637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances non-resident spouses can evict their partners and dependent children from family homes where the mortgages are in joint names and whether the Fam","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances non-resident spouses can evict their partners and dependent children from family homes where the mortgages are in joint names and whether the Family Law (Scotland ) Act 2006 has affected the conditions under which this may happen.","AnswerText":"It is open to someone who ownsa property in common with another person to raise an action for division, or anaction for division and sale. This would mean that the court orders either the divisionof the property, or its sale and the division of the proceeds. The Matrimonial Homes(Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981 gives the court the power to regulate occupancyof a family home. Section 19 of the 1981 act gives the court power torefuse to grant or to postpone the granting of decree where the property in questionis a matrimonial home.The Family Law (Scotland) Act1985 regulates the division of matrimonial property on divorce. In addition, theFamily Law (Scotland) Act 2006 amended the 1981 act in several places. Section5 introduced a two year time bar to the right of certain spouses to occupy a matrimonialhome. This means that such a spouse will cease to have the right to occupy thematrimonial home following two years of non-cohabitation during which the spousehas not occupied the home. Section 8 provides that wherecertain applications under the 1981 act are made to the court within the two yearperiod, the “clock stops” once the court action is raised, and starts again oncethe action is determined. Anyone affected by this issueshould seek legal advice. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204199,"EventID":"S2W-31638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of producing and distributing SEPA View (a) was in the last year for which figures are available and (b) has been since its inception; how many recipients a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of producing and distributing SEPA View (a) was in the last year for which figures are available and (b) has been since its inception; how many recipients are on the distribution list, and how many of those recipients are (i) Scottish Environment Protection Agency staff, (ii) Executive staff and (iii) elected politicians.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matterfor the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). I have asked Dr CampbellGemmell, Chief Executive of SEPA, to respond to the question direct.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204200,"EventID":"S2W-31639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants were employed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each of the last six years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants were employed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in each of the last six years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matterfor SEPA. I have asked Dr Campbell Gemmell, Chief Executive of SEPA, to respondto the question direct.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204201,"EventID":"S2W-31640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial penalties were imposed in total on farmers under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial penalties were imposed in total on farmers under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to 2006.","AnswerText":"I am not able to answer thisquestion. The relevant information is not held in a manner that is readily accessibleso that the answer could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, inthe spirit of providing such information as is available within these constraints,I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31451 on 14 February 2007. Theextent of financial penalties applied under the arrangements for the Single FarmPayment Scheme (effective from 1 January 2005) and arising from errors in completingthe Single Application Form etc are as follows:2005: Total £581,918.98 2006: Total £676,184.69. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204202,"EventID":"S2W-31641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were penalised under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were penalised under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to 2006.","AnswerText":"I am not able to answer thisquestion. The relevant information is not held in a manner that is readily accessibleso that the answer could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, inthe spirit of providing such information as is available within these constraints,I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31451 on 14 February 2007. Theextent of financial penalties applied under the arrangements for the Single FarmPayment Scheme (effective from 1 January 2005) and arising from errors in completingthe Single Application Form etc are as follows:2005: Total £581,918.98 2006: Total £676,184.69. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204203,"EventID":"S2W-31642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of all applicants were penalised under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to 2006. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of all applicants were penalised under Common Agricultural Policy support schemes and agri-environment forestry schemes in each year from 1999 to 2006. ","AnswerText":"I am not able to answer thisquestion. The relevant information is not held in a manner that is readily accessibleso that the answer could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, inthe spirit of providing such information as is available within these constraints,I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31451 on 14 February 2007. Theextent of financial penalties applied under the arrangements for the Single FarmPayment Scheme (effective from 1 January 2005) and arising from errors in completingthe Single Application Form etc are as follows:-2005: Total £581,918.98 2006: Total £676,184.69. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204204,"EventID":"S2W-31643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what complaint procedures are in place for members of the public who are not satisfied with the work of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what complaint procedures are in place for members of the public who are not satisfied with the work of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","AnswerText":"Under the Scottish PublicServices Ombudsman Act 2002, the ombudsman in the exercise of her functions isnot subject to the direction or control of any member of the Parliament, anymember of the Scottish Executive or the SPCB.The Scottish Public ServicesOmbudsman has a complaints procedure in place for anyone who disagrees with adecision reached or for anyone who is dissatisfied with the service provided bythe office. Details are available on the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’swebsite using the following link http://www.spso.org.uk/complain/article.php?ssi=36. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204205,"EventID":"S2W-31644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it considers that it is satisfactory that some cases take more than two years to be reviewed by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it considers that it is satisfactory that some cases take more than two years to be reviewed by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.","AnswerText":"As part of the recentbudgetary round, the SPCB was made aware that since 2004-05 there had been anincrease in complaints and enquiries received by the Scottish Public ServicesOmbudsman. The latest Annual Report highlights the increase in the number ofcomplaints between 2004-05 and 2005-06 at 24% and a 99% increase in enquiriesreceived. To address the impact ofthis, the SPCB approved a 7.6% budget increase (over the 2006-07 approvedbudget allocation) for 2007-08. This will provide funding for seven additionalmembers of staff taking the staffing complement up to 45 which should assistthe Scottish Public Services Ombudsman with her workload. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"John Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204206,"EventID":"S2W-31645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils with (a) disabilities and (b) special needs who have received mainstream schooling have participated in work experience in each year since 1999, broken do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils with (a) disabilities and (b) special needs who have received mainstream schooling have participated in work experience in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following tables providedata from the attendance and absence surveys on the numbers of pupils with a Recordof Needs and/or Individualised Educational Programmes in all years of secondaryschools recorded as not being in school due to being on work experience. The datacovers the years 2003-04 to 2005-06, the only years for which these data were collected.Data on pupils with disabilities are not held centrally.2005-06 Pupil Numbers | | Secondary | Secondary School Pupils with RoN/IEP | | | Pupils, Not SEN | Mainstream Class Only | Some Mainstream Class, Some Special Class | Special Class Only | Special School | | Aberdeen City | 1,054 | 15 | 10 | - | 45 | | Aberdeenshire | 273 | 28 | 20 | 2 | 14 | | Angus | 1,126 | 11 | 8 | 13 | - | | Argyll and Bute | 986 | 43 | 7 | - | 4 | | Clackmannanshire | 374 | 8 | 3 | - | - | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,635 | 25 | 29 | - | - | | Dundee City | 1,059 | 52 | 36 | 1 | 3 | | East Ayrshire | 1,283 | 43 | 3 | - | The following table providesdetails of the numbers of careers advisers, in recent years, operating within eachCareers Scotland Local Advisory Board area, and how they reflect local authorityareas. However, these careers advisers also provide services to unemployed youngpeople, college students and adults as well as to the school pupils. The table also provides detailsof the total number of secondary school pupils (S1-S6) in each Careers ScotlandLocal Advisory Board area, based on the September 2005 School Census. The numberof pupils per careers adviser has then been calculated using the comparable (January2006) data. However the recent increase in number of careers advisers in 2007 willhave decreased the number of pupils per adviser in most areas, since the data shownfor the School year 2005-06. | | No. of Careers Advisers (Full-Time Equivalent) | Secondary School Population September 2005* | Average No. of Pupils Per Careers Adviser - School Year 2005-06 | | January 2005 | January 2006 | January 2007 | | Fife | 26.5 | 29.5 | 31.5 | 22,213 | 753 | | Grampian | 22 | 30.5 | 30 | 26,211 | 859 | | Tayside | 30 | 32 | 35 | 23,332 | 729 | | Borders | 7.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 6,971 | 664 | | Edinburgh and Lothians | 48.5 | 61.5 | 61 | 42,250 | 687 | | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204208,"EventID":"S2W-31647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many careers advisors have undertaken disability awareness training in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many careers advisors have undertaken disability awareness training in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Since 2005 all Careers Scotlandstaff, including careers advisers, have received mandatory training in both GoodPractice in Equal Opportunities and Child Protection. In addition, all new careersadvisers receive three-day mandatory training on Additional Support Needs BasicAwareness. Also since 2005 the followingspecific training has been taken up by Careers Scotland staff: MentalHealth Awareness HiddenDisability AutismAwareness Drugand Alcohol Awareness Workingwith Offenders Workwith the Blind and Partially Sighted ManagingChallenging Behaviour. There are no records availableon training prior to the creation of Careers Scotland in 2002. Recording of trainingwas kept manually between 2002 and 2005 and we are therefore unable to provide theinformation requested. However, since 2005 electronic records have been kept whichshow training delivered to staff. Individual staff members haveadditionally requested and received training in the following: Britishsign language training Angermanagement. Staff also have access to theDisability Confident e-learning modules and all Careers Scotland staff havehad awareness raised through Careers Scotland’s Additional Support Needs Handbook. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204209,"EventID":"S2W-31648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of a stroke in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of a stroke in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in the following table.Deaths from CerebrovascularDisease (Stroke)1, by NHS Board Area | | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Scotland | 6,621 | 6,722 | 6,497 | 6,155 | 5,789 | | Ayrshire and Arran | 554 | 578 | 513 | 520 | 481 | | Borders | 149 | 137 | 166 | 133 | 141 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 204 | 233 | 228 | 215 | 185 | | Fife | 498 | 501 | 476 | 459 | 412 | | Forth Valley | 413 | 362 | 377 | 328 | 349 | | Grampian | 580 | 622 | 605 | 539 | 533 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 1,666 | 1,579 | 1,523 | 1,448 | 1,396 | | Highland | 392 | 428 | 419 | 402 | 366 | | Lanarkshire | 662 | 631 | Special advisers, who are temporarycivil servants, are allowed under the terms of their contracts to attend party functionsin their own right, but are not allowed to speak publicly at party conferences. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204211,"EventID":"S2W-31650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) directly benefited from projects run by the voluntary sector with European structural funds administered by ministers in each year since 2000 and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) directly benefited from projects run by the voluntary sector with European structural funds administered by ministers in each year since 2000 and (b) are expected to benefit from such projects in each year from 2007 to 2010.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally on the number of people who benefited from projects run byorganisations in specific sectors.The last published figures inthe Annual Implementation Reports for the three ESF Programmes show that thetotal number of beneficiaries assisted by each of the European Social FundProgrammes up to December 2005 are as follows: Objective 1 Programme: 28,678 Objective 2 Programme: 9,107 Objective 3 Programme: 250,620. In total 288,405 beneficiarieswere assisted from 2000-05. The total isreported on as a cumulative number as many of projects run for more than oneyear. It is not possible toestimate fully the number of beneficiaries who will benefit from projects forthe 2007-13 period, as the programme priorities and allocations will not befinalised until negotiations with the Commission have completed. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204212,"EventID":"S2W-31651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with the voluntary sector in the last 12 months in respect of changes that ministers have made in the way that European structural funds are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with the voluntary sector in the last 12 months in respect of changes that ministers have made in the way that European structural funds are administered for projects operated by charities and other organisations in the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"Extensive consultation has takenplace with the voluntary sector (as well as with other Scottish partners) on thedevelopment of the new Structural Funds programmes. In addition to representationon the European Structural Funds Forum which has met to discuss future programmedevelopment twice in the period in question, the voluntary sector has been invitedto discuss new programme proposals through several sets of consultations. At thestart of 2006, a series of partner meetings were held across Scotland, settingout the Executive’s proposals. During the second quarter of 2006, Scottish partnerswere invited to respond to the DTI’s consultation on the National Strategic ReferenceFramework, the overarching strategic document on future Structural Funds in theUK,which has a dedicated chapter on Scotland. Lastly, in the last quarter of 2006, the sector hadthe opportunity to respond to the public consultation on the draft Operational Programmesfor Scotland (the consultation finished on 8 January 2007). As part of this publicconsultation, workshops were held on each of the priorities in the different programmes– members of the voluntary sector took part in each workshop.In addition, my officials andI had several bilateral meetings with key representatives of the sector, particularlythe Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, throughout 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204213,"EventID":"S2W-31652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will save as a result of changes it has made to the way in which it administers European structural funds for projects operated and supported by the voluntary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will save as a result of changes it has made to the way in which it administers European structural funds for projects operated and supported by the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"Enterprise, Transport and LifelongLearning Department Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive howmuch it will save as a result of changes it has made to the way in which it administersEuropean structural funds for projects operated and supported by the voluntary sector. (S2W-31652)
Allan Wilson One of the key principle fordeveloping future programmes has been a desire to reduce the administrative costsfor all project sponsors. However, it is not possible to quantify the extent ofany savings for projects operated by any individual sector. This will depend onthe final agreed changes in the eligibility criteria for projects, the scope ofeligible activity and final allocations, and other changes in the administrationof projects. Until the Operational Programmes have been finalised and agreed withthe European Commission, these changes cannot be specified. One set of costs that will notincur to partners in the 2007-13 period is the voluntary management subscription.At present, all projects are invited to make such subscriptions towards paying halfthe costs of the Programme Management Executives. In the new period, the Executivewill pay this share of the costs of the new Intermediate Administration Bodies ratherthan partners. The cost to all partners of such subscriptions was £16.2 millionfor 2000-06. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204214,"EventID":"S2W-31653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be lost in the next 12 months as a direct result of changes it has made to the administration of European structural funds for projects su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be lost in the next 12 months as a direct result of changes it has made to the administration of European structural funds for projects supported and operated by the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimatefully the impacts arising from changes to EU funding as the programmes have notbeen approved by the European Commission. However, changes to the administrationto the funds would not directly lead to job losses in any sector. Any changes thatwill be introduced would be designed to ease administration burdens on project sponsors.It has been claimed that thedelay to the start of the new programmes would see EU-funded projects close andredundancies ensue. Through a combination of operating a “shadow” European StructuralFund (ESF) round of £12 million of Executive funding from January and recyclingmore than £6 million funding from the existing ESF programmes to prolong currentprojects, the Executive has worked to ensure that this would not happen. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204215,"EventID":"S2W-31654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school playing fields have been sold in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school playing fields have been sold in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204216,"EventID":"S2W-31655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new school playing fields have been opened in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new school playing fields have been opened in each local authority area in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204217,"EventID":"S2W-31656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1841,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have held events at Bute House since 1999, also showing how many events were held by each organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have held events at Bute House since 1999, also showing how many events were held by each organisation.","AnswerText":"Official events held at ButeHouse are always hosted by an Executive minister and organised by the Scottish Executive.Since 1999, very occasionally a charity has held a private event at Bute House,hosted by the First Minister. No charity has done so more than once. All costs associatedwith such events would be met by the charity and as these events are unofficial,no record of them is held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204218,"EventID":"S2W-31657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) domestic dwellings, (b) public buildings and (c) private sector buildings have micro-renewable technology installed, broken down by type of renewab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) domestic dwellings, (b) public buildings and (c) private sector buildings have micro-renewable technology installed, broken down by type of renewable technology.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.Under the Executive’s ScottishCommunity and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) grants for 1,473 householderprojects and 225 community projects have been approved for the installation of microrenewabletechnologies. The following tables show this information, broken down by technology. Householder Grants ApprovedUnder SCHRI by Technology to 4 January 2007 | Technology | Number of Grants Approved | | Solar Water Heating | 710 | | Wind Turbine | 82 | | Ground Source Heat Pump | 511 | | Hydro | 5 | | Biomass | 88 | | Solar Water Heating/Wind | 2 | | Lerwick District Heating | 63 | | Air Source Heat Pump | 10 | | Solar Space Heating | 2 | Community Grants ApprovedUnder SCHRI by Technology to 22 January 2007 | Technology | Number of Grants Approved | | Solar water | 45 | | Solar air | 5 | | Solar air / solar water | 5 | | Wind | 62 | | Hydro | 6 | | Biomass | 36 | | Ground Source Heat Pump | 49 | | Solar hot water / wind | 5 | | Hydro / GSHP | 1 | | Solar hot water / GSHP | 4 | | Multiple | 5 | | Hydrogen | 1 | | GSHP/Wind | 1 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204219,"EventID":"S2W-31658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) communities the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative has provided with funding, broken down by year since its inceptio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) households and (b) communities the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative has provided with funding, broken down by year since its inception.","AnswerText":"Information regarding the numberof people admitted to accident and emergency units for specific diagnoses is notheld centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204220,"EventID":"S2W-31659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of drink-driving in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of drink-driving in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in table 19 of statistical bulletin Criminal Proceedingsin Scottish Courts 2004-05 published by the Scottish Executive in 2006, a copyof which is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number39481).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204221,"EventID":"S2W-31660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication in November 2006 of Communities Scotland’s research report 72, “Local housing need and affordability model for Scotland – Update”, whether it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication in November 2006 of Communities Scotland’s research report 72, “Local housing need and affordability model for Scotland – Update”, whether it or Communities Scotland plans to commission further research into the impact on housing demand and supply of recent and projected in-migration to Scotland from EU countries and elsewhere.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plansto commission further national research into the impact of recent and projectedin-migration to Scotland on housing demand and supply. However, following onfrom the publication of Communities Scotland research report 72, the Executiveand Communities Scotland are undertaking work examining the consistency ofhousing needs assessments at local authority area level. This will includeattempting to collect information on the level of in-migrants into each localauthority area who are unable to afford suitable housing.Locally Communities Scotlandare supporting two housing need studies, “Exploring the Housing Needs ofMinority Ethnic Communities in Forth Valley’ and ‘Accommodation Needs Assessment for GypsyTravellers (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, East and Mid Lothian)”. These studieswill further our understanding of the impact of recent in-migration in theseareas. Nationally, the GeneralRegister Office for Scotland will be involved with work improving migration datasources in the UK, following a recent report of the Migration TaskForce. This will improve the evidence on which projections of the futurepopulation, and therefore the number of households, are based. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204222,"EventID":"S2W-31661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many actions have been initiated by local authorities in each year since 1997 for alleged breaches of building warrants; how many actions have proceeded to court, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many actions have been initiated by local authorities in each year since 1997 for alleged breaches of building warrants; how many actions have proceeded to court, and how many have resulted in successful prosecution.","AnswerText":"In the period April 2002 to March2006, procurators fiscal received reports in respect of 2 offences relating to breachof building warrants under Section 6(1) of the Building (Scotland) Act 1959. Detailsare set out in the following table.Charges under Section 6(1) of the Building (Scotland) Act 1959 | | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Charges Received | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | Charges Prosecuted | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | Charges Convicted | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Notes: 1. This information has beenextracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s case managementdatabase. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processingof reports submitted to Procurators Fiscal by the police and other reporting agencies.If a Procurator Fiscal amends a charge submitted by a reporting agency, the databasewill record details only of the amended charge. 2. The database is charge-based.The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the numberof individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. 3. The Crown Office and ProcuratorFiscal Service completed an upgrade of its electronic case management system inApril 2002. Only case records created after that date contain complete data whichis capable of electronic analysis.<","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204224,"EventID":"S2W-31663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fatal accidents have occurred at Castle Craig Hospital since 1999, broken down by recorded cause of death.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fatal accidents have occurred at Castle Craig Hospital since 1999, broken down by recorded cause of death.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204225,"EventID":"S2W-31664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on NHS administrative staff in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on NHS administrative staff in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"Administrative staff make aninvaluable contribution to the operation of the health service, organising servicesin a way which provides equitable access to the highest possible levels of sustainablequality care and ensuring that the patient’s journey through the system is madeas smooth as possible, for example through effective management of patient recordsand efficient scheduling of appointments.Over the years, the way administrativestaff figures have been collected has changed, so it is difficult to compare fromyear to year. Administration costs are available prior to 1994-95, however, whilethey identify staffing numbers, they do not include the costs associated with them,therefore they have not been included in the following table. The figures for 1994-95to 1997-98 includes management and administration staff working in NHS trusts andboard “headquarter” employees. From 1998-99 onwards, the figures are for “administrativeand clerical” staff employed in trusts and boards. Staff classified as “administrativeand clerical” include health promotion workers, medical secretaries and clinicalgovernance officers. Despite their classification, staff in these areas would notnormally be considered as administrators. In order to establish context,the following table also shows these costs as a percentage of the overall NHS staffcosts. | | £000 | % | | 1994-95 | 217,220 | 11.4% | | 1995-96 | 253,860 | 12.6% | | 1996-97 | 268,944 | 12.9% | | 1997-98 | 267,413 | 12.6% | | 1998-99 | 265,697 | 11.9% | | 1999-2000 | 290,179 | 12.8% | | 2000-01 | 311,673 | 12.7% | | 2001-02 | 334,674 | 12.1% | | 2002-03 | 370,331 | 13.1% | | 2003-04 | 413,216 | 12.9% | | 2004-05 | 489,136 | 13.5% | | 2005-06 | 537,255 | 13.7% | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204226,"EventID":"S2W-31665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on NHS reorganisation in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on NHS reorganisation in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information is notavailable in the format requested.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204227,"EventID":"S2W-31666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have imposed restrictions on NHS dental activities as a result of budgetary pressures and what restrictions have been imposed by each board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have imposed restrictions on NHS dental activities as a result of budgetary pressures and what restrictions have been imposed by each board.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any NHSboards imposing such restrictions. The costs of general dental services are metcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204228,"EventID":"S2W-31667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have served notice to terminate their NHS contracts in each of the last four months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have served notice to terminate their NHS contracts in each of the last four months.","AnswerText":"Dentists providing NHS generaldental services in Scotland do not have NHS contracts, unlike those in England andWales.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204229,"EventID":"S2W-31668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the current underspend in relation to Grant Aided Expenditure by Argyll and Bute Council in respect of care services and what its position is on an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of the current underspend in relation to Grant Aided Expenditure by Argyll and Bute Council in respect of care services and what its position is on any further reductions in such services in the area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive isaware of Argyll and Bute Council’s expenditure on community care services. Grant AidedExpenditure is neither a budget nor aspending target but a needs based method for apportioning funding to localauthorities. It is for Argyll and Bute Council to allocate funding according to their local priorities,taking account of their statutory obligations. However, I have met the counciltwice to stress the importance I attach to the effective delivery of communitycare services, and the role of the joint improvement team has been extended to helpthe council and health board partners secure improved delivery of theseservices.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204230,"EventID":"S2W-31669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any powers to intervene in respect of any underfunding of care services for the elderly by Argyll and Bute Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any powers to intervene in respect of any underfunding of care services for the elderly by Argyll and Bute Council.","AnswerText":"The joint improvement team hasbeen working with Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland on developing theirstrategic governance and local management arrangements to help address thechallenges of providing for the needs of elderly residents. In addition, the Social Work Inspection Agency is currentlyinspecting Argyll and Bute Council’s social work services and the inspectionreport will provide an indication of service quality together with anyrecommendations the council will need to address.I am closely monitoring theposition and will consider using powers in relation to joint working by localauthorities and health boards or powers of direction in relation to the SocialWork (Scotland) Act 1968 if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204231,"EventID":"S2W-31670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address any failure of Argyll and Bute Council to provide for the needs of elderly residents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address any failure of Argyll and Bute Council to provide for the needs of elderly residents.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31669 on 20 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204232,"EventID":"S2W-31671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of delayed discharge was for residents in the Argyll and Bute local authority area and what the target discharge rate was in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of delayed discharge was for residents in the Argyll and Bute local authority area and what the target discharge rate was in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table shows thenumbers of patients ready for discharge at April each year since the first Aprilcensus in 2001.NHS – Patients ready for discharge– Argyll and Bute local authority area. Total Number and Number OverSix Weeks for each End of Year Census Point: April 2001 to April 2006. | Census3 | Total1 | Over 6 Weeks2 | Target – Total Delays4 | Target – Over 6 Weeks | | April 2001 | 53 | 38 | - | - | | April 2002 | 62 | 52 | - | - | | April 2003 | 71 | 50 | - | - | | April 2004 | 47 | 33 | - | - | | April 2005 | 35 | 18 | 38 | 28 | | April 2006 | 63 | 44 | 30 | 22 | Notes: 1. Total number of patients readyfor discharge, in all specialties, reported as at October 2006 census. 2. Number of patients ready fordischarge with a duration of over six weeks (43 days or more), i.e. the common periodfor discharge planning agreement timescales across Scotland. 3. The figures in the table excludepatients whose principal reason for delay at the census point was due to awaitingplace/bed availability in a specialist residential facility where no facilitiesexist, or due to requirements of the Adults with Incapacity Act. Prior to the April2003 census awaiting place or bed availability where no appropriate facilities existwere included under awaiting place or bed availability. Therefore cannot be takenout of the census totals prior to April 2003 census. Prior to the July 2004 censusAdults with Incapacity Act were included under legal issues. Therefore cannot betaken out of the census totals prior to July 2004 census. 4. It is not possible to supplytarget information for 2002-03 or 2003-04 as these were not percentage targets norbroken down by local authority areas. The Delayed Discharge ActionPlan, published in March 2002, set a national target of a reduction of 1,000 indelayed discharges across Scotland, by April 2003. For April 2004, partnerships agreed targetswith the department, based on local circumstances. For 2004-05 and 2005-06, partnershipswere expected to achieve a 20% reduction across th","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204233,"EventID":"S2W-31672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if there is an increased level of delayed discharge in the Argyll and Bute local authority area compared to rates for previous years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if there is an increased level of delayed discharge in the Argyll and Bute local authority area compared to rates for previous years.","AnswerText":"All NHS/local authoritypartnerships have agreed new targets that will eliminate delayed dischargesover six weeks by April 2008. Argyll and Bute are committed to achieving thisand the joint improvement team will continue to work with them to secure a satisfactoryoutcome for the NHS and more importantly patients. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204234,"EventID":"S2W-31673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to monitor the spending of local authorities in relation to social work Grant Aided Expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to monitor the spending of local authorities in relation to social work Grant Aided Expenditure.","AnswerText":"The Executive uses the informationprovided by local authorities in the annual Local Financial Returns to monitor expenditureon social work. The returns collect expenditure and income on social work services.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204235,"EventID":"S2W-31674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the social work inspection of Argyll and Bute Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the social work inspection of Argyll and Bute Council.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of the SocialWork Services Inspection Agency has indicated that the performance inspection ofArgyll and Bute Council social work services began in November 2006 with file readingof older people’s cases. Arrangements are now in place for further file reading,fieldwork and survey work of local authority staff, people who use services, andcarers. This will take place between March and May this year. The report will bepublished in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204236,"EventID":"S2W-31675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing clearer and simpler advice and labelling in respect of the number of units of alcohol in any given product or measure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing clearer and simpler advice and labelling in respect of the number of units of alcohol in any given product or measure.","AnswerText":"We are participating in workled by the UK Department of Health, to agree voluntary UK-wide unit labelling andsensible drinking messages with the alcohol industry. These will be included onalcohol packaging, in point of sale material and in advertising.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204237,"EventID":"S2W-31676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any dissenting comments on heart disease made by members of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) who resigned before the publica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any dissenting comments on heart disease made by members of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) who resigned before the publication of new guidelines on heart disease.","AnswerText":"This is entirely a matterfor the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, which forms part of theindependent organisation NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204238,"EventID":"S2W-31677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions were attached to the traffic regulation order which closed the A7 in Langholm from 15 January 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions were attached to the traffic regulation order which closed the A7 in Langholm from 15 January 2007.","AnswerText":"The closure of the A7 at Langholmwas included in the South East Unit Trunk Roads Area (Temporary Prohibitions ofTraffic, Temporary Prohibitions of Overtaking and Temporary Speed Restrictions)(No. 12) Order 2006 which was made on 28 December 2006 and came into force on 1 January 2007.Notice of the making of the orderwas published in The Herald on 29 December 2006. This order allowed for the closureof a 3km section of the A7 between Skipper’s Underbridge to Factory Underbridge,between 1 January 2007 and 28 February 2007. The closure only had effect duringthis period where indicated by appropriate traffic signs. Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for more informationif required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204239,"EventID":"S2W-31678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30721 by Nicol Stephen on 21 December 2006, what steps it has taken to allow providers other than BT, such as Tiscali, to provide b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30721 by Nicol Stephen on 21 December 2006, what steps it has taken to allow providers other than BT, such as Tiscali, to provide broadband services to areas such as Galashiels.","AnswerText":"All Scottish telephone exchangeareas can be served by retail providers, other than BT.The smaller 148 Exchange Activateexchanges upgraded for broadband under the Executive’s supply-side interventionin 2005 also allow other providers, in addition to BT, to offer services. Both BTand the Executive have taken action to make Internet Service Providers (ISP) awareof their opportunities to provide services on these exchanges. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204240,"EventID":"S2W-31679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the potential for deep geothermal energy production in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the potential for deep geothermal energy production in Scotland.","AnswerText":"While the Executive has notcarried out any formal assessment of the potential for deep geothermal energyproduction in Scotland, we are committed to developing a Renewable HeatStrategy by the end of 2007. The potential for geothermal energy will beconsidered as part of this work.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204241,"EventID":"S2W-31680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has passed a copy of the Official Report of the parliamentary debate on the Stone of Destiny on 13 December 2006 to the commissioners of the regalia. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has passed a copy of the Official Report of the parliamentary debate on the Stone of Destiny on 13 December 2006 to the commissioners of the regalia. ","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland issued hardcopies of an abstract of the Official Report of the parliamentary debateon the Stone of Destiny on 13 December 2006 to the Commissioners of the Regaliaon Friday 9 February 2007 in order to ensure that the commissioners were fully informedof the debate if they had not previously read the Official Report publishedon the Scottish Parliament website.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204242,"EventID":"S2W-31681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a response from the commissioners of the regalia following the parliamentary debate on the Stone of Destiny on 13 December 2006 and, if so, what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a response from the commissioners of the regalia following the parliamentary debate on the Stone of Destiny on 13 December 2006 and, if so, what their response was.","AnswerText":"At the request of the First Minister,I wrote to the Lord Advocate, the Lord Justice Clerk and the Lord Clerk Registerprior to the debate to inform them that it was taking place. All responded priorto the debate and were unanimous in their view that the stone should remain at EdinburghCastle. I have received no further correspondence from the Commissioners of theRegalia on this matter following the parliamentary debate on 13 December 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204243,"EventID":"S2W-31682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the relocation of the Stone of Destiny to Scone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the relocation of the Stone of Destiny to Scone.","AnswerText":"Decisions regarding theStone of Destiny rest solely with Her Majesty The Queen as advised by Her Commissionersfor the Safekeeping of the Regalia, whose duties are set out under the Royal warrantissued on 12 November 1996 immediately prior to the Stone’s departure from WestminsterAbbey and return to Scotland. Historic Scotland officials have advised the Commissionerson technical matters relating to the care of the stone (and the Honours of Scotland)but they have no locus in any decision-making regarding the location of the stone.This is solely a matter for the commissioners.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204244,"EventID":"S2W-31683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what forestry grants have been paid to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in each year since its inception and, in particular, in respect of its forestry in Rum, and what gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what forestry grants have been paid to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in each year since its inception and, in particular, in respect of its forestry in Rum, and what grants SNH is seeking for its future operations in Rum.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)received the following payments of forestry grants between 1994 and 2007. Of those,during the period 2003-07, £5,643 were in respect of its woodland management onRum.Any future grant applicationsfor Rum are dependant on the outcome of the review of SNH’s National Nature Reserveplan. Forestry Grants Paid toScottish Natural Heritage | 1994-95 | | | 1995-96 | £1,052.50 | | 1996-97 | £1,657.30 | | 1997-98 | £2,633.75 | | 1998-99 | £1,341.25 | | 1999-00 | £3,946.30 | | 2000-01 | £4,747.69 | | 2001-02 | £40,989.74 | | 2002-03 | £6,941.78 | | 2003-04 | £542.50 | | 2004-05 | £38,528.02 | | 2005-06 | £25,481 | | 2006-07 | £33,909.59 | | Total grants paid | £165,032.42 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204245,"EventID":"S2W-31684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Forestry Commission Scotland will approve grant applications from Scottish Natural Heritage which contain no provision for fencing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Forestry Commission Scotland will approve grant applications from Scottish Natural Heritage which contain no provision for fencing.","AnswerText":"Forestry Commission Scotlandwill approve grant for planting schemes which contain no provision for fencingwhether submitted by Scottish Natural Heritage or by other applicants if theyare satisfied that there is no significant risk of damage from deer or othergrazing animals. If such planting schemes are not successful, the applicantwould be asked to carry out remedial work to ensure that the scheme will becomeestablished.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204246,"EventID":"S2W-31685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual population of deer on Rum was in each year since the herd was introduced and, of these, how many were culled annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual population of deer on Rum was in each year since the herd was introduced and, of these, how many were culled annually.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage hasrecorded the estimated deer population and cull numbers since its inception as follows: | Year | Deer Count | Total Deer Culled | | 1991 | 1,649 | 434 | | 1992 | 1,438 | 308 | | 1993 | 1,262 | 113 | | 1994 | 1,185 | 172 | | 1995 | Abandoned due to weather | 196 | | 1996 | 1,483 | 280 | | 1997 | 1,408 | 245 | | 1998 | 1,527 | 255 | | 1999 | 1,432 | 256 | | 2000 | 1,341 | 249 | | 2001 | 1,103 | 444 | | 2002 | 990 | 406 | | 2003 | No count done | 190 | | 2004 | 1,269 | 237 | | 2005 | 1,234 | 445 | | 2006 | 1,160 | 141 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204247,"EventID":"S2W-31686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-31212 and S2W-31358 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 February 2007, what specific resources were deployed by Lothian and Borders Police to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-31212 and S2W-31358 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 February 2007, what specific resources were deployed by Lothian and Borders Police to cover the Microsoft Government Leaders’ Forum (GLF) Europe and how these compare with the standard daily deployment of resources to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Lothian and BordersPolice.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204248,"EventID":"S2W-31687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31515 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 February 2007, what the timetable is for full implementation of the recommendations contained in the Aud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31515 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 February 2007, what the timetable is for full implementation of the recommendations contained in the Audit Scotland report, Planning ward nursing - legacy or design?.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will workwith NHS boards, trade unions and Professional Bodies to implement Audit Scotland’s recommendationsand expect full implementation by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204249,"EventID":"S2W-31688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals impose parking charges, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals impose parking charges, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Hospitals that currently chargefor parking are Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Aberdeen MaternityHospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin (NHS Grampian), GlasgowRoyal Infirmary (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) Raigmore Hospital, Inverness (NHSHighland), Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St Johns Hospital at Howden, Livingston,Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh and Western General Hospital, Edinburgh (NHSLothian), and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee and Perth Royal Infirmary (NHS Tayside).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204250,"EventID":"S2W-31689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals offer dispensations from parking charges to patients suffering from conditions that require regular hospital treatment, broken down by (a) NHS board and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals offer dispensations from parking charges to patients suffering from conditions that require regular hospital treatment, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) nature of dispensation.","AnswerText":"NHS boards offer dispensationsfor patients who regularly visit hospital as follows: | NHS Hospital | NHS Board | Dispensation for Regular Hospital Visits | | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | Grampian | Free | | Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital | Grampian | Free | | Aberdeen Maternity Hospital | Grampian | Free | | Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin | Grampian | Free | | Raigmore Hospital, Inverness | Highland | Free | | St John’s Hospital, Livingston | Lothian | £5 per month from 1 April 2007 | | Western General Hospital, Edinburgh | Lothian | Currently being developed in line with revised charging from 1 April 2007 | | Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh | Lothian | Currently being developed in line with revised charging from 1 April 2007 | | Ninewells Hospital, Dundee | Tayside | Free | | Perth Royal Infirmary | Tayside | Free | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204251,"EventID":"S2W-31690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to hospitals in relation to parking charges for patients who require regular treatment, such as cancer sufferers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to hospitals in relation to parking charges for patients who require regular treatment, such as cancer sufferers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive guidancestates that “Sufficient car parking space and concessionary car parking rates shouldbe available to staff and consideration should be given to providing concessionsto certain categories of patient (e.g. patients attending regularly for dialysisor radiotherapy)”.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204252,"EventID":"S2W-31691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no prosecutions resulted from the pilot scheme carried out by Fife Constabulary in connection with the test purchasing of alcohol.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no prosecutions resulted from the pilot scheme carried out by Fife Constabulary in connection with the test purchasing of alcohol.","AnswerText":"The test purchasing pilot scheme carried out by Fife Constabulary is tackling the sale of alcohol to children under 18in a variety of ways:Advising licensees about waysto ensure compliance Targeting premises that sellalcohol to children Reporting all breaches to theLicensing Board Prosecuting where appropriate. To date there have been two successfulprosecutions and there are a further two cases under consideration for prosecution.Five licensed premises have had their licences suspended for periods of fromthree to six months. The arrangements for the pilotput considerable emphasis on educating licence holders, and on monitoring premiseswhere an initial failure has been detected. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204253,"EventID":"S2W-31692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the duties of Highland Regional Council as the Secretary of State’s agent for the A87 Skye crossing scheme included ensuring compliance with statutory requirement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the duties of Highland Regional Council as the Secretary of State’s agent for the A87 Skye crossing scheme included ensuring compliance with statutory requirements placed on the Secretary of State by primary legislation.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204254,"EventID":"S2W-31693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why over £60 million has been paid to Skye Bridge Ltd when the agreed costs to be collected by the commissionaire as announced on the statutory identification statement w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why over £60 million has been paid to Skye Bridge Ltd when the agreed costs to be collected by the commissionaire as announced on the statutory identification statement were to be “£23.64 million at July 1990 prices”.","AnswerText":"The contractually agreed coststo be recovered by the concessionaire were expressed in 1991 prices discounted atsix per cent a year to 1991 base year. The amounts received by Skye Bridge Limitedinclude more than £33 million in toll revenuesand compensation payments, and £26.75 million to end the tolling concession. Boththese figures are stated in cash terms.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204255,"EventID":"S2W-31694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been responsible since May 1999 for addressing any financial discrepancies discovered since the 23 May 1997 National Audit Office report on the Skye Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been responsible since May 1999 for addressing any financial discrepancies discovered since the 23 May 1997 National Audit Office report on the Skye Bridge.","AnswerText":"In the period in question theexternal auditors of The Scottish Office and the Scottish Executive were:For financial years up to andincluding 1999-2000 – the National Audit Office For financial years starting2000-01 – Audit Scotland In addition, KPMG were appointedto provide independent certification of toll revenue compensation claims submittedby Skye Bridge Limited. Audit and other financial arrangementsat Skye Bridge Limited were a matter for the company. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204256,"EventID":"S2W-31695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31493 by Sarah Boyack on 6 February 2007, what estimate it has made of the total cost to the agricultural sector of implementing In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31493 by Sarah Boyack on 6 February 2007, what estimate it has made of the total cost to the agricultural sector of implementing Integrated Pollution Prevention Control measures.","AnswerText":"The Integrated PollutionPrevention and Control (IPPC) Directive impacts on a number of activitieswithin the agricultural sector. This includes the treatment of animal andvegetable matter and milk processing. The largest impact is in the intensivefarming sector.A Regulatory ImpactAssessment, completed in 2000, estimated in general terms the cost to industry ofcomplying with IPPC. A separate UK study jointly funded by the Scottish Executive in2006 reviewed the costs associated with obtaining PPC permits. While this didnot estimate the total cost to the agricultural sector, typical costs per intensivefarming unit in Northern Ireland were found to range between £500 and £1,000 forone-off application preparation costs, £500 to £10,000 for capital investment,and £500 to £1,000 for one-off management time costs. However, these findingswere based on a very small sample size and the figures may not berepresentative of all intensive farming sites under IPPC. In addition,operators are required to pay charges to the Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency which vary depending on the size of the installation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204257,"EventID":"S2W-31696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments allocated to voluntary bodies, including sums channelled through local authorities, in each year from 1999-2000 to 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments allocated to voluntary bodies, including sums channelled through local authorities, in each year from 1999-2000 to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Centrally held details of directScottish Executive financial support to the voluntary sector are only availablefrom 2000-01 and these are shown in the following table. A significant proportionof these monies will be channelled through statutory public bodies. It is not possibleto provide these figures by Scottish Executive Department.Resources allocated to the voluntarysector from local authorities own resources are additional to these figures andare not calculated centrally. | Year | Amount | | 2000-01 | £34,530,578 | | 2001-02 | £38,860,792 | | 2002-03 | £228,403,745 | | 2003-04 | £262,864,116 | | 2004-05 | £319,244,679 | | 2005-06 | £387,241,420 | | 2006-07 | £496,104,848 | In addition to direct ScottishExecutive grants the voluntary sector has received considerable financial supportthrough indirect funding from public bodies such as local authorities, NHSboards, local enterprise bodies and non-departmental public bodies. Resources allocatedthrough these organisations are detailed in the following table. | Year | Amount | | 2000-01 | £265,202,768 | | 2001-02 | £304,489,736 | | 2002-03 | £131,300,945 | | 2003-04 | £112,001,623 | | 2004-05 | £85,366,593 | | 2005-06 | £136,426,990 | | 2006-07 | £159,519,417 | Spreadsheets providing a breakdownof the organisations provided with Scottish Executive grant funding are availablefrom the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 40554 (Direct) and40555 (Indirect for 2006-07)). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204258,"EventID":"S2W-31697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2077,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":25,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken in relation to the use of short-term funding initiatives and the subsequent mainstreaming of such funded activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken in relation to the use of short-term funding initiatives and the subsequent mainstreaming of such funded activities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has todate not undertaken specific research in relation to the use of short-term fundinginitiatives and the subsequent mainstreaming of such funded activities. There ishowever external research by Audit Scotland (2005) and the UK Strategy Unit (2003)which have considered the use of these initiatives by the Executive. Both reportsare available at:http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/publications/pdf/2005/05pf08ag.pdf. http://www.policyhub.gov.uk/docs/rop.pdf. TheAudit Committee of the Scottish Parliament also considered this issue. The Executive’sresponse to their report is available at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/audit/reports-06/aur06-01.htm. Finallyit is Executive policy to evaluate all new spending commitments and any new fundinginitiatives or pilots would be part of that commitment. Published Executive researchis available at the following website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/Research/17692/SocialResearchPubs/Introduction. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204259,"EventID":"S2W-31698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the three most common categories of calls attended by each fire and rescue service were in each of the last three years and what the total numbers were in each categ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the three most common categories of calls attended by each fire and rescue service were in each of the last three years and what the total numbers were in each category (a) nationally and (b) broken down by service, also expressed as a percentage of all calls attended.","AnswerText":"The information requested isgiven in appendix 4 of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire Services forScotland annual reports published by the Scottish Executive in December 2004;October 2005 and December 2006, copies of which are available in the Scottish ParliamentInformation Centre (Bib. number 34686; 38132; and 41202).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204260,"EventID":"S2W-31699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all households continue to have access to the internet in the event of internet service providers discontinuing dial-up connections","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all households continue to have access to the internet in the event of internet service providers discontinuing dial-up connections.","AnswerText":"Telecoms regulation isreserved and the issue raised is a matter for OFCOM.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204261,"EventID":"S2W-31700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what prison custody protocols are in place in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what prison custody protocols are in place in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS operates in accordancewith the Prisons and Young Offenders’ Institutions (Scotland) Rules2006 (Rule 43) which states that every prisoner shall be allowed to observe therequirements of the prisoner’s religious and moral beliefs. Each prison appliesthat rule, and that every prison is informed of the facilities or arrangements whichexist or may be made for these purposes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204262,"EventID":"S2W-31701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues in respect of the practice of religion and belief by those in prison custody and what the status is of such guidance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues in respect of the practice of religion and belief by those in prison custody and what the status is of such guidance.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:Relevant guidance includes aguide for staff on Religions and Cultures, an SPS Equality and DiversityPolicy and mandatory training for all staff regarding European Court of Human Rightsissues. The guidance sets out what the SPS believes to be appropriate action andis to help staff carry out their duties. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204263,"EventID":"S2W-31702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the implementation of prison custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the implementation of prison custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS aims to obey the lawincluding section 43 of the Prison Rules. The Prisons’ Chaplaincy Steering Group,REMIT addresses issues in relation to Race Relations, Equality and Diversity.The SPS Chaplaincy Advisers monitor effectiveness of the arrangements in place inthe SPS. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204264,"EventID":"S2W-31703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what denominations are covered by prison custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what denominations are covered by prison custody protocols in respect of religion and belief.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS does not have “prisoncustody protocols”. We have The Prison and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules2006. Denominations currently catered for include Baptists, Buddhists, Christian,Church of England, Church of Scotland, Episcopalian, Hindu, Jehovah Witnesses, Jewish,Mormon, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Sikh, Other Christian. This list is not exhaustive itcan be amended to include other affiliations. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204265,"EventID":"S2W-31704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received in respect of breaches of prison custody protocols in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received in respect of breaches of prison custody protocols in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish PrisonService (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The SPS do not operatecustody protocols as described. The management of the prison population iscovered in terms of The Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland)Rules 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204266,"EventID":"S2W-31705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30229 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 February 2007, why there was a delay in giving a substantive answer to this question; what the median le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30229 by Mr Andy Kerr on 6 February 2007, why there was a delay in giving a substantive answer to this question; what the median length of time is for giving substantive answers to parliamentary questions, and what the 10 longest delays were for in giving such answers during Session 2 of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Additional time was needed inthis case as a significant amount of work was on-going to develop appropriate guidancefor NHS boards and health care professionals to ensure a consistent approach insupport of the confirmed legal position. A copy of the guidance can be found onthe SHOW website at http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/cmo/CMO(2007)03.pdf.Parliamentary questions shouldnormally be answered within 10 counting days of the question being lodged, wherequestions are tabled while the Parliament is in recess for more than four days,questions lodged during the two weeks before the start of recess and during theperiod of recess are allowed 20 counting days for answer. The length of time involvedto provide answers does, however, depend on a number of factors. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204267,"EventID":"S2W-31706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to monitor the introduction of genetically modified crops to farms in Scotland and whether it has any information on any penetration by seeds","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to monitor the introduction of genetically modified crops to farms in Scotland and whether it has any information on any penetration by seeds of the Roundup Ready canola genetically modified variety of rapeseed patented by Monsanto Inc.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive hassaid it will consult on statutory measures for the coexistence of GM and othercrops, before any commercial cultivation takes place.The Scottish Executive hasno information on any penetration of seeds of the genetically modified RoundupReady oilseed rape patented by Monsanto Inc. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204268,"EventID":"S2W-31707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted on responses to freedom of information requests and what the Executive’s policy is on the role of special advis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions special advisers have been consulted on responses to freedom of information requests and what the Executive’s policy is on the role of special advisers in preparing its responses to freedom of information requests.","AnswerText":"The information asked for isnot held. Guidance is provided to Scottish Executive staff on the appropriate handlingof requests under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, this is availableon the Scottish Executive website at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/FOI/access/internalguide. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204269,"EventID":"S2W-31708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints of harassment or bullying have been made by employees of the NHS in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints of harassment or bullying have been made by employees of the NHS in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204270,"EventID":"S2W-31709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of women were examined by a breast cancer specialist within two weeks of a referral from their general practitioner in each of the last eight quarters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of women were examined by a breast cancer specialist within two weeks of a referral from their general practitioner in each of the last eight quarters.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available centrally. Cancer waiting times performance information is availablefrom the Scottish Executive website at:www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/cancer/waiting-times. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204271,"EventID":"S2W-31710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners sentenced for crimes involving violence have been granted home detention curfews in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners sentenced for crimes involving violence have been granted home detention curfews 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:Home Detention Curfew (HDC) wasintroduced on 3 July 2006. There are therefore no figures to report before thisdate. HDC is available only to short-termconvicted prisoners serving sentences of three months or more and less than fouryears. Current evidence of serious violence and/or previous convictions for seriousviolence would indicate a significant risk to the public, and as a result, the SPSwould be unlikely to release such prisoners on HDC. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204272,"EventID":"S2W-31711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all local authorities are complying with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all local authorities are complying with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty’s Inspectorate ofEducation (HMIE) are monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Act. Aninterim report of a specific inspection programme was published on 31 October 2006 anddid not identify any specific breach of duty by local authorities. This report isavailable at:http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/publication/Interim%20Report%20ASL%20Act%202005.pdf. The final report of their findingswill be published in autumn 2007. In addition, HMIE are providinginformation on the implementation of the act through their routine inspection programmeof schools and education authorities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204273,"EventID":"S2W-31712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors whether local authorities are fully implementing and complying with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors whether local authorities are fully implementing and complying with the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31711 on 19 February 2007. Allanswers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s websitethe search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204274,"EventID":"S2W-31713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the impact that the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 has had on the care of children with additional support n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the impact that the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 has had on the care of children with additional support needs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31711 on 19 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.The evaluation of the act’s implementation is on-goingand it is therefore to early to draw any firm conclusions on its overall impact. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204275,"EventID":"S2W-31714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is appropriately funding local authorities to fulfil their obligations under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that it is appropriately funding local authorities to fulfil their obligations under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive providessignificant funding specifically for the implementation of the Education (AdditionalSupport for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004. The funding for 2006-07 and 2007-08 is £12.5million per annum.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204276,"EventID":"S2W-31715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with autism there are in the Fife local authority area; in what types of school they are placed in, and how many are home educated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with autism there are in the Fife local authority area; in what types of school they are placed in, and how many are home educated.","AnswerText":"The number of pupils in publiclyfunded schools in Fife, for whom Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recorded asthe main difficulty in learning in a Record of Needs and/or an Individualised EducationalProgramme is published in tables 6.8, 7.5 and 8.5 of Pupils in Scotland 2005http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/28083932/0.There were seven pupils in independentspecial schools located in Fife for whom ASD was recorded as the main difficulty in learning.The number of pupils with ASD being home educated is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204277,"EventID":"S2W-31716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there are with autism in Scotland and what action is being taken to improve their lives and ensure that they receive education suitable for their needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there are with autism in Scotland and what action is being taken to improve their lives and ensure that they receive education suitable for their needs.","AnswerText":"The number of pupils in publiclyfunded schools for whom Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recorded as the maindifficulty of learning in a Record of Needs and/or an Individualised EducationalProgramme is published in table 1.7 of Pupils in Scotland 2005:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/02/28083932/0. Thenumber of pupils in independent schools for whom ASD is recorded as the main difficultyof learning in a Record of Needs and/or an Individualised Educational Programmeis published in table 4 of the Independent School Census 2005: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/25091645/0. The Scottish Executive is takingforward a number of actions, in both education and health, to improve the livesof children of children with ASD. These actions include the formation of the ASDEducation Working Group, which is carrying forward the recommendations of the reportof Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, which examines the educational provisionfor children with ASD and the NAS make school make sense report. The ScottishExecutive Health Department has set up the ASD Reference Group, which is takingforward the recommendations in the Public Health Institute of Scotland’s ASDNeeds Assessment Report (2001). The Scottish Executive also provides significantfunding to a number of projects, all aimed at improving the lives of children withASD. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204278,"EventID":"S2W-31717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage as many young people as possible from ethnic minority communities to take part in sport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to encourage as many young people as possible from ethnic minority communities to take part in sport.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed toincreasing opportunities for everyone to participate in sport regardless of theirbackground. We are supporting sportscotland in the implementation of the SingleEquity Plan and the Equity Standard for Scottish sport to ensure thatno artificial barriers exist which would deter individuals from participating insport and fulfilling their potential.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204279,"EventID":"S2W-31718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to introduce new arrangements for the acquisition of housing land by local authorities and, if so, whether such plans include a proposal to preven","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to introduce new arrangements for the acquisition of housing land by local authorities and, if so, whether such plans include a proposal to prevent Communities Scotland from compensating authorities for the purchase of land that is acquired for affordable housing.","AnswerText":"There are currently no such plans.Local authorities have a number of mechanisms open to them at present for acquiringhousing land. Such acquisitions are a matter for local authorities and their partnersto consider within their Local Housing Strategy delivery frameworks, taking accountof value for money considerations.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204280,"EventID":"S2W-31719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each local authority area were registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes and nation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each local authority area were registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last five years, also showing year-on-year percentage changes and national totals and expressed as a percentage of all dental patients.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available by local authority area. Information on registrations by NHS boardarea can be found at http://www.isdscotland.org/dental.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204281,"EventID":"S2W-31720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of dentists have returned to or decided to continue in the NHS as a result of the additional funding made available for this purpose, broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of dentists have returned to or decided to continue in the NHS as a result of the additional funding made available for this purpose, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31502 on 13 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204282,"EventID":"S2W-31721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully applied for additional funding earmarked for encouraging dentists to (i) return to or (ii) continue in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists have (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully applied for additional funding earmarked for encouraging dentists to (i) return to or (ii) continue in the NHS, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"For independent general dentalpractitioners:Information regarding the GoldenHello Recruitment and Retention Allowances and Remote Areas Allowance are containedin tables 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 of the 2005-2006 Scottish Dental Practice BoardAnnual Report. There have been 126 successfuland no unsuccessful claims for the Vocational Training Golden Hello. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204283,"EventID":"S2W-31722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management’s final report offers a viable solution for dealing with nuclear waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management’s final report offers a viable solution for dealing with nuclear waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive respondedto the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management’s (CoRWM) final report as a jointsponsor of CoRWM on 25 October 2006.I refer the member to my responseto answer to question S2W-29252 on 25 October 2006 in which I stated that boththe devolved administrations and the UK Government believes that CoRWM’s reportprovides a sound basis to move forward. We accept CoRWM’s recommendations that theUK’s higher activity legacy waste should be managed in the long term through geologicaldisposal, and that there is a continuing need for safe and secure interim storageuntil the geological disposal option is delivered. We will consult on implementationlater this year. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204284,"EventID":"S2W-31723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what position it will take on applications for new nuclear power stations in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what position it will take on applications for new nuclear power stations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to theanswers to questions S2W-24496 and S2W-23957 on 16 May 2006 and 14 March 2006 respectively.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/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204285,"EventID":"S2W-31724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times an ambulance has failed to reach a patient within an hour of being summoned in each of the last eight years in (a) Lanarkshire and (b) Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times an ambulance has failed to reach a patient within an hour of being summoned in each of the last eight years in (a) Lanarkshire and (b) Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The figures requested are listedin the following tables. The Scottish Ambulance Service rolled out a priority baseddispatch system during 2002-04, so the figures from 2000-03 relate to all accidentand emergency (A&E) incidents and the figures from 2003-06 relate to CategoryA (life-threatening) and Category B (serious but not life-threatening) calls. CategoryB responses include calls transferred from GPs, hospitals or NHS 24 where the patienthas already received clinical intervention and requires to be taken to hospitalor, in some cases, to another hospital. The current average response time acrossScotland for Category A calls is 8.4 minutes. | Ayrshire | Number of A&E Incidents Which Took Over an Hour to Respond to | Total A&E Incidents for the Year | Proportion of Responses Over 1 Hour | | 1999-2000 | 2 | 19,481 | 0.010% | | 2000-01 | 7 | 19,904 | 0.035% | | 2001-02 | 3 | 22,051 | 0.014% | | 2002-03 | 4 | 22,706 | 0.018% | | Ayrshire | Number of Cat A Incidents which Took Over an Hour to Respond to | Number of Cat B Incidents which Took Over an Hour to Respond to | Total A&E Incidents for the Year | Proportion of Responses over 1 Hour | | 2003-04 | 1 | 0 | 24,918 | 0.004% | | 2004-05 | 0 | 3 | 24,956 | 0.012% | | 2005-06 | 1 | 6 | 25,756 | 0.027% | | Lanarkshire | Number of A&E Incidents which Took Over an Hour to Respond to | Total A&E Incidents for the Year | Proportion of Responses Over 1 Hour | | 1999-2000 | 4 | 28,016 | Detailed proposalsfor the individual hospital developments will be developed through the businesscase process, the timetable for which is set out in the Programme Initial Agreement. I have arranged forNHS Lanarkshire’s Programme Initial Agreement paper to be lodged with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41995). ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204287,"EventID":"S2W-31726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the costs of the First Minister’s visit to London during the week beginning 5 February 2005, also showing the (a) people he met and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the costs of the First Minister’s visit to London during the week beginning 5 February 2005, also showing the (a) people he met and (b) subject areas covered at each meeting.","AnswerText":"The First Minister met the Chancellorof the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Scotland during his visit to London on 7 February 2007. Inthose discussions he discussed issues raised during the recent meeting of the FinancialServices Advisory Board, of which he is chair, and other matters.In addition to these officialdiscussions, the First Minister also had a number of private meetings. The First Minister flew to London at a costof £144 and returned on the Caledonian Sleeper at a cost of £145. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204288,"EventID":"S2W-31727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will allocate for kerbside recycling in the rural Hghlands in 2007-08.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will allocate for kerbside recycling in the rural Hghlands in 2007-08.","AnswerText":"Through the Strategic Waste Fundwe have awarded Highland Council with £4,261,609 for recycling in 2007-08, of which,£3,832,192 is for kerbside recycling.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204289,"EventID":"S2W-31728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether orthodontic patients can be reimbursed for work undertaken privately due to a lack of available NHS specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether orthodontic patients can be reimbursed for work undertaken privately due to a lack of available NHS specialists.","AnswerText":"It is not the practice of NHSboards to reimburse patients for work undertaken privately.The Executive is working withNHS Highland to improve orthodontic services and waiting times. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204290,"EventID":"S2W-31729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public highways cross railway lines in each local authority area, broken down into crossings which have (a) full, (b) half and (c) no barriers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public highways cross railway lines in each local authority area, broken down into crossings which have (a) full, (b) half and (c) no barriers.","AnswerText":"The number of Railway LevelCrossings (broken down by crossing type) that are crossed by a public highway (road),in each local authority area are listed in the following table:Level Crossing Type | Local Authority Area | (a) Full Barrier | (b) Half Barrier | (c) No Barrier | | Aberdeenshire | 2 | 3 | - | | Angus | 3 | - | - | | Argyle and Bute | 2 | 1 | - | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 - (2 Barrier & 1 Gates) | 1 | - | | Dundee | 2 | - | - | | East Ayrshire | - | 1 | - | | East Lothian | 1 | 1 | - | | Edinburgh | 1 (Gates) | 1 | - | | Fife | 3 - (1 Barrier; 2 Gates) | 1 | - | | Forth Ports | - | - | 1 | | Highland | 6 | 6 | 24 | | Moray | 2 | 2 | 1 | | North Ayrshire | 1 | - | 2 | | North Lanarkshire | 3 | - | - | | Perth and Kinross | 4 | 9 | - | | South Ayrshire | 3 - (2 Barrier; 1 Gates) | 1 | - | | South Lanarkshire | 1 | 1 | - | | Stirling | - | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204292,"EventID":"S2W-31731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase in demand for maternity services in Glasgow is predicted as a result of centralisation of services and the downgrading of consultant units in outlying areas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase in demand for maternity services in Glasgow is predicted as a result of centralisation of services and the downgrading of consultant units in outlying areas to midwife-led units.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advise methat no increase in demand for maternity services is anticipated as a result ofproposed service changes in Glasgow or elsewhere.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204293,"EventID":"S2W-31732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the increase in migrants from Poland and elsewhere in Eastern Europe was taken into account when deciding that two maternity units were needed in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the increase in migrants from Poland and elsewhere in Eastern Europe was taken into account when deciding that two maternity units were needed in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clydeadvise me that they undertook a detailed review of birth projections before theboard made the decision to move from three to two maternity units. This work whichwas carried out in partnership with the Registrar General’s Office, took into accountmigration assumptions and the potential impact of demographics of the asylum seekerpopulation.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204294,"EventID":"S2W-31733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the decision to decrease the capacity of Glasgow’s maternity services, given that the decision was based on declining population predictions wherea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the decision to decrease the capacity of Glasgow’s maternity services, given that the decision was based on declining population predictions whereas current figures show an increase in population.","AnswerText":"The agreed strategy for maternityservices will see services currently provided at the Queen Mother’s Hospital transferredto the Southern General Maternity Unit and the Princess Royal Maternity Unit. Capacityat both of these sites will be increased to handle the transferred activity. A new18 bed ward has already opened at the Princess Royal Maternity unit and an outlinebusiness case has been approved by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to refurbish andextend facilities at the Southern General Maternity unit.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204295,"EventID":"S2W-31734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births there were in Glasgow in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many births there were in Glasgow in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information available isgiven in the following table. Live Births, Glasgow City, 1999-2005 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | 6,830 | 6,578 | 6,645 | 6,386 | 6,573 | 6,612 | 6,833 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204296,"EventID":"S2W-31735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its predictions are for population growth and subsequent numbers of births in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its predictions are for population growth and subsequent numbers of births in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Information on Glasgow’s projectedfuture population, and the projected number of births in the city, is availablefrom the General Register Office for Scotland’s website through the following link:http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/library/popproj/04pop-proj-scottishareas/index.html.<In designing services,boards will also take account of the design and capacity of comparable servicesin other parts of the UK. Within this framework, it isfor boards to decide on the capacity of acute services, including acute maternityservices. The Scottish Executive has not issued guidance on the subject of acuteservice capacity. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204298,"EventID":"S2W-31737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31369 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 February 2007 and in light of the reference in the draft paper, EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31369 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 February 2007 and in light of the reference in the draft paper, EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office, to “unfortunate examples are where there is no seat for the Minister in the council room during the meeting so they have to follow discussions from the salle d’écoute alongside officials”, on which occasions other than in 2006 ministers have had to follow discussions from the salle d’écoute; at which council meetings, and which ministers were involved in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requestedfor the period before 2006 is not recorded. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204299,"EventID":"S2W-31738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31369 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 February 2007, why the answer related only to 2006 when no timescale was specified in the question.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31369 by Mr Tom McCabe on 9 February 2007, why the answer related only to 2006 when no timescale was specified in the question.","AnswerText":"The information requestedfor the period before 2006 is not recorded.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204300,"EventID":"S2W-31739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32426 by Ross Finnie on 16 December 2002, whether it will provide subsequent test results for the listed groundwater monitoring sit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32426 by Ross Finnie on 16 December 2002, whether it will provide subsequent test results for the listed groundwater monitoring sites within Aberdeenshire and Banffshire and the dates on which they were tested.","AnswerText":"I am arranging for the ScottishEnvironment Protection Agency to send the relevant data to you and will placeit in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 41944).","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204301,"EventID":"S2W-31740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, or intends to undertake, into the possible detrimental effects on children’s health and educational attainment of schools built under PPP","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, or intends to undertake, into the possible detrimental effects on children’s health and educational attainment of schools built under PPP contracts.","AnswerText":"Education authorities have,and have access to, a wide range of experience and expertise in relation toschool buildings whether constructed under PPP or any other means ofprocurement. The significant ongoing investment in the school estate is nowproviding greatly improved school facilities to help create a learning andteaching environment in which young people get the best opportunities torealise their full potential. The Scottish Executive encourages authorities toevaluate all new schools, however procured, to see how well they are meetingthe needs of users. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204302,"EventID":"S2W-31741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Archictecture and Design Scotland has in schools built under PPP contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Archictecture and Design Scotland has in schools built under PPP contracts.","AnswerText":"Architecture and Design Scotland wasestablished as an advisory non-departmental public body in April 2005. Itsrole, set out in Scottish Planning Policy 20, is to provide independent adviceon new development through its design review and enabling functions. It hasalready provided advice on several local authority school building projects,including some being procured through PPP.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204303,"EventID":"S2W-31742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, or intends to undertake, into whether schools built under PPP contracts offer value for money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, or intends to undertake, into whether schools built under PPP contracts offer value for money.","AnswerText":"All PPP projects, includingschools projects, must each demonstrate value for money against a conventionalprocurement approach when compared on a risk adjusted whole life basis.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204304,"EventID":"S2W-31743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving airguns were recorded from 1999 to 2006 in each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving airguns were recorded from 1999 to 2006 in each police force area.","AnswerText":"The number of incidents involvingairguns, where a crime or offence was recorded, from 1999 to 2006 are shown in thefollowing table:Number of Incidents Recordedby the Police in which an Air Weapon was Alleged to have Been Used, 1999-2000 to2005-06 | Police Force Area | 1999-2000 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-061 | | Central | 28 | 29 | 17 | 6 | 11 | 24 | 20 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3 | 10 | 24 | 15 | 14 | 21 | 8 | | Fife | 16 | 12 | 19 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 6 | | Grampian | 45 | 43 | 52 | 44 | 12 | 12 | 9 | | Lothian and Borders | 167 | 214 | 104 | 121 | 263 | 309 | 244 | | Northern | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Strathclyde | 256 | 236 | 80 | 54 | 62 | 63 | 271 | | Tayside | 40 | 29 | 66 | 36","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204305,"EventID":"S2W-31744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clerks to the district court spend a sufficient percentage of their time on district court work to entitle them to transfer to employment with the Scottish Court","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clerks to the district court spend a sufficient percentage of their time on district court work to entitle them to transfer to employment with the Scottish Court Service under the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations.","AnswerText":"According to the informationprovided so far by local authorities there are 28 district court clerks (legal assessors)who will meet the 50% criterion for time spent on district court business whichwould identify them as candidates for transfer to the Scottish Court Service. Three local authorities have not yet identifiedthe staff who meet this criterion, and there will be further discussions with localauthorities and their staff as preparations for courts unification are taken forwardin each sheriffdom. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204306,"EventID":"S2W-31745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3061,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clerks to the district court spend an insufficient percentage of their time on district court work to entitle them to transfer to employment with the Scottish Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clerks to the district court spend an insufficient percentage of their time on district court work to entitle them to transfer to employment with the Scottish Court Service under the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations.","AnswerText":"According to the informationprovided so far by local authorities there are 66 district court clerks (legal assessors)who will not meet the 50% criterion for time spent on district court business whichwould identify them as candidates for transfer to the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204307,"EventID":"S2W-31746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether surplus land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage must be sold to the highest bidder or whether benefits to the community, other than revenue, may be taken into acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether surplus land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage must be sold to the highest bidder or whether benefits to the community, other than revenue, may be taken into account.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage isbound by its Management Statement and Financial Memorandum which states thatland must be sold for the best price, taking into account any costs of sale,and in accordance with the guidance in the relevant section of the ScottishPublic Finance Manual (SPFM).Recent changes to the SPFM allowfor an “internal advertising” of surplus property to the wider public sector. Thisprovides a mechanism for the transfer – at full market value – of property heldwithin the public sector. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204308,"EventID":"S2W-31747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations relating to the sale of surplus land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) would require to be amended to allow factors, other than the size of the bi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations relating to the sale of surplus land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) would require to be amended to allow factors, other than the size of the bid, to be taken into account in any sale of SNH land.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage isbound by its Management Statement and Financial Memorandum, andis subject to the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual,which requires that public bodies obtain the best price reasonably availablefor disposal of any surplus properties.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204309,"EventID":"S2W-31748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities may use compulsory purchase orders to buy land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage for the sites of new schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities may use compulsory purchase orders to buy land owned by Scottish Natural Heritage for the sites of new schools.","AnswerText":"Local authorities may use compulsorypurchase orders under the Acquisition of Land Act 1947 to buy land owned by ScottishNatural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204310,"EventID":"S2W-31749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools pupils do not have access to a hot school meal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many schools pupils do not have access to a hot school meal.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204311,"EventID":"S2W-31750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls to emergency call controllers requesting the assistance of police officers took an hour or more to respond in each year since 2000, expressed als","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls to emergency call controllers requesting the assistance of police officers took an hour or more to respond in each year since 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of 999 calls requesting police assistance and broken down by police force area and division.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. Chief constables of the individual Scottish police forces are responsiblefor the operation of this service.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204312,"EventID":"S2W-31751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls to emergency call controllers requesting the assistance of police officers took three hours or more to respond in each year since 2000, expressed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive after how many 999 calls to emergency call controllers requesting the assistance of police officers took three hours or more to respond in each year since 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of 999 calls requesting police assistance and broken down by police force area and division.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. Chief constables of the individual Scottish police forces are responsiblefor the operation of this service.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204313,"EventID":"S2W-31752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average numbers of people have been that could be processed through decontamination tents in the event of a civil emergency incident involving a “dirty","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated average numbers of people have been that could be processed through decontamination tents in the event of a civil emergency incident involving a “dirty bomb” in each year since 2002, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":" Scottish Ambulance Service The Scottish Ambulance Servicehas eight Special Operations Response Teams strategically located across Scotland to providea swift response to major incidents including terrorist incidents involving theuse of a “dirty bomb”. Each unit is capable of decontaminating24 ambulant persons per hour. All the equipment was purchased in 2003. Fire and Rescue Service Since the introduction of theNew Dimension programme, eight dedicated mass decontamination units have been providedto seven of the eight Scottish Fire and Rescue Services on a risk and populationbasis. Each mass decontamination structure is designed to decontaminate a maximumof 200 ambulant persons per hour. These are currently distributedon a Fire and Rescue Service (FRA) basis as follows: | Central Scotland FRS | 1 Unit | Operational 2003 | | Dumfries and Galloway FRS | 1 Unit | Due to go live 2007 | | Grampian FRS | 1 Unit | Operational 2004 | | Highland and Islands FRS | 1 Unit | Due to go live 2007 | | Lothian and Borders FRS | 1 Unit | Operational 2004 | | Strathclyde FRS | 2 Units | 1 Unit operational 2003, 2nd unit 2004 | | Tayside FRS | 1 Unit | Operational 2006 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204314,"EventID":"S2W-31753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from emergency planning officers or emergency planning representatives’ groups in each year since 2002 about any lack of equipment to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from emergency planning officers or emergency planning representatives’ groups in each year since 2002 about any lack of equipment to deal with a civil emergency incident involving a “dirty bomb”, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is notaware of any representation since 2002, from either emergency planning officersor representative groups, about a lack of equipment to deal with a “dirty bomb”.However, the Executive engages constantly with all the key representative organisations,including those covering local government interests, about all aspects of emergencyplanning and response. As a result of this dialogue Scotland’s capabilityfor dealing with all types of emergency is improving continually.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204315,"EventID":"S2W-31754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions members of the armed forces have been deployed in Scotland in support of policing operations in each year since 1999, broken down by police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions members of the armed forces have been deployed in Scotland in support of policing operations in each year since 1999, broken down by police force.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. Scottish police forces may call on support from the armed forces underthe terms of Military Aid to the Civil Authorities. It is for individual Chief Constablesto decide whether they require assistance from the armed forces for specific operations.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204316,"EventID":"S2W-31755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set criteria for designating whether a child is being home educated and, if so, what the criteria are and whether local authorities are required to adhere ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set criteria for designating whether a child is being home educated and, if so, what the criteria are and whether local authorities are required to adhere to them.","AnswerText":"The Executive issued a comprehensivedocument entitled Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents may Choose toEducate their Children at Home (Bib. number 31676) in March 2004. That guidancewas issued under Section 14 of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.Education authorities are required, under the terms of section 14, to have regardto it.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204317,"EventID":"S2W-31756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive the number of schools in which pupils do not have access to a hot school meal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive the number of schools in which pupils do not have access to a hot school meal.","AnswerText":"Information on people residentin Scotland who were born in Poland is available from the LabourForce Survey. However, this data will not capture all Polish people in Scotland, includingmigrant workers who have arrived in Scotland and may stay here for a short periodof time.Information on migrant workersfrom Poland and other A8 Accession countries who have come to Scotland sinceMay 2004 is available in the Accession Monitoring Report May 2004 to December2006, an online report published by the Home Office’s Immigration andNationality Directorate. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204318,"EventID":"S2W-31757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families with children under five are without central heating and what the cost would be of extending free central heating to those families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families with children under five are without central heating and what the cost would be of extending free central heating to those families.","AnswerText":"The Scottish House ConditionSurvey estimates that in the year from October 2003 to September 2004 there werearound 7,000 families with children under the age of five without central heating.Individual installation costs vary but it is estimated that it would cost approximately£24 million to provide these families with central heating systems.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204319,"EventID":"S2W-31758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its National Strategy and Action Plan on Race Equality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its National Strategy and Action Plan on Race Equality.","AnswerText":"After very careful consideration,and in response to many calls from stakeholders, I have decided to postpone publicationof the strategy and action plan until the next parliamentary session. This willenable the Executive to further develop the strategy, and undertake further consultationwork which will help to ensure that we have a comprehensive and fully informedstrategy and action plan that can deliver for all Scotland’s communities.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204320,"EventID":"S2W-31759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were reported and responded to on train services and in stations in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes were reported and responded to on train services and in stations in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The available information isshown in the following table.Crimes and Offences Recordedby the British Transport Police in Scotland, 2002-03 to 2005-06 | 2002-03 | 10,344 | | 2003-04 | 9,892 | | 2004-05 | 9,487 | | 2005-06 | 8,146 | Note: These include all crimesand offences recorded by the British Transport Police, and not only those occurringon trains and in stations. For example, any instances of graffiti/vandalism of signalboxes or trespass on railway lines that have been recorded will have been included. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204321,"EventID":"S2W-31760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the British Transport Police about antisocial behaviour in railway stations and on trains in Scotland and, if so, what (a) was discus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the British Transport Police about antisocial behaviour in railway stations and on trains in Scotland and, if so, what (a) was discussed and (b) action was taken as a result.","AnswerText":"Ministers met with the BritishTransport Police (BTP) on 24 January 2007. The meeting included discussion of the potential forusing community wardens on the rail network and for creating an antisocial behaviourpost within the BTP. Further consideration is being given to both matters.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Johann Lamont","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204322,"EventID":"S2W-31761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase security on the rail system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase security on the rail system.","AnswerText":"Rail Security is reserved tothe UK Government.However, Transport Scotland,through the First ScotRail Franchise, deliver schemes which improve security onFirst ScotRail trains, and at stations managed by First ScotRail. The franchise agreement includescapital expenditure worth over £4 million for improvements relating to securityat stations and a programme of CCTV fitment to trains. In addition, I recently announcedthe Small Rail Projects Fund which includes proposals for investment atstations and on trains which will improve railway security in Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204323,"EventID":"S2W-31762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to Audit Scotland’s overview of governance in Scottish local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to Audit Scotland’s overview of governance in Scottish local authorities.","AnswerText":"As in previous years, the ScottishExecutive does not intend to publish a response to the Audit Scotland report Overviewof the Local Authority Audits 2006.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204324,"EventID":"S2W-31763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement road pricing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement road pricing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive hasno current plans to implement road pricing. There will be no road pricing inScotland on a Scotland-wide basis in the next four years of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204325,"EventID":"S2W-31764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Scotland should be the pilot for UK road pricing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that Scotland should be the pilot for UK road pricing.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204326,"EventID":"S2W-31765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty’s Government about road pricing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty’s Government about road pricing.","AnswerText":"I met the Secretary of Statefor Transport on 6 October 2006 where we discussed road pricing issues. Officials of the Scottish Executive also regularly discuss road pricing issues with officialsat the Department for Transport.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204327,"EventID":"S2W-31766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it could implement a road pricing scheme which involved reductions in vehicle fuel duty and, if so, how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it could implement a road pricing scheme which involved reductions in vehicle fuel duty and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"Vehicle fuel duty is areserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204328,"EventID":"S2W-31767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of “dawn to dusk cover” was operated by each operational division of the Scottish Ambulance Service at 13 February in each year from 2000 to 2007, broken down ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of “dawn to dusk cover” was operated by each operational division of the Scottish Ambulance Service at 13 February in each year from 2000 to 2007, broken down by day of the week, shift time and number of vehicles.","AnswerText":"The information requested couldonly be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204329,"EventID":"S2W-31768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Ambulance Service calculates average response times across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Ambulance Service calculates average response times across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Response times are calculatedfrom the time the main patient complaint is established to the time the first ambulanceresource arrives at the scene. Average response times are calculated by dividingthe total number of incidents by the total of the response times.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204330,"EventID":"S2W-31769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the funding settlement for Orkney Islands Council since 2003 and from whom such representations have been received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the funding settlement for Orkney Islands Council since 2003 and from whom such representations have been received.","AnswerText":"Orkney Islands Council and local MSP, Mr Jim Wallace QC, have madea number of representations to the Executive on matters connected with thelocal government funding settlement. Representations may also have beenreceived from others from time to time. A full list of all suchrepresentations, and by whom they were made, is not maintained centrally.Mr Wallace and, from theCouncil, Councillor Stephen Hagan, Councillor Keith Johnson and Mr HarryGarland, the Director of Community Social Services, have made several recentrepresentations about specific aspects of the settlement, in particular care servicesfor the elderly. There have also been tworecent meetings with representatives from the council and Mr Wallace to discussa range of issues, including: elements of the settlement and the delivery ofservices for the elderly. The first of these meetings took place on 20 December 2006with the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care and then there was a subsequent meeting with theDeputy Minister for Finance, Public Service Reform and Parliamentary Businesson the 2 February 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204331,"EventID":"S2W-31770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders placed on the sex offenders’ register have been missing and untraced in each month since 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders placed on the sex offenders’ register have been missing and untraced in each month since 2003.","AnswerText":"As I stated in my response tothe answer to question S2W-28942 on 18 October 2006,this information is not held centrally. Thenumber of sex offenders on the register who are unaccounted for and being soughtchanges on an almost hourly basis due to the nature of proactive policing effortsto trace them. This will now include posting the details of certain high risk offenderson the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre website.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204332,"EventID":"S2W-31771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on the economic impact on Scotland of England hosting the UEFA European Football Championships in 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out on the economic impact on Scotland of England hosting the UEFA European Football Championships in 1996.","AnswerText":"As far as we can ascertain, noresearch was carried out on the economic benefits to Scotland of England hostingthe UEFA European Football Championships in 1996.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204333,"EventID":"S2W-31772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of any economic benefits to Scotland of England hosting the European Football Championships in 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of any economic benefits to Scotland of England hosting the European Football Championships in 1996.","AnswerText":"As far as we can ascertain, noresearch was carried out, and the Executive is therefore unable to provide a breakdownof any economic benefits to Scotland of England hosting the European Football Championshipsin 1996.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204334,"EventID":"S2W-31773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it estimates will be available under the new Scottish Rural Development Programme; whether there will be as much funding provided for crofting communitie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it estimates will be available under the new Scottish Rural Development Programme; whether there will be as much funding provided for crofting communities under the programme as there was under the Crofting Community Development Scheme (CCDS); whether it will provide estimates of the amount which will be available for those parts of Scotland which were eligible to make applications under the CCDS, and whether it will submit any application for structural funding in this connection.","AnswerText":"Scotland has been allocated approximately £240 million from theEU over the 2007-13 period. In addition, there will be money from the Scottish Executive– which will provide the majority of the funding – and subject to agreement withthe EU, receipts from voluntary modulation. I am unable to confirm these amountsat this stage because they will both depend on the outcome of on-going negotiationsin Brussels on the voluntary modulation regulation.As with the SRDP, the structuralfunds programme for 2007-13 is still to be finalised with the Commission. However,dedicated funds will be available for the Highlands and Islands, under the European Regional Development Fund and the European Structural Fund, to support a rangeof economic, social and community development projects. These funds will be availablefor all relevant projects to bid into. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204335,"EventID":"S2W-31774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has made since 1999 in respect of the ambulance service, with specific reference to the staffing of ambulances by paramedics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has made since 1999 in respect of the ambulance service, with specific reference to the staffing of ambulances by paramedics.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service’sobjective was to have a paramedic on board every frontline ambulance by the endof March 2005.The Health Department has beenmonitoring the implementation of the service’s paramedic training programme. Theobjective of the programme has been to increase and alter the frontline staffingmix to provide for between 55% and 60% of frontline emergency staff being paramedics(the balance technicians). As at the end of March 2006, out of 2,146 frontline staffacross Scotland there were 1,204 paramedics (56.1% of frontline staff).The comparable March 1999 figures were 1,750 front-line staff of whom 597 (34.1%)were paramedics. Whilst this staffing mix shouldenable the ambulance service to deploy a paramedic to all calls that require sucha response, it has in recent months introducednearly 100 additional technicians in Glasgow and Lanarkshire. This influx of staffhas skewed the ratio of technicians to paramedics meaning that currently there areseven technicians out of a staff of 30 who may be deployed on rapid response units,while other technicians are being trained up to paramedic level. The ambulanceservice plans to regain the appropriate skill mix by December 2007. The ambulance service deploysthe most appropriate resource to an emergency call, and in relation to CategoryA (life-threatening) calls, the policy provides for this to be a paramedic response,whether that paramedic is in a single manned rapid response unit or is part of adouble crewed ambulance. There may however be exceptional circumstances when, owingto short notice sick absences or other situations, the choice is whether to deploya rapid response unit manned by a technician or to run with one less emergency resourcefor that particular shift. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204336,"EventID":"S2W-31775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will guarantee that every ambulance will be staffed by at least one paramedic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will guarantee that every ambulance will be staffed by at least one paramedic.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31774 on 22 February 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204337,"EventID":"S2W-31776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers it appropriate that the Scottish Ambulance Service does not collate statistics on the balance of staffing in ambulances between paramedics and techni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers it appropriate that the Scottish Ambulance Service does not collate statistics on the balance of staffing in ambulances between paramedics and technicians and what effect this has on the Executive’s ability to deliver on the key health commitments in its Delivering for Health programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31774 on 22 February 2007. 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/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204338,"EventID":"S2W-31777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how quality of service is assessed in the Scottish Ambulance Service, given that information on the balance of staffing in ambulances between paramedics and technicians i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how quality of service is assessed in the Scottish Ambulance Service, given that information on the balance of staffing in ambulances between paramedics and technicians is not collated.","AnswerText":"The operational and financialperformance of the Scottish Ambulance Service is the subject of continuous monitoringboth by the service itself and by the Health Department. The Local Delivery Planand specifically the health, efficiency, access and treatment objectives providea key focus for performance management.The quality of service providedby the Scottish Ambulance Service is also reviewed by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.Each Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre has gained ISO 9002. The Scottish AmbulanceService College is accredited by the Institute of Healthcare Development. Patientsurveys are undertaken and an annual assessment is carried out using the EuropeanFoundation Quality Model. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204339,"EventID":"S2W-31778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it makes informed decisions in respect of acute service reorganisation, such as the closure of accident and emergency units, if it does not have access to information","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it makes informed decisions in respect of acute service reorganisation, such as the closure of accident and emergency units, if it does not have access to information on the quantity and quality of ambulance resources available.","AnswerText":"Prime responsibility for planningand consulting on acute services reorganisation lies with NHS boards. In doing so,they are guided by the Scottish Executive’s health care policies, including Deliveringfor Health, which aims to ensure that the service anticipates and responds strategicallyto changing demands and to longer term developments in care and treatment.Boards are statutorily requiredto collaborate with neighbouring boards and with relevant special health boardssuch as the Scottish Ambulance Service when developing plans to reorganise services.Where such plans might impact on ambulance service provision then boards will discussthe implications, including issues such as the current levels of ambulance servicesand the prospective levels expected to be in place when the service change takesplace. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204340,"EventID":"S2W-31779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-15739 by Nicol Stephen on 26 April 2005, whether the name of any minister was included on the statutory statement and, if so, which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-15739 by Nicol Stephen on 26 April 2005, whether the name of any minister was included on the statutory statement and, if so, which minister.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204341,"EventID":"S2W-31780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-15739 by Nicol Stephen on 26 April 2005, whether the answer indicates that a mandatory ministerial statement can be made anonymousl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-15739 by Nicol Stephen on 26 April 2005, whether the answer indicates that a mandatory ministerial statement can be made anonymously.","AnswerText":"No. The Assignation Statementwas made by the then Secretary of State for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204342,"EventID":"S2W-31781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23221 by Tavish Scott on 13 March 2006, whether the provision of the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23221 by Tavish Scott on 13 March 2006, whether the provision of the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1992/1499) which prescribes use by all classes of traffic, and which is not addressed in the 1995 Regulations, still applies following revocation of the A87 Skye Bridge Crossing Toll Order.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Invergarry-Kyle of LochalshTrunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (Revocation) Order2005 does not affect the 1992 Special Road Scheme Order. The classes of trafficprescribed by the Order therefore still apply.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204343,"EventID":"S2W-31782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost was of the A87 Skye Crossing special road scheme as outlined in Schedule 1(7) of the Special Roads and Trunk Roads (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost was of the A87 Skye Crossing special road scheme as outlined in Schedule 1(7) of the Special Roads and Trunk Roads (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1985 (SI 1985/1165 (S.92)).","AnswerText":"By virtue of regulation 5 of the 1985 Regulations, Schedule 1 of those 1985 Regulations applies only to schemessubmitted by local roads authorities to the Secretary of State for confirmation.The Skye Bridge crossing scheme was promoted by the then Secretary of State forScotland and did not therefore fall under these provisions.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204344,"EventID":"S2W-31783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of “dusk to dawn cover” was operated by each operational division of the Scottish Ambulance Service at 13 February in each year from 2000 to 2007, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of “dusk to dawn cover” was operated by each operational division of the Scottish Ambulance Service at 13 February in each year from 2000 to 2007, broken down by day of the week, shift time and number of vehicles. ","AnswerText":"The information requested couldonly be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204345,"EventID":"S2W-31784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the average daily flow of traffic crossing the Erskine Bridge since the tolls were removed compared with the average daily flow of such traf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the average daily flow of traffic crossing the Erskine Bridge since the tolls were removed compared with the average daily flow of such traffic in the comparable period prior to the removal of the tolls. ","AnswerText":"Tolls were removed from the Erskine Bridge on 1 April 2006.Average daily traffic flows forthe Erskine Bridge for comparable months are as follows: | | 2005 (Tolls) | 2006 (Post Tolls) | Increase | | April | 27,907 | 32,876 | 4,969 | | August | 28,276 | 37,061 | 8,785 | | December | 24,534 | 29,996 | 5,462 | Transport Scotland has operationalresponsibility for this area and can be contacted for more information if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204346,"EventID":"S2W-31785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed on vessels operated by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency; where they received their training before joining their ships, and which org","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed on vessels operated by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency; where they received their training before joining their ships, and which organisation is responsible for their terms and conditions of employment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries ProtectionAgency employs 133 persons to man their vessels.Individuals will have receivedmarine training under the auspices of their previous employers. In the case of officersit will have been either at nautical colleges through their shipping companies orthrough the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. A similar position exists with the ratings whowill also have attended nautical colleges to receive their marine training. Fisheries training for officersand ratings is delivered “in house” through a mixture of specialised training coursesand the shadowing of experienced officers carrying out their enforcement duties. The Scottish Fisheries ProtectionAgency is responsible for their terms and conditions of employment. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204347,"EventID":"S2W-31786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Scottish fishermen have lost their lives while working, (b) Scottish fishing vessels have been lost and (c) fatal accident inquiries concerning such fataliti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Scottish fishermen have lost their lives while working, (b) Scottish fishing vessels have been lost and (c) fatal accident inquiries concerning such fatalities have taken place in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Information in relation to accidentsinvolving fishing vessels and their crews is maintained on a UK basis by theMarine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Department for Transport. MAIBhave provided the following details in relation to Scottish registered fishing vesselswhich have been lost and the resulting crew fatalities. Records held by MAIB donot show the nationality of deceased persons to separately identify Scottish fishermen.Details for the UK overall are also shown. Information for 2006 is, at this stage,still provisional. | | UK Registered Fishing Vessels Lost | Scottish Registered Fishing Vessels Lost | Fatalities from UK Registered Fishing Vessels | Fatalities from Scottish Registered Fishing Vessels | | 1997 | 23 | 14 | 29 | 11 | | 1998 | 21 | 13 | 26 | 11 | | 1999 | 33 | 24 | 9 | 6 | | 2000 | 40 | 19 | 32 | 14 | | 2001 | 34 | 20 | 10 | 5 | | 2002 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 5 | | 2003 | 28 | 17 | 11 | 8 | | 2004 | 25 | 14 | 10 | 4 | | 2005 | 34 | 19 | 9 | 4 | | 2006 | 16 | 5 | 17 | 8 | Fatal accident inquiries (FAIs)fall within the responsibility of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service(COPFS). Statistical information is kept by COPFS about the number of FAIs heldbut this data does not include details about the circumstances of the deaths beinginvestigated to identify those related to fishing vessel fatalities. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204348,"EventID":"S2W-31787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31570 by Rhona Brankin on 12 February 2007, whether the £56,000 which is to be spent on Warm Deal measures in council-owned propert","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31570 by Rhona Brankin on 12 February 2007, whether the £56,000 which is to be spent on Warm Deal measures in council-owned properties in Inverclyde in 2007-08 will be re-allocated to houses that are to be transferred from Inverclyde Council to River Clyde Homes in October 2007 following the ballot of council house tenants. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:Inverclyde Council has confirmedthat it expects the total allocation of Warm Deal funding to be spent in full bythe local authority by the time stock transfer takes place. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204349,"EventID":"S2W-31788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of (a) foreign and (b) UK registered fishing vessels apprehended and escorted into Scottish ports by Scottish Fisheries Protectio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has anent the number of (a) foreign and (b) UK registered fishing vessels apprehended and escorted into Scottish ports by Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessels because of fishing offences in each of the last 10 years, and what range of penalties was imposed in the sheriff courts where the skippers of these vessels were convicted of illegal practices. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries ProtectionAgency does not keep a specific record of when fishing vessels are escorted to port.When an infringement is detected at sea it is sometimes necessary to escort a vesselto port to secure the necessary evidence for any subsequent court proceedings. Incases involving foreign nationals, escort to and detention in port, is necessaryto ensure an accused person is available to answer in court to any charges thatare brought as a result of the agency’s investigations.The breakdown of foreign andUKregistered vessels prosecuted for fisheries infringements, and the range of finesimposed by the courts in these cases, in each of the last 10 years is shown in thefollowing table. It should be noted that the agency records on prosecutions statisticsare kept by the financial year and reported as such in the agency’s annual report. | Financial Year | Foreign Vessels | Range of Fines | UK Vessels | Range of Fines | | 1997-98 | 4 | £1,000-£79,000 | 104 | £100-£74,000 | | 1998-99 | 3 | £5,000-£7,000 | 96 | £200-£8,000 | | 1999-2000 | 4 | £2,500-£5,000 | 68 | £100-£15,000 | | 2000-01 | 0 | - | 57 | £100-£8,000 | | 2001-02 | 4 | £3,500-£17,500 | 58 | £250-£7,000 | | 2002-03 | 0 | - | 58 | £150-£8,000 | | 2003-04 | 1 | £20,000 | 33 | £250-£12,500 | | 2004-05 | 8 | £500-£50,000 | 66 | £300-£20,000 | | 2005-06 | 9 | £600-£17,500 | 81 | £300-£1,080,000 | | 2006-07 | 8 | £600-£17,000 | 21 | £100-£45000 | Note: 2006-07 – Information givenas at 19 February 2007 for cases concluded in court. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204350,"EventID":"S2W-31789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what five subjects were raised most often by members of the public in written correspondence with the Minister for Transport in the last 12 months and how many representa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what five subjects were raised most often by members of the public in written correspondence with the Minister for Transport in the last 12 months and how many representations were received in respect of each such subject.","AnswerText":"The top five subjectsbetween 1 February 2006 and 31 January 2007 were:1. Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (987) 2. Concessionary Fares onPublic Transport (463) 3. A77 Maybole Bypass (189) 4. Bus Policy (134) 5. Calmac Ferries (107). ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204351,"EventID":"S2W-31790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the British Dental Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the British Dental Association.","AnswerText":"I last met with the British DentalAssociation on 30 January 2007. Officials meet quarterly with the British Dental Associationand last met them on 1 February 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204352,"EventID":"S2W-31791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-19640 by Peter Peacock on 28 October 2005, whether the commitment to provide details of a single point of contact for each organisa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-19640 by Peter Peacock on 28 October 2005, whether the commitment to provide details of a single point of contact for each organisation that could be published on the Executive website to assist those seeking to access their personal files has now been honoured by the relevant organisations and, if so, when it expects to publish the information.","AnswerText":"Yes. The updated informationwill be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204353,"EventID":"S2W-31792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31407 by Patricia Ferguson on 13 February 2007, whether it has made any representations to the UK Government on the implications fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31407 by Patricia Ferguson on 13 February 2007, whether it has made any representations to the UK Government on the implications for sports projects, such as the 50-metre swimming pool for Aberdeen, if sports lottery funding is diverted to pay for additional costs of the London 2012 Olympic Games and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have a goodworking relationship with their UK counterparts and will continue to engage constructivelywith them to maximise the benefits of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games forScotland and to minimise the impact of any reduction in lottery funding for sportand the other good causes.We have already secured the agreementof the UK Government that Scotland’s share of the £340 million Lottery Sports Fund contributiontowards the games funding package will be retained and spent in Scotland on Scotland’s eliteathletes. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204354,"EventID":"S2W-31793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students completed degrees in which the principal subject was computer-related in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students completed degrees in which the principal subject was computer-related in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The number of studentsgraduating from Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) with a firstdegree in which the principal subject was computer-related is shown in the followingtable.First Degree Graduates inComputer Related Subjects from Scottish HEIs 1996-97 to 2005-06 | Year | Number of Graduates | | 1996-97 | 650 | | 1997-98 | 595 | | 1998-99 | 650 | | 1999-2000 | 860 | | 2000-01 | 910 | | 2001-02 | 1,055 | | 2002-03 | 1,235 | | 2003-04 | 1,605 | | 2004-05 | 1,560 | | 2005-06 | 1,505 | Source:Higher Education Statistics Agency. Notes: All figureshave been rounded to the nearest five. The codingsystem for subjects was changed from the period 2002-03, providing more detailin the area of computing. This might have affected the counts to a smallextent. Bell College and UHIMI became HEIs in 2001-02. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204355,"EventID":"S2W-31794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what co-operation there has been in the last five years between NHS Scotland and public health services elsewhere in respect of (a) computer systems, (b) communication se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what co-operation there has been in the last five years between NHS Scotland and public health services elsewhere in respect of (a) computer systems, (b) communication services and (c) other matters, where the value added from that co-operation exceeded £100,000.","AnswerText":"There has been wide ranging co-operationwith other public health services, particularly other UK countrieswith whom we meet regularly to discuss common needs and requirements.Where there is a match betweenthe information requirements of NHS in both Scotland and England, bothcountries can benefit from the use of computer systems procured and maintained byone country but made available, within EU procurement rules, to another. Thereare a number of such examples including: a computer system which supportsclinical terminology and coding systems; the national (UK) drug dictionaryused in our e-Pharmacy programme; a financial computersystems framework which was negotiated by Scotland and hasbeen heavily used by NHS England; the contract forNHS24’s patient management system which is a variation to the contract negotiatedby England; enterprise softwarelicences have been purchased under contracts which were negotiated by NHS Englandand varied to suit Scottish circumstances; servers to providecentral and local archive facilities for our picture archive and communicationssystem. NHS Scotland communications servicesare underpinned by the N3 broadband telecommunications contract which is a UK NHScontract providing secure private network facilities and the separate NHSMail contractproviding secure email facilities to all NHS staff across the UK. On other related matters we havecollaborated to mutual benefit with other health departments on information standards,and clinical terminology, coding and messaging standards. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204356,"EventID":"S2W-31795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to protect Ardoch Roman Fort.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to protect Ardoch Roman Fort.","AnswerText":"The Ardoch Fort complex is currentlybeing rescheduled to extend the protected area to the north and west in order toprotect all Roman remains visible as crop marks on aerial photographs.Whilst on-going management of the site is the responsibility of the owner, the 1979 act does not impose any obligationon the owner of a monument to maintain it. Historic Scotland can and does offergrants to owners for works that benefit a monument. Recently, several grants havebeen given to support the better management of the site, and to allow it to be appreciatedas a single entity. The current greatest single problemis a recurrence of rabbit infestation. Between August 2005 and March 2006, rabbitproof fencing was erected around the site, jointly funded by a Rural StewardshipScheme application and a Historic Scotland grant. It is hoped that this barrier,combined with a program of night shooting, will reduce the number of rabbits inthe fort in coming years. Historic Scotland officials continue to be closely involvedin this case and visit the site regularly. An erosion survey of the fortis currently being undertaken. This will complement the erosion survey which tookplace in 1997, and provide information on the stability of the monument over a 10year period. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204357,"EventID":"S2W-31796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all projects for young people for which it has provided funding through Perth and Kinross Council since 1999, showing the (a) type of project and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all projects for young people for which it has provided funding through Perth and Kinross Council since 1999, showing the (a) type of project and (b) amount of funding awarded.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Perth and KinrossCouncil. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204358,"EventID":"S2W-31797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all projects for young people for which it has provided funding through Angus Council since 1999, showing the (a) type of project and (b) amount of f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all projects for young people for which it has provided funding through Angus Council since 1999, showing the (a) type of project and (b) amount of funding awarded.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Angus Council.The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204359,"EventID":"S2W-31798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to protect Scotland’s trees and woodlands such as the Fortingall Yew and Meikleour beech hedge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to protect Scotland’s trees and woodlands such as the Fortingall Yew and Meikleour beech hedge.","AnswerText":"Environmentand Rural Development Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whatfunding it is providing to protect Scotland’s trees and woodlands such as the FortingallYew and Meikleour beech hedge. (S2W-31798)
Sarah Boyack: One of Forestry Commission Scotland’s(FCS) key responsibilities is to protect Scotland’s trees, woods and forests. This is mainly administeredthrough felling permissions, long-term forest plans and direct grant-aid for forestestablishment and management through grant incentives such as the Scottish ForestryGrants Scheme. Heritage trees within woodlandscan be supported and protected as part of an FCS grant scheme or through regulatorypermissions. Individual trees of particularly high amenity value can also be protectedby Tree Preservation Orders which are issued by local planning authorities. Thereare also local initiatives supported by FCS, which promote the importance of highvalue heritage trees. For example, the FCS inventory of Scotland’s heritagetrees led to the publication Heritage Trees of Scotland, which featuresboth the Fortingall Yew and the Meikleour Beech Hedge. The “Perthshire Big TreeCountry” initiative - a £1.8 million project delivered via Perth and KinrossCountryside Trust to which FCS has contributed around £600,000 through the ScottishForestry Grant Scheme – is helping to safeguard the future of heritage trees inPerthshire. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204360,"EventID":"S2W-31799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering commencing any new road projects in Perth and Kinross.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering commencing any new road projects in Perth and Kinross.","AnswerText":"New road projects recentlycompleted, underway or scheduled to be delivered during the current programme inthe area of Perth and Kinross Council area are as follows: | Road | Scheme Details | Estimated Cost (£ Million) | Status | | M90 | Perth Southern Bypass – reconstruction of westbound carriageway | 2.0 | Completed | | M90 | Bridge of Earn to Craigend – reconstruction of southbound carriageway | 2.1 | Underway | | M90/A9 | M90 Broxden Roundabout and A9 Inveralmond Roundabout improvements (combined scheme) | 2.2 | Underway | | A9 | Balhaldie to Greenloaning – reconstruction/refurbishment of the northbound and southbound carriageways | 2.6 | Underway | | A9 | Abbey Bridge to Auchterarder reconstruction of the southbound carriageway | 1.5 | Completed | | A9 | Bankfoot – junction improvements and construction of a climbing lane | 2.4 | Estimated start 2007-08 | | A9 | Kindallachan - junction improvements | 0.5 | Estimated start 2007-08 | | A9 | Ballinluig – construction of grade separated interchange | 14.4 | Estimated start 2007-08 | | A9 | Resurfacing of carriageway south of Dalnaspidal | 1.0 | Completed | | A90 | Glendoick and Kinfauns grade separated interchanges | 14.0 | Completed | In addition, we haverecently undertaken a Route Improvement Strategy Study of the A9 from Perth toBlair Atholl which identified £165 million worth of long-term improvement work.Detailed studies are now being carried out on how best to take forward theseimprovements to the A9 including dualling between Perth and Pitlochry, safeovertaking provision and reconstruction along this environmentally sensitiveroute. Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for moreinformation if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204361,"EventID":"S2W-31800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering commencing any new road projects in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering commencing any new road projects in Angus.","AnswerText":"No new trunk road projectsare currently scheduled for the section of the A90 trunk road running through thearea of Angus Council.Transport Scotland hasthe operational responsibility for this area, and can be contacted for moreinformation if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204362,"EventID":"S2W-31801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the transportation of freight by rail between Perth and Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the transportation of freight by rail between Perth and Inverness.","AnswerText":"We are committed toencouraging modal shift of freight from roads to rail across Scotland andoperate three rail freight grant schemes to achieve this aim. Since 1999, thispolicy has removed over 5 million lorry miles from the A9 corridor.Our project to deliver gaugeenhancement from Mossend to Elgin via Perth will allow for larger freight containers to betransported by rail. We estimate that this will remove 19.8 million vehiclemiles from the roads per year. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204363,"EventID":"S2W-31802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether minibuses and vehicles providing airport-to-hotel or other door-to-door services could be required to provide disabled access under local authority licensing powe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether minibuses and vehicles providing airport-to-hotel or other door-to-door services could be required to provide disabled access under local authority licensing powers.","AnswerText":"Local authorities havediscretionary powers under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 todetermine the specification of vehicles which they will license as a taxi orprivate hire car having regard to the type, size and design of the vehicle andwhether it is safe for use. The Scottish Executive has encouraged local authoritiesto use those discretionary powers to improve the accessibility of taxis todisabled people.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204364,"EventID":"S2W-31803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of service in the NHS has been of existing (a) executive directors, (b) senior managers, (c) middle managers, (d) consultant medical staff and (e)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of service in the NHS has been of existing (a) executive directors, (b) senior managers, (c) middle managers, (d) consultant medical staff and (e) nurses.","AnswerText":"Information is not centrallyavailable on the average length of service of staff in NHS Scotland. Centrally helddata provides the date of commencement of employees within their current NHS boardarea but does not provide their total length of service in the NHS.Further information on the statistics,including information on how the data are collected and notes to aid interpretation,is given in the Background Notes document on the Workforce Statistics homepage atwww.isdscotland.org/workforce. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204365,"EventID":"S2W-31804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average existing (a) executive directors, (b) senior managers, (c) middle managers, (d) consultant medical staff and (e) nurses have been in their current pos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average existing (a) executive directors, (b) senior managers, (c) middle managers, (d) consultant medical staff and (e) nurses have been in their current posts in the NHS.","AnswerText":"Table one shows theaverage length of time in years that staff on senior management grades, medicalconsultants and registered nurses have been in their existing posts in NHS Scotland,as at 30 September 2006. Middle managers cannot be explicitly identifiedfrom centrally held data, therefore are not included in the table.Table 1: Average Length ofTime for Staff on Senior Management Grades, Consultant Medical Staff AndRegistered Nurses have been in Existing Posts as at 30 September 2006 | Staff group | Average Length of Time in Post (Years)3 | | Consultant Medical Staff | 8.83 | | Senior Management Grades1 | 10.70 | | Registered Nurses2 | 9.33 | Notes: 1. Senior Management Grades, including executivedirectors and senior managers. 2. Includes registered nurses, registered midwivesand senior nurse managers. 3. Calculated as the averagetime between date started in post and 30 September 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204366,"EventID":"S2W-31805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been to Scottish taxpayers and council taxpayers of the Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland on 15 February 2007.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been to Scottish taxpayers and council taxpayers of the Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland on 15 February 2007.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held by the Scottish Executive. Details surrounding the Prime Minister’s engagementsare a matter for his office.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204367,"EventID":"S2W-31806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needle exchange facilities there are, also broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needle exchange facilities there are, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information from theNational Needle Exchange Survey, including on the number of needle exchangefacilities in Scotland, can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/06/16110001/0. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204368,"EventID":"S2W-31807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided for needle exchange facilities in each of the last three financial years and the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided for needle exchange facilities in each of the last three financial years and the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executiveallocates funding to NHS boards for blood-borne virus prevention work. Thesefunds are used in a number of ways, including the provision of needle exchangefacilities to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses through the sharing ofdirty injecting equipment.Scottish Executive blood-bornevirus prevention funding for each of the last three financial years and thecurrent financial year is set out in the following table: Blood-borne virus preventionfunding: | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | | £8.1 million | £8.1 million | £8.4 million | £8.6 million | In addition to theblood-borne virus prevention funding outlined above, NHS boards will receive anadditional £4 million over a two year period to support implementation of theHepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland which includes measures aimed at preventinginjecting and helping injectors cease their injecting behaviour. NHS boards may provideadditional monies to support the provision of needle exchange facilities, butthis information is not held centrally. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204369,"EventID":"S2W-31808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needles and syringes were distributed through needle exchange facilities in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needles and syringes were distributed through needle exchange facilities in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"We do not have thisinformation for each of the last three years.Information from theNational Needle Exchange Survey, including on the number of needles andsyringes distributed between April 2004 and March 2005, can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/06/16110001/0. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204370,"EventID":"S2W-31809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number is of drug injectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number is of drug injectors.","AnswerText":"The most recent estimates of the number of problematic drug misusers, including injecting drug misusers are for2003. They can be found in the publication Estimating the National and LocalPrevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland at:www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/local/prevreport2004.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204371,"EventID":"S2W-31810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, on average, heroin users inject each day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, on average, heroin users inject each day.","AnswerText":"This information is not collectedcentrally as frequency of injecting depends on the strength of drug available andseverity of addiction.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204372,"EventID":"S2W-31811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, on average, cocaine users inject each day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often, on average, cocaine users inject each day.","AnswerText":"This information is not availablecentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204373,"EventID":"S2W-31812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needle exchange facilities provide free citric acid as part of their service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many needle exchange facilities provide free citric acid as part of their service.","AnswerText":"Information from the NationalNeedle Exchange Survey, including citric acid distribution, can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/06/16110001/0.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204374,"EventID":"S2W-31813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage Chinese language teaching in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage Chinese language teaching in schools.","AnswerText":"The first objective of the Executive’sStrategy for Stronger Engagement with China, launched in August 2006, aimsto raise understanding of Chinese language and culture and, specifically, to haveat least 200 pupils studying for Chinese language national qualifications in Scottishschools by 2010. Accordingly, the Executive is working with the Scottish QualificationsAuthority (SQA) to develop qualifications in Chinese that will come on stream withinthe next two years. We are also working to ensure the timely and coordinated supplyof Chinese language teachers (with General Teaching Council Scotland and the ConfuciusInstitute at Edinburgh University) and the provision of appropriate curricular resources(with Learning and Teaching Scotland).In addition to the activitiesoutlined in response to questions S2W-31814 on 26 February 2007 and S2W-31815 on26 Febuary 2007, the Executive also supports, and is a member of, the Scotland ChinaEducation Network (SCEN) that was established in 2006 and aims to: promote educational links betweenScottish and Chinese schools by bringing together those involved to support eachother and to share experiences and good practice. work in collaboration with theSQA and other national agencies to develop qualifications in Chinese language andculture. raise the understanding of Chineselanguage and culture in Scottish schools and promote the understanding of Scottishculture and education in Chinese schools. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204375,"EventID":"S2W-31814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools offer Chinese language teaching.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools offer Chinese language teaching.","AnswerText":"We do not hold this informationcentrally at present. However, a list of China linked schools in Scotland has beencollated by the Executive with British Council Scotland and the Scotland China EducationNetwork, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament InformationCentre (Bib. number: 41961).The Executive has commissioneda national survey to establish the extent to which Scottish schools are engaginginternationally, including with China, and the findings of this will be available in the spring.A more detailed research study is being undertaken by Strathclyde University toascertain the number of schools teaching Chinese language and culture in Scotland, aswell as evaluating possible areas of concern with regard to uptake, curricular developmentsand materials. Findings will be available towards the end of 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204376,"EventID":"S2W-31815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding is available to local authorities for the teaching of Chinese language classes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding is available to local authorities for the teaching of Chinese language classes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided£346,000 over three years (2005-08) to the British Council Scotland to promote andadminister a Scotland-China School Links Initiative, where up to 120 young Scotscan learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture and way of life. The initiativealso encourages Chinese Language Assistants to come to Scotland to teachChinese and assists graduates from Scotland to travel to China as English language assistants. Further school linksare being established through funding head teachers/teachers from Scottish schoolsto travel to China for one week visits, to establish new school links. Thereis also funding for head teachers and teachers to visit their partner schools toensure that links can be consolidated and developed. Information, including applicationprocedures are on the British Council Scotland website:http://www.britishcouncil.org/scotland.htm. The £4 million annual fundinggiven to education authorities in 2006-07 for language learning and teaching canalso be used by them to support the teaching of Chinese. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204377,"EventID":"S2W-31816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-European languages are taught in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what non-European languages are taught in schools.","AnswerText":"According to information providedto the Executive by education authorities in May 2006, the following non-Europeanlanguages are taught in Scottish schools: Latin; Urdu; Hebrew; Cantonese; Bengali;Chinese; Punjabi; Parsi; Arabic, and Japanese.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204378,"EventID":"S2W-31817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what government support is available for the teaching of non-European languages.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what government support is available for the teaching of non-European languages.","AnswerText":"Since 2001 the Scottish Executivehas provided education authorities with £22.5 million for language learning andteaching. This funding should be used to support the teaching of any languages andin offering funding for 2006-07, the Executive specifically asked education authoritiesto work towards providing “a diversifiedrange of languages for young people in schools, so that they have the opportunityto try lesser known or community languages such as Chinese, Urdu etc”.Support for language learningteaching is also provided through grant aided expenditure but it is for localauthorities to determine how this is spent. In addition to direct fundingto authorities, the Executive also provides core funding to the Scottish Centrefor Information on Language Teaching and Research to support language teachers inScotland. The Executive is also providingspecific support for Chinese, as outlined in the answers to questions S2W-31813and S2W-31815 on 26 February 2007. Allanswers 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":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204379,"EventID":"S2W-31818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking to increase trade with China.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps it is taking to increase trade with China.","AnswerText":"In August 2006 we launched ourChina Strategy. Two key objectives within the strategy are increasing trade andexpanding connections between businesses in both countries. Over the last two yearsthe First Minister, The Finance Minister and I have visited China raisingScotland’s business profile, strengthening links and establishing partnerships. Lastyear we signed a co-operation agreement with Shangdong Province – China’s secondlargest regional economy.Scottish Development International(SDI) has offices in Beijing and Shanghai and has recently doubled its staff in China. SDI providessupport services direct to Scottish companies looking to develop business in/withChina. It has made additional investment in terms of awareness-raising about theopportunities and challenges of the Chinese market and in terms of information provisionto Scottish companies. SDI works closely with key partners such as China BritainBusiness Council and UK Trade and Investment to deliver services, and seeks thesupport of the globalscot network to assist Scottish companies. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204380,"EventID":"S2W-31819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the value of trade with China to have been in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the value of trade with China to have been in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table details theestimated value of Scottish exports to China for the period 2003-05. Import estimates are not availableat this level.Table 1: Estimated Scottish Exportsto China (£ Million), 2003-05 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | 130 | 130 | 320 | Source: Scottish Executive GlobalConnections Survey 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204381,"EventID":"S2W-31820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-10320 and S2W-23761 by Peter Peacock on 17 September 2004 and 16 March 2006 respectively, whether it plans to record the literacy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-10320 and S2W-23761 by Peter Peacock on 17 September 2004 and 16 March 2006 respectively, whether it plans to record the literacy rate of people aged over 16 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Previous research wascarried out in 1996 through the International Adult Literacy Survey. Since thelaunch of Scotland’s Strategy’s for literacy and numeracy of 2001 over137,000 adults have been helped to improve their low levels of literacy andnumeracy. The Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department isconsidering commissioning research into how best to determine the current levelof adult literacy rates.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204382,"EventID":"S2W-31821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31758 by Rhona Brankin on 14 February 2007, what elements of the race equality strategy require further development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31758 by Rhona Brankin on 14 February 2007, what elements of the race equality strategy require further development.","AnswerText":"The main elements which we wishto further develop are the balance in the strategy between a focus on preventingracism and on tackling it, the relationship between issues of faith and race andthe terminology and definitions used. However, we have received feedback from avery wide range of stakeholders covering the whole strategy and we want to considerall of it carefully in revising the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204383,"EventID":"S2W-31822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31758 by Rhona Brankin on 14 February 2007, what additional consultees will inform the further development of the race equality str","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31758 by Rhona Brankin on 14 February 2007, what additional consultees will inform the further development of the race equality strategy.","AnswerText":"We have already consulted a verywide range of stakeholders on the draft strategy, who have provided valuable feedback.The Executive will consult them again once the strategy has been further developedand following careful consideration of their comments. We will consult further stakeholders as is necessary,and will issue the Draft National Strategy and Action Plan for public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204384,"EventID":"S2W-31823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliame","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The group’saction plan is complete. However, given it will be drawn on in the further developmentof the National Strategy and Action Plan, it will require to be publishedsimultaneously with the strategy, as will the other three strategic groups’ reports.I have notified allstrategic group members of the position and made clear to them that I am very pleasedwith their reports, and that it is the National Strategy and Action Planwhich requires further work. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204385,"EventID":"S2W-31824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Ethnic Minorities and the Labour Market is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Ethnic Minorities and the Labour Market is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Ethnic Minorities and the Labour Market Strategic Group’s action plan iscomplete. However, given it will be drawn on in the further development of the NationalStrategy and Action Plan, it will require to be published simultaneously with thestrategy, as will the other three strategic groups’ reports.I have notified allstrategic group members of the position and made clear to them that I am very pleasedwith their reports, and that it is the National Strategy and Action Plan which requiresfurther work. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204386,"EventID":"S2W-31825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Race Equality in Rural Areas is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliam","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Race Equality in Rural Areas is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Race Equality in Rural Areas Strategic Group’s Action Plan iscomplete. However, given it will be drawn on in the further development of the NationalStrategy and Action Plan, it will require to be published simultaneously with thestrategy, as will the other three strategic groups’ reports.I have notified allstrategic group members of the position and made clear to them that I am very pleasedwith their reports, and that it is the National Strategy and Action Plan which requiresfurther work. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204387,"EventID":"S2W-31826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Gypsies/Travellers is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the action plan of the Strategic Group on Gypsies/Travellers is complete and whether it will publish the action plan prior to dissolution of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Group’s Action Plan is complete. However, given it will be drawnon in the further development of the National Strategy and Action Plan, it willrequire to be published simultaneously with the strategy, as will the other threestrategic groups’ reports.I have notified allstrategic group members of the position and made clear to them that I am very pleasedwith their reports, and that it is the National Strategy and Action Plan which requiresfurther work. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204388,"EventID":"S2W-31827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what the average waiting times, in weeks, have been and (b) how many patients have been waiting for a first appointment in the (i) child dental health, (ii) conservat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what the average waiting times, in weeks, have been and (b) how many patients have been waiting for a first appointment in the (i) child dental health, (ii) conservation, (iii) oral medication, (iv) oral surgery, (v) orthodontics, (vi) periodontology and (vii) prosthodontics department in each dental hospital in each quarter since June 1997.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting timesand waiting lists for a first out-patient appointment following referral from ageneral medical or dental practitioner, is collected at specialty level onlyand not at hospital department level.The current national maximumwaiting time for a first out-patient appointment at a consultant-led clinic,following referral by a general medical or dental practitioner, is 26 weeks. Thiscommitment is being met by all NHS boards.The national maximum waiting timewill be reduced to 18 weeks from the end of this year. Median waiting times arederived from continuous retrospective data. To remove the effects ofseasonality and to minimise the effects of data shortfalls, rolling annual datahas been used to calculate the median waits. Comparable information isavailable only from the year ended 31 March 1998. Median waiting times for afirst out-patient appointment with a consultant, following a general medical ordental practitioner referral, at Dundee Dental Hospital, Edinburgh DentalInstitute and Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, by dental specialty, and compiledon a rolling annual basis, for the years ending 31 March 1998 to 30 September2006 have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib.number 42003). Dental out-patient waitinglist information has only been collected centrally since 31 December 2004. Informationon the number of patients waiting for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant,following referral from a general medical or dental practitioner, by dentalspecialty, at Dundee Dental Hospital on each quarterly census date from 31December 2004 to 31 March 2006, at Edinburgh Dental Institute on eachquarterly census date from 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2006 and at GlasgowDental Hospital and School on each quarterly census date from 30 September 2005to 31 December 2006, has been placed in the Scottish Parliament InformationCentre (Bib. number 42004). ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204389,"EventID":"S2W-31828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":3004,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have used money from their housing revenue accounts to fund services provided by departments other than housing since 2003, also detailing the ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have used money from their housing revenue accounts to fund services provided by departments other than housing since 2003, also detailing the services that have been funded in this way.","AnswerText":"Since 2003 East Lothian,Midlothian, Moray and West Dunbartonshire are the only councils which havereported a transfer of funds from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to theGeneral Fund. The Executive does not collect information on which specificservices were funded from transfers from the HRA.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204390,"EventID":"S2W-31829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending its funding of Pass Plus to Dumfries and Galloway, in light of the number of young drivers killed on the region’s roads over the last y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending its funding of Pass Plus to Dumfries and Galloway, in light of the number of young drivers killed on the region’s roads over the last year.","AnswerText":"The six-month pilot targets theGrampian Police area where there have been a particularly high and worrying levelof fatal accidents involving young drivers. The scheme will be monitored to evaluateits success in increasing the uptake of Pass Plus, compared with the current level.The Executive will then consider the roll out of the scheme across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204391,"EventID":"S2W-31830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, what outcome measures it will use to assess the effectiveness of the new model of communi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, what outcome measures it will use to assess the effectiveness of the new model of community nursing in the pilot NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"The impact of the new modelwill be independently evaluated. The evaluation will measure not only nurses’contribution to meeting the aims of Delivering for Health, but also theexperiences of individuals, families, communities, nurses and professionalcolleagues.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204392,"EventID":"S2W-31831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, whether it considers that a two-year pilot will be sufficient to assess the effects of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, whether it considers that a two-year pilot will be sufficient to assess the effects of the change to the new model of community nursing.","AnswerText":"In the first instance we arelooking at progress over two years in the development sites. If the model is rolledout more widely further evaluation will take place on an on-going basis.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204393,"EventID":"S2W-31832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, whether it will await the evaluation of the new model of community nursing in the pilot a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-30653 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 January 2007, whether it will await the evaluation of the new model of community nursing in the pilot areas before rolling out the model elsewhere.","AnswerText":"Decisions on whether to rollout the model more widely will be made once the two year development project acrossfour board areas is completed.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204394,"EventID":"S2W-31833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Coproxamol will continue to be obtainable on prescription in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Coproxamol will continue to be obtainable on prescription in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Licensing of medicines is reservedand is the responsibility of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.The agency has advised that Coproxamolis being phased out of the market gradually to give patients time to discuss theirtreatment with their doctor and change to a suitable alternative. Continued provision of Coproxamol through normal prescribingmay continue until the cancellation of the licences at the end of 2007. Followingcancellation of the licences there will be scope for the prescription of unlicensedco-proxamol. There is clear provision in legislation which gives the right to theprescriber to prescribe off-label or unlicensed medicines when this is judged tobe in the best interests of the patient. So where there is a clear clinicalneed, it will still be possible to prescribe Coproxamol but in a way that is moretargeted, with a stronger focus on the risk:benefit judgment for the particularpatient, and involvement of the patient in the decision. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204395,"EventID":"S2W-31834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, who the members are of the review group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, who the members are of the review group.","AnswerText":"The members of the groupreviewing the content of the booklet A Can of Worms are representatives of thefollowing organisations:Fife Health Board British PsychologicalSociety Royal College of Psychiatrists Health in Mind Association of Directors ofSocial Work Scottish Association for MentalHealth Scottish Executive MentalHealth Division Scottish Executive AdultSupport and Protection Unit Scottish Executive NationalReference Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204396,"EventID":"S2W-31835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, when a decision will be made as to whether changes are required to improve the bookle","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, when a decision will be made as to whether changes are required to improve the booklet, A Can of Worms.","AnswerText":"The review group iscontinuing, by correspondence, its consideration of the text and any changes toit. The group aims to complete this work as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204397,"EventID":"S2W-31836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, whether the booklet, A Can of Worms, is being distributed in its current form and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31561 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, whether the booklet, A Can of Worms, is being distributed in its current form and, if so, to whom.","AnswerText":"The A Can of Worms bookletis not currently being distributed by the Scottish Executive in any form.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204398,"EventID":"S2W-31837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31550 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, when it will publish all outstanding minutes of meetings of the Adult Survivors of Ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31550 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, when it will publish all outstanding minutes of meetings of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group on its website.","AnswerText":"The notes of each meeting of the National Reference Group are cleared at the subsequent meeting by referencegroup members, and published on the Scottish Executive website after they havegone through the normal procedures. All minutes of meetings of the NationalReference Group to date have been published, with the exception of the note ofmeeting of 19 January 2007 which requires to be cleared by the group at theirnext meeting of 27 April. A note of the away day which was held on 27 October 2006 isalso available on the website.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204399,"EventID":"S2W-31838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31550 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, who is responsible for formally clearing the minutes of meetings of the Adult Survivo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31550 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 February 2007, who is responsible for formally clearing the minutes of meetings of the Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Reference Group and how long after a meeting it should take to clear such minutes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31837 on 1 March 2007. 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":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204400,"EventID":"S2W-31839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31549 by Hugh Henry on 13 February 2007, how the helpline was advertised (a) prior to February 2005 and (b) from February to August","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31549 by Hugh Henry on 13 February 2007, how the helpline was advertised (a) prior to February 2005 and (b) from February to August 2005 and at what cost.","AnswerText":"The helpline operated by WhoCares? Scotland was advertised on the website of the Scottish Executive.INCAS was funded to circulate information to its membership. A news release wasalso issued by the Scottish Executive on 1 April 2005.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204401,"EventID":"S2W-31840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1831,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking, unilaterally or in conjunction with the Home Office, to develop a roadside device to screen those suspected of driving while under the influence","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking, unilaterally or in conjunction with the Home Office, to develop a roadside device to screen those suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"Policy and legislation on drivingwhilst under the influence of drugs is reserved.Home Office Scientific DevelopmentBranch (HOSDB) is developing a roadside screening device to detect drug drivers.Once that process is complete the device will require type approval by UK ministersbefore it can be used for enforcement purposes. The type approval process is overseenby the Home Office led Drink Drug Drive Working Group (DDDWG) at which Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is represented. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204402,"EventID":"S2W-31841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the percentage of foreign-registered heavy goods vehicles that are involved in collisions in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the percentage of foreign-registered heavy goods vehicles that are involved in collisions in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Data about injury roadaccidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executiveusing the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only roadaccidents in which one or more people were injured and which become known tothe police. The returns do not cover "damage only" accidents oraccidents of which the police are unaware because they were not reported by thepublic.With effect from the startof 2005, the STATS 19 returns have included a separate field which is used toidentify those of the vehicles involved in such accidents which bear non-UKregistration plates (including vehicles from the Republic of Ireland, theIsle of Man and the Channel Islands). In 2005, 26 vehiclesinvolved in reported injury accidents were identified as foreign registeredheavy goods vehicles (goods vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes maximum gross weight). Theyrepresented 3.5% of all heavy goods vehicles, and 0.12% of all vehicles of alltypes, which were involved in such accidents. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204403,"EventID":"S2W-31842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-27238 by Tavish Scott on 3 August 2006, in how many fatal and serious road accidents heavy goods vehicles were involved in the High","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-27238 by Tavish Scott on 3 August 2006, in how many fatal and serious road accidents heavy goods vehicles were involved in the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region, in each year from 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table givesthe numbers of fatal and serious injury road accidents involving heavy goodsvehicles in the Highlands and Islands Scottish Parliamentary region in each of the years from 1999 to 2005. Some accidents involved more than one heavy goodsvehicle. The figures for 2006 should become available in June.Fatal and Serious InjuryRoad Accidents Involving Heavy Goods Vehicles in the Highlands andIslands Scottish Parliament region | Year | Accidents | | 1999 | 26 | | 2000 | 23 | | 2001 | 39 | | 2002 | 27 | | 2003 | 34 | | 2004 | 23 | | 2005 | 17 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204404,"EventID":"S2W-31843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the population of each local authority area entered higher education in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the population of each local authority area entered higher education in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The proportion of the total populationof each local authority area that started a higher education course in (a) 2003-04and (b) 2004-05 is shown in the following tables. The data for 2005-06 are not yetavailable.Entrants to Higher Education2003-04 as a Percentage of Resident Population | 2003-04 | Total | Postgraduate | First Degree | Other Undergraduate | | Aberdeen, City of | 3.1% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 1.6% | | Aberdeenshire | 2.7% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 1.4% | | Angus | 2.6% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 1.4% | | Argyll and Bute | 2.1% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.1% | | Clackmannanshire | 2.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 1.2% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1.8% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.9% | | Dundee, City of | 2.7% | 0.3% | 1.0% | 1.4% | | East Ayrshire | 2.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 1.4% | | East Dunbartonshire | 3.4% | 0.6% | 1.1% | 1.7% | | East Lothian | 1.8% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.9% | | East Renfrewshire | 3.1% | 0.6% | 1.1% | 1.4% | | Edinburgh, City of | 2.5% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 1.1% | | Falkirk | 1.9% | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204406,"EventID":"S2W-31845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant has made a difference to the accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travellers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant has made a difference to the accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travellers.","AnswerText":"Award of the Gypsy/Travellersite improvement grant was on the basis of improvements to the quality of life andfacilities offered to site residents, identified by individual local authorities.The grant is being spent on a range of improvements including upgrading and modernisingwashing and cooking facilities, provision of community and children’s facilities,insulation and improvements to the general environment and site security. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204407,"EventID":"S2W-31846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant is still available for local authorities that wish to improve sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant is still available for local authorities that wish to improve sites.","AnswerText":"The £3 million Gypsy/Travellersite grant, which was introduced in 2005 and was intended to fund site improvementsby local authorities over three years, has all been allocated. Payments have beenmade to individual local authorities in 2005-06 and 2006-07, and will continue into2007-08 as the remaining projects complete.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204408,"EventID":"S2W-31847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any underspend in the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant will be ring-fenced to ensure that it goes towards meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travell","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any underspend in the Gypsy/Traveller site improvement grant will be ring-fenced to ensure that it goes towards meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travellers.","AnswerText":"The Gypsy/Traveller Site Grant is managed by CommunitiesScotland through the Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG) awarded to local authorities.If there is any under spend by local authorities in 2006-07, Communities Scotlandwill look to make available resources to enable councils to complete the projectssubsequently, within the budgets already agreed.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204409,"EventID":"S2W-31848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it currently provides to public authorities about actions they can take to better meet the needs of Gypsies/Travellers, given that its strategic group repo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it currently provides to public authorities about actions they can take to better meet the needs of Gypsies/Travellers, given that its strategic group report on Gypsies/Travellers has not been published.","AnswerText":"Communities Scotland providesguidance on local housing strategies on its website to support local authoritiesin meeting the housing needs of all communities in their area, including the Gypsy/Travellercommunity. In addition, the two thematic studies undertaken by Communities Scotlandin 2002 and 2006 into services for Gypsies/Travellers have made recommendationswhich should help local authorities better meet the needs of Gypsies/Travellers.The Scottish Executive has also published guidelines to assist local authoritiesto better manage cases of unauthorised camping. These guidelines include adviceabout assessing and taking into account the needs of Gypsies/Travellers as partof managing such encampments. Finally, the National Strategy and Action Plan onRace Equality, which will be published after May, will reflect the findings fromthe recent Ministerial Strategic Group on Gypsies/Travellers and should provideadditional guidance to local authorities.<","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204411,"EventID":"S2W-31850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost, including out of court settlements, has been of providing legal aid and compensation for claims by prisoners under the European Convention on Human R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost, including out of court settlements, has been of providing legal aid and compensation for claims by prisoners under the European Convention on Human Rights since its incorporation into Scots law. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2F-2723 on 15 February 2007 and confirm that the total cost toScottish ministers and the Scottish Prison Service of providing legal aid for courtactions and compensation including out of court settlements has been approximately£2.3 million.All answers to First Minister’sQuestion are available in the Official Report on the Parliament’s website. The OfficialReport for the 15 February 2007 can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-07/sor0215-02.htm#Col32172. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204412,"EventID":"S2W-31851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied to assess whether an elderly person is entitled to free nursing care and whether local authorities have any flexibility in applying such criteri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied to assess whether an elderly person is entitled to free nursing care and whether local authorities have any flexibility in applying such criteria.","AnswerText":"Nursing care payments are providedto self-funders in care homes. Local authorities carry out an assessment of theperson’s needs in relation to activities of daily living, difficult behaviours andcomplex clinical need. There must be appropriateregistered nurse input, for example in the assessment process and supervision of the care prescribed. Local authorities havediscretion to make nursing care payments, based on the assessments carried out.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204413,"EventID":"S2W-31852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action an individual can take against someone who has lied in an affidavit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action an individual can take against someone who has lied in an affidavit.","AnswerText":"If an individual considers thatthe evidence provided by a person in an affidavit is false then they should bringthis to the attention of the court dealing with the proceedings in which the affidavithas been lodged. The court will then decide what course of action should be taken.If an individual believes thata criminal offence has been committed they may also report the matter directly tothe police for investigation. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204414,"EventID":"S2W-31853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have active policies, based on PAN 74, that set specific requirements on developers to provide affordable homes; how many affordable housing unit ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have active policies, based on PAN 74, that set specific requirements on developers to provide affordable homes; how many affordable housing unit planning consents have been secured, and how many affordable homes had been built under such requirements in each local authority area and in total by March 2006.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present. PAN 74 on affordable housing was introduced in March 2005and it will take time for all local authorities to adopt affordable housing policiesin line with this advice as part of their overall planning policies and for newhomes to be built. Early indications are that planning authorities are adoptingaffordable housing policies that reflect the advice in PAN 74 and that these arebeginning to deliver additional affordable housing units. However, we are puttingmonitoring arrangements in place to assess the effectiveness of the advice in PAN74.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204415,"EventID":"S2W-31854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable housing unit planning consents were secured between March 2005 and March 2006, also broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable housing unit planning consents were secured between March 2005 and March 2006, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204416,"EventID":"S2W-31855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes were built between March 2005 and March 2006, also broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many affordable homes were built between March 2005 and March 2006, also broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-29212 on 6 November 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204417,"EventID":"S2W-31856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many second homes there were in each local authority area, (b) how many local authorities charged 90% council tax on second homes and (c) how much income could ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many second homes there were in each local authority area, (b) how many local authorities charged 90% council tax on second homes and (c) how much income could have been raised by each local authority in council tax on second homes if charged at the maximum permitted amount, in the most recent year available.","AnswerText":"The answers to questions (a)to (c) are shown in the following table: | | Number of Second Homes1 | Second Homes Discount 2005-06 | Estimated Income With Minimum 10% Discount Applied (£000) | | (a) | (b) | (c) | | Aberdeen City | 1,701 | 10% | 1,685 | | Aberdeenshire | 1,406 | 10% | 1,356 | | Angus | 429 | 10% | 358 | | Argyll and Bute | 3,655 | 10% | 3,323 | | Clackmannanshire | 364 | 50% | 288 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 1,746 | 10% | 1,466 | | Dundee City | 1,495 | 50% | 1,244 | | East Ayrshire | 153 | 50% | 134 | | East Dunbartonshire | 146 | 50% | 164 | | East Lothian | 246 | 10% | 272 | | East Renfrewshire | 95 | 50% | 105 | | Edinburgh, City of | 3,459 | 10% | 3,718 | | Eilean Siar | 843 | 10% | 550 | | Falkirk | 550 | 10% | 419 | | Fife | | Local Authority | Approved Registrations | Applications | | Aberdeen City | 1,096 | 5,787 | | Aberdeenshire | 552 | 2,434 | | Angus | 243 | 1,338 | | Argyll and Bute | 0 | 1,918 | | Clackmannanshire | 0 | 439 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 459 | 2,348 | | Dundee City | 0 | 2,833 | | East Ayrshire | 0 | 1,121 | | East Dunbartonshire | 26 | 662 | | East Lothian | 14 | 1,429 | | East Renfrewshire | 0 | 683 | | Edinburgh, City of | 0 | 17,469 | | Eilean Siar | 28 | 251 | | Falkirk | 1,029 | 1,033 | | Fife | 0 | 5,030 | | Glasgow City | 0 | 10,718 | | Highland | 0 | 3,694 | | Inverclyde | 0 | 921 | | Midlothian | 0 | 727 | | Council Area | Fuel Poor Estimated Number of Households | 95% Confidence Interval | | Low | High | | Aberdeen City | 15,500 | 14,200 | 16,800 | | Aberdeenshire | 18,300 | 16,800 | 19,800 | | Angus | 7,300 | 6,700 | 7,900 | | Argyll and Bute | 8,200 | 7,500 | 8,900 | | Scottish Borders | 10,600 | 9,700 | 11,500 | | Clackmannanshire | 1,500 | 1,400 | 1,600 | | West Dunbartonshire | 3,700 | 3,500 | 3,900 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 11,500 | 10,600 | 12,400 | | Dundee | 8,700 | 8,100 | 9,300 | | East Ayrshire | 8,900 | 8,200 | 9,600 | | East Dunbartonshire | 5,000 | 4,600 | 5,400 | | East Lothian | Dwellings Entitled to CertainCouncil Tax Exemption/Discounts, Including Second Homes and Vacant Dwellings, September2005 | Local Authority | Number of Dwellings | | | | Aberdeen City | 5,574 | | | Aberdeenshire | 4,681 | | | Angus | 2,756 | | | Argyll and Bute | 5,042 | | | Clackmannanshire | 794 | | | Dumfries and Galloway | 3,331 | | | Dundee City | 4,822 | | | East Ayrshire | 1,286 | | | East Dunbartonshire | 547 | | | East Lothian | 1,419 | | | East Renfrewshire | 883 | | | Edinburgh, City of | 8,734 | | | Eilean Siar | 1,866 | | | Falkirk | 2,069 | | | Fife | 7,122 | | | Glasgow City | 15,911 | | | Highland | 9,444 | | | Inverclyde ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204421,"EventID":"S2W-31860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding the introduction of e-learning lesson modules, entitled “Defence Dynamics”, targeted at 14 to 16-year-o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding the introduction of e-learning lesson modules, entitled “Defence Dynamics”, targeted at 14 to 16-year-old school pupils.","AnswerText":"No detailed discussions havetaken place. We have asked MOD to engage with Learning and Teaching Scotland so thatwe can better determine how this resource might complement the school curriculumin Scotland. However, ultimately, it is for schools and local authoritiesto decide on management and delivery of the curriculum in Scottish schools.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204422,"EventID":"S2W-31861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence with regard to recruitment by the armed forces in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence with regard to recruitment by the armed forces in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has madeno representations to the Ministry of Defence on recruitment by the armed forcesin schools.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204423,"EventID":"S2W-31862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what proportion of the 15 soldiers under the age of 18 sent to frontline operational duties in Iraq since 2003 had first contact with the milit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what proportion of the 15 soldiers under the age of 18 sent to frontline operational duties in Iraq since 2003 had first contact with the military through tri-service teams operated by the Ministry of Defence in schools in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold information on school leaver destinations or on armed forces recruiting activitywhich could provide the analysis requested.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204424,"EventID":"S2W-31863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what proportion of school pupils were recruited into the UK armed forces from Scottish schools following a visit by a tri-service recruitment t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what proportion of school pupils were recruited into the UK armed forces from Scottish schools following a visit by a tri-service recruitment team.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does nothold information on school leaver destinations or on armed forces recruiting activitywhich could provide the analysis requested.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204425,"EventID":"S2W-31864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it is offering education departments across Scotland in respect of the use of the new e-learning lesson modules operated by the Ministry of Defence entitled","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it is offering education departments across Scotland in respect of the use of the new e-learning lesson modules operated by the Ministry of Defence entitled “Defence Dynamics”.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31860 on 2 March 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204426,"EventID":"S2W-31865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subject areas will be discontinued by education authorities in order to make way for the new e-learning lesson modules operated by the Ministry of Defence, en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subject areas will be discontinued by education authorities in order to make way for the new e-learning lesson modules operated by the Ministry of Defence, entitled “Defence Dynamics” and, if so, which ones.","AnswerText":"It is for schools and localauthorities to decide on management and delivery of the curriculum in Scottishschools.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204427,"EventID":"S2W-31866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on increased levels of recruitment in Scottish schools targeting under 16-year-olds as a means to fill any shortfall in trained personnel in the UK a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on increased levels of recruitment in Scottish schools targeting under 16-year-olds as a means to fill any shortfall in trained personnel in the UK armed forces.","AnswerText":"It is for local authoritiesand schools to consider how and by whom advice on career opportunities shouldbe offered to pupils.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204428,"EventID":"S2W-31867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding any specific elements of the current Scottish curriculum that led to Ministry of Defence tri-service te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding any specific elements of the current Scottish curriculum that led to Ministry of Defence tri-service teams carrying out 153 visits to Scottish schools in 2005-06, approximately one third of their total number of visits that year.","AnswerText":"None. Such visits would be amatter for schools and local authorities to arrange.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204429,"EventID":"S2W-31868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it offers to pupils and schools in contact with Ministry of Defence recruitment and military career teams to ensure that they are aware of children's rights","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it offers to pupils and schools in contact with Ministry of Defence recruitment and military career teams to ensure that they are aware of children's rights under UN protocols and UK-signed treaties with regard to the rights of the child, to ensure that no Scottish pupils under the age of 18 are deployed to frontline operational duties in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive doesnot offer such guidance to pupils and schools in contact with Ministry ofDefence recruitment and military career teams. Recruitment of those under theage of 18 by the British armed forces is voluntary with the informed consent of the volunteer and his/her parents.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204430,"EventID":"S2W-31869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has allocated any funding in support of the proposed e-learning lesson modules and “Defence Dynamics” website operated by the Ministry of Defence and aimed at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has allocated any funding in support of the proposed e-learning lesson modules and “Defence Dynamics” website operated by the Ministry of Defence and aimed at 14 to 16-year-old school pupils.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204431,"EventID":"S2W-31870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to commission, roll out and support e-learning lesson modules covering the (a) manufacturing, (b) construction and (c) services sector to ensure genuine","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to commission, roll out and support e-learning lesson modules covering the (a) manufacturing, (b) construction and (c) services sector to ensure genuine choice for pupils in the context of the announcement by the Ministry of Defence of the “Defence Dynamics” e-learning lesson modules.","AnswerText":"It is for schools andeducation authorities to decide the management and delivery of the curriculumin Scottish schools.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204432,"EventID":"S2W-31871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee to submit its recommendations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee to submit its recommendations.","AnswerText":"The NHSScotland Resource AllocationCommittee is working to a timetable whereby it will report its recommendations toministers by the end of June 2007.Over the months of July, Augustand September 2006, the committee undertook a consultation based on the researchit had commissioned in the previous year to determine how the Arbuthnott Formulacould be improved and refined. This included research into population measurementand demography; the resource allocation adjustment for health care needs due tomorbidity and life circumstances and other factors, and the excess costs of supplyinghealthcare services including the remoteness adjustment within the formula. As partof the consultation process the committee also ran three regional workshops in Edinburgh,Aberdeen and Clydebank for interested parties. The committee recently publishedon its website, www.nrac.scot.nhs.uk,the consultation responses and the analysis of the responses along with a papersummarising the analytical work plan for the final post-consultation phase of itswork. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204433,"EventID":"S2W-31872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward its commitment to publishing a renewed statement on architecture policy, as announced in its response to the Cultural Commission report in 2006 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will take forward its commitment to publishing a renewed statement on architecture policy, as announced in its response to the Cultural Commission report in 2006 and following its recent review and public consultation on architecture policy.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce thelaunch today of Building our Legacy, our new statement on architecture policy. Thestatement sets out what we believe is an ambitious agenda, responding to emergingchallenges and building further upon theaims of Scotland’s policy on architecture, published in 2001. The documentis available online at:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications. The statement will be launchedtoday to an invited audience of stakeholders during my visit to The Lighthouse,Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204434,"EventID":"S2W-31873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Low Copy Number DNA comparison is used in the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Low Copy Number DNA comparison is used in the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"Low Copy Number (LCN) analysisis not performed by any of the Scottish Forensic Science Laboratories. However,police forces in Scotland may send DNA samples to forensic service providers outwith Scotland that do analysisof this type. This would be an operationaldecision for the police.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204435,"EventID":"S2W-31874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many runs are used when reconstructing DNA maps from microscopic quantities of material and what level of inconsistency between runs is considered to be evidentially ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many runs are used when reconstructing DNA maps from microscopic quantities of material and what level of inconsistency between runs is considered to be evidentially reliable.","AnswerText":"There is a range of approachesto the analysis of material for DNA. The technique employed by Scottish ForensicLaboratories is SGM-plus. This technique normally involves analysing a sample onceand reporting the result.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204436,"EventID":"S2W-31875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the four EU regions, Catalonia, Baden-Württemberg, Lombardy and Rhône Alpes, which have signed an economic co-operation agreement known as the “Four Motors for Eu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the four EU regions, Catalonia, Baden-Württemberg, Lombardy and Rhône Alpes, which have signed an economic co-operation agreement known as the “Four Motors for Europe” have invited Scotland to be involved, or attend any of their events as an observer, as they have done for Wales and Flanders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supportedthe Multi-Regional International Business Programme from 2002-05. This exchangeprogramme for business undergraduates was an initiative of the “Four Motors forEurope” network. Scottish involvement arose from the Co-operation Agreement betweenCatalonia and Scotland and our view continues to be that bilateral work is the mosteffective use of our resources.","AnswerDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204437,"EventID":"S2W-31876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11990 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2007 (Official Report, c. 32166-67), on what basis it states that BASF’s genetically modified ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2O-11990 by Sarah Boyack on 15 February 2007 (Official Report, c. 32166-67), on what basis it states that BASF’s genetically modified potato EH92-527-1 is not going to be grown in Scotland or the rest of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"This GM potato produces amodified form of starch with improved processing characteristics. Since the UKhas no quota and therefore no infrastructure for potato starch processing,there is unlikely to be a UK market for this GM organisms.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204438,"EventID":"S2W-31877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurance can be given that maintenance by Network Rail on the Dundee to Edinburgh railway line is adequate, following delays due to signal failure in the Falkirk ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurance can be given that maintenance by Network Rail on the Dundee to Edinburgh railway line is adequate, following delays due to signal failure in the Falkirk area during the rush hour on 6 February 2007.","AnswerText":"Maintenance of the railway isan operational matter for Network Rail, who are funded by Scottish ministers underthe terms of the Railways Act 2005. The GBrail network is maintained in accordance with Network Rail’s maintenance managementplan to industry targets as regulated by the Office of Rail Regulation.Transport Scotland analyseand discuss performance of the rail network in Scotland with Network Rail. Thesediscussions include infrastructure failure, and provide assurances to Scottishministers of Network Rail’s continued vigilance regarding operation and safety inScotland. Despite the disappointing delaysin the Falkirk area on 6 February 2007,latest published figures show Network Raildelays on the Aberdeen to Edinburgh line were 32% better than 2005. In addition, NetworkRail’s delays across the Scottish network are 23% better than 2005 reflecting the£40 million spent in track enhancements in Scotland over the period. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204439,"EventID":"S2W-31878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to extending the Water Charges Exemption Scheme beyond 2010.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to extending the Water Charges Exemption Scheme beyond 2010.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive’s generalpolicy is that all customers, including charitable organisations and other organisationswhich serve a public function, should contribute to the cost of the water servicesthat they use. Certain organisations, including some charitable organisations andother organisations which serve a public function, are currently exempted from chargesunder the Water and Sewerage Charges (Exemption) (Scotland) Regulations2002.The Executive previously extendedthe exemption scheme from 2006-10 to allow more time for organisations to prepareto pay for their water services. It has no plans to extend the scheme further orto establish a replacement for it when it expires in March 2010. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204440,"EventID":"S2W-31879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the A87 in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the A87 in the last year.","AnswerText":"In the last full financialyear, 2005-2006, in excess of £1.4 million was spent on the A87 trunk road. Thisis in addition to substantial sums spent on winter maintenance, grass cuttingand other maintenance, which are not allocated to specific routes.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204441,"EventID":"S2W-31880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and the workforce or trade union representatives of the Simclar plants in Irvine ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and the workforce or trade union representatives of the Simclar plants in Irvine and Kilwinning concerning the closure of the plants and when these meetings took place.","AnswerText":"I met representatives of theworkforce and trade union representatives on Monday 5 February 2007 and again at Parliament on Thursday 8 February. I also met with DTIMinister Jim Fitzpatrick on Tuesday 27 February 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204442,"EventID":"S2W-31881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Glasgow’s Crichton Campus in Dumfries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Glasgow’s Crichton Campus in Dumfries concerning the university’s decision to withdraw from the campus and when these meetings took place.","AnswerText":"On 22 February, the DeputyMinister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and I met with a delegation fromDumfries and Galloway Council and representatives of the Crichton Campus toidentify a way forward that will secure provision at the campus. The DeputyMinister also met with the Principal of the University of Glasgow on 23February. There has not been a meeting with student representatives.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204443,"EventID":"S2W-31882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Dundee concerning the university’s pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Dundee concerning the university’s proposals to cut courses and jobs and when these meetings took place.","AnswerText":"Ministers have not heldmeetings with students, staff or management of the University of Dundee on this issue and no such meetings have been requested.We are of course aware of the financial pressures being faced by the University of Dundee. The universityhas communicated its position to the Executive and the Scottish Funding Counciland has not sought extra funding in response to its current financialsituation. The university will now beconsulting on this issue with the unions and other stakeholders. Given thatfinancial management is rightly the responsibility of the university’s management,this is the correct approach. The funding council and inparticular its audit committee closely monitor the financial health of ouruniversities and advise ministers of any specific difficulties. The FundingCouncil’s Chief Executive has been in regular contact with the Principal of theUniversity of Dundee on this matter. The funding council have notapproached ministers on the situation at Dundee or indeed at any otherinstitution. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204444,"EventID":"S2W-31883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2074,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Strathclyde concerning the university","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place between the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and students and staff of the University of Strathclyde concerning the university’s proposals to cut jobs and when these meetings took place.","AnswerText":"Ministers have not heldmeetings with students, staff or management of the University of Strathclyde on this issue and no such meetings have beenrequested.We are of course aware of the financial pressures being faced by the University of Strathclyde.The university has communicated its position to the Executive and the Scottish FundingCouncil and has not sought extra funding in response to its current financialsituation. I understand that the universityhas given the assurance that savings against staff budgets will no be made byimposing voluntary redundancies, and that the university will consult on thisissue with the unions and other stakeholders. Given that financial managementis rightly the responsibility of the university’s management, this is thecorrect approach. The funding council and inparticular its audit committee closely monitor the financial health of ouruniversities and advise ministers of any specific difficulties. The FundingCouncil’s Chief Executive has been in regular contact with the Principal of theUniversity of Strathclyde on this matter. The funding council have notapproached ministers to intervene in the situation at Strathclyde or indeed atany other institution. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204445,"EventID":"S2W-31884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 10 local authority (a) areas and (b) wards with the (i) highest and (ii) lowest life expectancies in (A) the latest year for which information i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 10 local authority (a) areas and (b) wards with the (i) highest and (ii) lowest life expectancies in (A) the latest year for which information is available and (B) 1996-97.","AnswerText":"Life expectancy figures arenormally calculated for a three year period, to provide large enough numbers toensure accuracy. Figures are available up to 2003-2005.Information on lifeexpectancy at birth for ranked local authority areas for the latest period isavailable from the General Register Office for Scotland’s website through the following link: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/library/life-expectancy/le2003-05/list-of-tables.html. Although not ranked, figuresfor earlier years are also available from this web page. Information is not availablefor life expectancy at birth in each ward, because of the small size of thepopulations involved. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204446,"EventID":"S2W-31885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the amount that the NHS will pay to private health care providers in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2012-13.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the amount that the NHS will pay to private health care providers in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2012-13.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has funded £45 million over threeyears, as part of the commitments in Fair to All, Personal to Each (2004),to enable NHS boards to use the independentsector to provide treatment for NHS patients where this added capacity offers valuefor money and provides a responsive, high-quality service for patients.NHS boards also use their ownresources to purchase from the private sector as and when required in the interestsof patients, but this information is not collected centrally. The only funding specificallyallocated by the Executive for private sector spend in 2007-08 is £5 million toNHS Tayside for the Stracathro Pilot Treatment Centre Project (part of the £45 million).This represents 0.05% of the total NHS budget for 2007-08. Funding plans for 2012-13 arenot yet established. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204447,"EventID":"S2W-31886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accident and emergency departments there were in (a) 1997, (b) 2001 and (c) the latest year for which figures are available, broken down by type, and what foreca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accident and emergency departments there were in (a) 1997, (b) 2001 and (c) the latest year for which figures are available, broken down by type, and what forecasts it has made of the numbers and types of accident and emergency departments that will be required in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2010.","AnswerText":"The number of NHS locations recordedas providing an accident and emergency (A&E) service in each of the years requestedis shown as follows. The list includes services that are provided other than ona 24-hour, seven day basis, and services provided by a range of clinical staff includingGPs and nurses. Information broken down by type of service is not held centrally. | Year Ending 31 March | A&E Departments | | 1997 | 103 | | 2001 | 97 | | 2006 | 96 | Source: ISD Scotland ISD(S)1,Ref: IR2007-00428. It is for NHS boards workingboth individually and, where appropriate, collectively through regional planninggroups to determine the number and type of accident and emergency services requiredin the future. In doing so they will take account of local and regional needs andof national guidance and priorities. Delivering for Health sets out clearprinciples for the reorganisation of unscheduled care services, based on care inCommunity Casualty Units where possible and appropriately staffed Emergency Centreswhere necessary. NHS boards are already putting these principles into practice –for example through the reorganisation of acute services in Glasgow, Lanarkshireand Ayrshire. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204448,"EventID":"S2W-31887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) consultant-led and (b) midwife-led maternity units there were in (i) 1997, (ii) 2001 and (iii) the latest year for which figures are available and what forec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) consultant-led and (b) midwife-led maternity units there were in (i) 1997, (ii) 2001 and (iii) the latest year for which figures are available and what forecast it has made of the numbers and types of maternity units that will be required in (A) 2008 and (B) 2010.","AnswerText":"There are currently 18consultant-led maternity units and 22 community units across Scotland.Information about past and futureprovision and planning in this regard are matters for NHS boards in the first instance. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204449,"EventID":"S2W-31888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients waited for more than (a) six months, (b) 12 months and (c) 24 months for a hearing aid to be issued after an initial hearing test and diagnosis in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients waited for more than (a) six months, (b) 12 months and (c) 24 months for a hearing aid to be issued after an initial hearing test and diagnosis in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally. However, ISD Scotland have been working with NHS boards to create a dataset on the total number of people waiting to be fitted with a hearing aid. Thisinformation will be available in June 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204450,"EventID":"S2W-31889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average hospital waiting time was for patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in the latest period for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average hospital waiting time was for patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in the latest period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The treatment of myasthenia gravisis undertaken mainly in primary care and hospital out-patient settings, and in asmall number of cases in-patient and day case treatment is performed. Informationon waiting times is available centrally for first out-patient appointments witha consultant, following GP referral, at specialty level only, and forin-patient and day case treatment. Provisional information for the year ended 30 September 2006, indicatesthat 47 patients with a principal diagnosis of myasthenia gravis were admitted fromthe in-patient/day case waiting list for treatment. The median waiting time was21 days.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204451,"EventID":"S2W-31890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from ethnic minorities were recruited as (a) police officers and (b) special constables in each police force in each of the last five years and what perce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from ethnic minorities were recruited as (a) police officers and (b) special constables in each police force in each of the last five years and what percentage of the police workforce this represented in each case.","AnswerText":"The information requested isshown in the following tables.Number of Ethnic Minority PoliceOfficers Recruited and Percentage of total Strength | Year/Force | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | | Central | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.39 | 4 | 0.49 | 2 | 0.47 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Fife | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.53 | 1 | 0.41 | 1 | 0.6 | 0 | 0 | | Grampian | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.36 | 0 | 0 | | Lothian and Borders | 3 | 0.78 | 3 | 0.85 | <","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204452,"EventID":"S2W-31891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of police recruits was in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of police recruits was in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information is shown, bygender, in the following tables.The Average Age of Male PoliceRecruits | Year/Force | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Central | 25 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 26 | 30 | 27 | 28 | 30 | | Fife | 27 | 29 | 27 | 28 | 27 | | Grampian | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | | Lothian and Borders | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | | Northern | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 28 | | Strathclyde | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 24 | | Tayside | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 31 | The Average Age of Female PoliceRecruits | Year/Force | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | | Central | 22 | Data on people aged 18 to 24 who were economically inactive and not in full-time education isnot available prior to 1994. The estimates are based on asample survey, and as such, are subject to some sampling error. Any changes in theestimates over time may not be statistically significant when sampling error istaken into account. Table 1 – Economically InactiveLevels of People Aged 18 to 24, Scotland, 1994-2006. | Quarter | Economically Inactive Level | Quarter | Economically Inactive Level | | Spring 1994 | 42,000 | Summer 2000 | 41,000 | | Summer 1994 | 47,000 | Autumn 2000 | 34,000 | | Autumn 1994 | 46,000 | Winter 2000 | 38,000 | | Winter 1995 | 42,000 | Spring 2001 | 33,000 | | Spring 1995 | 39,000 | Summer 2001 | 39,000 | | Summer 1995 | 43,000 | Autumn 2001 | 37,000 | | Autumn 1995 | 43,000 | Winter 2001 | 36,000 | | Winter 1995 | 37,000 | Spring 2002 | 32,000 | | Spring 1996 | 38,000 | Summer 2002 | 32,000 | | Summer 1996 | 41,000 | Autumn 2002 | 34,000 | | Autumn 1996 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204454,"EventID":"S2W-31893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it paid in bonuses to civil servants in each year since 1999. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it paid in bonuses to civil servants in each year since 1999. ","AnswerText":"Bonus payments made to staffwithin the Scottish Executive Core Departments since 1999 are as follows: Special Bonus Scheme1 | Year | Total Amount | | 1999 | £93,190 | | 2000 | £97,825 | | 2001 | £107,750 | | 2002 | £143,807 | | 2003 | £114,566 | | 2004 | £165,777 | | 2005 | £121,061 | | 2006 | £147,427 | Note: 1. The Special Bonus Schemerewards staff for special contributions made over a relatively short period of time.The scheme operates independently from the performance pay arrangements and is notlinked to annual appraisals. Performance Bonus2 | Year | Total Amount | | 2003 | £1,318,250 | | 2004 | £1,701,884 | | 2005 | £668,4093 | | 2006 | £2,198,545 | Notes: *Complete information on performancebonus payments prior to 2003 is not held centrally. 2. Performance bonus paymentsform part of the pay systems within which staff in Scottish Executive Core Departmentsand the Senior Civil Service are paid. Payments are made in line with performancemanagement standards and are in recognition of performance during the appraisalyear. 3. Performance Bonus paymentsto staff outside the Senior Civil Service are normally paid in August each year.However, bonus payments that were part of the 2005 pay award were not made until2006 due to the delayed settlement of pay negotiations. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204455,"EventID":"S2W-31894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average retirement age was of (a) female and (b) male police officers in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average retirement age was of (a) female and (b) male police officers in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is a matter for individual Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204456,"EventID":"S2W-31895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 10 local authority areas with the (a) biggest and (b) smallest (i) reductions and (ii) increases in the number of (A) burglaries, (B) thefts of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the 10 local authority areas with the (a) biggest and (b) smallest (i) reductions and (ii) increases in the number of (A) burglaries, (B) thefts of a motor vehicle, (C) thefts from a motor vehicle and (D) cases of criminal damage since 1996-97.","AnswerText":"The figures requested areshown in the following tables:Recorded Crimes of Housebreakingby Local Authority, 1996-97 and 2005-06 | Local Authority | 1996-97 | 2005-06 | Increase | Percentage Increase | | Shetland Islands | 5 | 15 | 10 | 200% | | Midlothian | 140 | 142 | 2 | 1% | | Edinburgh, City of | 2,792 | 2,508 | -284 | -10% | | Highland | 303 | 193 | -110 | -36% | | North Ayrshire | 821 | 522 | -299 | -36% | | Clackmannanshire | 210 | 132 | -78 | -37% | | South Lanarkshire | 1,356 | 847 | -509 | -38% | | Aberdeenshire | 551 | 323 | -228 | -41% | | North Lanarkshire | 1,226 | 705 | -521 | -42% | | Fife | 1,942 | 1,103 | -839 | -43% | | Moray | 176 | 92 | -84 | -48% | | Stirling | 370 | 186 | -184 | -50% | | South Ayrshire | 500 | 237 | -263 | http://www.sns.gov.uk/. This websitealso contains data on estimated income levels. Data at this level of detail is notavailable for 1996-97. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204458,"EventID":"S2W-31897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed by young people in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed by young people in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children’s ReporterAdministration (SCRA) deals with the majority of offences committed by young peopleunder the age of 16. In addition, those children aged 16 and 17 who are still subjectto Supervision Requirements would also have any alleged offences dealt with by theHearings System. In those cases where the offence is of a particularly serious nature,the case will be dealt with by the courts.Total Referrals tothe SCRA from 1996-97 to 2005-06 | Year | Total Offence Referrals | | 1996-97 | 28,105 | | 1997-98 | 27,562 | | 1998-99 | 28,213 | | 1999-2000 | 30,633 | | 2000-01 | 26,820 | | 2001-02 | 29,232 | | 2002-03 | 30,129 | | 2003-04 | 34,266 | | 2004-05 | 36,338 | | 2005-06 | 37,916 | Source: Scottish Children’s ReporterAdministration Annual Reports and Statistical Bulletins. Persons Aged Under 16 with aCharge Proved in Scottish Courts, 1996-97 to 2004-05 | Year | Number of Persons | | 1995-96 | 176 | | 1996-97 | 162 | | 1997-98 | 150 | | 1998-99 | 114 | | 1999-2000 | 80 | | 2000-01 | 66 | | 2001-02 | 83 | | 2002-03 | 137 | | 2003-04 | 113 | | 2004-05 | 123 | Data for 2005-06 will be published21 March 2007. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204459,"EventID":"S2W-31898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had to wait for hearing tests after referral in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had to wait for hearing tests after referral in each year since 1999, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31888 on 6 March 2007. 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":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204460,"EventID":"S2W-31900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the findings published in the Care 21 report, The Future of Unpaid Care in Scotland, it will ensure that all local authorities (a) inform all eligibl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the findings published in the Care 21 report, The Future of Unpaid Care in Scotland, it will ensure that all local authorities (a) inform all eligible carers of their right to a carers’ assessment, (b) ensure that all carers receive an individual assessment within a reasonable timescale and (c) improve the quality of carers’ assessments to ensure that all carers receive the support and resources they need and that the assessment makes an appreciable difference to their lives.","AnswerText":"Both the Executive and localpartnerships have taken a number of steps to improve the take-up of carer assessments.The Community Care and Health(Scotland) Act 2002 gives carers the right to an assessment of their ability to care.The legislation requires local authorities to inform them of this right. We have required local partnershipsto report on local improvement targets to increase numbers of carer assessments. NHS Carer Information Strategies,which will take effect from April, will help to improve carer identification andsupport. Crucially, they will include systems to inform carers of their right toassessment. It is for individual local authoritiesto allocate resources, in light of local needs and priorities, to ensure adequateservice delivery. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204461,"EventID":"S2W-31901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of public bodies that have implemented employment policies for carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the number of public bodies that have implemented employment policies for carers.","AnswerText":"This information is not heldcentrally.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204462,"EventID":"S2W-31902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government to ensure that every public and private employer implements employment policies for carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government to ensure that every public and private employer implements employment policies for carers.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Care 21 report: The Future of Unpaid Care in Scotland in April 2006,I wrote to UK ministers to draw to their attention the report’s recommendationson the reserved issue of employment rights.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204463,"EventID":"S2W-31903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many start-up businesses were assisted by Business Gateway in each local authority area in 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many start-up businesses were assisted by Business Gateway in each local authority area in 2006.","AnswerText":"The last available figures forthe year to 31 March 2006 are as follows:Start-Up Businesses Assisted– 2005-06 | Local Authority Area | | | Aberdeen City | 364 | | Aberdeenshire | 573 | | Angus | 198 | | Argyll and Bute | 93 | | Clackmannanshire | 102 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 294 | | Dundee City | 230 | | East Ayrshire | 202 | Start-Up Businesses Assisted– 2005-06 | Local Authority Area | | | East Dunbartonshire | 202 | | East Lothian | 189 | | East Renfrewshire | 145 | | Edinburgh, City of | 1,029 | | Falkirk | 259 | | Fife | 760 | | Glasgow City | 929 | | Highland | 1 | | Inverclyde | 188 | | Midlothian | 206 | | North Ayrshire | 238 | | North Lanarkshire | 565 | | Perth and Kinross | 244 | | Renfrewshire | 311 | | Scottish Borders | 241 | | South Ayrshire | 220 | | South Lanarkshire | 504 | | Stirling | 154 | | West Dunbartonshire | 199 | | West Lothian | 282 | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204464,"EventID":"S2W-31904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to investigate the design quality of schools and other public buildings financed through PPP and how they compare in this respect with public b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to investigate the design quality of schools and other public buildings financed through PPP and how they compare in this respect with public buildings financed through traditional and alternative routes and what the conclusions were of any such investigations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive encourageslocal authorities to evaluate all new school buildings, however procured, to assesshow well the design and facilities are meeting the needs of users, and to take accountof and share lessons learned.The Executive has not carriedout any investigations of the type described. Authorities have the same degree ofcontrol over the design brief and specifications as to quality, whatever the procurementmethod. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204465,"EventID":"S2W-31905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1869,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to replace the discontinued Local Capital Grants Scheme with a new scheme of grant assistance for the upgrading of village and community facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to replace the discontinued Local Capital Grants Scheme with a new scheme of grant assistance for the upgrading of village and community facilities.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to promotesocial and economic development in rural communities in future through the ScotlandRural Development Programme for 2007-13. The programme will provide support for the provision and enhancement of facilitiesthat contribute to the vibrancy of rural communities.In the meantime, the Rural DevelopmentSmall Awards Fund (RDSAF) is available to promote social development on a smallscale and has a maximum funding limit of £5,000. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204466,"EventID":"S2W-31906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in setting up the anti-sectarianism body, Football for All.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in setting up the anti-sectarianism body, Football for All.","AnswerText":"The Football for All charityis in the process of being established.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204467,"EventID":"S2W-31907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for (a) start-up costs, (b) running costs and (c) an awareness campaign in respect of the anti-sectarianism body, Football for All. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will provide for (a) start-up costs, (b) running costs and (c) an awareness campaign in respect of the anti-sectarianism body, Football for All. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has agreedto provide up to £65,000 in start up costs to Football for All during 2006-07,subject to the agreement of the grant offer by Football for All.My officials are discussingwith Football for All funding that might be provided by the Executive forrunning costs and an anti-sectarianism in football awareness campaign. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204468,"EventID":"S2W-31908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Football for All to commence its first programme of action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Football for All to commence its first programme of action.","AnswerText":"I understand that Footballfor All is planning a number of events from April 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204469,"EventID":"S2W-31909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in undertaking the nationwide anti-sectarianism awareness raising campaign announced in December 2006. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in undertaking the nationwide anti-sectarianism awareness raising campaign announced in December 2006. ","AnswerText":"We expect that a focusedanti-sectarian campaign around football will take place early in the 2007-08football season.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204470,"EventID":"S2W-31910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it plans to make available for the nationwide anti-sectarianism awareness raising campaign announced in December 2006. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it plans to make available for the nationwide anti-sectarianism awareness raising campaign announced in December 2006. ","AnswerText":"My officials are discussingwith Football for All funding that might be provided by the Executive forproviding an anti-sectarianism in football awareness campaign.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204471,"EventID":"S2W-31911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Dumbarton of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Dumbarton of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane)has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30 millionby the end of 2011-12. The project isplanned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet been taken, withimplementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It is therefore notpossible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts at this time, asthe specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fully coherentwith the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking at infrastructure requirementsfor the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204472,"EventID":"S2W-31912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Clydebank and Milngavie of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Clydebank and Milngavie of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fullycoherent with the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking atinfrastructure requirements for the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204473,"EventID":"S2W-31913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Argyll and Bute of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Argyll and Bute of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fullycoherent with the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking atinfrastructure requirements for the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204474,"EventID":"S2W-31914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the West of Scotland parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the West of Scotland parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fullycoherent with the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking atinfrastructure requirements for the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204475,"EventID":"S2W-31915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Glasgow parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Glasgow parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fullycoherent with the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking atinfrastructure requirements for the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204476,"EventID":"S2W-31916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fully coherentwith the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking at infrastructure requirementsfor the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204477,"EventID":"S2W-31917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on Scotland of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic and social impact will be on Scotland of a £30 million reduction in spending at the Faslane naval base.","AnswerText":"HM Naval Base Clyde(Faslane) has launched a project which aims to reduce annual expenditure by £30million by the end of 2011-12. Theproject is planned to report later in the year and no decisions have yet beentaken, with implementation of any proposals unlikely before April 2008. It istherefore not possible to estimate the potential economic and social impacts atthis time, as the specific nature of the spending reductions are unknown.The project is fullycoherent with the Naval Base Review, which is currently looking atinfrastructure requirements for the Royal Navy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204478,"EventID":"S2W-31918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector homes have been sold under the rent to mortgage scheme since the scheme’s inception, also broken down by year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector homes have been sold under the rent to mortgage scheme since the scheme’s inception, also broken down by year.","AnswerText":"Table 1 lists the number of rentto mortgage sales of public sector dwellings. This includes dwellings owned by localauthorities, Scottish Homes and new towns (when in existence).Table 1: Rent to Mortgage Salesof Local Authority, New Town and Scottish Homes Stock, Financial Year Figures 1989-90to 2003-04 | Year | Rent to Mortgage Sales | | 1989-90 | 17 | | 1990-91 | 118 | | 1991-92 | 166 | | 1992-93 | 418 | | 1993-94 | 131 | | 1994-95 | 87 | | 1995-96 | 84 | | 1996-97 | 63 | | 1997-98 | 32 | | 1998-99 | 20 | | 1999-2000 | 34 | | 2000-01 | 7 | | 2001-02 | 9 | | 2002-03 | 8 | | 2003-04 | 2 | | All Years | 1,196 | Source: Scottish Executive HousingStatistics Branch, SALES3 returns Notes: 1. For purposes of comparability,data for 2002-03 onwards include sales for Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and ScottishBorders where complete stock transfers took place in the course of 2003. Figuresexclude other housing association stock but include Scottish Homes stock. 2. The Housing Scotland Act 2001repealed the rent to mortgage scheme with effect from 30 September 2002. Applicationsmade before this date resulted in a small number of sales in 2003-04. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204479,"EventID":"S2W-31919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector homes have been sold under the right to buy scheme since the scheme’s inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector homes have been sold under the right to buy scheme since the scheme’s inception.","AnswerText":"Between 1979-80 and 2005-06 therewere 421,635 sales of public sector dwellings under the right to buy scheme. Thisexcludes sales under the rent to mortgage scheme and other voluntary sales to sittingtenants. Public sector dwellings include those owned by local authorities, ScottishHomes and new towns (when in existence).Table 1 shows the number of suchsales in each year since the scheme’s inception. Table 1: Right to Buy Sales ofLocal Authority, New Town and Scottish Homes Stock, Financial Year Figures 1979-80to 2005-06 | Year | Right to Buy Sales | | 1979-80 | 2,629 | | 1980-81 | 4,580 | | 1981-82 | 9,810 | | 1982-83 | 13,368 | | 1983-84 | 15,171 | | 1984-85 | 13,611 | | 1985-86 | 11,915 | | 1986-87 | 12,038 | | 1987-88 | 18,609 | | 1988-89 | 27,394 | | 1989-90 | 32,756 | | 1990-91 | 25,651 | | 1991-92 | 20,877 | | 1992-93 | 20,279 | | 1993-94 | 18,615 | | 1994-95 | 20,001 | | 1995-96 | 14,974 | | 1996-97 | 14,144 | | 1997-98 | 15,467 | | 1998-99 | 13,187 | | 1999-2000 | 13,803 | | 2000-01 | 13,502 | | 2001-02 | 13,530 | | 2002-03 | 17,376 | | 2003-04 | 15,597 | | 2004-05 | 12,379 | | 2005-06 | 10,372 | | All Years | 421,635 | Source: Scottish Executive HousingStatistics Branch, SALES","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204480,"EventID":"S2W-31920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects a decision to be made on the approval of Lucentis for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects a decision to be made on the approval of Lucentis for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.","AnswerText":"Lucentis® (ranibizumab) was approvedon 22 January 2007 by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA). the Scottish Medicines Consortium have this therapy on their work programme and a recommendationis anticipated from them in the next few months. ","AnswerDate":"2007-02-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204481,"EventID":"S2W-31921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, whether the six per cent discount referred to in the answer was itself an index-linked f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, whether the six per cent discount referred to in the answer was itself an index-linked figure.","AnswerText":"No. Guidance on use ofdiscount rates is set out in HM Treasury's Guidance on Appraisal andEvaluation in Central Government, knownas The Green Book. At the time the Skye Bridge was being planned, The Green Book recommended theuse of a discount rate of 6%.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204482,"EventID":"S2W-31922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how long the toll period would have lasted if the Skye Bridge concession had not been bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how long the toll period would have lasted if the Skye Bridge concession had not been bought out.","AnswerText":"The Assignation Statementrelating to the Skye Bridge crossing stated that the anticipated length of the concessionperiod was 14 to 18 years after the bridge opened to traffic. The actual lengthof the toll period was dependent on traffic flows, costs and tolls collected.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204483,"EventID":"S2W-31923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2902,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how the public and the Highland Regional Council were informed of the length of toll pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31693 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how the public and the Highland Regional Council were informed of the length of toll period represented by the arrangement referred to in the answer.","AnswerText":"The anticipated length of thetoll period was set out in the Skye Bridge Assignation Statement,which was made available for public inspection in October and November 1991.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204484,"EventID":"S2W-31924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of class sizes in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools are above the national average.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of class sizes in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools are above the national average.","AnswerText":"In September 2006, 56% ofprimary classes were above the national average class size of 23.6. Class sizedata for secondary schools is not routinely collected as part of the annualschool census.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204485,"EventID":"S2W-31925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing class sizes to 20 for S1 and S2 mathematics and English classes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing class sizes to 20 for S1 and S2 mathematics and English classes.","AnswerText":"Excellent progress is beingmade. We have fully delivered the resources and teacher numbers needed toenable local authorities to reduce S1/S2 Maths and English classes to 20 byAugust 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204486,"EventID":"S2W-31926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31677 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how the progress of major road works, such as the repairs undertaken to the A7 at Langho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31677 by Tavish Scott on 19 February 2007, how the progress of major road works, such as the repairs undertaken to the A7 at Langholm in January 2007, is monitored and how it ensures that inconvenience to the public and local businesses caused by trunk road closures is kept to a minimum.","AnswerText":"The implementation of majorroadworks, such as those undertaken on the A7 at Langholm, is managed and monitoredby the trunk road operating company on behalf of Transport Scotland. Carefulplanning of roadworks is important in reducing the impact on local communities.Trunk road operating companies are required to carry out consultation with thelocal community and local businesses affected by roadworks. They also discussarrangements with the police and local authorities and, through that process,decide on the best time and method of undertaking the works.Theclosures and works in Langholm were developed through very close liaison withthe local community council and local traders. In addition the Road HaulageAssociation, bus operators and other statutory consultees were consulted. Duringthe closure Amey had full-time staff monitoring the work and placed sentries ateither side of the diversions to advise road users of the best alternativeroutes to take and to distribute leaflets. The works were supervised at alltimes by an experienced Amey road engineer with good local knowledge. Asa result of ongoing consultation with the local community during the works,Amey agreed that additional works at Ashley Bank and Thomas Telford junctionwould be carried out during the closure to avoid a future closure and minimiseany further disruption to the local community. TransportScotland and Amey met with the local community council and local traders inLangholm on 2 March 2007 to review the works and reflect if any alternativestrategies for future works affecting Langholm would be appropriate. Transport Scotland hasoperational responsibility for this area and can be contacted for furtherinformation if required. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204487,"EventID":"S2W-31927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29903 by Nicol Stephen on 16 February 2007, what percentage of the total workforce in each local authority area is represented by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-29903 by Nicol Stephen on 16 February 2007, what percentage of the total workforce in each local authority area is represented by these figures.","AnswerText":"The following table showsthe proportion of employees within each local authority area who are consideredlow paid as defined in the answer to question S2W-29903 on 16 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search. Table 1 Proportion of Employeeswho are Low Paid by Local Authority Area | Local Authority | Proportion | | Aberdeen City | 24.9% | | Aberdeenshire | 26.4% | | Angus | 22.9% | | Argyll and Bute | 23.1% | | Scottish Borders | 26.9% | | Clackmannanshire | 28.8% | | Dumfries and Galloway | 29.7% | | Dundee City | 25.8% | | East Ayrshire | 23.7% | | East Dunbartonshire | 18.4% | | East Lothian | 18.1% | | East Renfrewshire | 15.8% | | Edinburgh, City of | 17.2% | | Falkirk | 22.9% | | Fife | 21.2% | | Glasgow City | 25.2% | | Highland | 28.1% | | Inverclyde | 26.7% | | Midlothian | 18.6% | | Moray | 26.6% | | North Ayrshire | 22.7% | | North Lanarkshire | 22.3% | | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204489,"EventID":"S2W-31929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to Thomson Holidays in respect of its call centre operation in Cardonald, Glasgow; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to Thomson Holidays in respect of its call centre operation in Cardonald, Glasgow; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much money has been clawed back from the company.","AnswerText":"In 2000, TUI (UK) Ltd,Thomson Holidays’ parent company, accepted a regional selective assistancegrant of £1.4 million for a project that planned to create 600 new jobs. All of the grant was paid, and when the final instalment was made in March 2005 thecompany had created 618 jobs. Following the announcementof the company’s intention to close the business in August 2006, the Executiverecovered £200,000 of the grant. In addition, the company received£550,465 in grants from Scottish Enterprise Glasgow. Conditions relating tothese grants are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise Glasgow. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204490,"EventID":"S2W-31930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to the Simclar Group in respect of its operations in Ayrshire and Dumfermline; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to the Simclar Group in respect of its operations in Ayrshire and Dumfermline; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much money has been clawed back from the group.","AnswerText":"In 1999, Simclar (Ayrshire)Ltd accepted an RSA offer of £1.5 million for a project that planned tosafeguard 160 jobs. The grant was paid in full. To date, none of the grant hasbeen recovered but the Executive has lodged a claim with the administrators inrespect of the RSA paid.SimclarInternational Ltd has received two RSA grants for projects at its Dunfermlinefacility, both dating back to the 1990s. It received £600,000 for a project tocreate 150 new jobs (206 actually created) and a further £1.3 million for aproject that safeguarded 480 jobs. The company fully met all its obligationsunder the terms of the grant agreement and no grant was recovered. ScottishEnterprise Ayrshire has paid £113,275 in grants to Simclar (Ayrshire) Ltd. Nonew jobs were linked to these grants and there has been no claw back. Scottish Enterprise Fifeassistance in respect of Simclar’s Dunfermline facility has amounted to £656,537. Again, no new jobs were linked to these grants and there hasbeen no claw back. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204491,"EventID":"S2W-31931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to Lexmark in respect of its operation in Fife; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much money has been clawed bac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was provided to Lexmark in respect of its operation in Fife; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much money has been clawed back from the company.","AnswerText":"Lexmark International(Scotland) Ltd accepted three offers of regional selective assistance (RSA). In1995 and 1998 it accepted offers of £5.6 million and £5.9 million that helpedcreate 353 and 562 new jobs respectively. Both of theses grants were paid infull and the company met its obligations under the terms of the agreements. Nogrant was recovered.In 2002, the companyaccepted an RSA offer of £900,000 for a project that planned to safeguard 200jobs. It received £250,000 of the grant. Following closure of the facility, the Executive recovered this entire proportion of the grant. In addition, ScottishEnterprise Fife provided Lexmark with a total of £727,142 during the period1996 to 2005. Conditions relating to these grants are an operational matter forScottish Enterprise Fife. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204492,"EventID":"S2W-31932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it records job losses and how many jobs have been lost in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it records job losses and how many jobs have been lost in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no information held centrally on the number of jobs losses in Scotland. However, it is possible to look at the net changein jobs over time. The following table shows the net change in employee jobs inScotland in each year since 1999.Table 1 Annual Change in theLevel of Employee Jobs, 2000-05 | Year | Annual Change | | 1999-2000 | 67,300 | | 2000-01 | 65,500 | | 2001-02 | -20,300 | | 2002-03 | 27,500 | | 2003-04 | 33,000 | | 2004-05 | 51,500 | Source:Annual Business Inquiry (ABI). Notes: 1. The dataare rounded to the nearest hundred. 2. ABI dataare workplace based. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204493,"EventID":"S2W-31933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it records job creation and how many jobs have been created in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it records job creation and how many jobs have been created in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"There is no information held centrally on the number of jobs created in Scotland. However, it ispossible to look at the net change in jobs over time and for this information Irefer the member to the answer to question S2W-31932 on 8 March 2007. 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":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204494,"EventID":"S2W-31934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31629 by Nicol Stephen on 21 February 2007, whether it will provide a breakdown of payments from the Central Energy Efficiency Fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31629 by Nicol Stephen on 21 February 2007, whether it will provide a breakdown of payments from the Central Energy Efficiency Fund.","AnswerText":"All local authorities havereceived their full allocation, as indicated in the following table, with theexception of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway whoare all due to receive their second allocation during March 2007. | Local Authority | 1st Allocation | 2nd Allocation | Total Allocation | | Aberdeen City Council | 367,490.00 | 197,879.00 | 565,369.00 | | Aberdeenshire Council | 412,674.00 | 222,209.00 | 634,883.00 | | Angus Council | 208,585.00 | 112,315.00 | 320,900.00 | | Argyll and Bute Council | 186,203.00 | 100,263.00 | 286,466.00 | | City of Edinburgh Council | 777,201.00 | 418,493.00 | 1,195,694.00 | | Clackmannanshire Council | 88,555.00 | 47,683.00 | 136,238.00 | | Comhairle nan Eilean Siar | 83,880.00 | 45,166.00 | 129,046.00 | | Dumfries and Galloway Council | 291,858.00 | 157,155.00 | 449,013.00 | | Dundee City Council | 296,407.66 | 159,604.00 | 456,011.66 | | East Ayrshire Council | 227,874.00 | 122,701.00 | 350,575.00 | | East Dunbartonshire Council | 193,165.00 | 104,012.00 | 297,177.00 | | East Lothian Council | 160,218.00 | 86,271.00 | 246,489.00 | <","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204495,"EventID":"S2W-31935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Commercial and Industrial Waste Framework to be finalised; what the reasons are for any delay in finalising the framework, and what policy intention i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Commercial and Industrial Waste Framework to be finalised; what the reasons are for any delay in finalising the framework, and what policy intention is behind the framework.","AnswerText":"Our consultation on the SustainableManagement of Waste from Business and Public Sector Organisations can be found at:www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/08/05101728/17300. Since the consultation, the Executiveand the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have been summarising andanalysing responses. A summary of responses is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Waste/17103/managementofwaste. Following the consultation, the Scottish Executive and SEPA have been drafting a Business Waste Framework, whichwe intend to publish in March 2007. The framework outlines the Scottish Executive’sand SEPA’s aim of encouraging the reduction, reuse and recycling of business waste.The framework will address waste data, support to encourage business waste minimisation,collections of recyclate from small businesses, planning and infrastructure, regulation,and development of markets for recycled material. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204496,"EventID":"S2W-31936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what job evaluations have been carried out in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) over the last five years and, in each case, by how much the employment costs of the SPS va","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what job evaluations have been carried out in the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) over the last five years and, in each case, by how much the employment costs of the SPS varied as a result.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:One hundred and twenty-seven.The SPS does not hold information on the rest of the question. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204497,"EventID":"S2W-31937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Scottish Prison Service’s surplus staff list.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Scottish Prison Service’s surplus staff list.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:The work of the surplus managementgroup is to ensure that where staff surpluses arise the SPS maximise the bestvalue for money by moving staff quickly, efficiently and effectively and totreat those who are required to move consistently and fairly. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204498,"EventID":"S2W-31938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the employment policies of the Scottish Prison Service ensure that vacancies are advertised and interviews are conducted accordingly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the employment policies of the Scottish Prison Service ensure that vacancies are advertised and interviews are conducted accordingly.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:Vacancies which arise arefilled in a variety of ways, depending on the particular role or circumstances.In some cases, vacancies will be advertised and interviews conducted, whereasin other cases, the vacancy may be filled by other methods. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204499,"EventID":"S2W-31939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff are on Pay Protection - Mark Time as a result of job evaluation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff are on Pay Protection - Mark Time as a result of job evaluation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron,Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is asfollows:Twelve. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204500,"EventID":"S2W-31940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the views expressed in submissions to the consultative process on Scottish Planning Policy 11.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the views expressed in submissions to the consultative process on Scottish Planning Policy 11.","AnswerText":"The Executive’s response to theviews expressed will be contained in the consultation report which will accompanythe publication of the finalised Scottish Planning Policy 11. We envisage that bothdocuments will be published later in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204501,"EventID":"S2W-31941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities are not required to produce official reports detailing what was said in meetings of their committees rather than a summary of what took place and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities are not required to produce official reports detailing what was said in meetings of their committees rather than a summary of what took place and whether the Executive has any plans to require this type of reporting for the purposes of transparent local government and accountability. ","AnswerText":"Local authorities are notrequired to produce officials reports because no such provision has been madein legislation. The Executive has no plans to require local authorities toproduce official reports but, as independent corporate bodies, localauthorities may produce official reports if they wish to do so.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"George Lyon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204502,"EventID":"S2W-31942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S20-12000 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 February 2007 (Official Report c. 32164), what the basis is for his statement, in relation to Glasgow’s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S20-12000 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 February 2007 (Official Report c. 32164), what the basis is for his statement, in relation to Glasgow’s new children’s hospital, that “the outline business case is scheduled to be submitted to the Health Department in early summer”.","AnswerText":"The statement is based oninformation received from officials within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204503,"EventID":"S2W-31943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1990,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":64,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injuries or fatal road accidents have involved horses in the last five years, broken down by police constabulary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injuries or fatal road accidents have involved horses in the last five years, broken down by police constabulary.","AnswerText":"Data about injury roadaccidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executiveusing the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only roadaccidents in which one or more people were injured and which become known to thepolice. The returns do not cover accidents which involved injury only tohorses, “damage only” accidents, or accidents of which the police are unawarebecause they were not reported by the public. | Police Force Area | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | | Northern | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Grampian | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Tayside | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Fife | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | | Lothian and Borders | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Central | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | | Strathclyde | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Further costs would result frompayments that would be due to consultants and contractors for the winding up ofany contracts. Remaining compensation payments for any land acquired would requireto be settled. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tavish Scott","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204505,"EventID":"S2W-31945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to faith institutions including, but not exclusively, the Church of Scotland, Catholic Church and Scottish Council of Jewish Communities,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to faith institutions including, but not exclusively, the Church of Scotland, Catholic Church and Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, in each of the last four years, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"Theinformation requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The only way in which the information sought could beestablished would be to trawl all of the divisions identified on the social inclusionand voluntary issues database and ask them to identify for each of the lastfour years which of their entries are specifically in respect of religious orfaith groups. However, this database contains only general information and itis not possible to extract specific details of grants paid to faith andreligious groups. This would take considerable time and effort and result inwork that would cost well in excess of the disproportionate cost threshold of£600.In collaboration with analyticalservices division, social inclusion and voluntary issues division is working onhow to improve its database information collection procedures, with a view tobetter identification and recording of specific grant recipients and the purposeto which public funds are being put. Unfortunately, it will be some time beforedata collection and recording arrangements are able to isolate information of the type sought. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204506,"EventID":"S2W-31946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allowance is made in teachers’ time to ensure that parent/teacher consultations take place, following the McCrone Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allowance is made in teachers’ time to ensure that parent/teacher consultations take place, following the McCrone Report.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of theAgreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century the allocationof time for a range of planned activities, including parent consultations, is amatter for local agreement by local authorities and individual schools. All schoolshave locally agreed working time agreements. The Scottish Executive wouldexpect schools to react to any parental concerns over such matters.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204507,"EventID":"S2W-31947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to local authorities and schools regarding the holding of parent/teacher consultation sessions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to local authorities and schools regarding the holding of parent/teacher consultation sessions.","AnswerText":"Arrangements forparent/teacher consultations are a matter for local agreement by localauthorities and individual schools.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204508,"EventID":"S2W-31948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31737 by Mr Tom McCabe on 22 February 2007, to what occasion or occasions the reference in the draft paper, EU Business: Reviews of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31737 by Mr Tom McCabe on 22 February 2007, to what occasion or occasions the reference in the draft paper, EU Business: Reviews of Engagement with Europe and of EU Office, to “unfortunate examples are where there is no seat for the Minister in the council room during the meeting so they have to follow discussions from the salle d’écoute alongside officials” relates; which minister or ministers were involved in these examples, and at which council meeting or meetings such circumstances have arisen.","AnswerText":"It is not our policy tocomment on leaked documents.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204509,"EventID":"S2W-31949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases over the last four years, where a children’s hearing determined a compulsory supervision requirement for a child who resided with a single bir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases over the last four years, where a children’s hearing determined a compulsory supervision requirement for a child who resided with a single birth parent, a child’s place of residence was decided by a residence order made under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot available.A children’s hearing cannotmake residence orders as this is a matter for the court. The Scottish Children’sReporter Administration Annual Report 2005-06 has information about thenumbers of children referred, the grounds for referral, the living groups ofchildren referred and Hearings decisions. For example, in 2005-06, 46% ofchildren referred lived in a single parent household. A copy of the report isavailable at http://www.scra.gov.uk/ch_review.html. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204510,"EventID":"S2W-31950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases over the last four years, where a children’s hearing determined a compulsory supervision requirement for a child who resided with a single bir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what percentage of cases over the last four years, where a children’s hearing determined a compulsory supervision requirement for a child who resided with a single birth parent as a result of a residence order made under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, does the compulsory supervision requirement required reversal of the residence order and require the child to reside with the non-resident birth parent.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31949 on 5 March 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Robert Brown","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204511,"EventID":"S2W-31951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2603,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount of revenue from business rates was lost in 2005-06 as a result of hardship relief being granted to businesses under the provisions of section 25A (remis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total amount of revenue from business rates was lost in 2005-06 as a result of hardship relief being granted to businesses under the provisions of section 25A (remission of rates on the ground of hardship) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 (as amended).","AnswerText":"The total amount of hardshiprelief for which local authorities budgeted in 2005-06, as reported in auditedreturns they made to the Scottish Executive, was £192,092.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204512,"EventID":"S2W-31952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hydro power schemes have downgraded from a capacity exceeding 20 megawatts to a capacity below 20 megawatts since 1999, also stating when this occurred and the comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hydro power schemes have downgraded from a capacity exceeding 20 megawatts to a capacity below 20 megawatts since 1999, also stating when this occurred and the company involved.","AnswerText":"The following eight hydropower schemes reduced their capacity from above 20 megawatts to below 20megawatts before 1 April 2002, when the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) cameinto force. | Hydro Station | Owner | | Culligran | Scottish and Southern Energy | | Finlarig | Scottish and Southern Energy | | Grudie Bridge | Scottish and Southern Energy | | Kinlochleven | Alcan | | Mossford | Scottish and Southern Energy | | Quoich | Scottish and Southern Energy | | Shin | Scottish and Southern Energy | | St Fillans | Scottish and Southern Energy | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204513,"EventID":"S2W-31953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all renewable schemes that have received Renewables Obligation Certificate funding since 1999, also showing how much each scheme received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all renewable schemes that have received Renewables Obligation Certificate funding since 1999, also showing how much each scheme received.","AnswerText":"The information requested isnot held centrally.The Renewables Obligation (Scotland) (ROS)is administered by Ofgem, whose website, www.ofgem.gov.ukhas information about the number of Scottish Renewables Obligation Certificatesissued and statistics on the number and types of generating stations accreditedunder the ROS. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204514,"EventID":"S2W-31954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much First Choice Holidays received in public funding support; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much funding has been clawed back.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much First Choice Holidays received in public funding support; how many jobs were (a) promised and (b) created, and how much funding has been clawed back.","AnswerText":"In 1999, First Choice RetailLtd accepted a Regional Selective Assistance offer of £250,000 for a project whichaimed to create 183 jobs and safeguard five. All of the grant was paid. When thefinal instalment was made the company had created 165 jobs, safeguarded a furtherfive and also had made offers of employment to a further 16. The company did notfully meet its obligations under the terms of the grant agreement. However, in viewof the length of time jobs had been in place and the low grant paid per job, nogrant was recovered.In addition, the company were given £292,186 from Scottish EnterpriseAyrshire. Conditions applied to the assistance are an operational matter for ScottishEnterprise Ayrshire. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204515,"EventID":"S2W-31955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Data on the number of womendiagnosed with ovarian cancer are available by NHS board and year (1980 to2003) on the Information Services Division website at:www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/cancer_ovary_inc.xls. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204516,"EventID":"S2W-31956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gynaecologists are employed in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gynaecologists are employed in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Gynaecologists are trained withinthe obstetrics and gynaecology specialty. Information held centrally thereforeincludes Obstetricians as well as gynaecologists. The most recent Informationon the number of Obstetric and Gynaecology consultants by health board is as at30 September 2006.Consultants Working inObstetrics and Gynaecology (including Family Planning and Well Women Clinic) Headcount and Whole-Time Equivalentas at 30 September 2006 | NHS Board | WTE | Headcount | | Ayrshire and Arran | 10.8 | 11 | | Borders | 4.0 | 4 | | Fife | 10.0 | 10 | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 53.9 | 56 | | Highland | 8.0 | 8 | | Lanarkshire | 13.5 | 14 | | Grampian | 21.5 | 23 | | Lothian | 29.9 | 34 | | Tayside | 9.3 | 10 | | Forth Valley | 8.3 | 9 | | Western Isles | 1.0 | 1 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 4.0 | 4 | | Scotland | 174.2 | 184 | Source: ISD Scotland. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204517,"EventID":"S2W-31957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for gynaecology out-patient appointments in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for gynaecology out-patient appointments in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times fora first out-patient appointment at a consultant-led clinic in the specialty of gynaecology,following referral by a general medical practitioner, in the year ended 31 December 2006, byNHS board of residence, are given in the following table.Median waiting times are notan Executive target. Our policy is to reduce the longest waiting times for patients.On 31 December 2006, no patient with a guarantee had waited more than 26weeks for a first out-patient appointment. This national maximum waiting time willbe reduced to 18 weeks by the end of this year. NHSScotland. Median Waiting Timesfor a First Out-Patient Appointment in the Specialty of Gynaecology, Following Referral,by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ended 31 December 2006P | NHS Board | Median Wait | | Ayrshire and Arran | 41 days | | Borders | 22 days | | Dumfries and Galloway | 34 days | | Fife | 34 days | | Forth Valley | 59 days | | Grampian | 49 days | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 40 days | | Highland | 29 days | | Lanarkshire | 40 days | | Lothian | 31 days | | Orkney Islands | 30 days | | Shetland Islands | 40 days | | Tayside | 40 days | | Western Isles | 23 days | | Scotland | 38 days | Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00. PProvisional. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204518,"EventID":"S2W-31958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1837,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":36,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for gynaecology in-patient appointments in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for gynaecology in-patient appointments in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times forin-patient and day case treatment in the specialty of gynaecology, in the year ended31 December 2006, by NHS board of residence, are given in the followingtable.Median waiting times are notan Executive target. Our policy is to reduce the longest waiting times for patients.On 31 December 2006, no patient with a guarantee had waited more than 18weeks for in-patient and day case treatment-delivering the Executive’s commitmentone year ahead of schedule. NHSScotland Median Waiting Times1for In-Patient and Day Case Treatment in the Specialty of Gynaecology, by NHS Boardof Residence. Year Ended 31 December 2006P | NHS Board | Median Wait | | Ayrshire And Arran | 38 days | | Borders | 28 days | | Dumfries and Galloway | 46 days | | Fife | 36 days | | Forth Valley | 30 days | | Grampian | 24 days | | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | 26 days | | Highland | 32 days | | Lanarkshire | 34 days | | Lothian | 42 days | | Orkney Islands | 27 days | | Shetland Islands | 75 days | | Tayside | 20 days | | Western Isles | 34 days | | Scotland | 31 days | Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01. PProvisional. Note: 1. Includes patients withAvailability Status Codes ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204519,"EventID":"S2W-31959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2675,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rural home ownership grants have been approved in (a) Caithness, (b) Sutherland, (c) Orkney, (d) Shetland, (e) the Western Isles, (f) Ross-shire, (g) Inverness-s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rural home ownership grants have been approved in (a) Caithness, (b) Sutherland, (c) Orkney, (d) Shetland, (e) the Western Isles, (f) Ross-shire, (g) Inverness-shire, (h) Skye, (i) Lochalsh, (j) Badenoch and Strathspey and (k) Argyll and Bute in each year from 2001 to 2007, showing the amount of each grant.","AnswerText":"I have asked Angiolina Foster,Chief Executive of Communities Scotland, to respond. Her response is as follows:Information is only availableby local authority area and at summary level. The following table sets out (a) thenumber of rural home ownership grants approved and (b) the average rural home ownershipgrant approved: Rural Home Ownership Grants Approvedand Average Grant Approved | Unitary Authority | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | | Number of Grant Awards | Average Grant (£) | Number of Grant Awards | Average Grant (£) | Number of Grant Awards | Average Grant (£) | | Argyll and Bute | 8 | 34,459 | 1 | 28,036 | 10 | 38,087 | | Highland | 15 | 20,012 | 27 | 19,905 | 36 | 22,540 | | Orkney | 25 | 17,680 | 26 | 18,070 | 28 | 19,894 | | Shetland | 5 | 14,154 | 3 | 17,666 | 1 | 19,686 | | Western Isles | 0 | 0 | 1 | 21,107 | 3 | 18,718 | | Unitary Authority | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07* | | Number of Grant Awards | Average Grant (£) | The information requested isnot available. However, Communities Scotland aims to provide a grant applicant witha decision in principle within six weeks of receiving a fully completed outlineapplication for funding. If the outline application is approved, a grant applicantwill be asked to complete a more detailed application. Communities Scotland aimsto make a final decision on whether grant can be awarded within six weeks of receivingthe final piece of information needed to fully consider this application. If themore detailed application is approved, a formal offer of grant will be made. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Rhona Brankin","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204521,"EventID":"S2W-31961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33051 by Elish Angiolini on 21 January 2003, what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33051 by Elish Angiolini on 21 January 2003, what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"The average gross hourly ratesfor the pay bands of staff working in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Servicefor financial year 2006-07 are given in the following table: | Pay Band | Hourly Rate Based on Gross Average Pay | | B | £11.60 | | C | £16.19 | | D | £19.40 | | E | £26.21 | | E(L) | £31.30 | | F | £35.97 | | F(L) | £39.10 | | G | £43.20 | | SCS 1 | £74.36 | | SCS 1A | £83.04 | | SCS 2 | £102.82 | | SCS 3 | £127.42 | Notes: 1. Gross average costs includesbasic salary, employers’ superannuation contributions and national insurance payments. 2. SCS = Senior Civil Service. 3. These figures do not incorporatethe results of the 2006 pay settlement. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204522,"EventID":"S2W-31962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33049 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 January 2003, what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-33049 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 January 2003, what hourly rates and what grades are applied for staff when calculating the costs of individuals working in its Legal and Parliamentary Services department on projects and tasks.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive core departmentsall operate within the same pay system. The average gross hourly rates for the paybands of staff working in the Scottish Executive’s core departments for financialyear 2006-07 are given in the following table: | Pay Band | Hourly Rated Based on Gross Average Pay* | | A2** | £10.34 | | A3 | £12.19 | | A4 | £13.52 | | B1 | £16.79 | | B2 | £20.62 | | B3 | £26.97 | | C1 | £36.65 | | C2 | £43.55 | | C3 | £47.36 | | Fast Stream | £20.76 | | Senior Civil Service 1 | £59.49 | | Senior Civil Service 1A | £72.73 | | Senior Civil Service 2 | £84.87 | | Senior Civil Service 3 | £108.69 | Notes: * Gross average pay includesbasic salary, employers’ superannuation contributions and national insurance payments. ** Bands A1 and A2 were mergedwith effect from 1 August 2006. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Tom McCabe","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204523,"EventID":"S2W-31963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gender breakdown is of staff in each grade in (a) the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and (b) its Legal and Parliamentary Services department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gender breakdown is of staff in each grade in (a) the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and (b) its Legal and Parliamentary Services department.","AnswerText":"The following table shows CrownOffice and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and Legal and Parliamentary Services(LPS) Staff in Post (Headcount) as at February 2007 by level/pay band and gender.COPFS | Level/Pay Band | Total Staff | Female | Male | | SCS | 38 | 14 (37%) | 24 (63%) | | G | 22 | 9 (41%) | 13 (59%) | | F(L) | 111 | 64 (58%) | 47 (42%) | | F | 10 | 3 (30%) | 7 (70%) | | E(L) | 276 | 177 (64%) | 99 (36%) | | Trainee Solicitors | 41 | 33 (80%) | 8 (20%) | | E | 31 | 12 (39%) | 19 (61%) | | D | 215 | 144 (67%) | 71 (33%) | | C | 152 | 126 (83%) | 26 (17%) | | B | 648 | 503 (77%) | 145 (23%) | | A | 9 | 1 (11%) | 8 (89%) | | Totals | 1,553 | 1,086 (70%) | 467 (30%) | LPS | Level/Pay Band | Total staff | Female | Male | | SCS | 25 | 7 (28%) | 18 (72%) | | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204524,"EventID":"S2W-31964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from where it procures plasma products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from where it procures plasma products.","AnswerText":"Plasma from Scotland’sblood donors has not been used to produce plasma products since 1998, due tothe risk posed by variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD). Plasma products arepurchased by NHS National Services Scotland from a range of suppliers in Europe andthe US, who hold appropriate UK regulatory approvals for their plasma sources,manufacturing facilities and products, on a competitive tendering basis. Theseinclude: Baxter Health Care; CSLBehring; Octapharma; Grifols; Biotest and Bio-Products Laboratory. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204525,"EventID":"S2W-31965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consult on any changes to the current exemption scheme from water and sewerage charges after it expires in 2010 and, if so, when and how the consult","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to consult on any changes to the current exemption scheme from water and sewerage charges after it expires in 2010 and, if so, when and how the consultation will take place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31878 on 2 March 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions areavailable on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can befound at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204526,"EventID":"S2W-31966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the length of contract is with Bio Products Laboratory to supply plasma products to NHS Scotland and on which date the contract commenced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the length of contract is with Bio Products Laboratory to supply plasma products to NHS Scotland and on which date the contract commenced.","AnswerText":"The contract with Bio-ProductsLaboratory commenced in June 2006 and extends to April 2008.Between January and June 2006,plasma products were sourced from various contractors whilst a formal procurementprocess was put in place and the contract awarded. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204527,"EventID":"S2W-31967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost is of the contract with Bio Products Laboratory to supply products to NHS Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost is of the contract with Bio Products Laboratory to supply products to NHS Scotland.","AnswerText":"The annual cost of the contractwith Bio-Products Laboratory is £3.3 million.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204528,"EventID":"S2W-31968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority first gave approval for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority first gave approval for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre to restart operations after the voluntary suspension in January 2006.","AnswerText":"The Medicines and Healthcareproducts Regulatory Agency granted approval to restart production of plasma productsfor clinical use on 14 September 2006. A follow-up inspection took place in February 2007.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204529,"EventID":"S2W-31969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which products have been produced by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre since it restarted production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which products have been produced by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre since it restarted production.","AnswerText":"The Protein Fractionation Centrehas produced only one product for clinical use, a batch of anti-botulinum toxin,which will be issued to the Ministry of Defence during March 2007. This will havefull approval of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204530,"EventID":"S2W-31970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any products have been destroyed since production restarted at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any products have been destroyed since production restarted at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s Protein Fractionation Centre and, if so, what these products were, what quantity was involved and what the reasons were for their destruction.","AnswerText":"Material used to test partof the Protein Fractionation Centre (PFC) production processes as well asout-of-date products, returns and quality samples have been disposed of.Some part processed productswhich were not fit for further processing were discarded in September 2006. The disposal of startingmaterials, intermediate products and finished products from the PFC is carriedout in compliance with the quality assurance procedures that are in place. The following table showsproducts discarded at the PFC since 1 September 2006: Product | Quantity | Reason For Discard | | Human Albumin | 5,168g 1,070g | Expired Reject | | Human Immunoglobulin for intravenous infusion | 945g 2672g | Expired Reject | | Human Immunoglobulin for intramuscular infusion | 239 vials 277 vials | Expired Reject | | Coagulation Factors | 43 kits 21 vials | Expired Reject | ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204531,"EventID":"S2W-31971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is funded under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is funded under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","AnswerText":"PACE assistance for appropriatetraining, to help redundant workers access opportunities for continuing oralternative employment, is tailored to meet the specific needs of theindividuals concerned.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204532,"EventID":"S2W-31972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is available under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","AnswerText":"Under the PACE initiative, appropriatetraining to help redundant workers access opportunities for continuing oralternative employment is tailored to meet the specific needs of theindividuals concerned. Such training will be arranged with the support of theinitiative and will typically be delivered by Further Education colleges or otherlocal training providers.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204533,"EventID":"S2W-31973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what time limits are placed on training offered under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what time limits are placed on training offered under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","AnswerText":"PACE assistance for appropriatetraining, to help redundant workers access opportunities for continuing oralternative employment, is tailored to meet the specific needs of theindividuals concerned. As such, no hard and fast time limits are applied, withthe timescales being determined according to the circumstances of each case.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204534,"EventID":"S2W-31974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost limits are placed on training offered under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost limits are placed on training offered under the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative.","AnswerText":"PACE assistance for appropriatetraining, to help redundant workers access opportunities for continuing oralternative employment, is tailored to meet the specific needs of theindividuals concerned. As such no hard and fast cost limits are applied, withthe amount of the public sector contribution being determined according to thecircumstances of each case.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204535,"EventID":"S2W-31975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2665,"Party":"Solidarity Group","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative includes access to, and payment for, training in appropriate safety requirements or qualificati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative includes access to, and payment for, training in appropriate safety requirements or qualifications for specifically identified jobs.","AnswerText":"PACE assistance for appropriatetraining, to help redundant workers access opportunities for continuing oralternative employment, is tailored to meet the specific needs of theindividuals concerned. This can include contributing to the cost of studytowards safety and/or technical qualifications for specific types of jobs.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204536,"EventID":"S2W-31976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Stirling Royal Infirmary is due to close.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Stirling Royal Infirmary is due to close.","AnswerText":"The majority of services providedat Stirling Royal Infirmary will transfer to the new acute hospital to be builtat Larbert. Services are due to be phased into the new hospital starting in late2009.A community hospital will bedeveloped on the existing Stirling Royal Infirmary site which will provide localaccess to out-patient and rehabilitation services. A business case for this is underdevelopment. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204537,"EventID":"S2W-31977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for opening the accident and emergency unit at the new Larbert hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for opening the accident and emergency unit at the new Larbert hospital.","AnswerText":"Services at the new hospitalat Larbert, including the accident and emergency unit, are due to be phased intothe new facility starting in late 2009.A Community Hospital willbe developed on the existing Stirling Royal Site which will potentially providelocal access to minor injury and out-of-hours services. A business case for thisis under development. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204538,"EventID":"S2W-31978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new Larbert hospital will have a maternity unit that can deal with bleeding during pregnancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the new Larbert hospital will have a maternity unit that can deal with bleeding during pregnancy.","AnswerText":"It is for the NHS board to ensurethat the maternity service provided meets local needs and that all staff have theskills to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies.NHS Forth Valley will continueto provide a full range of community and in-patient maternity services. The newLarbert hospital will have a maternity department which can deal with a wide rangeof elective and emergency issues including bleeding during pregnancy. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204539,"EventID":"S2W-31979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital will remain open until the accident and emergency unit opens at the new Larbert hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital will remain open until the accident and emergency unit opens at the new Larbert hospital.","AnswerText":"Yes. When I approved NHSLanarkshire’s service change proposals on 21 August 2006,I made clear that new and replacement services must be in place before existingservices are discontinued. This stipulation was accepted in the board chair’sreply on 11 September 2006. The general requirement to have new and replacementservices in place includes accident and emergency services at Larbert, due tobe commissioned before the end of 2009. Residents in the Cumbernauld andKilsyth area will access emergency services at Larbert.NHS Lanarkshire will alsoensure that the necessary enhancements to services at Wishaw General and Hairmyres Hospitalsare in place before any changes to accident and emergency services at Monklands Hospital areimplemented. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204540,"EventID":"S2W-31980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether accident and emergency services at Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals will be improved before the accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital closes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether accident and emergency services at Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals will be improved before the accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital closes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31979 on 9 March 2007. 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":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204541,"EventID":"S2W-31981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the cost of proposed works to improve the accident and emergency units at Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals compares with the estimated cost of upgrading the accident an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the cost of proposed works to improve the accident and emergency units at Wishaw and Hairmyres hospitals compares with the estimated cost of upgrading the accident and emergency unit at Monklands Hospital if it were to be retained.","AnswerText":"NHS Lanarkshire consideredoptions within its A Picture of Health strategy in the context of the totalityof emergency services for all Lanarkshire residents. In particular the boardlooked at a range of criteria relating to the selection of two emergency caresites and one planned care site within Lanarkshire.Relevantinformation on the comparative costs and other factors relating to upgrading ofaccident and emergency facilities was reported to the Board of NHS Lanarkshireand considered at its meeting on 27 June 2006. Theboard paper in question is a public document and is available on NHSLanarkshire’s website at http://www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C088F45F-D848-4977-8007-272E0A961567/0/PoHReporttoBoardJune06App6Finance.pdf. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204542,"EventID":"S2W-31982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be offered at the proposed community casualty unit in Cumbernauld.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services will be offered at the proposed community casualty unit in Cumbernauld.","AnswerText":"The servicesthat the Cumbernauld Community Casualty Unit (and the similar units in Lanarkand at Monklands, Wishaw General and Hairmyres Hospitals) will provide, include treatment for:cuts andabrasions minor burns simple fractures minor eyeinfections/foreign bodies sprains/strains/dislocations bites infected wounds minor headinjuries Around two-thirds ofpatients attending hospital accident and emergency departments do so for minorinjuries or ailments. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204543,"EventID":"S2W-31983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1771,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed community casualty unit in Cumbernauld will have facilities to handle emergency chest conditions, such as asthma attacks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed community casualty unit in Cumbernauld will have facilities to handle emergency chest conditions, such as asthma attacks.","AnswerText":"The appropriate response toemergency conditions, such as acute asthma attacks, is a 999 emergency call tothe Scottish Ambulance Service, which will bring an emergency response. The communitycasualty unit in Cumbernauld will not be configured to receive such cases.Where an individual with those symptoms presents at a community casualty unit,staff will have training to manage the situation, but will immediately arrangeto transfer the patient, as an emergency, to the nearest emergency care site.In the case of Cumbernauld, this will be at Larbert after completion of theplanned changes to emergency arrangements in Lanarkshire and Forth Valley.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204544,"EventID":"S2W-31984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1768,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":60,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what scholarships or grants, other than the UK Dance and Drama Awards, may be available to Scottish-domiciled students undertaking dance and dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what scholarships or grants, other than the UK Dance and Drama Awards, may be available to Scottish-domiciled students undertaking dance and drama training in England.","AnswerText":"Full details of the supportavailable to Scottish-domiciled students at higher education-level undertakingdance and drama training in England can be found on the Student Awards Agency Scotlandwebsite www.saas.gov.uk. Other than accessing theDance and Drama Awards (DADA) scheme, Scottish students studying a non-advanceddance or drama course at a private provider outside Scotland, can apply forfunding to help with living costs support through their local education department. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204545,"EventID":"S2W-31985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to establishing a blue plaque scheme similar to that operated by English Heritage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to establishing a blue plaque scheme similar to that operated by English Heritage.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland is directlyresponsible to Scottish ministers for safeguarding the nation’s historic environmentand promoting its understanding and enjoyment. Information plaques are currentlythe subject of Petition PE1012. Historic Scotland has been asked to comment on this petition by 26 March 2007 and isconsidering its response. My officials in Historic Scotland will send a copy ofits views on the petition to Dr Jackson.","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204546,"EventID":"S2W-31986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on sites of local, regional, national or international importance (a) in Stirlingshire and (b) throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on sites of local, regional, national or international importance (a) in Stirlingshire and (b) throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Important sites across Scotland arerun by a variety of public, private, and charitable organisations and help to makethis country a great place to visit. Attractions such as Stirling Castle, whichare run by Historic Scotland, attract many visitors, and lead them to a greaterunderstanding of our rich heritage.Historic Scotland holdsinformation on sites in four categories of statutory and non-statutory designationsfor historic monuments, buildings and sites which fall within these designations.These are as follows: Listed buildings: there are almost47,000 listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest given legalprotection under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act1997. Eight percent of these are recognised for their national or internationalimportance, 51% for their regional interest, and 41% for their local interest. Scheduled monuments: there arejust under 8,000 scheduled sites in Scotland designated as ancient monuments of national importanceand given legal protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Designated Wreck Sites arenationally important wrecks; their locations are designated as protected areasunder the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 and the Ancient Monuments and ArchaeologicalAreas Act 1979. There are eight wrecks designated under Protection of Wrecks Actand seven scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act. Non-Statutory Designation – 342Gardens and Designed Landscapesof national importance are identified in the Inventory of Gardens and DesignedLandscapes in Scotland sponsored by Historic Scotland and ScottishNatural Heritage.
","AnswerDate":"2007-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204547,"EventID":"S2W-31987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are employed in tourism and tourism-related industries in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are employed in tourism and tourism-related industries in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The latest data held currentlyestimates that there are just under 210,000 people employed in tourism related businessesacross Scotland, which represents 9% of the total workforce. The numberof people that are employed in tourism, and tourism-related industries in each localauthority area across Scotland is shown in the following table: | Local Authority | Tourism-Related Employment | Tourism-Related Employment Compared to all Employment (%) | | Aberdeen City | 11,692 | 7 | | Aberdeenshire | 6,964 | 9 | | Angus | 3,582 | 10 | | Argyll and Bute | 5,050 | 14 | | Clackmannanshire | 969 | 7 | | Comhairle nan Eilean Sar | 942 | 9 | | Dumfries and Galloway | 5,808 | 11 | | Dundee City | 5,982 | 8 | | East Ayrshire | 3,087 | 8 | | East Dunbartonshire | 2,379 | 10 | | East Lothian | 2,783 | 12 | | East Renfrewshire | 1,983 | 11 | | Edinburgh City | 30,826 | 10 | | Falkirk | 4,500 | 8 | | Fife | 11,186 | 8 | | Glasgow City | 30,336 | 7 | | Highland | 13,107 | 14 | | Inverclyde | 2,220 | | Visitor Attraction | Visitor Numbers | | Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh | 1,187,342 | | Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh | 828,367 | | National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh | 810,054 | | World Famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop Centre, Gretna Green | 679,132 | | Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh | 619,946 | | Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh | 614,321 | | National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh | 567,744 | | Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow | 530,751 | | Edinburgh Bus Tours, Edinburgh | 458,963 | | Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow | 422,848 | | Museum of Transport, Glasgow | 376,115 | | Stirling Castle, Stirling | 373,766 | | New Lanark Village and Visitor Centre, Lanark | 362,850 | | Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow | 350,000 | | People’s Palace, Glasgow | 342,904 | | David Welch Winter Gardens, Aberdeen | 319,905 | | Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk | 298,562 | | Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee | 279,717 | | Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh | 273,279 | | Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh | 265,659 | | Burns National Heritage Park, Ayr | 264,247 | | Deep Sea World, North Queensferry | 260,000 | | Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock | 257,857 | | Eilean Donan Castle and Visitor Centre, by Kyle of Lochalsh | 257,240 | However, Loch Lomond andThe Trossachs National Park Authority have estimated visitor numbers of 2.06 millionin 2002, 2.18 million in 2003, 2.15 million in 2004 and 2005. ","AnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2007-03-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Sarah Boyack","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":204550,"EventID":"S2W-31990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2007-02-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority in each year since its establishment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority in each year since its establishment.","AnswerText":"The Grant-in-Aid allocatedto Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, since is establishment,is as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |